by Legislative Media | Jun 28, 2010 | Politics
Texas Transportation Commission officials, joined by Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, Hidalgo County Judge René A. Ramírez, Hidalgo County Commissioner Héctor “Tito” Palacios, and other local transportation leaders, on Thursday, June 24, announced $78.5 million in pass-through funds for two major Hidalgo County transportation projects that will connect NAFTA truck traffic from the five ports to area industrial zones and to U.S. Highway 281. The funds are leveraging an estimated $400 million in local revenue that will be used toward building major components of the proposed Trade Corridor Connector (TCC) and the International Bridge Trade Corridor (IBTC). “My colleagues in the Texas Legislature and I are proud of the progress we’ve made in securing critical funding for building the physical infrastructure in South Texas," said Hinojosa. "We need to sustain that progress, especially during difficult budget times, so that industry and commerce can continue to thrive in this fast-growing region." Featured following the funding action by the Transportation Commission are, from left: Jacinto Garza, P.E.; Michael G. Cano, a member of the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) board of directors; Dennis Burleson, chairman of the Hidalgo County RMA board of directors; Hidalgo County Judge René A. Ramírez; Hidalgo County Commissioner Héctor “Tito” Palacios; and Godrey Garza, executive director for the Hidalgo County RMA. See lead story in this posting.
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McAllen attorney Gary Gurwitz, featured left in this file photo, on Wednesday, June 23, was selected by his colleagues to serve as chairman of the South Texas College Board of Trustees, setting into play the political leadership structure which soon will have to deal with yet-undisclosed expansion plans for the two-county community college system – and how to pay for it. Gurwitz, flanked by Mike Allen, who he succeeded as chairman, immediately had to deal with other money issues during the trustees’ special meeting, held at the Pecan Campus in McAllen. The STC governing board approved pay raises, effective September 1, ranging from three percent to five percent, for all STC employees, and authorized a five percent cut in its current budget, the result of a mandated $1.5 million drop in state revenues. See story later in this posting.
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National, state and local leaders on Thursday, June 24, gathered at South Texas College’s Technology Campus in McAllen to celebrate the regional launch of the English for Manufacturing and the Skilled Trades Initiative. The initiative training consists of an interactive, technology-based curriculum derived from the proven and innovative language learning program, Sed de Saber. The program ensures efficient and functional acquisition of workplace communication skills, such as understanding directions and important health and safety measures, using proper manufacturing vocabulary, and reading and interpreting administrative forms. Featured, front from left: Jennifer McNelly, senior vice president for The Manufacturing Institute; Andrés Alcantar, commissioner representing the public for the Texas Workforce Commission; and Blas Castañeda, chief external affairs and economic development officer for Laredo Community College. Featured from left, back row: Rose Benavidez, vice-chair of the STC Board of Trustees; Rafael Vargas, account manager for Sed de Saber; Wanda Garza, executive officer, the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative; and Keith Patridge, CEO for the McAllen Economic Development Corporation. See story later in this posting.
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Have competitive employees? Want to promote your company while giving your employees an opportunity to bond and have a good time? Sign up for the annual McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Summer Corporate Olympics, scheduled for Friday, August 6 at the La Vista Park. The $500 entry fee will cover 30 employees, friends or relatives with an Olympic company t-shirt, food and beverages. The Summer Corporate Olympics has games for both individuals and for team competition. A limit of 14 teams is allowed. Featured making preparations for the Summer Corporate Olympics and representing the games in the upcoming event, are, front row, from left: Jeanette Noone, Tug-of-War; Dianela Morantes, Volleyball Tournament; Rudy Cordova, Spinning Bat; and Julio García with the Tug-of-War. Back row, from left: Blake Kelley; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki with the Sack Race; Rick Cavazos with the Shot Put and the Horseshoe Toss; and Mireya Lozano and Hilda Solis with the 3-Legged Sack Race. For more information call the MHCC office at 928-0060.
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Prospective contestants for the Miss Edinburg Pageant, which will be held on August 14, have until Wednesday, June 30 to submit their applications for the event, says Minerva Olivarez, Director for the Miss Edinburg Pageant, who is featured left. Letty González, president with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, is featured right during the pageant update. Contestants for Miss Edinburg Teen should be between 14 and 16 years of age, while contestants for Miss Edinburg should be between 17 and 20 years of age. All candidates must be Edinburg residents. Winners will receive scholarships in the Teen and Miss divisions, be awarded a crystal crown, roses, banner and other awards. Winners will have the opportunity to represent the City of Edinburg at various functions such as socials, luncheons and ribbon cuttings. “We are so excited about the upcoming pageant and look forward to meeting all interested applicants. Miss Edinburg and Miss Edinburg Teen will be highlighted throughout the city of Edinburg. This will be a great honor to receive. We welcome you all,” said Olivarez. More information is available by calling Olivarez at 956/929-0510 or via e-mail at: [email protected] .
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by Legislative Media | Apr 16, 2010 | Politics
David V. Aguilar, an Edinburg native and 1974 graduate of Edinburg High School, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate effective Sunday, April 11, as Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Aguilar was named Acting Deputy Commissioner on January 3 following the retirement of Acting Commissioner Jayson P. Ahern, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate effective April 11th. As Deputy Commissioner, Aguilar is responsible for securing, managing, and controlling our Nation’s borders. Aguilar serves as the Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the daily operations of CBP’s 57,000-employee workforce and managing an operating budget of more than $11 billion. Aguilar’s primary focus will be to ensure that CBP’s mission of protecting the nation’s borders from terrorists and terrorist weapons is carried out effectively in partnership and unison with our nation’s other federal, state, local and foreign partners. See story later in this posting.
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Area leaders, including Hidalgo County Judge René A. Ramírez, featured second from left during the December 21, 2009 ribbon-cutting of the Edinburg regional headquarters for the U.S. Census Bureau, are implementing numerous local strategies to help increase a successful count in Hidalgo County by the federal government. “We are doing our part to complement the Census to help ensure that the residents of Hidalgo County are counted accurately,” said Ramírez, who has been openly critical of the Census’ decision to not mail questionnaires to residents of local colonias. But the county leader is not discouraged. “As a community, we now need to work to educated and mobilize those living in hard to count areas to fill out the Census form," the county judge added. See stories later in this posting.
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The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a congressional summit on Friday, May 7, at the Palm View Community Center in McAllen to allow area residents to bring their concerns to Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, and Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo/McAllen. The event, which is free to the public, will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The community center is located on South Ware Road and Jordan Street. The morning session will feature three workshops: financial planning for the elderly, security measures, and Medicare/Medicaid. All workshops will be conducted in English and Spanish. Following a luncheon and congressional hearing, there will be a talent show for the public, with awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The event also provides area businesses to sponsor booths to feature their goods and services for the estimated 400 area residents anticipated to attend. More information of this event may be obtained by contacting the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 928-0060. Featured promoting the South Texas Senior Summer are, seated, from left: Mary Jane Ramírez with Congressman Cuellar’s office; José González with the Lower Rio Grande Valley Area Agency on Aging; and Rose Ramírez with Silver Ribbon. Standing, from left: Adelita Muñoz, MHCC vice chair of education; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, MHCC president and chief executive officer; and Lidia Limas and Delia Estrada with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.
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The unlikely dream for South Texas "Baby Boomers" of political equality for women in one of the most populated regions of Texas has become a welcomed and growing fact of life in Hidalgo County. Those findings – and other fascinating insights into the evolution of women’s rights in the traditionally male-dominated world of Rio Grande Valley politics – are found in a landmark academic study authored by Cassandra Rincones, featured right, a history instructor at South Texas College in McAllen. So important was Rincones’ research that Lucy Canales and Lilia Ledesma, partners in the national law firm of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP – which has offices in Edinburg and Brownsville – commissioned a transcription of Rincones’ March 11 presentation at South Texas College, and are forwarding PDF copies to more than 1,000 community, political, business, and media leaders throughout Texas. "Although South Texas women have always been crucial to the political fortunes of South Texas men, for much too long, we were not allowed the opportunities to prove ourselves as capable elected leaders," Canales said. For her part, Ledesma noted, "Today, we take it for granted that women hold positions as elected officials in Hidalgo County. But, as Cassandra Rincones has chronicled, it took tremendous courage, determination, and skills by women and men to help change the image and gender of the elected leadership in Hidalgo County. " As part of a standing-room only audience at STC to hear Rincones’ presentation are, from left: Lupe Silva-Aboud, 13th Court of Appeals Justice Linda Yañez, and Elvia Ríos. See lead story in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Jan 11, 2010 | Politics
Lucy Canales (featured left) and Lilia Ledesma, partners with the Edinburg law office of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, met with Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, following a major presentation by Gov. Rick Perry in Edinburg on Tuesday, January 5. The three area leaders were part of a select group who met with the governor at the University of Texas-Pan American – a session which included discussions regarding the use of available state funds to help build a U.S. Veterans Affairs Hospital in the Valley. Both Perry, a Republican, and former Houston Mayor Bill White, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate who was visiting county leaders earlier that day at the Hidalgo County Courthouse, pledged support to push for the construction of a full-service VA Hospital for the four-county Rio Grande Valley. Hinojosa was the Senate sponsor of a constitutional amendment, overwhelmingly passed by Texas voters last November, which authorizes the use of state financial resources to pay for the construction and maintenance of VA Hospitals throughout the state. Rep. Armando "Mando" Martínez, D-Weslaco, has proposed tapping into the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas Emerging Technology Fund in order to pay for the construction of a Valley VA Hospital. Additional details about the leadership roles and community participation by the Edinburg law office of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, which is part of a nationally recognized law firm, are available online at http://www.publicans.com/press_room.htm.
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Gov. Rick Perry was joined at the podium on Tuesday, January 5 at the University of Texas-Pan American by (from left) Rep. Armando "Mando" Martínez, D-Weslaco, Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and UTPA’s President Dr. Robert S. Nelsen as he announced the awarding of a $3.25 million Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) Research Superiority Acquisition Award that will go toward helping the university hire top-notch researchers who will enhance the establishment of a world-class advanced manufacturing center. This monetary award is part of a larger pool of funding allocated by the state legislature this past year as part of the state’s efforts to invest in emerging technology and boost the economy with new jobs. The emerging technology funds will be matched by the university and private companies bringing the total UTPA investment to more than $9 million. The TETF awards, which were created to develop and diversify the Texas economy by expediting innovation and commercialization of research and bringing world-class researchers to the state, will go toward expanding the endeavors of UTPA’s Rapid Response Manufacturing Center (RRMC). The RRMC is a university center devoted to the research and talent development in rapid response manufacturing and has assisted more than 20 companies since April 2008. See stories later in this posting.
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Area businesses and their local employees will have the opportunity to network with other firms during the Corporate Super Bowl, sponsored by the McAllen Hispanic Chamber, which will be held on Wednesday, February 3 at the Flamingo Bowl, 3301 North 23rd in McAllen. Each team of five members will play two games, with the top six teams competing for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place team trophies. A Top Female and Male Bowler trophy will also be awarded. The $250 registration fee will get team members a company t-shirt, team picture, food, beverages and bowling shoes. “We encourage business owners to invest in a team or two and give your employees an opportunity to bond while representing your company," said Cynthia Moya Sakulenzki, MHCC president and chief executive officer. Featured practicing for the Corporate Super Bowl are, from left: Ronnie Díaz; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki; Chuy Negrete; Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen; Dr. John Thomas; and Rick Rivas. For more information call the MHCC at 928-0060. Teams are still available.
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Emphasizing the importance of public education, state representative candidate Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, featured right, on Friday, January 9, promised to file legislation to seek a $5,000 across-the-board annual state pay raise for the state’s public school classroom teachers. The average teacher salary in Texas continues to rank in the bottom half in the nation, more than $5,000 below the national average, according to state legislative findings. Muñoz, a Palmview Municipal Court Judge who credits his teachers for helping him earn his dream of a college education and law degree, also said he would fight hard in the Texas Legislature to protect the pensions and health insurance protections for retired educators and their spouses. He added he would work on making higher education more accessible and affordable and would assist and support more parental involvement with their children’s education. "One of the first bills I would file as a state lawmaker would be legislation that would boost teacher salaries by $2,500 per year beginning September 1, 2011, and then adding another $2,500 annual pay raise for teachers beginning September 1, 2012," said Muñoz. "Everything that is good for a person is made possible by the education they receive, and that means we must invest in keeping and attracting the best teachers." Muñoz said that the best interests of retired teachers also would be high on his priorities when the Texas Legislature returns to work in Austin in mid-January 2011. Muñoz is shown here being interviewed by Victor Castillo, an anchor and reporter for the local Univision Channel 48 television station. See lead story in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Jul 7, 2009 | Politics
Gerry Pate, featured left, the managing general partner with Hidalgo County Road Builders (HCRB), will address the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority in Edinburg on Thursday, July 9, with an update regarding financing options for construction of the planned $645 million Hidalgo County Loop. HCRB, a private coalition which includes several major firms from the area, on February 28, 2008, negotiated a $46.3 million contract to provide pre-construction services in preparation for the building of major portions of the loop, which is needed to shuttle heavy commercial truck traffic coming to and from the region. Pate’s presentation will be presented before the RMA Board of Directors beginning at 5:30 p.m. inside the International Room at the University of Texas-Pan American. Pate, Mario Jorge, P.E., the district engineer in Pharr for the Texas Department of Transportation, and Tracy Hill, project principal for PBS&J, the engineering firm hired to lead the environmental assessment of the loop, are shown here during the RMA’s Tuesday, June 16 meeting at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.
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Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, proudly displays a trophy bestowed upon him by the Boys and Girls Club of McAllen for his work during the legislative session in securing $3 million for Texas AIM, the Texas Academic Innovation and Mentoring Program, which allows the Boys and Girls Club statewide to help improve the graduation rates of minority students. The McAllen chapter, which received $160,000 of that amount, is one of 30 sites statewide which will share in the $3 million state fund. Hinojosa was surrounded by some of the McAllen student members of the McAllen Boys and Girls Club during the ceremony, held at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, June 17.
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Breaking ground for a new citrus center in South Texas signals the next chapter in the book of 60 years of research excellence, said Dr. Michael D. McKinney, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. McKinney and others, including Rep. Armando Martinez, D-Weslaco, and Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville, and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staple, are featured here ceremoniously turned spades of soil on June 23 to kick off the construction of new research facilities for the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center at Weslaco. “We break ground today for new facilities at the birthplace of the Star Ruby and Ruby Red, dark red grapefruit varieties that are grown and enjoyed all over the world,” McKinney said. Staples said the center would attract experts and researchers from afar. “This center, with its continued research, will be an anchor for the citrus industry,” he said. “It will attract people from all over the world to learn here, to train here. It will continue to place Weslaco as a big, bright spot on the map.” See story later in this posting.
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Rep. Aaron Peña, D-Edinburg, featured second from right, along with other Edinburg elected and community leaders, met on Thursday, June 25 during a ceremony to rename the main administration building of the Edinburg Housing Authority in memory of former Mayor Alfonso "Al" René Ramírez, who passed away on April 22. The groundbreaking mayor, who served from 1963 to 1967, was the first Mexican American mayor of Edinburg. He was credited with helping desegregate public swimming pool in the community, among other achievements. Ramírez also served on the Edinburg Housing Authority board of directors. "The community came together to dedicate this building to Mayor Ramírez, who was remembered by family and friends as a transformational and inspirational leader," Peña said. "Whether it was in his military service or civic service as Edinburg’s first Hispanic mayor or the inspiration he transferred to multitudes, Mayor Ramírez will long be remembered." Other family members and leaders who participated in the event included: Carmen González, Edinburg school board trustee; Dan Ramírez, a son of former Mayor Ramírez; Estella Treviño, executive director, Edinburg Housing Authority; Robert Ramírez, a son of former Mayor Ramírez; Ciro Treviño, Edinburg school board trustee and a member of the Edinburg Housing Authority board of directors; Rudy Ramírez, a member of the Edinburg Housing Authority Board of Directors; and Beverly Ashley-Fridie. See story later in this posting.
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by Legislative Media | Jan 26, 2009 | Politics
Rep. Ismael "Kino" Flores, D-Palmview, featured at the podium during the fall 2005 dedication of the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission – the first such state facility built by Texas – continues to work on behalf of Texas’ military veterans and their families. On Thursday, January 22, Flores filed a bill that would provide Texas veterans, who are physically- or mentally-disabled, as a result of military service, with as much as a 100 percent exemption on their home property taxes. "We are pleased that Rep. Flores has carried this extremely important initiative for veterans of this state. This bill is long overdue and we know that Kino has always taken a proactive approach to help veterans," said Emilio De Los Santos, the Veterans Services Director for Hidalgo County. "This bill not only will help veterans of the past, but also veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars." Flores is a U.S. Army veteran. An identical measure, Senate Bill 469 by Sen. John Corona, R-Dallas, was filed on Tuesday, January 13. See related story later in this posting.
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In an effort to recover local funds spent on federal levee rehabilitation, U.S. Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, featured left, on Thursday, January 22, introduced legislation that would enable the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to reimburse Hidalgo County for expenses incurred. Hinojosa and Hidalgo County Judge J.D. Salinas III, featured center, also met on January 22 with Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, featured right, to discuss the reimbursement initiative and voice their commitment to repairing the Valley’s levees. Cornyn has introduced similar legislation in the Senate that would reimburse Hidalgo County for its work on federal levee projects. See related story later in this posting.
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Dr. Blandina "Bambi" Cárdenas, featured left, on Tuesday, January 20, announced she was retiring at the end of the month as a result of health concerns. She was praised by two area legislators as an inspiration to the region. "I am saddened by the unfortunate, but understandable, retirement of President Cárdenas. She has been an inspiration to me and to countless other people, not only in the Valley, but throughout the state," said Rep. Ismael "Kino" Flores, D-Palmview. Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, also noted that "Dr. Cárdenas set a standard for academic excellence and continuous pursuit of self-realization and personal enrichment. During her tenure, Dr. Cárdenas led UT-Pan American’s efforts to further establish the university as a model institution of higher education, serving a highly diverse population and increasing the access to advanced degrees in South Texas." She is featured here, with Dr. Marla Guerra, superintendent for the South Texas Independent School District, at the university in one of her final public ceremonies on Thursday, January 22. The two leaders signed a new partnership between UTPA and STISD to promote college readiness and success. See related stories on her retirement and on the partnership with South Texas Independent School District later in this posting.
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Dr. Alejo Salinas, Ph.D., of Edinburg, accepts ties, in the college’s school colors of green and purple, on behalf of his colleagues on the South Texas College Board of Trustees from students, staff, and administration for helping steer the two-county higher education system through a successful 2008. “Last year was a wonderful year for the college with big growth in enrollment, launching our second bachelor’s degree, and kicking off our 15th anniversary celebration, but one thing is clear – none of this would have been possible without the support of the hardest working board of trustees anywhere in Texas,” said Dr. Shirley A. Reed, STC president, also featured in this photograph. “Dr. Salinas is one of our biggest advocates and has been true to serving the interests of the constituents he represents. We thank him for the countless hours he spends safeguarding public funds and planning for the future of higher education in the Valley.” Salinas is superintendent emeritus for and a clinical lecturer at The University of Texas–Pan American, and former superintendent of Hidalgo I.S.D. He has served STC since 1996. As the District 5 representative on STC’s Board of Trustees, he represents northwest Hidalgo County, Edinburg, north San Juan, and northeast Pharr. “I sincerely thank the college community for this token of appreciation,” said Salinas. “The biggest and best reward for my work is watching our students cross the stage at graduation each May. I am so proud to be part of this dedicated board and look forward to another outstanding year of academic excellence from our students.”
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The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Champions” Committee recently honored BBVA Compass Bank as Feature Business of the Month for January, 2009. BBVA is located on 2314 W. University in Edinburg, and may be reached at 956/926-4400. BBVA has been a member with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce for many years, and has always supported community endeavors. They contribute to local scholarships and non-profit organizations, as well as support local businesses. The Chamber Champion’s Committee meets every first Wednesday of the month; to serve on the committee please contact the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce at 956-383-4974. http://www.edinburg.com
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