by Legislative Media | Jan 6, 2015 | Politics
Construction surging in Edinburg
Mayor Pro Tem Elías Longoria, Jr., featured left, a former member of the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, and Francisco Fernández, M.D., the founding Dean of The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine.
Photograph by MARK MONTEMAYOR
Mayor Pro Tem Elías Longoria, Jr., featured left, a former member of the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, and Francisco Fernández, M.D., the founding Dean of The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, reflect on the economic and medical care impact of the $54 million Medical Education Building during a Tuesday, August 26, 2014 groundbreaking ceremony at UT-Pan American. Construction activities in Edinburg during the past 23 months, based on the value of the work listed in the required building permits issued by the city’s Code Enforcement Department, have reached more than $236 million between January 2013 and November 2014. The city’s $236 million figure does not include the value of three new major facilities and their furnishings and equipment at The University of Texas-Pan American, worth almost $140 million, which were approved for construction during the past two years by The UT System Board of Regents. Already opened, or approved for funding since January 2013, are $135.9 million for new facilities at the Edinburg university campus – a $70 million science building annex, a $54 million medical education building, and a $11.9 million student academic center. UT-Pan American, which will be renamed UT-Rio Grande Valley next August, is a state entity, so the city does not issue building permits or include the value of any construction at the university campus in the data put together by Edinburg’s Code Enforcement Department. If it did, total construction activities during the past two years in Edinburg would approach $376 million. The EEDC, led by Mayor Richard García as the President of the EEDC Board of Directors, is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council.
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by Legislative Media | Aug 6, 2014 | Politics
Havidán Rodríguez, Ph.D. has a modern vision for South Texas based much like 15th century English philosopher Sir Francis Bacon so famously advised: “A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.” So not surprisingly, Rodríguez has answered the clarion call from the University of Texas System leadership for him to create another great opportunity, not just for his already illustrious professional career, but to make history by helping propel The University of Texas-Pan American into a bold, prosperous future never before seen. In late June, he agreed to serve as Interim President of The University of Texas-Pan American for the 2014-2015 academic year, which begins this fall. Among the milestones that will be reached in those 12 months, it will be the last time the Edinburg campus will carry the beloved and prestigious “Pan American” name. Rodríguez also will become the final name in the honor roll of distinguished leaders who have served as president of the Valley’s premier institution of higher education since H.C. Baker held that position from 1927 to 1933 of what was then Edinburg College. But the soon-to-be former Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at UT-Pan American, Rodríguez – who also serves on the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors – realizes his dramatic ascension at the university goes far beyond his professional life. “I am humbled and grateful. It is an incredible honor,” reflects Rodríguez. “There is really only a handful of people who get the opportunity to create a new university. So being here is not only a challenge, it is an opportunity. It is exciting and it is revolutionary because what we are looking at is a transformational experience for the entire Rio Grande Valley. You don’t get a second chance like this.” See story later in this posting.
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Dr. Guy Bailey, President of the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, on Tuesday, July 29, was welcomed by Dr. Shirley A. Reed, President of South Texas College, and administrators at the STC Nursing and Allied Health Campus in McAllen. During the visit, Bailey spoke with current STC Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy (DEMSA) students and an alumna currently doing research with Yale University. They are prime examples of the quality education and bright futures South Texas College provides for students pursuing careers in the medical field. It was the first time Dr. Bailey visited the Nursing and Allied Health Campus in McAllen. “It was a great visit,” commented Reed, presenting Bailey a welcome gift to the Valley. “I believe he was impressed with the quality of our facilities and students. We wanted to host this meeting at the Nursing and Allied Health Campus specifically because of the need to have a strong relationship with the medical school and to show Dr. Bailey the state-of-the-art technology we have. Like us, he wants South Texas College to be a major pipeline to UTRGV and subsequently medical school.” According to recently approved admissions criteria, students with associate’s degrees will have automatic admission into UT-RGV. “South Texas College students are already battle-tested, tried and true,” said Bailey. “Those with associate’s degrees will have automatic admission into UT-RGV. I understand the role of community colleges and look forward to working with STC in the future.” See story later in this posting.
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Another major retail and entertainment complex, complete with a hotel, is in the planning stages for Edinburg, a project that could bring in as much as $300 million a year into the city’s economy, Agustín “Gus” García, the Executive Director for the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, featured second from left, has announced. The EEDC is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council. García delivered that news and provided other insights into the strength and future of Edinburg and its economy during the Public Affairs Luncheon, sponsored by The Bert Ogden Auto Group and the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, on Thursday, July 24. García said the EEDC has been working with Burns Brothers, LTD, a local development firm which in 2008 created the 726-acre La Sienna Master Planned Community in north Edinburg, to help bring about the adjoining planned retail/hotel conglomerate to be known as Resaca Market. The planned Resaca Market and La Sienna Master Planned Community are located by the U.S. Expressway 281/169C six-lane thoroughfare’s intersection with Monte Cristo Road. “They are changing the shopping industry with Resaca Market,” García said. “We are currently working with Burns Brothers, LTD to develop that project, which would feature about 500,000 square feet of retail, restaurants, hotel, shopping, entertainment, movie theaters, and so on. What a wonderful opportunity for shopping this will be, which would bring many more Mexican consumers and American dollars to that area, and into our city.” Featured, from left: City Councilmember Homer Jasso, Jr.; Agustín “Gus” García, the Executive Director for the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation; Elva Jackson-Garza, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Edwards Abstract and Title Company; and Mayor Pro Tem Elías Longoria, Jr. See story later in this posting.
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As the Rio Grande Valley, with more than 1.4 million residents, continues to become an even larger major metropolitan region, the ongoing drought and political circumstances, such as the current dispute over the region’s share with Mexico of water from the Rio Grande River, are unacceptable risks, said Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, featured at the podium. Texas also continues to suffer, with large sections of our state experiencing exceptional or extreme drought – prolonged, dry conditions that put a strain on water supplies for all uses. “Surface and groundwater storage, conservation, and treating reclaimed/recycled water are some of the water supply options that offer hope to our situation,” he explained. “Today, water desalination, a growing and improving technology that converts brackish (salty) groundwater and seawater into fresh water suitable for drinking and irrigation, is receiving statewide attention.” Canales serves on the Joint Interim Committee to Study Water Desalination – comprised of House and Senate members – which is taking a close look at what Texas is doing to develop new reservoirs of drinking water. Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, and Rep. Ryan Guillén, D-Rio Grande City, are also members of this House/Senate legislative panel. The Joint Interim Committee to Study Water Desalination held three public hearings in June to hear from all Texans – at the Texas Capitol on June 16, in Corpus Christi on June 23, and in Wichita Falls on June 30. Featured during a 2013 presentation by Canales before Edinburg school district employees are, from left: Carmen González, Member, Edinburg school board; Jaime Solis, Secretary, Edinburg school board; Dr. Martín Castillo, Vice-President, Edinburg school board; Juan “Sonny” Palacios, President, Edinburg school board; Dr. René Gutiérrez, Superintendent, Edinburg school district; and Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg. See story later in this posting.
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The newest project at Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District was marked official by the groundbreaking of Robert Vela High School’s performing arts center. On May 22, ECISD, ERO Architects of McAllen and SpawGlass representatives took part in the ceremony, as well as local officials. Located at 801 E. Canton Rd., the 19,709-square-foot facility will boast a 361-seat theatre, classroom space, dressing rooms and design shop. According to ERO Architects Project Manager Ismael Adame, the project is estimated to cost $7 million and is expected to be complete by January 2015. “We are pleased to continue serving the Edinburg school district by bringing our fourth performing arts center here to the community. This new facility is state-of-the-art and will enhance student achievement and give them a learning environment comparable to what you would see at universities,” said Adame. The theatre features modern technology including theatrical lighting, an intuitive intercommunication system, powerful rigging and effects speakers located around the theatre to provide ambient noise for dramatic performances. Combined, the innovative systems are similar to those used in a professional theatre, and will transform the students’ performances into a fully-immersive 21st century learning experience. The Robert Vela High School Performing Arts Center is preceded by the Ciro L. Trevino Performing Arts Center at Edinburg High School, the Pat McNallen Performing Arts Center at Edinburg North High School and the Alberto Garza, Jr. Performing Arts Center at Johnny Economedes High School. The previous centers were simultaneously designed by ERO and constructed between October 2009 and November 2010 through Infrastructure Facility Allotment funding from the State of Texas. The district was eligible for funding because each performing arts center was also multiple learning environments for students and teachers. Featured, from left: Mario Salinas, Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, ECISD; Jaime Solis, Secretary, Edinburg school board; Carmen González, Member, Edinburg school board; Eva Torres, Principal, Robert Vela High School; Dr. René Gutiérrez, Superintendent, ECISD; Dominga Vela, widow of Robert Vela and Director of C&I, ECISD; Juan “Sonny” Palacios, President, Edinburg school board; and David Torres, Member, Edinburg school board.
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On Wednesday, May 28, the 25th year of Leadership Edinburg, a program of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, was commemorated with the graduation of 12 participants during a ceremony held at the Echo Hotel and Conference Center. Edinburg City Manager Ramiro Garza presented the keynote address to the graduates, expressing the importance of leadership and staying active in local community affairs. Class XXV completed several events, including a two-day leadership retreat and sessions that focused on education, health care, history, media, economics and government. This year the class is giving back to the Chamber of Commerce by completing a tile fundraiser to raise money for the Southern Pacific Depot Restoration Project. This community service project will consist of the restoration and beautification of the exterior of the Southern Pacific Depot, where commemorative tiles will be installed in front of the depot. A personalized message may be inscribed to make a lasting impression for residents, business owners and visitors can enjoy for a lifetime. Leadership Edinburg 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 visit online at http://www.edinburg.com. Featured are the Leadership Edinburg Class XXV graduates. Standing, from left: Serafín Castro (Magic Valley Electric Cooperative); Joe Voje (University of Texas-Pan American); Mario Lizcano (Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance); Ramiro Rodríguez (Edinburg Fire Department), Rogelio Chanes (Teach For America); Augie Lozano (Bert Ogden Rio Grande Valley); Mario García (South Texas Business Education and Technology Academy); and Frank Arévalo (Elsa State Bank and Trust Co.). Seated, from left: Barbara Reynolds (Echo Hotel and Conference Center); Stephanie Ozuna (University of Texas- Pan American); Karen Pittman (IBC Bank); and Adrián Rendón (Boys and Girls Club of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley).
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The March of Dimes and its Signature Chef Committee invite area residents to the 5th Annual Signature Chefs Auction to be held on Tuesday, October 28, at the Kalos Event Center in Mission. Top local chefs prepare their signature dishes to raise awareness and resources to help March of Dimes prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. “March of Dimes paves the way for premature babies to develop in a way that will allow them to have a healthy childhood and we are excited to be doing our part to make an impact in our community through this event,” said Perla Tamez, 2014 Signature Chefs Auction Chair. The 2014 Signature Chef Committee are: Standing, from left: Melisa Tejada; David Aguirre; and Yirla González Nolan. Seated, from left: Sarah Hammond; Giselle Mascarenhas-Villarreal; Perla Tamez; and Elizabeth Aguirre. Committee members Larry Delgado and Pepe Cabeza de Vaca are not pictured. See story later in this posting.
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The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce recently received four honors, including two First Place showings, at the recent Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) Annual Excellence Awards held in College Station. The local chamber of commerce earned First Place in Marketing Campaign for the annual Texas Cook’Em: High Steaks in Edinburg; First Place in Brochures; Second Place in Directory/Magazine for its Edinburg Community Guide; and Second Place in Maps. The overall competition had more than 225 entries from which the best were judged by panels of experts in the specific field around the state,” said Ray Hernández, TCCE Vice-Chairman of Communications and Chair of the 2014 Media Awards. Local chambers from Texas convened on Monday, June 23, for the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives Annual Awards. Featured, from left: Martín Rivas, Director of Membership, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; Letty González, President, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; Imelda Rodriguez, Director of Tourism, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; and Ronnie Larralde, Director of Marketing/Special Events, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. See story later in this posting.
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Jaclyn Treviño, Public Affairs Multimedia Coordinator for Hidalgo County, featured center, on Tuesday, July 29, was recognized by the county commissioners court for receiving the Award of Excellence from the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers. Her statewide honor was bestowed upon her for a video she wrote, directed, shot, and produced for Precinct 2 called Working for You. Her video was made to inform the public of what Hidalgo County Precinct 2 is doing for the residents of the region and was shown at Town Hall meetings. “Congratulations are in order for our extraordinary Jackie Treviño,” said Julia Benítez Sullivan, Public Affairs Director for Hidalgo County. “It’s always good when Hidalgo County receives statewide recognition.” Treviño thanked Precinct 2 Commissioner Héctor “Tito” Palacios and his staff, Raúl Silguero, Erika Zamora and Carlos Jasso. “They were very helpful in providing me with all of the information and tools I needed to complete the project,” said Treviño. “Their collaboration was instrumental in making this video a success.” Working for You received second place honors. The City of Arlington took first place and the City of Plano placed third. Hidalgo County competed against municipalities with populations of more than 200,000. There were more than 300 entries submitted and Treviño’s video was selected from 80 finalists. Featured, from left: Julia Benítez Sullivan, Public Affairs Director for Hidalgo County; Jaclyn Treviño, Public Affairs Multimedia Coordinator for Hidalgo County; and Yolanda Chapa, Chief Administrator for Hidalgo County Judge Ramón García.
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As part of the continued efforts of the State of Texas to combat human trafficking, Rep. Óscar Longoria, Jr., D-La Joya, featured left, hosted the Joint Interim Committee To Study Human Trafficking for a public hearing on Thursday, July 24, 2014 at 10 a.m. at the Nellie Schunior Central Administration Building, 201 W. Expressway 83, in La Joya. Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, also is a member of that legislative panel. The committee heard testimony on ways to further combat human trafficking along the Texas border and region, and discussed services available to victims. “Human trafficking has been a very serious issue in Texas for decades,” said Longoria, who represents House District 35. “We have seen this issue increase throughout the years, especially here in the South Texas border, where we have experienced an overwhelming number of immigrants crossing from Mexico into the United States within the last three years. The thousands of men, women, and children who make the journey to cross through our border are subject to, and in many cases have become victims of human trafficking.” Featured, from left: Rep. Roberto Alonzo, D-Dallas; Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston; Milda Mora, Chief Committee Clerk; Rep. Óscar Longoria, Jr., D-La Joya, and Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, See story later in this posting.
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Gov. Rick Perry on Monday, August 4, announced that the state is offering $2.3 million from the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) to bring SpaceX’s commercial rocket launch facility to Cameron County. Contingent upon final approval of local agreements and receipt of additional required permits, this facility will create 300 jobs and pump $85 million in capital investment into the local economy. “Texas has been on the forefront of our nation’s space exploration efforts for decades, so it is fitting that SpaceX has chosen our state as they expand the frontiers of commercial space flight,” Perry said. “In addition to growing the aerospace industry in Texas, SpaceX’s facility will provide myriad opportunities for STEM education in South Texas, and inspire a new generation of Texas engineers and innovators.” Featured in this image is a successful static fire in March in preparation for a mission to the International Space Station. The mission, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, took place in mid-April, with the Falcon 9 rocket sending the Dragon spacecraft on SpaceX’s third commercial re-supply mission and fourth visit to the space station. See story later in this posting.
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Louis Dartez, an alumnus of The University of Texas at Brownsville, on Monday, August 4, faced a room crowded with television cameras, reporters and civic officials at a press conference held at the offices of the Brownsville Economic Development Council. Representing physics students, Dartez had been asked to comment on the day’s big announcement that Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, has selected Boca Chica Beach as a launch site for its Falcon 9 rocket. “You all have changed my life,” said Dartez, citing the many individuals and entities that have worked on obtaining this project for more than three years. “The decision by SpaceX to select our area benefits the students of today and tomorrow.” SpaceX ended months of speculation that the rocket company would choose Cameron County and build the world’s first vertical rocket launch site at Boca Chica Beach to complement its existing launch sites at Vandenberg, California, and Cape Canaveral, Florida. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk made the official announcement through a news release from Gov. Rick Perry’s office. “This is a historical moment for the greater Brownsville region and the state of Texas,” said Brownsville Mayor Tony Martínez. “This would never have succeeded but for the immense support of the people of Brownsville, all of its surrounding neighbors and the state. We will ensure that SpaceX has everything they need in order to be successful in the Greater Brownsville Borderplex.”
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The University of Texas System Board of Regents, meeting in Austin on Thursday, July 10, approved a proposal to ask state lawmakers to authorize $42.5 million in tuition revenue bonds to help pay for construction of a $50 million Interdisciplinary Engineering and Academic Studies Building at the Edinburg campus of UT-Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg Mayor Richard García, featured left, has announced. Dr. Guy Bailey, the President of The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, is shown here with the mayor during a legislative briefing on Tuesday, June 17, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. The $50 million Interdisciplinary Engineering and Academic Studies Building would be built on the campus quad – its open-air courtyard – west of the Edinburg campus’ main library. “This project (Interdisciplinary Engineering and Academic Studies Building in Edinburg) would create an additional 124,304 GSF (gross square feet) with 80,798 assignable square feet of much needed space. The spaces will include a large lecture auditorium with a 250-seat capacity, several 150-seat lecture halls, 60-seat classrooms, and faculty offices,” noted a UT System synopsis of the project. “The project will also include an outdoor pavilion to be used as a gathering area and study space to relieve pressure on more expensive indoor space and also to support academic events.” Agustín “Gus” García, Executive Director for the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, said the EEDC and the Edinburg City Council would continue to be champions for UT-RGV and its UT medical school, not only before the UT System Board of Regents, but also at the state legislative levels. “Edinburg’s top leadership, featuring the Edinburg City Council and the EEDC Board of Directors, has a long and distinguished history of proven support and effectiveness for higher education, not only in our community, but Valleywide,” said Gus García. “We know the legislative system in Austin, we benefit from an outstanding state legislative delegation, and we have friends and allies in key places in the UT System. We will be partners in the continuing transformation of UT-RGV into a university of the first-class.” See lead story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Jul 9, 2014 | Politics
Edinburg’s retail economy in April 2014 showed an improvement of almost 19 percent over the same month last year, leading all major Valley cities, which also showed big gains, Edinburg Mayor Richard García, featured third from right, has announced. Edinburg’s most recent economic showing is almost double the average of all Texas cities, which came in with a 10.7 percent monthly increase over April 2013, according to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Based on the amount of local sales taxes collected, which reflects the strength of an economy, Edinburg’s retail sector generated more than $1.5 million in local sales taxes in April 2014, compared with almost $1.3 million in April 2013. For the first four months of 2014, Edinburg’s retail economy also posted a double-digit upswing over the same period last year, generating $9,544,069.69 in local sales taxes, compared with $8,488,722.44 for January through April 2013 – a rise of 12.43 percent. García, who also serves as president of the five-member Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors (EEDC), said the April 2014 and January through April 2014 year-to-date figures reflect Edinburg’s reputation as a preferred city in which to set up a business, work, and live. “When I say our ‘growing community’, I mean specifically a community growing at a rate of 5.3 percent since the last 2010 census,” the mayor reported. “Today, Edinburg is ranked the third largest city in the Rio Grande Valley with almost 85,000 residents after the annexation of 2,200 acres this past year. Edinburg continues its commitment to attracting and building quality of life projects like the new $8.5 million Parks, Recreation and Wellness Center that is currently under construction at South Park. Four gyms, one which will be a practice gym for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers as well as for the Houston Rockets.” Featured from left on Tuesday, July 1 at Edinburg City Hall, are: Cynthia Contreras Gutiérrez, General Counsel, Edinburg Economic Development Corporation; Nelda T. Ramírez, Assistant Executive Director, EEDC; Agustín “Gus” García, Executive Director, EEDC; Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, Interim President, The University of Texas-Pan American and Member, Board of Directors, EEDC; Renata Marques, Attorney-at-Law, Max Paul and Associates in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Max Paul, Attorney-at-Law, Max Paul and Associates, Rio de Janeiro; Mayor Richard García, President, Board of Directors, EEDC; Fred Palacios, Secretary-Treasurer, Board of Directors, EEDC; and Steven Edward Cruz, III, Member, Board of Directors, EEDC. Max Paul is the President of the Texan Chamber of Commerce in Brazil. See story about Edinburg’s retail economy later in this posting.
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As tens of thousands of unaccompanied children flee violence in Central America in a desperate effort to join family members in the U.S., Texas must take more active roles in helping protect them while the federal government deals with the growing “humanitarian crisis” along the U.S.-Mexico border, including in the Valley, says Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg. “In America, we do not turn a blind eye to the powerless, the weak, the sick, and especially to innocent children,” said Canales. “In Texas and in the Valley, we do not blame people for being victims.” In a related development, Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, on Wednesday, June 18, announced the appropriations of $1.3 million a week, until the end of 2014, for the Texas Department of Public Safety to conduct law enforcement surge operations to help the plight of these children and to protect them and Texas citizens from any criminal elements which seek to exploit this tragedy, Canales added. “I applaud the decision by state officials to provide additional funding to assist the Rio Grande Valley in what has become a humanitarian crisis,” Canales said. “We need real solutions to cope with the recent immigration surge in deep South Texas.” Straus, who was in Edinburg on Tuesday, June 17, called the situation along the Texas-Mexico border “a very serious problem. “Tens of thousands of young people have come into the United States, often from Mexico and Central America. This rush of young migrants has overwhelmed federal officials and could make the border region more vulnerable to criminal activity such as drug trafficking and human smuggling operations,” Straus said. “I was in the Rio Grande Valley earlier this week and visited with border patrol officers and state and local law enforcement officials about the situation on the ground and the effect of this influx on security efforts.” Featured, during a Saturday, June 14 legislative briefing at the Border Patrol holding facilities in McAllen, are, from left, bottom to top: Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo/McAllen; Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville; and Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg. Featured, on right, second and third from the bottom, respectively: Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Palmview; and Hidalgo County Judge Ramón García.
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Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Palmview, featured right speaking with McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, was appointed on Wednesday, July 2, by Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, to the Select Committee on the Fiscal Impact of Texas Border Support Operations. The special legislative panel will examine the short- and long-term budgetary effects of addressing increased activity along the Texas-Mexico border by thousands of undocumented immigrants from Central America fleeing violence and poverty in their nations. Rep. Óscar Longoria, Jr., D-La Joya, also was appointed to that legislative panel. Muñoz, who was addressing the McAllen mayor on Tuesday, June 17, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, said the thousands of Central American immigrants, especially children and their mothers, prompted the state’s top leadership to call for a surge of Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers along the Rio Grande Valley border region. Among its duties, the DPS is conducting law enforcement operations. The committee will monitor the costs of those operations and other services associated with increased border crossings. “It is quite an honor to accept this appointment and get right to work on these very pressing issues that are directly affecting our communities in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Muñoz. “It will be my priority to devise a system that rewards the great work that is being done by our local governments and communities by reimbursing the significant costs they bear by supporting what is ultimately a federal responsibility. A federal reimbursement revenue stream will allow our state and local governments to sustain the response to the humanitarian crisis and provide for adequate border security.” See story later in this posting.
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Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, D-Harlingen, featured left, and Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Palmview (not in this image), have announced that a task force has been created to develop The Rio Grande Valley Regional Alert System, which is designed to help law enforcement agencies find missing or kidnapped residents or criminals involved abductions. Currently there are 17 regional alert systems across Texas – but not in the Valley – serving a majority of Texans by providing alerts in those respective regions. Lucio and Muñoz on Tuesday, June 11 met in Weslaco with law enforcement, emergency management, and bridge officials from across the Rio Grande Valley to discuss the progress of the Regional Alert System for the Rio Grande Valley. “It’s important to understand that we are not trying to replace the current state alert systems that exist now,” Lucio explained. “Every department we have spoken to has acknowledged a need to create a regional alert system that would help during the crucial, critical hours of a person being reported missing.” In this photograph, taken on Tuesday, June 17 at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, Lucio and Ernest “Ernie” Aliseda of McAllen, who serves on the nine-member University of Texas System Board of Regents, greet constituents. See story later in this posting.
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Edinburg’s unemployment rate for May 2014 was 6.1 percent, the best showing in the city for that month since May 2008, and the second-best figure for all cities in May 2014 in the Rio Grande Valley, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has announced. The EEDC is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council. In addition, Edinburg’s labor force was the third largest in the Valley, with 33,485 persons employed in the city in May 2014. The area’s two most populous cities, Brownsville and McAllen, posted larger numbers with 63,313 and 58,523 individuals, respectively, employed in May 2014. For the month of May 2014, only McAllen (5.8 percent) had a better figure than Edinburg (6.1 percent), while the other major communities in the Valley had unemployment rates that ranged from 6.7 percent in Harlingen to 8.9 percent in Brownsville. The Valley’s three other most populous cities also had unemployment rates for May 2014 in single-digits: Mission (6.8 percent), Pharr (7.3 percent), and Weslaco (8.2 percent). These latest figures were released on Friday, June 20, by the Texas Workforce Commission, which is the state agency charged with overseeing and providing workforce development services to employers and job-seekers in Texas. The ongoing favorable employment figures for Edinburg are consistent with what Mayor Richard García, who also serves as President of the EEDC Board of Directors, envisions for this year. “So what is next?” the mayor, featured second from right on Wednesday, February 26, asks rhetorically. “What is on the horizon tomorrow for Edinburg?” Among planned and ongoing projects which will lead to more jobs in the coming months are: a series of master planned, multi-family, luxury projects with full amenities (pools, sauna, office and recreational space, and gyms); a slew of important road and infrastructure projects, including the expansion of FM 1925 (Monte Cristo Road), that will also connect to 10th street, converting it a five-lane roadway; and hotel developments for Edinburg, including a Holiday Inn Express, located at the corner of Closner and Trenton, which features a new prototype design for Texas, and set to open in early 2o15. The site also will include a restaurant pad site. The planned construction of a $70 million University of Texas-Pan American Science Complex and a $54 million University of Texas medical school classroom facility in Edinburg will boost job numbers once those projects get underway in earnest in the coming months. Featured, from left: Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Dr. Francisco Fernández, Dean of the School of Medicine at UT-Rio Grande Valley; Mayor Richard García; and Councilmember Richard Molina. See story later in this posting.
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Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, on Wednesday, June 26, was appointed as Chairman of the Subcommittee to Study the Potential Closures of State Supported Living Centers (SSLCs). Texas houses 13 SSLCs that are state-run residential facilities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are campus-based 24-hour direct services facilities that are overseen by the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). “We need a solution that recognizes the critical services that SSLCs provide to so many of our residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, but that also addresses the safety and quality control issues, the aging infrastructure, and the enormous budget costs associated with running these facilities,” said Hinojosa. “I am honored to chair this subcommittee and am looking forward to a coordinated approach with members and stakeholders to develop a plan that will set up criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of these SSLCs while at the same time improving community-based services.” The South Texas senator is featured here on Thursday, April 24, being interviewed in Edinburg by Zoraly Nuñez-Ramos with Noticias 48, KNVO-TV of McAllen. See story later in this posting.
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More students at The University of Texas-Pan American will get an extra boost toward achieving their dream of a law career thanks to a generous grant from The Texas Bar Foundation to support the University’s Law School Preparation Institute (LSPI). The $16,000 grant will assist 10 LSPI students with the cost of books, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) preparation courses and provide them a stipend while enrolled in the rigorous five-week summer course. Initiated in 2001, LSPI has continually yielded success, boasting a 90 percent acceptance rate for LSPI graduates who apply to law school, averaging much higher than the national acceptance rate of 60 percent. Over the years, numerous LSPI graduates have been accepted to law schools across the country, including Texas Tech University, Southern Methodist University and St. Mary’s University as well as The University of California at Berkeley, Indiana University, Penn State and Georgetown University, among many others. Featured at the recent check presentation ceremony celebrating the $16,000 grant are, from left: Dr. John Darcy, professor and LSPI Co-Director; Velinda Reyes, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations; Dr. Walter Díaz, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences; Dr. Robert S. Nelsen, UTPA President; Alejandra Martínez, LSPI graduate; Lorena Castillo, Texas Bar Foundation trustee; Verónica Gonzáles, Vice President for University Advancement; Lydia Alemán, Associate Vice President for University Advancement; and Dan Worthington, attorney and Texas Bar Foundation Fellow. See story later in this posting.
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The Hidalgo County District Clerk Office on Friday, June 27, presented a check totaling $3,000 to the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley as part of their Blues for Bucks Workplace Fundraising Campaign, a program benefitting local charitable organizations. “Our Blues for Bucks program is a great way for our staff to become engaged and contribute to worthy causes in our community such as the Food Bank of the RGV,” said Laura Hinojosa, Hidalgo County District Clerk. “We are honored to help support an organization that is committed to overcoming poverty and hunger in our community and is making a huge difference in lives of children and families throughout the region.” The Food Bank of the RGV was founded in 1983 and incorporated in 1986 to serve as a clearinghouse for smaller food pantries and on-site feeding organizations. It serves as a champion to those organizations that focus on making food accessible to the Valley and is passionately committed to ending hunger. District Clerk personnel and Food Bank officials featured, from left, front row: Mónica Valdéz; Virginia Granados; April Lizcano; María Elva Garza; Brenda Pérez; Jasmine Cruz; Yanira Hernández; Melinda Sotuyo; Zayra Narváez; and Esmeralda Mendoza. Middle row, from left: Rose Ávalos; Aída Villarreal; María Barrera; Victoria Michelle Mancha; Ana De Luna; Joseph González; Krystal Hidalgo; and Claudia Lemus. Back row, from left: Yésica Garza; Sabrina Guerra; Irineo Razo; Jesse Castillo; Phillip Farías; Terry Drefke, Chief Executive Officer, Food Bank RGV; Laura Hinojosa, Hidalgo County District Clerk; Ana De Luna; and Pablo Campos. See story later in this posting.
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A detailed legislative look, requested by Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, and Edinburg Mayor Richard Garcia, featured center, into how Mexico’s planned, landmark energy reform will benefit the Valley and Texas economies, has been authorized by Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus, featured left. On Tuesday, July 1, Straus instructed the House Energy Resources Committee, of which Canales is a member, and the House International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee to work on developing information and strategies to help Texas prepare for, and benefit from, Mexico’s efforts to tap into the huge reservoir of oil and natural gas in the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, and Coahuila. With Mexico finalizing a major energy reform predicted to generate more than $1 trillion over the next 10 years in prosperity for Northern Mexico and South Texas, Canales and the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation – led by the Edinburg mayor – want Texas to be ready to help transform their home region into an even more influential international economic power. “There is an energy revolution about to take place in Northern Mexico just south of the Valley and Laredo, which stands to greatly affect our region and state,” said Canales. “The Texas Legislature must be educated concerning recent events in Mexico, how this will improve energy independence for the United States, and how our economies on both sides of the border will dramatically benefit.” Recently, Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto announced that his government would, for the first time, support foreign and private investment and participation in PEMEX, the energy giant owned by the Mexican federal government. This development is tied to the explosive growth and extraordinary findings known as Eagle Ford Shale located north of the Valley. “U.S. manufacturers, transportation companies, and service providers want to be closer to Mexico but maintain a presence in Texas,” the mayor reflected. Featured on Tuesday, June 17, for a legislative briefing with Straus at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, are, from left: Speaker of the House Joe Straus, R-San Antonio; Michael J. Blum, Partner and Managing Broker, NAI Rio Grande Valley of McAllen; Dr. Guy Bailey, President, The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley; and former Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen, Vice President for University Advancement, The University of Texas-Pan American. Standing in the background is Aisa Showery, Communications Liaison for Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra, D-McAllen. See lead story in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | May 31, 2014 | Politics
Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and other state leaders on Saturday, March 29, led a tribute to Texas veterans who served or were killed during the Vietnam War with the unveiling and dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Monument on the Texas State Capitol Grounds. The ceremony was held on Texas Vietnam Veterans Day, which marks the anniversary of the day the last American combat troops left Vietnam. “As a Vietnam veteran for the U.S. Marine Corps, I understand the difficult sacrifices that our military families endure on a daily basis,” Hinojosa said. “The Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument honors and thanks our fallen Vietnam heroes and their families for their ultimate sacrifice of defending our freedom, and welcomes those who came home and fought with great courage and resilience.It is our hope that this monument will ensure that the memory of our Texas Vietnam Heroes lives on. Semper Fi.” The monument is a 14-foot-tall bronze sculpture featuring five seven-foot tall infantry figures in patrol positions situated atop an eight-sided base. Designed to represent the diversity of Texas Vietnam Veterans, the figures will be Hispanic-American, African-American, Asian, Native-American, and Caucasian. The Texas Vietnam Heroes Exhibit is a visual representation of the 3,417 Texans who did not survive to come home from Vietnam. It was designed by Excalibur Exhibits and consists of hand-embossed dog tags featuring the name, rank, branch of service, and date of loss and home of record for each veteran. See lead story in this posting.
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Dr. Guy Bailey, the newly-selected president of The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, will find that South Texans are determined to see higher education in the Valley reach a world-class level, say Edinburg city and state leaders. Bailey, 63, has served as chancellor of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the president of Texas Tech University and the University of Alabama, and provost of The University of Texas at San Antonio. On Monday, April 28, the UT System Board of Regents, which met in Austin, selected Bailey as the sole finalist for the historic position of founding president for UT-Rio Grande Valley. “I am very impressed with his credentials and accomplishments, but it is the people of the Valley who will impress him,” said Canales, whose House District 40 includes UT-Pan American, the UT-Regional Academic Health Center Medical Research Division, and a planned major component of the new UT medical school for the Valley. Featured, from left, during a reception on Friday, May 16, at The University of Texas-Pan American, are: Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg; former Rep. VerónicaGonzáles, D-McAllen, who now serves as Vice President for University Advancement, The University of Texas-Pan American; Edinburg Mayor Richard García; Dr. Guy Bailey, President, The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley; Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes; Ernest “Ernie” Aliseda, Member, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System; and Rio Grande City Mayor Rubén A. Villarreal. See story later in this posting.
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The majority of the Rio Grande Valley legislative delegation celebrates in the House of Representatives chamber soon after the final House passage in 2013 of Senate Bill 24, authored by Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and Rep. René Oliveira, D-Brownsville, which will bring a full-fledged University of Texas medical school to the Rio Grande Valley. The planned UT medical school, which is set to open in the fall of 2016 with an enrollment of 50 students, will have an economic impact to the four-county region of more than $1 billion a year when it grows into a UT health science center. This image, taken on May 23, 2013, features, front row from left: Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission (seated); Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, D-San Benito; and Rep. Armando “Mando” Martínez, D-Weslaco. Standing, back row, from left: Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville; Rep. René Oliveira, D-Brownsville; Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg; Rep. Óscar Longoria, Jr., D-La Joya; Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra, D-McAllen; Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas; and Rep. Ryan Guillén, D-Rio Grande City. See story later in this posting.
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Details of a proposal to donate up to five acres of prime real estate in southwest Edinburg – valued at more than $2 million – to serve as the site of the planned administrative headquarters for the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley have been made public by MVP Partnership, L.T.D. of McAllen.The offer, submitted by prominent attorney José E. García on behalf of MVP Partnership, L.T.D., would benefit the UT System, UT-Rio Grande Valley, and the McAllen-Edinburg-Pharr-Mission Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) by placing the key headquarters, with its prestigious economic, academic, and political resources, in the heart of one of the Valley’s most influential, safest, and attractive regions.The site being offered by MVP Partnership, L.T.D. is located by the intersection of Trenton Road and McColl Road in Edinburg, immediately north of the campuses of Doctors Hospital at Renaissance and adjoining medical offices and businesses. It is within easy access to all major hospitals in Edinburg, including Edinburg Regional Medical Center and Edinburg Children’s Hospital, the University of Texas-Pan American, the planned UT-RGV medical school, and minutes away from some of the most distinguished neighborhoods and bustling business, medical, and entertainment corridors in Edinburg and McAllen. Featured on Friday, May 16, at The University of Texas-Pan American, from left: Dr. Miguel Nevárez, former president of the University of Texas-Pan American; Dr. Guy Bailey, President, The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley; and Jose E. García. See story later in this posting.
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Leaders for Texas National Bank in Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (RGVHCC) on Thursday, May 22, hosted a summer mixer to educate area residents of the loan packages and other financial services available through Texas National Bank for current and prospective business owners. The event took place at the bank, located at 4809 South Jackson Road. “Are you looking for loan? Learn of all the different loan possibilities that Texas National Bank offers,” noted Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, President and CEO of the RGVHCC. “Also learn of the award-winning membership benefits that the RGV Hispanic Chamber offers. Anyone can become a member of the chamber.” Individuals do not have to be Hispanic to be a member, she added. The RGVHCC has many services for its membership, including lobbying state and federal leaders on public education, international affairs, and women and health-related issues. Featured during final preparations for the May 22 event are, seated from left: Gina Ayala; Odilia Chaidez; Mayra Woloski; Linda Vera; and Ester Medrano. Standing, from left: Rubén Plata, Executive Vice President, Texas National Bank; Mario Lozano; Omar Rodríguez; Frank Davila; Pete Morales; James Flores; Millie Smith; Laura Galván; Leo Treviño; Connie González; Mary Elizondo; Ernesto López; Navil González; Joe Quiroga, President, Texas National Bank; and Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, President and CEO, Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
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The Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) has announce that five employees with Edwards Abstract and Title Company, with its headquarters in Edinburg have successfully completed the requirements and passed a rigorous examination to earn the professional certification designations from TLTA. To become TLTA certified, a candidate must meet certain eligibility requirements in work experience, education and professional involvement, and then successfully pass an examination. Each designation represents a measure of achievement and proficiency in the Texas title insurance industry and distinguishes these highly motivated individuals. Edwards Abstract and Title Company associates who have earned professional certification designations from the Texas Land Title Association are, featured from left: Martha (Marty) García, CESA (Sr. Escrow Officer – Mission); Marilyn De Luna, CAEA, CESA, CTIA (Regional Escrow Automation Manager/Sr. Escrow Officer – McAllen); Byron Jay Lewis, CTIA (Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer – Edinburg); Mariana Ragousis-Ramírez, CESA, CTIA (Escrow Officer – McAllen); and Mary A. Barrientos, CESA (Mission Branch Manager/Sr. Escrow Officer). See story later in this posting.
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The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber Women’s Committee is preparing for the RGV Women of Distinction Awards Dinner to be held on Saturday, June 19, at The Social Club in Edinburg. The evening will celebrate women who have excelled in their fields. It will consist of a dinner, shopping, entertainment and the 2014 awards. Individual tickets may be purchased for $10 while a Table for 10 is available for $500. The committee is asking for nominations from the public in the following categories: Professional, Humanitarian, Education, Government, Entrepreneur, Arts and Entertainment; and Rising Star. Qualified nominees are those women who have helped the community and excelled in their field, and who have encouraged other women to succeed. The RGVHCC Women’s Committee will also be scheduling workshops, in the forms of luncheons or evening gathering, relating to women’s issues. “We welcome women to become involved in the Women’s Committee and get to know other successful women who are willing to help women. The Women’s Committee also has an event at the end of the year called ‘Ladies Night Out’, which includes pampering, shopping, silent auction and a male style show,” said Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, RGVHCC President and Chief Executive Officer. Women’s Committee leaders, featured from left, are:,Sharon Almaguer, attorney; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, RGVHCC President/CEO; Brenda Lee Huerta, Chair-Elect, RGVHCC; Hannah Burleson; Connie Huerta, New York Life; and Eve Mullis, Women’s Assistant Basketball Coach, The University of Texas-Pan American. More information on the Women of Distinction and/or the RGVHCC is available by calling 928-0060.
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Edinburg’s retail economy in March 2014 showed an improvement of almost 11 percent over the same month last year, representing one of the best gains among major Valley economies, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has announced. The EEDC is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council. Edinburg also registered a rate of growth better than the state average for March 2014, which showed a 5.6 percent increase over the same month in 2013. Based on the amount of local sales taxes collected, which reflects the strength of an economy, Edinburg’s retail sector generated more than $1.7 million in local sales taxes in March 2014, compared with almost $1.6 million in March 2013. For the first three months of 2014, Edinburg’s retail economy also posted a double-digit upswing over the same period last year, generating $8,028,833.80 in local sales taxes, compared with $7,214,163.81 for January through March 2013 – a rise of 11.29 percent. Mayor Richard García, who also serves as president of the five-member Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, said the March 2014 and January through March 2014 quarterly figures are consistent with the economic goals and strategies of the Edinburg City Council, the EEDC Board of Directors, and city and EEDC staff. “The greatest measure of a community’s growth, we believe, is the growth in sales tax,” the mayor observed. “This kind of success and growth does not happen without vision, planning, and a very deliberate plan of action. Our City Council and our city staff are a team of professionals whose focus, priority, and responsibility is this, our beloved city.” The positive retail sales figures are helped by dozens of new and planned businesses in the past year, he added. “When it comes to economic development we have more than 50 new businesses that have opened within the last year or are under construction right now aimed at improving our quality of life: Wal-Mart with 360 new jobs and a new planned HEB along with Taco Palenque, two Starbucks, IHop, Two Popeye’s, University Drafthouse, Thirsty Bronc, Kahn’s Grill, Chic-Fil-A, Wingstop, Subway, Pizza Hut, Siempre Natural, Sally’s Beauty Supply, Easy Cuts, Moon Beans, Drunken Clam, Burrito Bar, Lanadees, La Mexicana, Taquería el Zarape, Pizza Patrón, Walgreens, CVS, McDonalds, Las Cazuelas, Big Lots, Party City, Carters, Burkes Outlet, GNC, Melrose, Chopstix, Gorditas Doña Tota, Dairy Queen, Cordons Taste of Chicago, CTC Distributing, Johnny’s True Value,” García noted. Featured from left: Laura Lee Vela, Administrative Assistant, EEDC; Cynthia Contreras Gutiérrez, General Counsel, EEDC; Nelda T. Ramírez, Assistant Executive Director, EEDC; Leticia Reyes, Director of Business Development and Public Affairs, EEDC; Mayor Richard García; Fred Palacios, Secretary-Treasurer, Board of Directors, EEDC; and Agustín “Gus” García, Executive Director, EEDC. See story later in this posting.
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Edinburg’s unemployment rate for April 2014 was 5.5 percent, the best showing in the city for any month since January 2008, and the second-best figure for all cities that month in the Rio Grande Valley, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has announced. The EEDC is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg City Council. This latest positive news comes as Walmart announced the opening of its third major store in Edinburg. Mayor Richard García, featured left, who also serves as president of the five-member Board of Directors for the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, noted that the city’s third Wal-Mart (the most among all Valley communities) is taking advantage of one of Edinburg’s key assets: U.S. Expressway 281/I69-Central. Located just south of the Shoppes at Rio Grande Valley, the new Walmart has created 300 new jobs for the region. It is near the intersection of U.S. 281/I69-Central and Canton Road, an area that in the past few years has become one of busiest in the city, the mayor said. “The region’s Expressway 281/I69-Central is a huge piece of the success today and even greater of what to expect tomorrow: 13.5 miles of U.S. Highway 281/I69-Central from FM 2812 to the Pharr Interchange,” said García. Edinburg has the largest amount of freeway frontage than any other community in the Rio Grande Valley, “to the tune of 18 miles” compared to the three other largest cities with an estimated two miles of frontage each, he added. “This immense opportunity for growth has been discovered by large investors like Bert Ogden with the new Infinity Dealership, Fiesta Chevrolet, Holt Caterpillar, Walmart, HEB, the Shoppes at Rio Grande, the master planned community of La Sienna and our exciting mega-arena development,” García said. The mega-arena project involves a planned $50 million special events center to be built just off U.S. Expressway 281/I69-Central. For the month of April 2014, only McAllen (5.4 percent) had a better figure than Edinburg (5.5 percent), while the other major communities in the Valley had unemployment rates that ranged from 6.3 percent in Harlingen to 8.6 percent in Brownsville. The Valley’s three other most populous cities also had unemployment rates for April 2014 in single-digits: Mission (6.8 percent), Pharr (6.9 percent), and Weslaco (8.6 percent). From left in this image from May 19 at the University of Texas-Pan American are Edinburg Mayor Richard García, Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, and Rio Grande City Mayor Rubén O. Villarreal. See story later 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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