by Legislative Media | Apr 14, 2013 | Politics
A powerful congressional delegation visiting Edinburg – and led by Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes – on Wednesday, March 27, learned from Mayor Richard H. García that the people of Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley are standing on the precipice of greatness. “Edinburg has helped lead the charge for this merger (of the University of Texas-Pan American and UT-Brownsville) that will also bring us a UT medical school,” García told the gathering of political heavyweights at a welcome reception held at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. “This will single-handily reshape the face of the entire Valley – educationally, medically, economically.” From left, front row: Congressman Juan Vargas (CA); Alonzo Cantú, president, Cantú Construction, and founder of Doctors Hospital at Renaissance; Mayor Richard H. García; Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes; Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas; and Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA). Back row, from left: Edinburg City Manager Ramiro Garza, Jr.; Edinburg Councilmember Elías Longoria, Jr.; Congressman Pete Gallego, D-Alpine; Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston; and Congressman Filemón Vela, D-Brownsville. See lead story in this posting.
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Mayor Julián Castro of San Antonio, featured center, on Saturday, March 23, was the keynote speaker for the South Texas Mayors’ Stakeholder Summit hosted by Mayor Richard H. García and the New Leaders Texas Foundation at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. Castro, 38, is the youngest mayor of the top 50 largest American cities. He focused on the emerging statewide importance of the Rio Grande Valley, offering as proof the upcoming creation a major new university system, complete with a University of Texas System medical school, approved recently by the Texas Legislature. “I don’t believe that it is a coincidence that you are getting a medical school now. I believe there are many folks in Austin who see the future, who understand the power, both economically and electorally, of this community, who understand that if they don’t act now, then you are going to act for them later,” Castro said. “They understand that Texas is going in a new direction, one that includes everyone.” Featured, from left: Congressman Filemón Vela, D-Brownsville; Mayor Richard H. García of Edinburg; Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes; Mayor Julián Castro of San Antonio; Mayor Raúl G. Salinas of Laredo; Mayor Chris Boswell of Harlingen; and Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg.
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Texas legislative Republican leaders are pushing for new laws aimed at improving government transparency and empowering taxpayers to make informed decisions about taxes and public debt. Senate Bill 14 and House Bill 14, authored by Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, and Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, focus primarily on government transparency, and would provide taxpayers with vital information about government spending and debt. Senate Bill 13 and House Bill 13, authored by Sen. Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock, and Rep. William A. “Bill” Callegari, R-Houston, focus primarily on public pensions, would require increased reporting for all public pension systems, and calls for essential actuarial information to be posted online so it is readily available and easy for taxpayers to find. Featured, from left during a February 7 press conference in Austin announcing the legislation, are: Rep. William A. “Bill” Callegari, R-Houston; Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands; Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie; Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs; and Lt. Governor David Dewhurst. See story later in this posting.
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A Senate committee on Wednesday, April 10, unanimously approved legislation by Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, featured center, that will promote stronger incentives for job creation in Texas. The Senate Committee on Economic Development approved Senate Bill 1084 by Hinojosa, which relates to one of the most important job-creation tools available in state government: the Texas Enterprise Zone Program. “This legislation is about creating opportunity for Texans in economically-blighted communities through the creation of new jobs and new investment,” said Hinojosa. “The state of Texas leads the nation in job creation and consistently has a lower unemployment rate than national average. This bill will induce growth and economic development, making sure these distressed communities move forward with the state and are part of Texas’ flourishing economy.” Featured with Hinojosa addressing reporters on the Senate floor is Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg. See story on Hinojosa’s SB 1084 later in this posting.
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Blood pressure, blood glucose and A1C screenings are just three of the medical tests that will be conducted during the South Texas Senior Summit on Thursday, May 2, at the Pharr Events Center, located by U.S. Highway 281. The Senior Summit, organized by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, is a project spearheaded by Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, and Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo/McAllen. The City of Pharr is co-sponsoring the event this year. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with screenings starting at 9 a.m. Other free screenings available will be for feet, vision, vein, dental, Alzheimer, and bone density. Other services will be discussed, such as Food Bank, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Elderly Abuse, etc. In addition, attendees will be able to dance to a popular musical group during the event, have lunch, and listen to what Hinojosa and Cuellar have to say about Medicaid and Medicare. Vendors who wish to secure a booth, or residents who wish to register, may obtain more information by contacting the Hispanic RGV Chamber at 928-0060. Featured discussing plans for the free blood pressure, glucose and A1C screenings are, from left: Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, President/CEO of the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and HEB pharmacists David García, Brandi McGee, Mary Briones, Eloy Piña, and René Verduzeo.
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Texas’ education policy would be dramatically improved under House Bill 5, coauthored by Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg (featured right). The education system has drawn statewide concerns for depending too much on high-stakes standardized testing, especially for high school students approaching their graduation. HB 5 was overwhelmingly approved, 145 – 2, by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 26. “For too long, teachers in Texas have been forced to use their considerable skills to ‘teach to the test’ – that is, prepare students to pass a growing number of standardized tests, which takes time away from providing our young people with a great classroom experience,” said Canales. “In addition, House Bill 5 would provide flexibility for teachers to help students better develop their talents and pursue their interests, so they can succeed in the workplace or in college immediately after they graduate from high school.” Canales is featured here in Edinburg with Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, and Mario Lizcano (center), Director of Corporate Affairs for Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, on Saturday, March 23, during the South Texas Mayors’ Stakeholder Summit. That event, which included several sessions on Friday, March 22, was hosted by Mayor Richard H. García of Edinburg and the New Leaders Texas Foundation at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. See story later in this posting.
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Edinburg Mayor Richard H. García was among local and statewide leaders on Tuesday, March 19, to praise the Texas Legislature, and in particular, the Rio Grande Valley state legislative delegation, for helping bring closer the dream of a University of Texas System medical school for the Rio Grande Valley. “Impressive. Beyond expectations. They did a marvelous and amazing job,” García credited Valley state lawmakers. “We should be proud and be applauding our Valley delegation for coming together, getting it done so quickly, and with so many people on board.” UT System officials predict Gov. Rick Perry will have a bill to sign into law within a few weeks. See story later in this posting.
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San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro, featured left, and Isaac García, a Texas journalist with http://www.YourValleyVoice.com, pose on Saturday, March 23, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance following Castro’s keynote remarks during the South Texas Mayors’ Stakeholder Summit, hosted by Edinburg Mayor Richard H. García. Among his many achievements, Castro is the first Hispanic ever to deliver a keynote address at a Democratic National Convention. He addressed a prime-time national audience during the 2012 political party convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Isaac García, whose print journalism experiences include work with the Valley Morning Star, the Edinburg Review, and the Valley Town Crier, is a trailblazer in his own right. He now produces video news reports that accompany his print work on http://www.YourValleyVoice.com, as that digital publication continues to increase its statewide, national and worldwide reach through the Internet. Castro and Isaac García represent the new generation of leaders in politics and the news media, respectively. Isaac García’s interview with Castro is available at http://www.yourvalleyvoice.com/youtube_0034b468-965c-11e2-9383-0019bb2963f4.html
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The future of the United States is in its children, and education is a must in order to succeed. Thus, the Rio Grande Valley Aggie Moms Club is hosting a Gig ‘Em Scholarship Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 27, at the Meadow Creek Golf Course in Mission to help raise money for students who wish to attend a Texas A&M campus. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all golfers, and Hole-in-One prizes will be awarded at four of the Par 3s, along with door prizes at the awards ceremony. For Aggie non-golfers, the Aggie Moms Club is encouraging them to be a Hole Sponsor for $100, which will feature the sponsor’s name and year of graduation posted on the course during the tournament. Team sponsorships also are available for $500, which entitles team sponsors to have their names listed on the Tournament Banner. The Hole-in-One vehicle sponsors are Frank Smith Toyota, Bert Ogden Cadillac, Spikes Ford and Bert Ogden BMW. “We truly appreciate their support of our scholarship tournament,” said Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, Tournament Chairwoman. “We honestly feel that their presence will create an additional interest to participate in the tournament. WHOOP!” For more information on available sponsorships or to register, call 451-5255 or go to http://www.rgvaggiemoms.com. Featured, from left: Toyota Tundra from Frank Smith Toyota; Angie Stephens and Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, RGV Aggie Moms Club; Bert Ogden Cadillac, Janet and Bob Vackar (Texas A&M graduate); Loly Aguirre, Spikes Ford; and Leo Luna, Bert Ogden BMW.
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Dr. René Gutiérrez, Superintendent of the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District, says legislation authored by Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, will help prevent future misfortunes such as the one in December 2011, when rifle shots from a nearby rural property struck down two Harwell Middle School students, seriously injuring both. A House of Representatives committee has approved legislation that would allow school districts, in cooperation with local and state governments, to post signs along state or federal highways alerting Texans that a school is next to land that is used for hunting or target practice. That signage, along with the addition of an education component for hunters that spells out their personal responsibility, dangers, and legal consequences of firing bullets across the property line of a school, are key components of a bill by Muñoz. That measure, House Bill 801, was unanimously approved on Thursday, April 4, by the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety with the recommendation that it be passed by the full House of Representatives. Gutiérrez said the legislation “is proof that South Texans were going to respond immediately and effectively to this adversity, where the lives of two innocent, courageous students and their families were forever changed, and an entire community was traumatized.” According to the bill analysis of HB 801, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department estimated that 550 schools are located in rural areas where hunting near schools would be possible and require signage, Muñoz said. See story later in this posting.
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Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, had one of his bills, which would require all political candidates in Texas to take and pass drug screening and testing, considered on Monday, April 15, by the Senate Committee on State Affairs. Senate Bill 612, which would disqualify any candidate who refuses to be tested for using illegal substances, comes after Lucio late last fall voluntarily submitted to, and passed, a drug screening test to serve as a role model for Texas politicians. “Senate Bill 612 requires any individual who files to run for any elected state (office) to submit to drug screening and testing. The results must be posted by the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) 45 days prior to a primary election or 45 days before the general election if there is not a primary election for the office sought by the candidate,” Lucio said in his statement of intent. “TEC can post the results only after the candidate agrees to release the results. The secretary of state will create rules and/or forms needed to waive any privacy issues dealing with medical records. The cost of the drug screening and testing will be paid for by the filing individual.” See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Mar 20, 2013 | Politics
Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, featured left, and Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, center, field questions from a Capitol reporter relating to the Senate and House passage of legislation that would bring a UT medical school to the Valley. The legislation, approved by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 19, would also merge the University of Texas-Pan American and UT-Brownsville into what would become the second largest Hispanic-enrolled university in the nation. The measure would have a significant social and economic impact on deep South Texas, the two lawmakers said. “The possibilities are endless – more jobs, lower poverty levels, higher educational levels, more healthcare services, more doctors, more access to those doctors and more resources to serve the unique and critical needs of the people of the Valley,” said Hinojosa. Canales agreed. “The shackles that restrain the Valley from taking its place as the most dominant force in the Texas economy are the chains of educational disparity,” said Canales. “For generations, South Texas has not fallen behind, it has been left behind. The creation of this new university system and medical school will not only rectify the inequities of decades of not having access to the Permanent University Fund, but release us into a better world of economic and educational successes.” See lead story in this posting.
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Mayor Pro Tem Augustín “Gus” García, Jr. and the rest of his colleagues on the Edinburg City Council on Tuesday, March 19, approved a city resolution supporting state legislation that would bring a University of Texas medical school to the Rio Grande Valley. The UT medical school would be part of a new South Texas university system that would be comprised of UT-Pan American and UT-Brownsville. Such legislation would, for the first time, provide the two universities and the planned medical school access to the multi-billion dollar Permanent University Fund, which pays for major construction projects at the state’s leading universities and medical schools. “The rapid population growth of the Valley is one of the reasons for concerted efforts to improve the region’s access to higher education and health care, according to a bill analysis of the measure,” he noted. See story later in this posting.
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Miriam Martínez of Edinburg, the first Mexican-American woman to run for Texas governor was in Washington, D.C. in mid-March to bolster support among the Republican Party for immigration reform and meet with members of Congress to address border security concerns in deep South Texas. “Next to Gov. Rick Perry’s refusal to expand Medicaid and accept federal funding for nearly all new medical expenses, immigration reform is the next major issue that will drive a wedge between the decisive Hispanic vote and the GOP for 2016,” said Martínez, a Republican candidate for Texas governor in 2014. She was in Washington, D.C. to speak with members of Congress about increased funding in Texas for federal road improvements to support an expected boom in produce imports from Mexico. She is also calling for a new strategy to assist in drug cartel violence along the Texas-Mexico border. See story later in this posting.
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Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, on Friday, March 8, filed legislation to require Texas to protect the integrity of SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the food stamp program), which serves more than four million qualified Texans, especially children. The South Texas leader also condemned Fox Television Network political commentator Bill O’Reilly, who claimed during his February 27 episode of his national television broadcast, The O’Reilly Factor, that SNAP fraud “is all over the place down on the border.” Canales called O’Reilly’s depiction of the U.S. border with Mexico and SNAP recipients “insulting, incorrect, and ignorant. This is not so much a fraud issue as it is an internal accounting issue.” Canales noted that, according to a June 2012 Texas Tribune article (Hunger Study: One in Four Texas Children at Risk), SNAP in 2010 provided benefits to 3.6 million Texans, among them nearly two million children, or one in four Texas children. “Mr. O’Reilly is wrong about the people who live along the U.S.-Mexico border,” Canales said. “We work hard for a living, we are successful, we are law-abiding citizens, and we take care of those in need. Now that’s the truth about border Texans.” See story later in this posting.
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The Texas House of Representatives on Thursday, February 21, took the financial steps needed to provide $5.1 billion in state funding for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), nursing homes, and public education for the remainder of fiscal year 2013, according to Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission. The largest portion of the funding – $4.5 billion – goes for the vital health care services, with $630 million to be used to fund the Foundation School Program through August 31, 2013. The measure, House Bill 10, was drafted and passed by the House Appropriations Committee on Monday, February 11, then sent to the full House, which approved it 10 days later, said Muñoz, who serves on the powerful state-budget writing legislative panel. “Medicaid is a critical component of the health care delivery system in the Valley. Just as cuts made to the program last session were devastating to many of our friends and neighbors, this funding will help a multitude of people in need of services,” added Muñoz. The emergency appropriation was needed because the Texas Legislature in 2011 only set aside enough money for the state’s funding portion of Medicaid, CHIP, and nursing home services to last through the beginning of this spring. Featured with Muñoz in this portrait is Justice Dori Contreras Garza of the Thirteenth Court of Appeals. See story later in this posting.
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A bill that would create a state commission to identify the causes of wrongful convictions and determine ways to reduce future miscarriages of justice has been jointly-authored by Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg. The legislation, authored by Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, D-San Antonio, was heard by Canales and his colleagues on the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence at the Texas Capitol on Tuesday, March 5. The measure, as is standard procedure in the legislative process, is pending a final vote by committee members at a later date. “Unfortunately, people being incarcerated for crimes they did not commit is a worldwide reality. It is our obligation as legislators to do everything in our power to minimize the probability of wrongful convictions in Texas,” said Canales, an attorney. “Not only is there a heavy price tag that comes with incarcerating an individual, there is no monetary value in existence that can compensate someone who has been deprived of their liberty by wrongful incarceration.” The legislation would establish the Timothy Cole Exoneration Review Commission, creating a nine-member commission to review cases in which an innocent person was convicted and then exonerated. See story later in this posting.
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Hidalgo County would be the first in Texas to allow attorneys in all criminal cases to file pleadings and documents electronically – known as e-filing – under legislation considered on Monday, March 11 by the House Committee on the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence, said Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg. Hidalgo County District Clerk Laura Hinojosa, featured earlier in Edinburg with Mayor Richard H. García, testified in support of Canales’ bill before the legislative panel. HB 349 is designed to improve the delivery of justice in Hidalgo County, reduce costs to county taxpayers, attorneys and litigants, and take advantage of the latest technological advances in the state’s legal system. “Courts have long been burdened with processing paper, a problem that continues to grow exponentially and largely unabated,” said Canales. “After more than 165 years of processing traditional filing, Texas Court Clerks are awash in the state’s judicial paper trail. Electronic filing offers a means to stem the paper tide.” If approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry, Canales’ House Bill 349 would go into effect on September 1, 2015. See story later in this posting.
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Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, on Wednesday, February 27, stood on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the Progressive Caucus to speak in support of voter rights. Earlier in the day, the U.S. Supreme Court Justices heard an oral argument in the case of Shelby County v. Holder concerning Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. This provision requires covered jurisdictions to submit any proposed changes in voting procedures and election rules to either the U.S. Justice Department or a federal court in Washington, D.C. before any changes can be put into effect. The Shelby County v. Holder lawsuit was filed in April 2010 by Shelby County, Alabama, a largely white suburb of Birmingham. The suit seeks to have Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act declared unconstitutional. See story later in this posting.
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McAllen City Commissioner Jim Darling, featured with Marissa Castañeda, Chief Operations Officer for Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, will become mayor of McAllen a few days after the May 11 elections in that city since he was the only candidate by March 1 to file to succeed retiring Mayor Richard Cortéz. Darling, who attended the Wednesday, February 20, State of the City Address in Edinburg by Mayor Richard H. García, also serves as general counsel for DHR. García told a packed house at Edinburg’s City Auditorium that he and Darling, like Cortéz, support alliances between South Texas communities to benefit the entire region, such as current state legislative efforts to bring a University of Texas medical school to deep South Texas. “Speaking of mayors, Jim Darling is here with us today,” García noted during his presentation. “We talk about education. He is a perfect example of education, experience, and years of service as legal counsel for the City of McAllen, handling the legal affairs for Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, and serving as city commissioner for McAllen,” García reflected, addressing Darling. “All of these things I just mentioned make him the perfect person to assume the leadership of that position. Mayor Cortéz saw an excellent opportunity and a perfect replacement for him in Jim Darling, whose background mirrors his own. I look very much forward to working with you for the next four years.”
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South Texas College leaders on Tuesday, February 26, announced their intention to seek a bond and maintenance tax election, valued at about $159 million, that will include new facilities at their campuses in McAllen, Weslaco and Rio Grande City. Rose Benavidez, Chair of the STC Board of Trustees, said the community college will engage in an extensive public outreach program between now and Election Day to inform voters in Hidalgo and Starr counties about the expansion plans. She did note that the election would not involve authorizing the construction of any new campuses outside of McAllen, Weslaco and Rio Grande City. She did say if approved by voters, the bond and maintenance tax election would – as an example – increase the annual STC property tax by about $30 on a home whose taxable value is $100,000. Homeowners who are 65 years of age and older, and homeowners who have a permanent disability at the time of the election would not pay any higher taxes if voters approve the measure. Featured following the announcement that evening accepting The Leah Meyer Austin Award, a national recognition for community colleges, are from left: Dr. Shirley A. Reed, President, South Texas College; Jesse Villarreal, Member, District 6, STC Board of Trustees; Graciela Farias, Secretary, District 2, STC Board of Trustees; Rose Benavidez, Chair, District 1, STC Board of Trustees; Paul R. Rodríguez, Member, District 3, STC Board of Trustees; and Roy De León, Vice Chair, District 7, STC Board of Trustees.
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Organizing the annual State of the City Address by Edinburg Mayor Richard H. García, which was held on Wednesday, February 20, takes considerable coordination and expertise, as hundreds of residents attend the event at the City Auditorium. Among the city professionals who helped make the event a success this year were, front row, from left: Adelita G. Ozuna, Administrative Assistant to the City Manager; Mónica Pérez, Administrative Aide II, Utilities Department; Priscilla Bernal, Senior Secretary I, City Manager’s Office; Mari Cruz Tovar, Administrative Aide, Edinburg Fire Department; City Secretary Myra L. Ayala Garza; and Clarice Y. Balderas, Administrative Aide, City Secretary’s Office. Back row, from left: Mirelda Garza, Administrative Aide, Utilities Department; Karina Lozano, Fire Marshall Secretary II, Fire Department; Sarah Rodríguez, Senior Secretary I, Police Department; and Timoteo Sena, Senior Secretary II, City Secretary’s Office.
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Residents and people from across the world will now have easier access to information about key business activities, job opportunities, local governmental actions, academic advances, major conferences, large social gatherings, and legislative affairs with the launching of a mobile app by the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation. The EEDC is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council. “The Edinburg EDC has unveiled a new, free mobile app that highlights events, news, entertainment, and more,” said Letty Reyes, EEDC Project Manager. “The EEDC mobile app and blog are great examples of the work our office is doing to embrace technology and create a more effective and efficient reach into the community.” See story later in this posting.
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Mayor Richard H. García on Wednesday, February 20, shared credit with his colleagues on the Edinburg City Council and the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors for what he termed “explosive growth” in the community. The progress has been influenced by successful business and quality-of-life policies implemented by the two governing boards, in conjunction with EEDC and city staff. As part of his “State of the City Address” before a full house at the Edinburg Auditorium, García provided details on many recent accomplishments, including hinting at a major new advancement underway at La Sienna, a master-planned community located in north Edinburg. “Very soon, La Sienna will have a retail development that this entire metroplex has only dreamed about in the past. Stay tuned,” the mayor publicly announced. Featured with him in this portrait are EEDC staff and two fellow EEDC Board of Directors members, from left: Laura Lee Vela, Administrative Assistant; Leticia Reyes, Project Manager; Cynthia Contreras Gutiérrez, Legal Counsel; Fred Palacios, Secretary-Treasurer, EEDC Board of Directors; Mayor Richard H. García, President, EEDC Board of Directors; Jaime Rodríguez, Member, EEDC Board of Directors; Nelda T. Ramírez, Executive Director; and Dalila Razo, Business Manager.
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Edinburg Mayor Richard H. García, featured left during a recent meeting in Austin of the University of Texas System Board of Regents, has helped rally Valley wide support for legislation that would merge UT-Pan American and UT-Brownsville, and include a state-of-the-art UT medical school for the Valley. “As community leaders, we know that progress is never easy and seldom comes without some sacrifice or compromise. While UT-Pan American will be restructured, our community is prepared to make this compromise to gain access to a medical school, an enhanced healthcare infrastructure, and the Permanent University Fund,” García emphasized. “These fundamental changes will ensure that South Texas can meet and exceed its future needs.” Featured, from left: Mayor Richard H. García of Edinburg; Mayor San Juanita Sánchez of San Juan; and Mayor Chris Boswell of Harlingen. See lead story in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Feb 11, 2013 | Politics
South Texan Miriam Martínez, featured right, a renowned international journalist, small business owner, and the former 2012 Republican nominee for state representative, House District 41, on Monday, January 21, announced her plan to seek the March 2014 Republican nomination for Texas governor. She said her campaign would focus on key issues, such as job creation, education, child support, and immigration. But she also emphasized the importance of the Republican Party having a candidate who is a woman and a minority to lead the top of the political ticket. “I do not believe in discrimination. I just think it’s time for a woman to do the job,” said Martínez, a survivor of family violence. “I know how to take care of business. As a Mexican American woman, I can handle challenges and defeats. What I can’t handle is living a life of regret and asking myself, ‘What if?'” Featured, from left: Jessica Puente Bradshaw, the 2012 Republican nominee for the 34th Congressional District anchored in Brownsville; George P. Bush, prospective Republican candidate for Texas Land Commissioner; and Miriam Martínez of Edinburg during a Fall 2012 campaign rally in South Texas.
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Rep. René Oliveria, D-Brownsville, seated, on Monday, February 4, signs on as the main author of House Bill 1000, which if approved by the Texas Legislature this spring, would pave the way for the creation of a University of Texas super system that would merge UT-Pan American with UT-Brownsville, and help speed up the creation of a state-of-the-art UT medical school in deep South Texas. “This bill is the framework that will legally create the new university, and allows us, if passed by a two-thirds majority, to access the Permanent University Fund (PUF), and other state and federal research dollars,” said Oliveira, the Dean of the Rio Grande Valley legislative delegation in the House of Representatives. “It will combine existing resources to create a new university maximizing efficiencies in facilities and administration.” Featured with Oliveira, and serving as authors of HB 1000, are, from left: Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg; Rep. J.M. Lozano, R-Kingsville; Rep. Robert “Bobby” Guerra, D-Sharyland; Rep. Armando “Mando” Martinez, D-Weslaco; and Rep. Oscar Longoria, Jr., D-La Joya. Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, is carrying the companion bill, Senate Bill 24, with Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, and Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, also serving as authors of SB 24. See story later in this posting.
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With the Texas oil and gas industry responsible for thousands of jobs, particularly in Central and South Texas, and generating billions of dollars a year in revenue for the state government, Rep. Terry Canales says his appointment to the House Energy Resources Committee will serve the interests of his House District 40 at many different levels. Speaker of the House Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, featured left, on Thursday, January 31, appointed Canales, D-Edinburg, to the House Energy Resources Committee, and to the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, which is also a major House panel that wields great influence over legislation designed to protect Texans from criminals. “Regulating the state’s oil and gas industry is vital, not only because we need to promote this crucial sector of our state economy, but also because we want to protect the environment as we build upon the state’s global leadership role in the production of energy,” said Canales, shown here on the House floor along with Rep. Stefani Carter, R-Dallas. See story later in this posting.
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Mayor Richard H. García on Wednesday, January 30, filed for reelection to a four-year term, submitting the required legal paperwork to Edinburg City Secretary Myra A. Garza at Edinburg City Hall. The Municipal General Election is scheduled for Saturday, May 11. Richard García, a federal criminal law attorney and a senior partner with an established law firm, is currently serving his second term as mayor; his first term was from 2003 to 2006. The Edinburg native graduated from Edinburg High School in 1964 and continued his education at the University of Texas-Pan American and received a Juris Doctorate at Texas Southern University in Houston. He served as Edinburg Municipal Judge from 1975-1978 and was a County Court-at-Law Judge for 16 years. Richard García served as chair of the Texas Border Coalition twice and is proud to have been appointed to serve on the Texas Adult Probation Commission. He is currently the President of the Board of Directors of the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, which is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council. He is married to Myra C. García and they have five children: Gina, Katherine, Chelsea, Daniel and Carlos; son-in-law Daniel; as well as two grandsons, Richard Xavier Pérez and William Alexander Pérez.
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Mayor Pro-Tem Agustín “Gus” García (no relation to the mayor) on Friday, February 8, filed for reelection to a four-year term, submitting the required legal paperwork to Edinburg City Secretary Myra A. Garza at Edinburg City Hall. The Municipal General Election is scheduled for Saturday, May 11. Gus García was elected into office on May 13, 2006 and is seeking his third consecutive term. 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 is the current owner of several healthcare facilities. 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.
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Edinburg Councilmember J.R. Betancourt, accompanied by his wife, Renée Rodríguez-Betancourt, on Wednesday, January 30, filed for reelection to a four-year term, submitting the required legal paperwork to Edinburg City Secretary Myra A. Garza at Edinburg City Hall. The Municipal General Election is scheduled for Saturday, May 11. Betancourt was born and raised in Edinburg. He graduated from Edinburg North High School in 1998 and then graduated from the University of Texas–Pan American in 2001 with a degree in philosophy. He is a certified public accountant and business consultant and is the owner of Joel R. Betancourt, CPA PLLC. He is also a partner with Betancourt & Garza LLP, certified public accountants. Betancourt is a member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Rio Grande Valley Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is a member of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife Renée Rodríguez-Betancourt, an attorney in Edinburg have two children: Gloriana Gabriela (G.G.) and Carissa Carolina (C.C.).
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McAllen City Commissioner James E. “Jim” Darling on Friday, February 1, filed and submitted the required legal paperwork and petition to City Secretary Annette Villarreal at McAllen City Hall to have his name placed on the ballot for the election of McAllen mayor. The municipal general election is scheduled for Saturday, May 11. Darling is the general counsel at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg. He was the former city attorney of the city of McAllen for 28 years and has served as a city commissioner since 2007. Commenting on his mayoral candidacy Darling said, “Over several years, as a city attorney, a city commissioner and a community volunteer in many different leadership roles, I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of and witness first-hand the development, growth and success of McAllen. I am proud to have been given this privilege and responsibility of duty and service, and would be honored to have the citizens of McAllen elect me as their next mayor.” See story later in this posting.
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With the Texas Legislature’s 83rd regular session underway, the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber wants to give South Texans on Tuesday, February 26, and Wednesday, February 28, an organized opportunity to voice their concerns to state legislators. The RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be participating in a Legislative Reception hosted by TAMACC, the Texas Association of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, on Tuesday, February 26, at the Austin Club in Austin. Appointments with legislators will be scheduled for that Tuesday afternoon and the following morning. “They say there is strength in numbers so we would like to take a large delegation to the appointments, both elected officials and concerned citizens, from the Rio Grande Valley,” said Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, president and CEO for the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Legislators will definitely take note of the region’s concerns on certain issues if we appear in large numbers.” For more information in the RGV Legislative Day, including registering for the event, is available by calling the local chamber’s office at 928-0060. Featured making final plans for the Legislative Trip are RGV Chamber of Commerce board members, including, seated, from left: Brent Smith; Israel Rocha, Chair; David Carrales; and Ronnie Bernal, Chair-Elect. Back row, from let: Adelita Muñoz; Marti Miller; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki; Jenise Díaz; Yoli González; and Pete Morales.
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Edinburg’s leaders are reporting positive trends on the jobs front, with the Texas Workforce Commission showing Edinburg posted a 6.7 percent unemployment rate in December 2012, the second-best showing among the Valley’s major cities for that month. Featured, from left: Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg; Rachel Borchard, Canales’ mother; Precinct 4 Hidalgo County Commissioner Joseph Palacios; Mayor Pro Tem Agustín “Gus” García; and Councilmember J.R. Betancourt. Mayor Richard García, who also serves as president of the five-member Board of Directors for the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, said 2013 promises to continue bringing positive economic news for the city. “We have several companies with which we are negotiating which are going to bring us a large number of jobs and expansions of existing businesses,” the mayor noted, but explained that the city is not yet at liberty to reveal the details of those discussions. What can be revealed are some of scheduled openings in 2013 for numerous employers, ranging from: the Cinemark Movie Bistro, which will help anchor more economic development along Trenton Road in southwest Edinburg; another projected expansion of The Shoppes at Rio Grande Valley, which just last summer added 90,000-square-feet; and the much anticipated opening of the $180 million Santana Textiles denim manufacturing complex in north Edinburg, which will boast 800 jobs. See story later in this posting.
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Bert Ogden Fiesta Chevrolet and the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce present Fiesta Edinburg on Thursday, February 21, through Sunday, February 24, at the Edinburg Municipal Park. Country music superstar Mark Chesnutt of Beaumont, who has more than 30 singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country songs, including eight No. 1 singles, and the Valley’s own Bo Garza with Texas Desire and Dezeo will be the featured musical acts on Friday, February 22. On Saturday, February 23, musical performances will be delivered by Los Tigrillos, Los Cadetes de Linares de Lupe Tijerina, Los 2 de Nuevo León, and Grupo Zinzzero. This year, Fiesta Edinburg will have plenty to offer, including the traditional “Fiesta” parade, Heart of America Carnival, Family Fun Zone, and an “RGV HAS TALENT” contest. The event costs include: $10 per vehicle, $5 admission, and 10 years and younger are allowed in free. Sponsors for Fiesta Edinburg along with committee members are featured, seated, from left: Imelda Rodríguez (Tourism Director, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; Cristina Nino Villarreal (Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson); Letty González (President, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce); Velma Sue De León (Memorial Funeral Home); and Kelly Rivera Salazar (Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson). Standing, from left: Greg Martin (Martins Farm & Ranch Supply); Abraham Quiroga (Magic Valley Electric CO-OP); Letty Reyes (Project Manager, Edinburg Economic Development Corporation); Nelda Ramírez (Executive Director, Edinburg Economic Development Corporation); Leon De León (Memorial Funeral Home); Alex Ríos (Board Member, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce); and Aaron Ramírez (International Bank of Commerce). See story later in this posting.
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Governor Rick Perry recently commissioned Cynthia Moya Sakulenzki, the President and CEO for the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, with “The Yellow Rose of Texas Award”. Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, made the presentation on behalf of the governor, who could not be present. “The Yellow Rose of Texas Award” is given only through the Office of the Governor to recognize women for their significant contributions to their communities and to Texas in the preservation of Texas history, the accomplishments of our present, and the building of the future. The award is named for Emily Morgan, a 20-year-old slave who was instrumental in the battle to win Texas’ independence, as she gave General Sam Houston’s troops Santa Anna’s location. “Cynthia Sakulenzki deservingly received the ‘Yellow Rose of Texas Award’,” said Hinojosa. “Cynthia has been very active in non-profit organizations and has played a big role in the expansion of commerce to benefit our South Texas Community. I thank her for her service and extend my congratulations.” Ms. Sakulenzki commented, “I am so honored that the governor would feel that I would be worthy of such an honor. Community service has always been my passion, and I will continue to serve the people of South Texas as long as the Lord allows me.”
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It is no secret The University of Texas Pan-American’s Dr. Gregory Selber is a true sports enthusiast. As a young child, Selber would race home after a game and stay up late into the night drafting up the perfect game plays. Much hasn’t changed. You can still find Selber, associate professor of communication, busy on the sidelines writing, taking photos, and reporting for local media on all things sports. As the 2011 recipient of the Putt Powell Sports Writer of the Year award, Selber has placed RGV sports on the map with his noteworthy sports journalism. His first book, “Border Ball: The History of High School Football in the Rio Grande Valley,” was published in 2009. Selber has now poured his passion into a second book, “Bronc Ball: The History of College Basketball at Pan American.” In about 550 pages, Selber chronicles 85 years of UTPA basketball history. See story later in this posting.
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Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on Friday, January 18, reappointed Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, as Chair of the Senate Government Organization Committee and a member of the Senate committees on Finance, Higher Education, Health and Human Services, and Administration. A member of the Legislative Budget Board, she also serves as Co-Chair of the Joint Oversight Committee on Higher Education Governance, Excellence and Transparency. “Because of these committee assignments, I continue to be well-positioned to make a difference for the families of our district and our state,” Zaffirini said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to address our state’s pressing challenges, including those related to education and health and human services.” See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Jan 16, 2013 | Politics
State Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, was at Edinburg City Hall on Friday, January 11, for a ceremonial swearing-in as the new state representative for House District 40, which includes most of Edinburg, Elsa, northern Pharr and the University of Texas-Pan American. Other elected officials, family members, and supporters joined Canales for the 11:45 A.M. event, held in the Edinburg City Council chamber, including, from left: Rachel Borchard, his mother; Erica Canales, his wife; and Hidalgo County District Court Judge Ricardo Rodríguez, who administered the oath of office. Mayor Richard García, Mayor Pro Tem Agustín “Gus” García, Councilmember J.R. Betancourt, Precinct 4 Hidalgo County Commissioner Joseph Palacios, Rep. Bobby Guerra, D-Sharyland, and Hidalgo County District Clerk Laura Hinojosa were among the elected leaders who participated in the event.
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Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, featured left, Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, center, and Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, will be working together with other Valley legislators to try to secure state funding for a full-fledge Veterans Administration Hospital for the Rio Grande Valley. In 2011, Valley lawmakers introduced legislation to allow the governor to use money from the cash-rich Texas Enterprise Fund to help make a Valley VA Hospital a reality. “We need to run with it again, push it through the legislative process, and try to get more of our colleagues to recognize the need, not only for our region, but for veterans in general in providing medical services to them,” said Muñoz. He agreed with the strategy by Rep. Armando “Mando” Martinez, D-Weslaco, to have the identical bill to be filed in the Senate soon after the House bill is introduced, rather than wait until the House of Representatives takes action on the issue, which occurred in 2011. “We can move it through both chambers, hopefully earlier on, and start garnishing support from the Senate and the House, and try to make use of the legislative resources and press coverage of this vital issue to promote its need,” Muñoz explained. See story later in this posting.
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Speaker of the U.S. House John Boehner, featured left, on Thursday, January 3, administered the oath of office to U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo/McAllen, during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Cuellar, who is beginning his fifth two-year term in Congress, is the only Texan who is serving on the House Appropriations Committee. See story later in this posting.
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The Hidalgo County District Clerk Office, led by Hidalgo County District Clerk Laura Hinojosa, on Wednesday, December 26, presented a check in the amount of $3,250 to the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen as part of their Blues for Bucks Workplace Fundraising Campaign to benefit local charitable organizations. The Boys & Girls Club of McAllen began in 1966, through efforts led by Othal E. Brand Sr., in a high school gym with a budget of $200 and 400 boys. Today, they are one of, if not the fastest growing clubs in the nation. With five Traditional Sites, five Afterschool Alliance Sites, and six 21st Century Sites and an annual operating budget of $3 million, the Boys & Girls Club of McAllen has grown to meet the needs of more than 10,000 members. Over the past 45 years, the Boys & Girls Club has been there to encourage, support and stimulate thousands of young people whose other choices were the loneliness of an empty house, or the risk associated with unsupervised activity. Find out more about the organization at http://www.bgcmcallen.org/who/us.aspx/ Featured, from left: María Elva Garza; Annelle Sánchez; District Clerk Laura Hinojosa; Irineo Razo; Zayra Narváez; Armando Cantú; Normalynda Zepeda; Krystal Rodríguez; Alessandra Galván; María Barrera; Aída Villarreal; and Jassia De La Paz.
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Want to enjoy an evening of fun while marketing your company? Sign up for the RGV Hispanic Chambers “Corporate Super Bowl” to be held on Wednesday, January 30, at the Flamingo Bowl in McAllen. The $250 entry fee is for a five-member team and includes the use of a bowling ball, shoes, coupons for food, pitcher of beer, soft drinks, and team t-shirt with the company name on it and a team photo. Only 40 teams will be accepted. Team trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Individual trophies will also be awarded to the female and male top bowler. Teams will bowl two games with the top six teams going on the finals. The “Corporate Super Bowl” is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. To sign up or for more information on the Super Bowl call the RGVHCC office at 928-0060. Featured making final arrangements are, first row, from left: Nick Boland and Paulina Rodríguez. Featured, back row, from left: Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, Ronnie Díaz, Ronnie Bernal and Rick Cavazos.
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Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, featured second row, center, and Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, featured behind Zaffirini, joined other senators on Tuesday, January 8, in taking their oaths of office in the chamber of the Senate at the State Capitol. Zaffirini and Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen (not pictured), are encouraging their constituents to communicate with them during the five-month regular session, which ends on May 31. See stories by Zaffirini and Hinojosa later in this posting.
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Edinburg’s city, county and state leaders are reporting positive trends in the local retail economies, with the latest data from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts showing Edinburg posted an almost 12 percent improvement in its retail economy in November 2012 as compared with November 2011. Featured, from left: Rep. Bobby Guerra, D-Sharyland; Mayor Pro Tem Agustín “Gus” García; Mayor Richard García; Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg; Councilmember J.R. Betancourt; Precinct 4 Hidalgo County Commissioner Joseph Palacios; and Hidalgo County District Court Judge Ricardo Rodríguez, shown here on Friday, January 11, following the swearing-in of Canales, the new state representative for House District 40, which includes Edinburg, Elsa, northern Pharr, and the University of Texas Pan American. See story later in this posting.
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With the Texas Legislature having returned to work on Tuesday, January 8, for its five-month regular session, Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr. is encouraging South Texas political and economic development leaders to help influence passage of major new laws and policies designed to improve the manufacturing industry in the Valley and statewide. One of the key issues that has been brought to light is that manufacturing positions are available, but prospective employees do not have the education, training and skills needed for many of those high-tech jobs. “Many businesses do not have the ability to provide comprehensive retraining for applicants who excelled in their former professions, but who lost their jobs to a changing economy, and now must learn entirely new skills for the excellent jobs that are now available,” said Muñoz. “Our committee looked at how state government, community colleges and technical institutions, and the private sector can work better together to reshape the tremendous talent we have into a new workforce for the 21st century.” See story later in this posting.
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Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, is the third member of his South Texas family to serve in the Texas House of Representatives. His father and sister have also been state representatives from north of Hidalgo County. Featured here, following the Edinburg lawmaker’s first day at the Capitol on Tuesday, January 8, are, from left: G.G. Betancourt, daughter of Edinburg City Councilmember J.R. Betancourt and Renée Rodríguez Betancourt; the Canales family, including daughter Juliana; wife Erica, who is from Edinburg; son Terry Andres; Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg; his father, former Rep. Terry Canales; and Rep. Canales’ sister, former Rep. Gabriela Canales; on Tuesday, January 8, at his desk in the chamber of the Texas House of Representatives.
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by Legislative Media | Dec 22, 2012 | Politics
Republican Miriam Martínez, featured here in Edinburg on Thursday, December 6, with Valley legislative and University of Texas System leaders, is calling on fellow Republican Gov. Rick Perry to make a proposal to create a new UT Valley university system and medical school as an emergency item when lawmakers return to work in Austin in January. The far-reaching measure would merge UT-Pan American, UT-Brownsville, and the Regional Academic Health Centers in Edinburg, Harlingen, and Brownsville into one, new UT comprehensive university system. “Such a proposal will require approval by the Texas Legislature, but state lawmakers can’t consider any measures during the first 60 days of a regular session unless those proposals are declared emergencies by the governor,” said Martínez, the hostess of KIRT-AM 1580’s Red Hot Texas Politics with Miriam Martínez, which airs Monday and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. “By designating that legislation as an emergency item, Gov. Perry sends the clear message that he supports the creation of this new university system for deep South Texas, and the Republican Party, which Perry leads, controls the House of Representatives and the Senate.” Martínez is also working with Valley and UT leaders to make sure that when the new university system is created, “The University of Texas”, “Pan American”, and “UT-Brownsville” are featured prominently in the yet-to-be named Valley-wide university and medical school system. “We cannot allow these honored names to be removed because it would devalue the diplomas of tens of thousands of alumni whose diplomas proudly feature “The University of Texas”, “Pan American” and “UT-Brownsville,” Martínez said. Featured, from left: Rep.-elect Terry Canales, D-Edinburg; Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville; Miriam Martínez; UT System Board of Regents Chairman Gene Powell of Weslaco; and Rep.-elect Óscar Longoria, Jr. See lead story in this posting.
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Almost two dozen legislative priorities, including efforts to allow South Texas College to offer additional Bachelor of Applied Technology degree programs, create a state-of-the-art Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence, and to oppose allowing Texans with licenses to carry concealed weapons to be allowed to bring those weapons on campus, are being proposed by the STC Board of Trustees and top administrators. The two-county community college system’s legislative agenda was unveiled on Thursday, December 13, during an 8:30 a.m. breakfast session between the seven-member board of trustees and their top administrators with members of the Valley’s state Senate and state House of Representatives delegation. Featured, seated, from left: STC Board Trustee Paul R. Rodríguez; STC Board Trustee Gary Gurwitz; STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed; STC Board Chair Rose Benavidez; and STC Board Secretary Graciela Farias. Standing, from left: Rep. Sergio Muñoz, D-Mission; Rep. Bobby Guerra, D-Sharyland; Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville; and Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City. See story later in this posting.
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Edinburg Class XXIV recently completed their second session for Leadership Edinburg. On Wednesday, November 4, the class visited the Edinburg school district’s newly renovated Robert Vela High School for the Education segment of its sessions. Leadership Edinburg is a program designed by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce to allow the class members to interact with one another and members of the community to encourage a better Edinburg. The nine-month program is structured to help class members understand the problems and opportunities faced through strong leadership skills focusing on politics, history, education, healthcare and quality of life. See story later in this posting.
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Six young ladies from the Edinburg school district were recently honored for their achievements and for agreeing to represent the school district and the community in the coming year. Featured, front row, from left: Dr. René Gutiérrez, Superintendent of Schools; Robbie Reyna, Miss Teen Edinburg 2013, a junior at Robert Vela High School and daughter of Robert and Sandra Palacios Flores; Karina Eliza Rodríguez, Little Miss Edinburg 2013, a sixth grader at Longoria Middle School and daughter of Raúl and Cynthia Salas Rodriguez; Victoria Savannah Cantú, Miss Edinburg Pre-Teen 2013, an eighth grader at South Middle School and daughter of Daniel and Claudia Cantú; and Juan “Sonny” Palacios, President of the Edinburg school board. Middle row, from left: Dr. Martín Castillo, vice-president of the Edinburg school board; Clarissa Laura Rodríguez, Miss Edinburg 2013, a senior at Edinburg North High School and daughter of Raúl and Cynthia Salas Rodríguez; Kassandra Renée Garza, Miss Junior Teen 2013, an eighth grader at South Middle School and daughter of Alberto R. and Leticia I. Garza; and Robert Peña, school board member. Back row, from left: Jaime Chavana and David Torres, school board trustees. Not pictured is Annika Karina Palacios, Miss Edinburg Princess 2013, a first grader at St. Joseph Catholic Schools and daughter of Terry and Hope Palacios. As Beauty Pageant winners, the six will represent the City of Edinburg at functions that include socials, luncheons, ribbon cuttings and banquets.
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The University of Texas-Pan American Business Development and Innovation Group recently issued its annual Productivity and Impact Report of Service for its Affiliate Partners, including The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Between October 1, 2011 and September 30, 2012, the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce helped bring more than $1 million in investments and helped increase sales by more than $12 million, according to the report. Featured discussing the report are, seated left to right: Esperanza Delgado, SBDC Marketing Director; María Juárez, SBDC Director; and Janie Caballero, Senior Business Advisor. Back row are: Anthony Covacevich, Vice Chair of Small Business; Hari Namboodiri, Advisory Committee; Dr. Robert Nelsen, President of the University of Texas-Pan American and Vice Chair of Education; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, President and CEO, Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Ronnie Bernal, Chair Elect. See story later in this posting.
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The Women’s Business Center (WBC) held an Open House event to celebrate National Women in Small Business Month on Friday, October 26, in Edinburg. The community was invited to see its offices, located at 2314 W. University Drive, Suite 230, in the Compass Bank Building, as well as to become acquainted with the services offered by the WBC. The event was a huge success, very-well attended, and featured keynote speakers Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, Ramiro Garza, City Manager for the City of Edinburg, and Celine Rodríguez Schultz, financial professional with New York Life. “Women-owned and controlled small businesses in this region made up 60 percent of all new businesses that were created and helped bring down the unemployment rate that had hovered in Hidalgo County for three decades with a double-digit of 22 percent in January 1997 to six percent at the beginning of 2008. This could not have happened without women entrepreneurs,” Hinojosa said. Featured from left: ?Celine Schulz, Financial Professional for New York Life; Congressman Rubén Hinojosa and María “Charro” Mann, Executive Director for the Women’s Business Center. See story later in this posting.
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Following the swearing-in ceremonies based on the Tuesday, November 6 elections – in which Carmen González and Robert Peña were reelected, and Jaime Solis was elected to his first four-year term, the Edinburg CISD Board of Trustees was re-organized with newly-elected members. The 2012-2013 board consists of, seated from left: Dr. Martín Castillo, Vice-President; Juan “Sonny” Palacios, President; and Jaime Solis, Secretary. Standing from left: David Torres, Member; Jaime R. Chavana, Member; Dr. René Gutiérrez, Superintendent of Schools; Carmen González, Member; and Robert Peña, Jr., Member.
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Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, the Chair-elect of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, on Friday, November 30, met with Congresswoman Judy Chu of California, featured left, Chair-elect of the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus, and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge of Ohio, Chair-elect of the Congressional Black Caucus, to discuss plans to collaborate in the upcoming Congress. "I am very encouraged by a sense of community as we prepare to begin the 113th Congress,” said Hinojosa. “Together, my colleagues, Chairwoman-elect Fudge and Chairwoman Chu and I renewed our commitment to developing solutions to overcome the challenges in our communities. I believe by working in conjunction with other House Caucuses, we will be able to build a strong base in Congress that will focus on the most pressing needs of our constituents across the United States of America." The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories. See story later in this posting.
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The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce recently announced the 2012 Edinburg Night of Lights Parade winners in the following categories: School Division and Business/Civic Division. On Saturday, December 1, more than 60 entries lined up inside the University of Texas-Pan American parking lot to participate in the festive parade. The City of Edinburg sponsored $5,000 in award money and trophies to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. First Place School Division was awarded to Monte Cristo Elementary Cheer & Dance Team, 2nd to Robert Vela High School HOSA, and 3rd place to Dr. Thomas Esparza Elementary. First Place Business/Civic division was awarded to Jammer DJ Service, 2nd to Edinburg Folklorico Dance Team, and 3rd place to San Juan Bears Little League Baseball. Judges for the event featured in this photograph, from left, were, from left: Kelly Rivera Salazar with Libebarger Googan Blair Sampson; Naomi Perales with Texas Gas Services; and Stephanie Ozuna with the University of Texas-Pan American.
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Juanita G. Treviño, featured left, and Viviana Ozuna, featured right, recently posed with Hidalgo County Judge Ramón García in Edinburg as part of the two women’s local marketing efforts announcing the establishment in deep South Texas of Mi Familia, a Spanish-language, Houston-based print magazine that is also published online (http://www.MiFamilia.net), and which features articles and photographs of Valley families. Ozuna, who is the magazine’s Director for the Rio Grande Valley, said the print version of the magazine, which is being circulated throughout the region, was first introduced into the area in September. “We began to notice a lot of subscribers from the Valley and northern Mexico, and so it was natural to begin expanding down here,” said Ozuna, a business consultant with ties to the Valley, including the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, and who is member of the family who publishes Mi Familia Magazine. “The long-time goal is to have a a separate Mi Familia Magazine that focuses on deep South Texas.” The online version, which includes articles and photographs from previous magazines, has an audience of between 30,000 and 40,000 viewers per month. More information is available by contacting Ozuna at 956/227-1044 or via email at [email protected]
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Republican Miriam Martínez and Democrat David A. Díaz on Monday, November 26, launched Red Hot Texas Politics with Miriam Martínez, a dynamic radio talk show on KIRT-1580 AM that will provide high-powered and well-connected news, analyses, and opinion on the Texas Legislature and statewide and Valley politics. Martínez, a successful small business owner and the 2012 Republican nominee for State Representative, House District 41, and Díaz, a Democratic legislative consultant and publisher of http://www.EdinburgPolitics.com, bring more than 50 years of combined experiences in Texas, local, and Mexican politics and news media. “For the Rio Grande Valley to prosper, area Democrats and Republicans must put aside their rivalries,” Martínez said. “With our show, David and I want to set aside party politics and unite for the greater good of the region.” The show airs on Mondays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. See story later in this posting.
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