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As South Texas prepares for Tuesday, July 16 bill-signing ceremony for UTPA/UTB merger, Rep. Canales praises new vision for university - Titans of the Texas Legislature

The Texas Legislature on Thursday, May 23, gave final approval of blockbuster legislation that merges The University of Texas-Pan American with the University of Texas-Brownsville – and will bring a UT medical school to Edinburg. Gov. Rick Perry on Friday, June 14, signed the bill into law. The measure went into effect immediately. The landmark measure, Senate Bill 24 by Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and Rep. René Oliveira, D-Brownsville, will have immediate, long-range, and unprecedented positive impact on the economy, health care, and higher education in deep South Texas, said Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg (featured at the podium in the Speaker’s Committee Room at the Texas Capitol). “On this monumental day, the Rio Grande Valley has forever changed the way people will look at us in more ways than one. Some people believe that a ‘Friday Night Football Mentality’ dooms our South Texas communities. This is slander,” Canales reflected. “When the stakes are highest, as it was with this incredibly important issue, we always remain united.” Featured, from left: Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo; Rep. René Oliveira, D-Brownsville; Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg; Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo; and Rep. Óscar Longoria, Jr., D-La Joya. Oliveira was the lead sponsor of Hinojosa’s SB 24, while Canales, Longoria, and (not pictured) Rep. Armando “Mando” Martínez, D-Weslaco, Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, D-San Benito, and Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra, D-McAllen, were joint sponsors. Keliger, Zaffirini, and Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, were joint authors of Hinojosa’s SB 24. See story later in this posting.

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As South Texas prepares for Tuesday, July 16 bill-signing ceremony for UTPA/UTB merger, Rep. Canales praises new vision for university - Titans of the Texas Legislature

For the third time in his legislative career, Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen has been named as one of the 10 best legislators, based on the recently-concluded five-month regular session of the Texas Legislature, by Texas Monthly magazine. Hinojosa’s selection was heavily influenced by his role and successes in passing Senate Bill 24, landmark legislation that he authored, which will merge the University of Texas-Pan American with UT-Brownsville, bring a full-fledged UT medical school into that new system, and provide the new university and medical school with access to the Permanent University Fund. Gov. Rick Perry signed SB 24 into law on Saturday, June 15, at the Texas Capitol. See story later in this posting.

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As South Texas prepares for Tuesday, July 16 bill-signing ceremony for UTPA/UTB merger, Rep. Canales praises new vision for university - Titans of the Texas Legislature

HOLT CAT and Edinburg leaders on Tuesday, June 25, held groundbreaking ceremonies for the company’s planned $7 million, 38,476-square-foot full-service facility that will sell and service Caterpiller, Inc. equipment for deep South Texas. The planned complex, which should be open for business next spring, is located at 110701 U.S. Highway 281 North. Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, whose House District 40 includes the planned HOLT CAT dealership, praised local efforts that continue to bring major employers to his legislative district. “We saw first-hand in the Texas Legislature the roles played by the Edinburg City Council and EEDC in helping me and other key lawmakers bring a University of Texas medical school to our area,” said Canales, who was a joint sponsor of landmark legislation that will provide a campus for the first two years of medical education in Hidalgo County. “I never cease to be amazed by the tremendous talent, determination, and vision that are hallmarks of these and other influential leaders in my legislative district.” Featured during the ceremony from left, are: Allyn L. Archer, President and Chief Operating Officer, HOLT CAT; Edinburg City Manager Ramiro Garza, Jr.; Edinburg City Councilmember J.R. Betancourt; Peter M. Holt, HOLT CAT Chief Executive Officer; Edinburg Mayor Pro Tem Elías Longoria, Jr.; and Agustín “Gus” García, Executive Director, Edinburg Economic Development Corporation. See story later in this posting.

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As South Texas prepares for Tuesday, July 16 bill-signing ceremony for UTPA/UTB merger, Rep. Canales praises new vision for university - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for the University of Texas-Pan American, featured left, on Tuesday, June 25, congratulated Ernest “Ernie” Aliseda of McAllen, featured center, on Aliseda’s recent appointment by Gov. Rick Perry to the UT System Board of Regents. Rodríguez, who is the newest member of the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, was joined by UTPA President Dr. Robert S. Nelsen at Edinburg City Hall prior to the presentation of a proclamation to Aliseda by the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court. Hidalgo County leaders honored Aliseda on his many accomplishments and years of service, including his selection to the prestigious nine-member UT System Board of Regents. City, county and state officials are confident that Aliseda will be a valuable asset and tremendous resource to the UT System in representing regional interests on key decisions that will affect Hidalgo County, the upcoming merger of UT-Pan American with UT-Brownsville, and the planned creation of a UT medical school, which will provide the first two years of medical education in Hidalgo County. Dr. Rodríguez, who is one of five members of the EEDC Board of Directors, represents UTPA on the EEDC governing board. The EEDC is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council.

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As South Texas prepares for Tuesday, July 16 bill-signing ceremony for UTPA/UTB merger, Rep. Canales praises new vision for university - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Former Edinburg Mayor Pro Tem Agustín “Gus” García, Jr. – featured during a June 25 interview with Victoria Acosta-Rubio of KNVO 48 TV (Univision) – on Tuesday, May 28, submitted his letter of resignation from the city council in order to accept an appointment as Executive Director for the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation. The EEDC is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council. García’s decision came after he was reelected on Saturday, May 11 to a third term on the Edinburg City Council. García was unanimously selected as EEDC Executive Director by the five-member EEDC Board of Directors, which includes Mayor Richard H. García (no relation to “Gus” García) as president of the EEDC governing board. “Gus” García began his duties as EEDC Executive Director on June 3. Nelda T. Ramírez, a 13-year-veteran with the EEDC who has served as Executive Director since December 2011, remains on the EEDC staff as Assistant Executive Director. See story later in this posting.

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As South Texas prepares for Tuesday, July 16 bill-signing ceremony for UTPA/UTB merger, Rep. Canales praises new vision for university - Titans of the Texas Legislature

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is holding their annual “Legislative Report Card Luncheon” on Friday, July 26, at The Cimarron Club in Mission from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. State senators and representatives from the Rio Grande Valley will be reporting on their key legislation and how those measures will affect South Texas. Sponsors of the luncheon will be seated with an elected official during lunch so they may have one-on-one conversations regarding their concerns. The RGVHCC Government Relations Committee will also have questions for the officials. Those in attendance will also get the opportunity to ask questions and/or make comments on any concerns they may have. Confirmed to attend are: Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Rep. René Oliveira, D-Brownsville; Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, D-Harlingen; Rep. Armando “Mando” Martínez, D-Weslaco; Rep. Ryan Guillén, D-Rio Grande City; Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra, D-McAllen; Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission; Rep. Óscar Longoria, Jr. D-La Joya; and Rep. J.M. Lozano, R-Kingsville; Kingsville. In addition, Cassandra Garcia, Southwest Texas Regional Director for U.S Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, will attend to solicit concerns from constituents to share with Cruz. Representatives for Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, and Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo/McAllen, also will attend. Sponsorships for the event are: Presidential – $3,000 with three tables; Governor – $2,000 with two tables; Statesman – $1,000 with one table, and Civic Leader – $500. Individual tickets are $35, while Reserved Tables of 10 are available for $500. For more information and/or to purchase tickets call the RGVHCC office at 928-0060. Featured finalizing all plans for the Legislative Luncheon are Ronnie Bernal, Chair-Elect, and Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, RGVHCC President and Chief Executive Officer.

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As South Texas prepares for Tuesday, July 16 bill-signing ceremony for UTPA/UTB merger, Rep. Canales praises new vision for university - Titans of the Texas Legislature

The RGV Aggie Mom’s are a proud group of mothers whose children attend Texas A&M. They meet several times a year to create long lasting friendships and to work on fundraising projects to raise funds for scholarships for the local Texas A&M students. They travel to College Station to meet with the chancellor, sell crafts at different occasions on campus and send special Goody Bags to the children of the participating Aggie Moms. The Aggie Mom’s met recently at a mixer to discuss upcoming events as well as to organize their upcoming “Howdy Party”, scheduled for Saturday, August 3, at Harold’s Country Kitchen in Donna from noon to 3 p.m.  Any and all new or current Aggie Mom’s are welcome to attend and get some insight as what to expect at College Station and to create new friendships. Aggie fathers and siblings are welcome to attend as well. For more information on the organization, contact Sonia Maupin, RGV Aggie Mom President at [email protected]. Aggie mothers and prospective Aggie graduates who participated at the most recent RGV Aggie Mom’s Mixer are, front row, from left: Cynthia M. Sakulenzki; Sara Gómez; Sonia Maupin; Jacquelyn Gómez ’16; Jenny Torres ’15; and Diana García. Back row, from left: Barbie Solether ’16; Ryan Maupin ’16; Cindy Liljedahl; Ginny Richter; Katelyn Whelan ’16; Lynn Whelan; Patty Peña; and Aaron García ’16.

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As South Texas prepares for Tuesday, July 16 bill-signing ceremony for UTPA/UTB merger, Rep. Canales praises new vision for university - Titans of the Texas Legislature

The Hidalgo-Starr Chapter of the Texas Exes, which represents alumni of the University of Texas at Austin, met with key Valley leaders in McAllen on Wednesday, June 5, as part of the organization’s annual meeting, which was hosted at Tony Roma’s Restaurant, 2121 South 10th. In addition to laying out the group’s schedule of activities for the upcoming year, members heard from Federal Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa of McAllen, interacted with other influential community leaders during the event, and congratulated scholarship recipients from deep South Texas. UT alumni, featured from left, are: Carlos Sánchez, Editor, The Monitor; Honorable Ricardo H. Hinojosa, Judge, United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas; Honorable Gina M. Benavides, Justice, 13th Court of Appeals; Martha Rivas, Donna High School, Scholarship Recipient; Honorable Dori Contreras Garza, Justice, 13th Court of Appeals; and Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission. An estimated 2,000 UT alumni reside in the Valley. More information on the Hidalgo-Starr Chapter of Texas Exes is available by visiting http://www.Facebook.com/HidalgoStarrExes or by e-mailing [email protected].

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As South Texas prepares for Tuesday, July 16 bill-signing ceremony for UTPA/UTB merger, Rep. Canales praises new vision for university - Titans of the Texas Legislature

More than 80 competitive cooking teams from throughout Texas gathered at the 8th annual Texas Cook ‘Em: High Steaks in Edinburg, which also featured entertainment, music and food, on Saturday, July 6.  Highlights of the activities included the Texas Watermelon Association ‘Sweet Spot’, a musical performance by Jack Ingram, and the opportunity for expert cooks to compete for $17,000 in prize money. Monte Brown of Trash Can Cookers walked away with the Grand Champion Trophy and Arnie Segovia of Smokin’ Lonestar was the Reserve Grand Champion. Leaders of the local chamber expressed appreciation for the volunteers, who gave their time, talents, and skills to help in all areas of the cook-off. “Year after year we see teams show tremendous amount of passion and dedication for barbeque and competition at this event,” said Letty González, president of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. “We haven’t cleaned up from this year and we are already thinking about next year.” Major sponsors of this year’s annual event were The City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, Texas Watermelon Association, HEB, Martin Farm & Ranch Supply, The Monitor, Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, L&F Distributors, YourValleyVoice.com, Glazer’s, and Texas Gas Services. For more information, call the Edinburg Chamber at 956/383-4974 or log on to http://www.edinburg.com. Texas Cook ‘Em is sanctioned by the International Barbeque Cookers Association (IBCA). Featured, from left: Dina Araguz, Chairman of the Board, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; Eddie Tapia, Head Judge, International Barbeque Cookers Association; Clarissa Laura Rodriguez, Miss Edinburg 2013; Arnie Segovia of Smokin’ Lonestar, 2013 Reserve Grande Champion; Monte Brown with Trash Can Cookers, Grand Champion; Paulina Elizabeth Rodríguez, Miss Rio Grande Valley 2013; Alex Ríos, Vice Chairman, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; Ronnie Larralde, Director of Marketing/Special Events, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; and Jesse López, Jr., Judge, International Barbeque Cookers Association.

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As South Texas prepares for Tuesday, July 16 bill-signing ceremony for UTPA/UTB merger, Rep. Canales praises new vision for university - Titans of the Texas Legislature

Since 1987, Leadership Edinburg (LE) has produced classes for the community to encourage a better Edinburg and help make a long-term impact. On May 22, the 24th year of Leadership Edinburg was highlighted with the graduation of 17 participants during a ceremony held at the Echo Hotel and Conference Center. Carlos X. Guerra, one of the area’s most successful cattle rancher, businessman and community supporters presented the keynote address. Class XXIV completed several events including a two-day leadership retreat and sessions that focused on education, healthcare, history, media, economics and government. “This has been one of our biggest classes to date. Class XXIV has really set the bar and is in the final stages of completing their project. This year the class is giving back to the Chamber and purchasing a fully digital marquee. The marquee will allow members, local businesses, organizations and the Chamber to provide promotions and announcements to our community. The new digital sign will allow for messages to be shown 24/7 and will be a great centerpiece for the busy downtown area, “said Letty González, President of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. Leadership Edinburg is a program of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; it’s a growing organization that strives to encourage a better Edinburg through strong leadership skills focusing on politics, education, and quality of life. For more information on Leadership Edinburg please call the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce at 956-383-4974 or log on to http://www.edinburg.com. Leadership Edinburg Class XXIV graduates featured are, seated, from left: Adriana Hernández (Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance); Katherine Ann de la Peña and Shea J. Prevost (Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance); Cristina Niño Villarreal (Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson); Nicole Sosa (Kids Kollege Learning Center); Kelly Rivera Salazar (Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson); and Cindy Esparza Reyna (Elijah Pest Control). Standing, from left: Ronnie Larralde (Edinburg Chamber of Commerce); Lazaro J. Guerra (Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance); Jorge A. Gutiérrez (University of Texas Pan American); Rubén J. De Jesús (Melden and Hunt, INC.); Jason Chang (South Texas Health Systems: Edinburg Regional Medical Center); Roy Esparza (L&L Logistics); Joe L. Sánchez (Legacy Chapels); and Rolando Bocanegra, Jr. (G Tech Corporation-Texas lottery). Not pictured are Debbie Pequeño (Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson) and Araceli Valencia (Boys & Girls Club of Edinburg RGV).

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As South Texas prepares for Tuesday, July 16 bill-signing ceremony for UTPA/UTB merger, Rep. Canales praises new vision for university

By DAVID A. DÍAZ

A packed house is expected on Tuesday, July 16, in the Student Union Building at the University of Texas-Pan American for a morning bill-signing ceremony, featuring Gov. Rick Perry, along with state legislators, UT System officials, and county and local leaders.

The gathering, which is open to the public, will herald the merger of UT-Pan American with UT-Brownsville, and the creation of a full-fledged UT medical school, which will include a major component of the medical school in Hidalgo County, says Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg.

Perry will join Gene Powell of San Antonio, formerly of Weslaco and who is Chairman of the UT System Board Regents, Ernest “Ernie” Aliseda of McAllen, a member of the UT System Board of Regents, and Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., Chancellor of the UT System, for the event. They will unveil plans for the new university in South Texas.

Perry and UT leaders will make remarks about the significance of a sweeping initiative that will unite UT-Pan American and UT-Brownsville to establish a new university and a new medical school in the Rio Grande Valley, according to a UT System announcement.

The event, which is open to the public, will begin at 9:30 a.m. Since summer classes are ongoing at the Edinburg campus, parking on campus will be scarce, the Edinburg lawmaker noted.

“This is an historic event, and anyone who wishes to be a witness to history should arrive on campus early, because there is limited parking for the general public,” Canales noted. “Have a cab or a friend drop you off at the campus to be sure you can get into the Student Union Building, which could be overflowing because of the magnitude of this tremendous occasion.”

Canales, who was a joint sponsor of Senate Bill 24, by Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and Rep. René Oliveira, D-Brownsville, said the new higher education system being created will have profound effects for deep South Texas.

“To say that this new UT university and UT medical school will revolutionize, for the better, our lives in the Valley, is an understatement,” said Canales, whose House District 40 includes UT-Pan American. “Over the next few years, thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created, academic opportunities will dramatically increase, the delivery of health care will improve, and new generations of physicians, surgeons, and other high-skilled professionals, from all fields of study, will come from, and come to, the Valley.”

Canales said the passage of the new law is the result of the work and contributions of hundreds of individuals from the Valley and statewide.

“This has been a long time coming, but finally, the Valley has arrived. With the passage of this law, we are about to join the major metropolitan regions in Texas and in America in terms of higher education, economic development, and health care,” Canales said. “Valley legislators worked tirelessly and diligently to make the university and medical school possible. This is a monumental event that will bring prosperity and new opportunities throughout South Texas.”

Another major aspect of SB 24 is that the new law gives the UT System the authority to draw much-needed revenue from the Permanent University Fund, which uses money from more than $13 billion in assets to help pay for crucial construction programs throughout the UT System.

Next steps in creating the new university include launching a presidential search and choosing a name, according to a UT System news release. The Board of Regents has not yet taken action on those two important measures.

Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, and Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, were joint authors of Hinojosa’s SB 24.

In addition to Canales, also serving as joint sponsors for Oliveira on Senate Bill 24 were Rep. Armando “Mando” Martínez, D-Weslaco, Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, D-San Benito, Rep. Óscar Longoria, Jr., D-La Joya, Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra, D-McAllen, and Rep. J.M. Lozano, R-Kingsville, were joint sponsors.

• Institution of the 21st century

On Wednesday, July 10, Canales, Hinojosa, Lucio, and Guerra attended the UT System Board of Regents quarterly meeting in Austin. The lawmakers were there to demonstrate their ongoing involvement in working with UT System leaders on the implementation phase of the new university and medical school.

Of particular interest at the regents’ board meeting was the announcement by UT System leaders, who laid out their vision for the new university and medical school.

Pedro Reyes Ph.D., Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the UT System, expressed his pride in stated goals for the new Valley institutions.

“The chancellor, the members of the University of Texas System, have worked really hard, along with members of the board, to create a new vision for the university in South Texas. We have provided to you a list of very important principles that would create a totally different entity in South Texas,” said Reyes, a former resident of Pharr.

“One of the most important issues is that we want to make sure this is an institution of the 21st century. What it means is that we will not just be an ordinary institution; we will be an institution that will help, not only the Valley, but also the state of Texas and part of the world,” Reyes told regents and legislators. “We want to have a global reach and have a premiere program, not only in education, but in research and in health care education.”

• Presidents Nelsen, García noted for their contributions

The UT System chancellor noted the vital roles played by countless supporters of the legislation.

“First of all, we wouldn’t be here without the tremendous work of our legislative delegation, and the entire Texas Legislature, to get this bill passed. Senate Bill 24 really makes this become a reality and no longer a vision,” Cigarroa emphasized. “The second part I would like to make is to reflect upon a meeting where President Nelsen and President García were with us, trying to assemble what this vision might look like.”

Robert S. Nelsen, Ph.D., is president of the University of Texas-Pan American. Juliet García, Ph.D., is president of the University of Texas-Brownsville.

“I remember Juliet and Robert making the statements as to how important it was to having relevance to the region. By having relevance to the region, we are going to have a global impact,” Cigarroa continued. “Also, how important it was to instill into the DNA of this new university a sense of being bilingual, biliterate, bicultural, and really utilizing Latin America as an opportunity to really expand the outreach of this university.”

Cigarroa, a surgeon by profession, added, “I want to thank Robert and Juliet for their vision in helping us communicate to our regents what we feel is important, that allows you, Mr. Chairman, and our other regents, to set these guiding principles for us to follow.”

In 2009, Cigarroa became the first Hispanic to be named chancellor of The University of Texas System. As chancellor, he oversees one of the largest public systems of higher education in the nation, which consists of nine universities and six health institutions. He is also vice chairman for policy on the Board of Directors of The University of Texas Investment Management Company.

• Regent Stillwell: “Realistic and concrete vision”

Regent Robert L. Stillwell of Houston expressed deep satisfaction with the recent history and positive future for the new university system and medical school for the Valley,

“When I first saw them, I was thinking it was going to be a lot of Mom and Apple pie and not as much brick and mortar and substance. I am pleased to see how concrete and visionary and substantive these principles are,” Stillwell said. “I congratulate the thought that went into it from the legislative delegation, from the system’s implementation team, the chancellor. They represent a realistic and concrete vision.”

The University of Texas System Board of Regents on Wednesday, July 10, approved goals and guiding principles for the new university and medical school to be established in the Rio Grande Valley.

The new university will combine the resources of UT Pan American and UT Brownsville and, unlike those institutions, will be eligible for participation in the Permanent University Fund. It will automatically be the second-largest Hispanic-serving institution in the nation and promises to transform education, opportunity and the economy of South Texas.

Regents have pledged to build a world-class university and pursue global excellence in teaching, research and healthcare.

“These guiding principles are the foundation on which this new university will be built,” Board Chairman Gene Powell said at the July 10 Board of Regents’ meeting. “If we are truly to transform South Texas and build a state-of-the-art university in the Rio Grande Valley, we have to think globally and that is exactly what we are doing.”

• Increase affordability and maximize student success

The guiding principles serve as a sort of constitution, establishing fundamental precedents for the formation of the new university. They are:

• Fully integrate next generation technology and customized learning to increase affordability and maximize student success;

• Promote access to postsecondary education to a diverse student body to become one of the largest and most successful Hispanic-serving institutions in the USA.;

• Employ the highest quality faculty members and staff who pursue global excellence in teaching, research, healthcare and service;

• Streamline academic and administrative programs and re-design processes to increase productivity and promote a student- and service-centered mode of operation;

• Promote arts and humanities programs to produce state, national and world leaders who are bicultural, bilingual, and biliterate;

• Develop programmatic strength in the areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health;

• Develop a Medical School of the first class, with outstanding undergraduate and graduate medical education, public health, health professional degrees and clinical research, to improve the health of the community;

• Become a global leader in higher education, health education, bio-medical research, emerging technology and preparing students to be lifelong learners;

• Pursue applied and translational research to address critical local, state, national, and global needs;

• Build on the excellent economic activity and strength of the State of Texas and benefit from the State’s leadership in the world;

• Provide a leadership role in fostering economic and community partnerships to help solve local, state, national, and global problems;

• Promote innovation and knowledge discovery with business and industry that will lead to job growth and improvements in the quality of the region’s workforce;

• Build a hub for inventions and intellectual property that will lead to economic and community prosperity and an improved quality of life for the region, the State, the nation and our world;

• Serve as a “Gateway to the Americas” by cultivating partnerships with global leaders in education, health, research and other strategic, high-growth industries; and

• Leverage the size, strength, and excellence of the University of Texas System and its 15 institutions to shorten the time it takes to achieve these goals.

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In anticipation of new university and medical school, City Council, Edinburg EDC bolstering presence before UT System Board of Regents

By DAVID A. DÍAZ

Strengthened by a landmark state legislative session that featured the planned merger of the Valley’s two major universities and the creation of a University of Texas medical school in Edinburg, local leaders are not content to rest on their achievements.

On Wednesday, July 10, a delegation of elected leaders, spearheaded by Mayor Richard H. García and Agustín “Gus” García, Executive Director for the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, attended the quarterly meeting in Austin of the UT System Board of Regents.

High on Edinburg’s agenda was to show their support for UT System Regent Ernest “Ernie” Aliseda of McAllen, a South Texas attorney, former Hidalgo County district court judge, and former Edinburg resident who is making his first session as a member of that powerful governing board.

In addition, the Board of Regents and top UT System officials discussed and took appropriate action regarding proposed guiding principles for the new, comprehensive university for deep South Texas that will be created as the result of Senate Bill 24 – legislation that was supported by Edinburg.

SB 24 will unite UT-Pan American and UT-Brownsville into one major system, complete with a long sought-after dream: a UT medical school for deep South Texas.

Plus, the Edinburg city delegation’s journey to the capital city days before Gov. Rick Perry, along with state, regional, city, and university leaders, on Tuesday, July 16, were scheduled to participate in a ceremonial bill-signing of SB 24, authored by Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and sponsored by Rep. René Oliveira, D-Brownsville.

Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, and Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, were joint authors of Hinojosa’s SB 24.

Oliveira was the lead sponsor of Hinojosa’s SB 24, while Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, Rep. Armando “Mando” Martínez, D-Weslaco, Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, D-San Benito, Rep. Oscar Longoria, Jr., D-La Joya, Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra, D-McAllen, and Rep. J.M. Lozano, R-Kingsville, were joint sponsors.

UTPA President Robert Nelsen was scheduled to host the governor for the public gathering at the UT-Pan American Student Union Theater on Tuesday, July 16 at 9:30 a.m. for remarks by Perry and a ceremonial signing of the legislation, followed by a brief reception at 10:30 a.m.

The mayor, along with the city council and EEDC Board of Directors, have a long, successful history of lobbying for the community and UTPA before the Texas Legislature.

Mayor García says he and his colleagues on the city council and EEDC Board of Directors are ready to remain a visible force for good before the UT System Board of Regents. Months of hard work by the UT System regents and top UT System leaders are at hand, with the goals of creating the new university system and medical school as directed by the Texas Legislature.

“This whole thing began because we were in their ear,” Mayor García reflected on the efforts, over the past year-and-a-half, that led to the filing and passage of SB 24. “We need to continue that movement to be sure they address our needs down here.”

The mayor, who during the spring helped rally local and county-wide support to bring the first two years of the four-year UT medical school complex to Hidalgo County, is determined to see South Texas get its fair share of the UT System’s impressive resources.

“In the past, we have been shortchanged,” Mayor García recalled. “But now, we are finally at the table, and we need to stay there. That’s what this is all about.”

Gus García (no relation to the mayor), is the point man for the city’s elected and appointed leadership.  A former Edinburg Mayor Pro Tem, Gus García knows what it takes to work with the titans of industry, politics, and education to benefit Edinburg and South Texas.

“The mayor, city council, and EEDC Board of Directors always have been effectively involved in shaping major state laws and policies that benefit and protect our community,” Gus García observed. “With the help of our outstanding Rio Grande Valley state legislative delegation, and with the Valley now guaranteed at least one area resident on the UT System Board of Regents, we are in a very good position to help this new UT university system and UT medical school forever change Edinburg and South Texas for the better.”

Francisco Cigarroa, M.D., Chancellor of the University of Texas System, also credits state, regional and local leaders for their crucial roles in the merger and medical school legislation.

“With profound gratitude to everyone, including elected officials, students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni and business and community leaders, your collective voices were instrumental in this important leap forward for South Texas and all of Texas,” Cigarroa stated in his recent announcement of the July 16 ceremony. “The new UT and its medical school will transform Texas and the nation by becoming a global leader in student success, teaching, research and healthcare. It will be affordable, accessible and innovative.”

As for the July 10 meeting of the UT System Board of Regents, that governing board gathered on the ninth floor of Ashbell Smith Hall, 201 W. 7th Street. The event, with the exception of allowable executive session items, was open to the public.

The public portions of all regent meetings are available online.

For the July 10 session, the full agenda packet, plus the archived video broadcasts of the event, are available by logging on to:

http://www.utsystem.edu/board-of-regents/meetings/board-meeting-2013-07-10

••••••

Edinburg lands UT medical school “on monumental day” in blockbuster legislation merging UT-Pan American with UT-Brownsville, says Rep. Canales

By DAVID A. DÍAZ

The Texas Legislature on Thursday, May 23, gave final approval of blockbuster legislation that merges The University of Texas-Pan American with the University of Texas-Brownsville – and will bring a UT medical school to Edinburg.

Gov. Rick Perry on Friday, June 14, signed the bill into law. The measure went into effect immediately.

“The creation of this new university in South Texas is an historic moment for the future students who will fill the classrooms, proudly call this university their alma mater, and create a brighter future for themselves and their families. And through the creation of the new medical school, we continue our uncompromising commitment to improving access to care and keeping our growing population healthy,” Perry said.

The landmark measure, Senate Bill 24 by Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and Rep. René Oliveira, D-Brownsville, will have immediate, long-range, and unprecedented positive impact on the economy, health care, and higher education in deep South Texas, said Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg.

“On this monumental day, the Rio Grande Valley has forever changed the way people will look at us in more ways than one. Some people believe that a ‘Friday Night Football Mentality’ dooms our South Texas communities. This is slander,” Canales reflected. “When the stakes are highest, as it was with this incredibly important issue, we always remain united.”

Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, and Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, were joint authors of Hinojosa’s SB 24.

Oliveira was the lead sponsor of Hinojosa’s SB 24, while Canales, Rep. Armando “Mando” Martínez, D-Weslaco, Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, D-San Benito, Rep. Oscar Longoria, Jr., D-La Joya, Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra, D-McAllen, and Rep. J.M. Lozano, R-Kingsville, were joint sponsors.

For Edinburg, much of which is included in Canales’ House District 40, the legislation will require the UT System regents to build a campus near UT-Pan American that will provide the first two years of medical students’ education. The third and fourth years of the medical school education will take place in Harlingen, where a UT Regional Academic Health Center is located.

“This legislation is huge for UT-Pan American and the UT medical school because it will allow, for the first time, access to money from the Permanent University Fund to help pay for major construction projects at UTPA, UT-Brownsville, and the medical school, which will have campuses in Hidalgo, Cameron and Starr counties,” Canales said. “Plus, you cannot put a price tag on the prestige of a UT medical school coming to Edinburg and the Valley.”

According to the UT System, the Permanent University Fund (PUF) is a public endowment contributing to the support of institutions of The University of Texas System and the Texas A&M University System (A&M System).

On December 31, 2012 the market value and book value of the PUF was $13.9 billion and $11.9 billion, respectively, exclusive of land acreage. Today the PUF contains 2.1 million acres located in 24 counties primarily in West Texas.

The legislation authorizes the UT System Board of Regents to create a new university from the merger of UTPA and UT-B, and bring the planned UT medical school under the control of the new university. The name and other major administrative details of the new university and medical school will be decided at a later date by the regents.

SB 24 was amended in the final days of the legislative session to reflect a negotiated plan reached by the Valley delegation that specifies the medical school educational programs for first-year and second-year programs shall be primarily located in Hidalgo County and the educational programs for third-year and fourth-year students shall be primarily located in Cameron County, said Hinojosa.

“Although there were contentious issues, it was no different than other legislation that is complicated with various moving parts. Negotiating – the “give and take” – is part of the process when various stakeholders are involved.,” Hinojosa explained.  “In the end, we all came together on an agreement that takes a regional approach and maximizes the RAHC, UT-Brownsville in Cameron County, and UT-Pan American in Hidalgo County to the benefit of not only South Texas, but the whole state of Texas.”

Also, offices overseeing undergraduate medical education should be located in Hidalgo County, and offices overseeing the graduates’ residency programs should be located in Cameron County.  Finally, the language ensures that educational programs for all medical students will take full advantage of the existing educational facilities at UT-Pan American, UT-Brownsville and the Lower Rio Grande Valley Regional Academic Health Center.

According to the bill analysis of the SB 24:

• Creation of a new university:

The new university would be a general academic teaching institution under the governance of the Board of Regents of the University of Texas System. The UT System Board of Regents will name the new university.

The university would include:

• An academic campus in Cameron County;

• An academic campus in Hidalgo County;

• An academic center in Starr County;

• The facilities currently operated by the Lower Rio Grande Valley Regional Academic Health Center (RAHC); and

• The medical school and other programs authorized for a University of Texas Health Science Center-South Texas by Senate Bill 98 by Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville (81st Legislature, regular session).

The UT System Board of Regents shall equitably allocate the primary facilities and operations of the university among Cameron, Hidalgo, and Starr counties. The new medical school’s medical and research programs shall have a substantial presence in Hidalgo and Cameron counties.

The new university will award bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and medical degrees. The university will not be allowed to create a department, school, or degree program without the prior approval of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board except for those previously approved for UT-Pan American or UT-Brownsville or authorized by law.

• Abolishing UT-Pan American and UT-Brownsville:

SB 24 will abolish the University of Texas-Pan American and the University of Texas at Brownsville. The UT System Board of Regents would determine the actual date to abolish the schools and would establish procedures to wind up each institution’s remaining business.

The new university shall hire as many of the faculty and staff of the abolished schools as was practical. A student already admitted to or enrolled in one of the abolished schools would be entitled to admission to the new university.

• Participation in the PUF:

SB 24 allows the new university to receive funding from the Permanent University Fund.

• Medical school advisory group:

SB 24 shall create a temporary medical school advisory group that would assist the UT System Board of Regents in designing and establishing the new university’s medical school. The advisory group will help with site selection, design, and development of the medical school and would solicit input from stakeholder groups. The UT System Board of Regents will select the advisory group members. The group will be dissolved once it reported findings to the UT System Board of Regents

and the regents determine the purposes of the group had been achieved.

• Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development:

SB 24 allows the new university to run a Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development to:

• Develop an economic database concerning the Texas-Mexico border;

• Perform economic development planning and research;

• Provide technical assistance to industrial and governmental entities and groups; and

• Help coordinate economic and enterprise development planning activities of state agencies to ensure that the needs of the border region were part of a comprehensive state economic development plan.

The center will cooperate fully with similar programs at Texas A&M International University, the University of Texas at El Paso, and other academic institutions.

Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science:

SB 24 allows the new university to run a math- and science-focused high school. The academy will provide gifted juniors and seniors a university-level curriculum for college credit. The academy will also offer the necessary courses for the students to graduate under the advanced high school

program. Regular class sizes will be limited to a 30-to-1 student-teacher ratio. The ratio could be higher in limited cases, such as if a class were combined with a university class of more than 30 students.

The funding a Texas school district receives from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will be reduced to account for students attending the academy instead of its own high schools. TEA would distribute these funds to the academy to support the education of those students.

Except for the funding mentioned above, the academy would not be subject to oversight by the TEA or the provisions of the Education Code.

••••••

Sen. Hinojosa rated one of 10 best legislators by Texas Monthly as governor signs into law Hinojosa’s landmark legislation that creates new Valley UT university and medical school

By DAVID A. DÍAZ

For the third time in his legislative career, Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, has been named as one of the 10 best legislators, based on the recently-concluded five-month regular session of the Texas Legislature, by Texas Monthly magazine.

Hinojosa, who has represented District 20 since 2002 – and was state representative for the McAllen/Edinburg/Mission area from 1981 to 1991 and from 1997 to 2002 – acknowledged the prestigious recognition in an e-mail to supporters on Monday, June 17.

“Last week I was honored to receive Texas Monthly‘s Top 10 Best Legislators for the 2013 Legislative Session,” the McAllen attorney stated. “I thank Texas Monthly for the tremendous distinction. I am proud of what we accomplished for South Texas and the entire state.”

The magazine, whose assessment is entitled The Best and Worst Legislators 2013, has a paid circulation that approaches 300,000 editions a month, a figure estimated to represent more than 2.5 million people, not including its online audience.

Hinojosa’s selection was heavily influenced by his role and successes in passing Senate Bill 24, landmark legislation that he authored, which will merge the University of Texas-Pan American with UT-Brownsville, bring a full-fledged UT medical school into that new system, and provide the new university and medical school with access to the Permanent University Fund.

Gov. Rick Perry signed SB 24 into law on Saturday, June 15, at the Texas Capitol.

SB 24 also was the top priority for the Edinburg City Council and the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, which consistently lobbies the Texas Legislature and major state agencies for laws and policies that promote its constituency.

The EEDC, led by Mayor Richard Garcia as President of its five-member Board of Directors, is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council.

Paul Burka, senior executive editor for Texas Monthly, along with other magazine journalists, compiled and wroteThe Best and Worst Legislators 2013.

Texas Monthly credited the South Texas lawmaker for pulling off the UTPA/UTB merger and related UT medical school legislation in citing his effectiveness.

“Hinojosa closed the deal. He has long made a virtue of compromise, and although his own party has occasionally been frustrated that he doesn’t fight harder, the result is that the other party trusts him,” the magazine article noted. “Indeed, few bills passed during the Eighty-third Legislature will have such a profound long-term impact on any region in the state. Hinojosa’s bill also merges UT–Pan American and UT-Brownsville into a new regional ‘super-university,’ which will enable the institution to access the $13.9 billion Permanent University Fund.”

Hinojosa has consistently and publicly shared credit for the passage of SB 24 with his colleagues in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Senate Bill 24 included Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, Sen. Judith Zafirrini, and Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, as joint authors. In the House, Rep. René Oliveira, D-Brownsville, was the lead House sponsor.

Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra, D-McAllen, Rep. Oscar Longoria, Jr., D-La Joya, Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, D-San Benito, and Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, were joint House sponsors of SB 24.

Burka, in his online website, Burkablog, explained the history and workings of the magazine’s legislative ratings:

“Forty years have passed since the first time Texas Monthly chose the Ten Best and the Ten Worst legislators. In the introduction to the first list, published in July 1973, we wrote, ‘The ancient Greeks believed that politics was the act of organizing and governing human society for the greatest good, and considered it to be among the highest callings of man.’ What was true then remains true today. Politics can inform our noblest impulses–and our basest. Our legislators, then and now, may not pass for ancient Greeks, but they deserve better than the cynics who automatically write off politics as a joke and politicians as charlatans.”

Burka continued:

“If there is a single idea that informs our choices of the Best and Worst legislators, it is that the business of governing Texas is a personal business, and that the influence of personality has more to do with success or failure in politics than party or ideology. In this session, as with the 63rd (in 1973), our team of reporters was present from day one until adjournment sine die. We were on the floor, in committees, and in the hallways and back rooms, talking with members, staffers, lobbyists, and other journalists. Readers will no doubt find things to criticize in this list – after all, that’s what lists are for – but it is the result of that work and of the opinions and input of key voices in and around the Capitol.”

The benefits of SB 24 for UTPA, UT-Brownsville, and the planned UT medical school in the Valley are considerable, said Canales.

“This legislation is huge for UT-Pan American and the UT medical school because it will allow, for the first time, access to money from the Permanent University Fund to help pay for major construction projects at UTPA, UT-Brownsville, and the planned UT medical school, which will have campuses in Hidalgo, Cameron and Starr counties,” Canales said. “Plus, the prestige of a UT medical school coming to Edinburg, Hidalgo County, and the Valley is invaluable.”

By making the new university and medical school eligible for support from the Permanent University Fund (PUF), there would be less dependence on state general revenue. The PUF is an endowment fund that supports certain universities in the University of Texas and Texas A&M University systems through investments made with state oil and gas royalties.

Moving support for the university to the PUF from the general revenue-funded Higher Education Fund (HEF) would free tens of millions dollars for other HEF-supported institutions.

On December 31, 2012 the market value and book value of the PUF was $13.9 billion and $11.9 billion, respectively, exclusive of land acreage. Today the PUF contains 2.1 million acres located in 24 counties primarily in West Texas.

The new university’s increased size and budget would bring it closer to emerging research university status, eventually allowing it to compete for additional UT system and state matching funds. The university initially would have about 28,000 students, research expenditures of more than $11 million, and an endowment of $70.5 million.

Hinojosa released the text of the Texas Monthly rating that featured him, which follows:

“Very historic,” David Dewhurst told Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa after the Senate granted final passage of a measure by the veteran lawmaker to create the University of Texas Health Science Center–South Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley. Indeed, few bills passed during the Eighty-third Legislature will have such a profound long-term impact on any region in the state. Hinojosa’s bill also merges UT–Pan American and UT-Brownsville into a new regional “super-university,” which will enable the institution to access the $13.9 billion Permanent University Fund.

“Plans to build a medical school in the Valley had been under way since the nineties, and frustration over the years of delay had been mounting, particularly after the UT Regents signed off on a plan, in early 2012, to build the state’s next med school, at UT-Austin.

“Hinojosa closed the deal. He has long made a virtue of compromise, and although his own party has occasionally been frustrated that he doesn’t fight harder, the result is that the other party trusts him. That’s why he was called in for late-night negotiations as the Senate’s budget chiefs battled to keep this year’s deal from falling apart.

“That same talent for finding a middle ground served the Valley well when it came to the medical school. Rather than let a blue-ribbon panel hem and haw for months over where to locate the school, Hinojosa offered an amendment to place the first two years of medical education in Hidalgo County and the third and fourth years forty miles away in Cameron County. With help from Democratic representative Eddie Lucio III, Hinojosa was able to sell the Valley delegation this regional approach.

“But Hinojosa didn’t stop there. The mild-mannered former Marine quietly passed a slate of other bills, including one that expands the Texas Forensic Science Commission (which he created in 2005) and another that will collect fees from cigarette manufacturers who were not party to the state’s 1998 tobacco settlement. He also filed a bill to legalize civil unions, but that died in committee. Consider that his first challenge for 2015.”

Hinojosa was joined on the 10 Best list by Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock (R-Killeen); Sen. Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth); Sen. Robert Duncan (R-Lubbock); Rep. Charlie Geren (R-Fort Worth); Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (D- San Antonio); Rep. Jim Pitts (R-Waxahachie); Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio); Sen. Leticia Van de Putte (D-San Antonio); and Sen. Tommy Wiliams (R-The Woodlands).

••••••

HOLT CAT, major dealer of famous Caterpillar heavy equipment, breaks ground on state-of-the-art $7 million sales/service facility in north Edinburg

By DAVID A. DÍAZ

HOLT CAT, a major dealer of famous Caterpillar heavy equipment, broke ground on Tuesday, June 25, in north Edinburg for its $7 million, 38,476-square-foot, full-service facility, which will provide sales, service, parts and rentals to customers in South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.

The new complex, which will include renovation of some existing buildings at the site, will reach almost 50,000-square-feet in size once it opens for business next spring. Company officials reported that the Edinburg store will be one of its five largest among its more than three dozen stores statewide.

In anticipation of continued growth and new construction in the Valley, an existing HOLT CAT facility in Edinburg and in Weslaco will remain open.

The new store location will be the anchor facility for the area and is expected to open in the second quarter of 2014, according to company officials. Once this store comes online, HOLT CAT anticipates adding up to 25 employees to the total Rio Grande Valley count, which currently totals 71.

HOLT CAT plans to have a workforce of 60 skilled employees at its new facility with hourly wages of up to $29 per hour plus benefits.

HOLT CAT sells, rents and services Caterpillar machines, engines and generator sets in a 118-county Texas territory spanning from the Red River to the Rio Grande River. HOLT CAT also offers total machine and engine rebuild capabilities, sells used equipment around the world, and fabricates its own line of land-clearing equipment and HOLT Spray King water tankers.

Peter M. Holt, the Chief Executive Officer for San Antonio-based HOLT CAT, led the high-profile delegation of company officials during the mid-morning celebration.

They were welcomed by elected officials and leaders for key local and regional groups, including the Edinburg City Council, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.

The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council.

Holt, who is recognized by Valley sports fans as the owner of the San Antonio Spurs, told the gathering that his firm has closely followed – and long been part of – positive business and economic trends in Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley.

“We are excited. When we see what is going on in the Valley, especially in the past 20 years. It is just phenomenal,” Holt said. “We are glad to be part of that.”

Holt emphasized the company purchased a large site because of confidence in their product and services, combined with the future economic vitality of the city and region.

“We bought this much acreage on purpose because we think we are going to be able to expand this facility over the next decade or so,” he predicted.

Mayor Pro Tem Elías Longoria, Jr. noted HOLT CAT’s longtime presence in deep South Texas, and the fact that the complex is located immediately off U.S. Highway 281, which is being transformed into Interstate Highway 69.

“This U.S. 281 corridor has more than 100,000 cars traveling on it every day. It is going to be an ideal situation for the city and HOLT CAT,” Longoria told company leaders. “You already have a (truck repair) store in Edinburg, and your first store in the Valley is in Weslaco, which was opened in 1938. This is the kind of trust and faith that shows the Valley is the place to be.”

HOLT CAT’s established presence in Hidalgo County features its Holt Truck Center in Edinburg, which is a truck and RV center for South Texas. HOLT CAT in Weslaco sells, services and rents heavy equipment for construction, earth moving, mining, industrial and petroleum industries.

Councilmember J.R. Betancourt said the HOLT CAT facility fits well with the Edinburg City Council’s plans to continue bringing prosperity and employment to all parts of the community.

“It is very important for our city to see this type of growth, especially north of town, where we have our industrial parks,” Betancourt said. “It also shows that in the Valley, we need this type of machinery and services to build the roadways and sites that comes with growth. I am sure HOLT CAT officials did their homework to justify their expansion plans. Edinburg is growing. We are the only city in the region that is not landlocked. We have the area to grow. Businesses see it.”

Agustín “Gus” García, Executive Director for the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, said the new facility serves as further independent evidence of the economic vitality of Edinburg.

“They recognize the fact that Edinburg is going north, and with the Valley, there are going to be growing needs for infrastructure, new buildings, new commercial plazas,” García illustrated. “There is going to be a need for this type of sophisticated, heavy equipment. HOLT CAT wanted to be at the center of growth, and Edinburg is in the center of all the construction and all the growth in the Valley. That was a big factor in them expanding here.”

Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, whose House District 40 includes the planned  HOLT  CAT dealership, praised local efforts that continue to bring major employers to his legislative district.

“We saw first-hand in the Texas Legislature the roles played by the Edinburg City Council and EEDC in helping me and other key lawmakers bring a University of Texas medical school to our area,” said Canales, who was a joint sponsor of landmark legislation that will provide a campus for the first two years of medical education in Hidalgo County. “I never cease to be amazed by the tremendous talent, determination, and vision that are hallmarks of these and other influential leaders in my legislative district.”

(The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council. It’s five-member governing board, which is appointed by the Edinburg City Council, includes Mayor Richard García as President, Fred Palacios as Secretary-Treasurer, and Felipe García, Jaime A. Rodríguez, and Dr. Havidán Rodríguez. For more information on the EEDC and the City of Edinburg, please log on to: http://www.EdbgCityLimits.com.)

••••••

Mayor Pro Tem Agustín “Gus” García, Jr. resigns from Edinburg City Council to accept key leadership position as Executive Director for Edinburg Economic Development Corporation

By DAVID A. DÍAZ

Mayor Pro Tem Agustín “Gus” García, Jr., on Tuesday, May 28, submitted his letter of resignation from the city council in order to accept an appointment as Executive Director for the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation.

The EEDC is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council.

Garcia’s decision comes after he was reelected on Saturday, May 11 to a third term on the Edinburg City Council.  The term is for four years.

García was unanimously selected as EEDC Executive Director by the five-member EEDC Board of Directors, which includes Mayor Richard H. García (no relation to “Gus” García) as president of the EEDC governing board.

“Gus” García will begin his duties as EEDC Executive Director on June 3.

Nelda T. Ramírez, a 13-year-veteran with the EEDC who has served as Executive Director since December 2011, will remain on the EEDC staff as Assistant Executive Director.

Since the creation of the EEDC in the early 1990s, the role of EEDC Executive Director has been one of prestige and influence, as well as administrative authority.

Among its many duties, the EEDC is responsible for collecting and administrating a one-half economic development sales tax that is generated from eligible retail purchases within the city limits. The EEDC is designed to play a key role in assisting companies to expand, while helping to attract new business and industry to Edinburg.

Several days later, the Edinburg City Council met and formally accepted the resignation – a formality – Mayor García explained, setting into motion the steps needed to replace “Gus” García on the city council.

“He submitted his letter of resignation from the City Council on Tuesday, May 28. The law requires us to hold a special election within 120 days to fill the vacancy,” the mayor said.

• “Gus” García’s experiences, credentials positive factors

In the meantime, Mayor García praised the achievements and credentials of “Gus” García and Ramírez.

“This is his background as a developer. He has that type of experience, and he has always expressed an interest, going back a year and maybe longer,” the mayor explained. “We are growing by leaps and bounds. We need to be more proactive, which includes travel. We have more businesses interested in coming to our city. They have their business locations throughout the United States. We need to add staff to handle all of that. He is in a position to do that.”

“Gus” García’s business, economic development, and public policy experiences, plus his willingness to travel extensively on behalf of the EEDC and the city, were among his many assets, the mayor noted.

“We had discussions about finding someone who could travel. We have reached the point. The discussions are that we can’t do without a new person, and we can’t do without Nelda, either. She packages a great deal and does a great job for us,” Mayor García said. “But we need to have one person in charge. We even spoke about having two people. We can’t have two executive directors.”

The result was bringing “Gus” García on as Executive Director and keeping Ramírez, with her valuable skills and experiences, on the EEDC team, the mayor said.

“That is how we came to this agreement and conclusion. I think everyone is happy with it, and agreeable with it. He will have the time to deal with it. It’s a fulltime job for him,” Mayor García added. “He will be compensated accordingly. There is not going to be much difference in compensation between him and Nelda because we are not taking any money away from Nelda to pay Gus.”

Agustín “Gus” García, Jr. was first elected into office on May 13, 2006.

A native of Edinburg, he graduated from Edinburg High School in 1990 and obtained a Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Texas-Pan American. He has owned and operated several health care businesses.

He also has more than 9 ½ years of experience in commercial, residential and retail development in the Rio Grande Valley. Most recently, he served as Director of Business Development and Sales for Valley Baptist Health Systems.

“Gus” García has been an active member of the business community for years and dedicates his time to enhancing the economic development of South Texas. He is married to Tonya Bailey García of Ennis, Texas and they have four children, Soledad Alexis, Halley Loren, Agustín G. García III, and Pilar Neréa.

• Mayor: “Nelda has been a great, great asset to us.”

As for Ramírez, the mayor expressed deep satisfaction with her performances on the job.

“Nelda has been a great, great asset to us. We had her doing both the Assistant Executive Director and the Executive Director’s job. In order to compensate her adequately, we had made her Director,” Mayor García recalled the dual roles performed by Ramírez in her leadership roles for the EEDC.

Ramírez had served as Interim Executive Director for the EEDC since August 3, 2011 following the departure of Executive Director Pedro Salazar, who left for a position with Lone Star National Bank in McAllen.

Prior to the August 3, 2011 appointment as Interim Executive Director, Ramírez had held key positions with the EEDC, including serving as Assistant Executive Director for about seven years, and Business Manager for the previous four years.

Ramiro Garza, Jr., who currently serves as Edinburg City Manager, was EEDC Executive Director for much of Ramírez’ ongoing service on the EEDC staff.

Prior to coming to the EEDC, she worked for nine years with the Law Office of James (Jim) Darling, while he was the City Attorney for the City of McAllen. Darling was sworn into office as McAllen mayor on Tuesday, May 28.

Other services provided by the EEDC include, but are not limited to:

• Site selection assistance;

• Real estate database of properties and buildings;

• Business seminars;

• Job training assistance;

• Data Information Center;

• Coordination of state and local assistance; and

• Access to business start-up resources.

In addition, the EEDC can arrange custom tours, schedule meetings with community leaders, arrange introductions to necessary business contacts, and serve as an advocate with state and local governmental entities.

(The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council. It’s five-member governing board, which is appointed by the Edinburg City Council, includes Mayor Richard García as President, Fred Palacios as Secretary-Treasurer, and Felipe García, Jaime A. Rodríguez, and Dr. Havidán Rodríguez. For more information on the EEDC and the City of Edinburg, please log on to: http://www.EdbgCityLimits.com.)

••••••

A record 11.2 million Latinos voted in 2012 presidential election, but Hispanic turnout rate still significantly behind other U.S. groups

By RUSS OATES

A record 11.2 million Latinos voted in the 2012 presidential election, but Latinos’ voter turnout rate continues to lag other groups significantly, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by the Pew Research Center.

Overall, 48% of Hispanic eligible voters turned out to vote in 2012, down from 49.9% in 2008.

By comparison, the 2012 voter turnout rate among black non-Hispanics was 66.6% and among white non-Hispanics was 64.1%, both significantly higher than the turnout rate among Hispanics.

Rapid growth of the nation’s Latino population has fueled quick growth in the number of Latinos eligible to vote (U.S. citizen adults). Between 2008 and 2012, the number of Latino eligible voters grew from 19.5 million to 23.3 million—- an increase of 19%. By contrast, the number of Latino voters increased by 15% over 2008. With the number of Latino voters growing more slowly than the number of Latino eligible voters, the Latino voter turnout rate declined between 2008 and 2012, despite a record turnout.

The Pew Research analysis also finds that the Hispanic voter turnout rate declined for nearly all major Hispanic demographic subgroups with the exception of three in 2012.

The voter turnout rate of naturalized Hispanic immigrants who arrived in the 1990s increased from 41.2% in 2008 to 47.2% in 2012. Among Hispanics ages 65 and older, the voter turnout rate increased from 56% in 2008 to 59.9% in 2012. And among Hispanic origin groups, the voter turnout rate of Puerto Ricans increased from 49.7% in 2008 to 52.8% in 2012.

Voter turnout rates differed widely among Latino demographic subgroups in 2012. The highest voter turnout rates were among those with a college degree (70.8%) and among Cuban-origin Latinos (67.2%). Meanwhile, the lowest were among those ages 18 to 29 (36.9%) and those with less than a high school diploma (35.5%).

This report explores electoral participation among Latinos in the 2012 and 2008 presidential elections. It also provides a demographic portrait of Latino voters and Latino nonvoters.

The report, Inside the 2012 Latino Electorate, authored by Mark Hugo López, associate director, and Ana González-Barrera, research associate, is available at the Pew Hispanic Center’s website, http://www.pewhispanic.org.

Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan source of data and analysis. It does not take advocacy positions. Its Hispanic Center, founded in 2001, seeks to improve understanding of the U.S. Hispanic population and to chronicle Latinos’ growing impact on the nation.

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