by Legislative Media | Dec 22, 2012 | Politics
Republican Miriam Martínez, featured here in Edinburg on Thursday, December 6, with Valley legislative and University of Texas System leaders, is calling on fellow Republican Gov. Rick Perry to make a proposal to create a new UT Valley university system and medical school as an emergency item when lawmakers return to work in Austin in January. The far-reaching measure would merge UT-Pan American, UT-Brownsville, and the Regional Academic Health Centers in Edinburg, Harlingen, and Brownsville into one, new UT comprehensive university system. “Such a proposal will require approval by the Texas Legislature, but state lawmakers can’t consider any measures during the first 60 days of a regular session unless those proposals are declared emergencies by the governor,” said Martínez, the hostess of KIRT-AM 1580’s Red Hot Texas Politics with Miriam Martínez, which airs Monday and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. “By designating that legislation as an emergency item, Gov. Perry sends the clear message that he supports the creation of this new university system for deep South Texas, and the Republican Party, which Perry leads, controls the House of Representatives and the Senate.” Martínez is also working with Valley and UT leaders to make sure that when the new university system is created, “The University of Texas”, “Pan American”, and “UT-Brownsville” are featured prominently in the yet-to-be named Valley-wide university and medical school system. “We cannot allow these honored names to be removed because it would devalue the diplomas of tens of thousands of alumni whose diplomas proudly feature “The University of Texas”, “Pan American” and “UT-Brownsville,” Martínez said. Featured, from left: Rep.-elect Terry Canales, D-Edinburg; Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville; Miriam Martínez; UT System Board of Regents Chairman Gene Powell of Weslaco; and Rep.-elect Óscar Longoria, Jr. See lead story in this posting.
••••••
Almost two dozen legislative priorities, including efforts to allow South Texas College to offer additional Bachelor of Applied Technology degree programs, create a state-of-the-art Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence, and to oppose allowing Texans with licenses to carry concealed weapons to be allowed to bring those weapons on campus, are being proposed by the STC Board of Trustees and top administrators. The two-county community college system’s legislative agenda was unveiled on Thursday, December 13, during an 8:30 a.m. breakfast session between the seven-member board of trustees and their top administrators with members of the Valley’s state Senate and state House of Representatives delegation. Featured, seated, from left: STC Board Trustee Paul R. Rodríguez; STC Board Trustee Gary Gurwitz; STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed; STC Board Chair Rose Benavidez; and STC Board Secretary Graciela Farias. Standing, from left: Rep. Sergio Muñoz, D-Mission; Rep. Bobby Guerra, D-Sharyland; Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville; and Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City. See story later in this posting.
••••••
Edinburg Class XXIV recently completed their second session for Leadership Edinburg. On Wednesday, November 4, the class visited the Edinburg school district’s newly renovated Robert Vela High School for the Education segment of its sessions. Leadership Edinburg is a program designed by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce to allow the class members to interact with one another and members of the community to encourage a better Edinburg. The nine-month program is structured to help class members understand the problems and opportunities faced through strong leadership skills focusing on politics, history, education, healthcare and quality of life. See story later in this posting.
••••••
Six young ladies from the Edinburg school district were recently honored for their achievements and for agreeing to represent the school district and the community in the coming year. Featured, front row, from left: Dr. René Gutiérrez, Superintendent of Schools; Robbie Reyna, Miss Teen Edinburg 2013, a junior at Robert Vela High School and daughter of Robert and Sandra Palacios Flores; Karina Eliza Rodríguez, Little Miss Edinburg 2013, a sixth grader at Longoria Middle School and daughter of Raúl and Cynthia Salas Rodriguez; Victoria Savannah Cantú, Miss Edinburg Pre-Teen 2013, an eighth grader at South Middle School and daughter of Daniel and Claudia Cantú; and Juan “Sonny” Palacios, President of the Edinburg school board. Middle row, from left: Dr. Martín Castillo, vice-president of the Edinburg school board; Clarissa Laura Rodríguez, Miss Edinburg 2013, a senior at Edinburg North High School and daughter of Raúl and Cynthia Salas Rodríguez; Kassandra Renée Garza, Miss Junior Teen 2013, an eighth grader at South Middle School and daughter of Alberto R. and Leticia I. Garza; and Robert Peña, school board member. Back row, from left: Jaime Chavana and David Torres, school board trustees. Not pictured is Annika Karina Palacios, Miss Edinburg Princess 2013, a first grader at St. Joseph Catholic Schools and daughter of Terry and Hope Palacios. As Beauty Pageant winners, the six will represent the City of Edinburg at functions that include socials, luncheons, ribbon cuttings and banquets.
••••••
The University of Texas-Pan American Business Development and Innovation Group recently issued its annual Productivity and Impact Report of Service for its Affiliate Partners, including The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Between October 1, 2011 and September 30, 2012, the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce helped bring more than $1 million in investments and helped increase sales by more than $12 million, according to the report. Featured discussing the report are, seated left to right: Esperanza Delgado, SBDC Marketing Director; María Juárez, SBDC Director; and Janie Caballero, Senior Business Advisor. Back row are: Anthony Covacevich, Vice Chair of Small Business; Hari Namboodiri, Advisory Committee; Dr. Robert Nelsen, President of the University of Texas-Pan American and Vice Chair of Education; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, President and CEO, Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Ronnie Bernal, Chair Elect. See story later in this posting.
••••••
The Women’s Business Center (WBC) held an Open House event to celebrate National Women in Small Business Month on Friday, October 26, in Edinburg. The community was invited to see its offices, located at 2314 W. University Drive, Suite 230, in the Compass Bank Building, as well as to become acquainted with the services offered by the WBC. The event was a huge success, very-well attended, and featured keynote speakers Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, Ramiro Garza, City Manager for the City of Edinburg, and Celine Rodríguez Schultz, financial professional with New York Life. “Women-owned and controlled small businesses in this region made up 60 percent of all new businesses that were created and helped bring down the unemployment rate that had hovered in Hidalgo County for three decades with a double-digit of 22 percent in January 1997 to six percent at the beginning of 2008. This could not have happened without women entrepreneurs,” Hinojosa said. Featured from left: ?Celine Schulz, Financial Professional for New York Life; Congressman Rubén Hinojosa and María “Charro” Mann, Executive Director for the Women’s Business Center. See story later in this posting.
••••••
Following the swearing-in ceremonies based on the Tuesday, November 6 elections – in which Carmen González and Robert Peña were reelected, and Jaime Solis was elected to his first four-year term, the Edinburg CISD Board of Trustees was re-organized with newly-elected members. The 2012-2013 board consists of, seated from left: Dr. Martín Castillo, Vice-President; Juan “Sonny” Palacios, President; and Jaime Solis, Secretary. Standing from left: David Torres, Member; Jaime R. Chavana, Member; Dr. René Gutiérrez, Superintendent of Schools; Carmen González, Member; and Robert Peña, Jr., Member.
••••••
Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, the Chair-elect of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, on Friday, November 30, met with Congresswoman Judy Chu of California, featured left, Chair-elect of the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus, and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge of Ohio, Chair-elect of the Congressional Black Caucus, to discuss plans to collaborate in the upcoming Congress. "I am very encouraged by a sense of community as we prepare to begin the 113th Congress,” said Hinojosa. “Together, my colleagues, Chairwoman-elect Fudge and Chairwoman Chu and I renewed our commitment to developing solutions to overcome the challenges in our communities. I believe by working in conjunction with other House Caucuses, we will be able to build a strong base in Congress that will focus on the most pressing needs of our constituents across the United States of America." The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories. See story later in this posting.
••••••
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce recently announced the 2012 Edinburg Night of Lights Parade winners in the following categories: School Division and Business/Civic Division. On Saturday, December 1, more than 60 entries lined up inside the University of Texas-Pan American parking lot to participate in the festive parade. The City of Edinburg sponsored $5,000 in award money and trophies to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. First Place School Division was awarded to Monte Cristo Elementary Cheer & Dance Team, 2nd to Robert Vela High School HOSA, and 3rd place to Dr. Thomas Esparza Elementary. First Place Business/Civic division was awarded to Jammer DJ Service, 2nd to Edinburg Folklorico Dance Team, and 3rd place to San Juan Bears Little League Baseball. Judges for the event featured in this photograph, from left, were, from left: Kelly Rivera Salazar with Libebarger Googan Blair Sampson; Naomi Perales with Texas Gas Services; and Stephanie Ozuna with the University of Texas-Pan American.
••••••
Juanita G. Treviño, featured left, and Viviana Ozuna, featured right, recently posed with Hidalgo County Judge Ramón García in Edinburg as part of the two women’s local marketing efforts announcing the establishment in deep South Texas of Mi Familia, a Spanish-language, Houston-based print magazine that is also published online (http://www.MiFamilia.net), and which features articles and photographs of Valley families. Ozuna, who is the magazine’s Director for the Rio Grande Valley, said the print version of the magazine, which is being circulated throughout the region, was first introduced into the area in September. “We began to notice a lot of subscribers from the Valley and northern Mexico, and so it was natural to begin expanding down here,” said Ozuna, a business consultant with ties to the Valley, including the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, and who is member of the family who publishes Mi Familia Magazine. “The long-time goal is to have a a separate Mi Familia Magazine that focuses on deep South Texas.” The online version, which includes articles and photographs from previous magazines, has an audience of between 30,000 and 40,000 viewers per month. More information is available by contacting Ozuna at 956/227-1044 or via email at [email protected]
••••••
Republican Miriam Martínez and Democrat David A. Díaz on Monday, November 26, launched Red Hot Texas Politics with Miriam Martínez, a dynamic radio talk show on KIRT-1580 AM that will provide high-powered and well-connected news, analyses, and opinion on the Texas Legislature and statewide and Valley politics. Martínez, a successful small business owner and the 2012 Republican nominee for State Representative, House District 41, and Díaz, a Democratic legislative consultant and publisher of http://www.EdinburgPolitics.com, bring more than 50 years of combined experiences in Texas, local, and Mexican politics and news media. “For the Rio Grande Valley to prosper, area Democrats and Republicans must put aside their rivalries,” Martínez said. “With our show, David and I want to set aside party politics and unite for the greater good of the region.” The show airs on Mondays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. See story later in this posting.
••••••
(more…)
by Legislative Media | Jul 15, 2011 | Politics
McAllen’s state legislation on Thursday, July 7, pose for news photographers following their presentations before the McAllen Chamber of Commerce on how the Valley made out during the five-month regular session of the Texas Legislature, which ended May 31, and the special session, which wrapped up in late June. “The $27 billion budget shortfall and the current political environment set the theme from the start and it was not pretty,” said Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, featured second from left. “Still, aside the difficulties we faced, we were able to shine a positive light on several important issues.” As one example, the Texas Legislature approved almost $66 million in additional funding for border security, among some of the victories secured by South Texas state lawmakers. From left are: Rep. Aaron Peña, R-Edinburg; Sen. Hinojosa; Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen; Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., D-Brownsville; and Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission. See editorial later in this posting by Sen. Hinojosa on his view of the sessions’ negative and positive impact on the Valley.
••••••
Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, D-Mercedes, on Thursday, June 23, welcomed Edinburg North High School student Felipe Gaitán, his family and his teacher to Washington, D.C. Felipe is the 1st Place winner of the 2011 Artistic Discovery Congressional Art Competition for Texas’ 15th Congressional District. He earned the top spot for his pencil drawing entitled Hey Good Looking. “It was a pleasure meeting Felipe and his family here in Washington, D.C.,” said Hinojosa. “He’s a fine young man and obviously a very talented artist. Our district will be very well represented here on Capitol Hill throughout the year.” The annual art competition, coordinated by members of the U.S. House of Representatives, takes all of the winning art work from throughout the country and displays them for one year as part of the national exhibition in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. House of Representatives, which leads to the U.S. Capitol building. For winning 1st Place, Felipe received a scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia, plus he and his family were flown to the nation’s capital. This is the Gaitáns’ family first visit to Washington, D.C., and the first time, for the children to fly on an airplane. High School students from throughout Texas’ District 15 submitted 26 entries for the annual competition. A total of 12 high schools from Harlingen to Three Rivers participated in the competition. Featured, from left: Lorenzo Gaitán (father); Christian Gaitán (brother); Felipe Gaitán (art winner); Elena Gaitán (mother); Congressman Hinojosa; Terry Viña (art teacher); and Rubén Gonzáles, Jr. (brother)
••••••
A research and education park for the deep South Texas is becoming a reality now that the master planning process is well underway. Broaddus Planning of Austin expects to have the plan completed by Fall 2011, and gave a preview of the plan to regional stakeholders, including leaders with the University of Texas-Pan American and South Texas College, during a reception at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, June 22. The park will be located on 400 acres of public and private land near the McAllen Foreign Trade Zone. The driving force behind the park is a subcommittee comprised of affiliates of the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative (NAAMREI). Sixty business, education, economic development, industry and government partners form the initiative, which was launched as a result of a U.S. Department of Labor investment. NAAMREI partners are focused on transforming the region into a world leader for advanced and rapid response manufacturing. Featured during the June 22 update are, from left: Wanda Garza, executive director, NAAMREI; Dr. Shirley A. Reed, president, South Texas College; Dr. Robert S. Nelsen, president, the University of Texas-Pan American; Rose Benavidez, vice-chair, STC Board of Trustees; Gary Gurwitz, chair, STC Board of Trustees, and Juan E. Mejía, chief academic officer, STC. See story later in this posting.
••••••
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce will host Workforce Solutions at their next Business Luncheon, set for Thursday, July 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Edinburg Depot, located at 602 West University Drive. Topics being discussed will include: Workforce Solutions services and support to businesses; the do’s and don’ts of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); employing those with disabilities, and how Workforce Solutions can help businesses save money, support human resource needs; and hiring, pre-screening and training of employees. More information is available at the chamber’s website at http://www.Edinburg.com. Featured, from left: John Hershey, business development specialist, Workforce Solutions; Katherine Filut, disability program navigator, Workforce Solutions; Letty González, president, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; Evana Vleck, marketing director, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce; Sonia Quintero, deafness resource specialist, Texas Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services; and Víctor Martín de León, public information officer, Workforce Solutions.
Hobos around Edinburg are packing up and on the trail to the historic Edinburg Depot, the home of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. They are hopping on board to support the Depot Restoration Project and getting spiffed up to participate in the Hobo Hap’nin’ Reunion, scheduled on Saturday, September 17 at the Edinburg Depot, located at 602 W. University Drive. “We are inviting all past presidents, board members, volunteers and the current chamber investors to join us in September as we host the Hobo Hap’nin’ Reunion,” said Elva Jackson Garza, chairman of the Depot Restoration Committee. “This will be a very special event as it will bring civic and business leaders who were instrumental in the original renovation project that started in 1994. It’s time we come together again for a very important cause as we restore one of Edinburg’s most important treasures built in 1927.” Members of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Depot Restoration Committee, featured here promoting the event, are, from left: Vivian Martin, Maggie Kent, Flo Prater, Edna Peña, Letty González, Marty Martin and Elva Jackson Garza. See story later in this posting.
••••••
McAllen Mayor Richard Cortéz, featured July 7 at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce’s legislative update, is criticizing the state’s Republican leadership for what he fears will be almost a $1 billion reduction in state funds for key programs and services, including public education and medical care for the poor, in deep South Texas. “Ladies and gentlemen, I want to tell you, as mayor of this city, as great as we have done in the past, there is a storm brewing out there,” Cortéz said. “When they tell me we’re not going to get almost a billion dollars of funds from the state to the Rio Grande Valley, if that doesn’t scare you, I don’t know what will. How do we make up a billion dollars in our economy?” See story later in this posting.
••••••
Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, whose legislative district also includes Starr County, recently marked her 47,550th consecutive vote in the Texas Senate. Featured here earlier this year presiding over the Texas Senate, her unique, career-long 100 percent voting record extends from January, 1987, when she first took office. “Every vote I cast in the Texas Senate reflects my commitment to balance the needs of my Senate District 21 constituents with those of our great state,” Zaffirini said. “I am thankful for the opportunity to make a difference, especially for the very young, the very old and persons with disabilities.” See story later in this posting.
(more…)
by Legislative Media | Aug 16, 2010 | Politics
Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo/McAllen, featured second from left, on Thursday, August 12, announced that more that $1 million from the U.S. Department of Education had been awarded to South Texas College to help support STC’s campus-based child care programs, which primarily serve the needs of low-income students enrolled at any STC campuses in McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Weslaco. Cuellar, an attorney whose extensive educational career includes earning an associate’s degree from Laredo Community College, met with STC and area leaders during his swing through McAllen. Featured, from left, were STC leaders who accepted a symbol of the $1,002,156 grant: Juan Mejia, STC’s vice president for academic affairs; Congressman Cuellar; Verónica Rodríguez, chair of STC’s Child and Family Development Program, and Luzelma Canales, interim associate dean for STC’s Community Engagement and Workforce Entitlement.
••••••
McAllen Mayor Richard Cortéz practices a grito (Spanish for a war cry, which was used by Mexicans during the battle for independence from Spain, a two-year revolution which began on September 16, 1810) in anticipation on the upcoming first annual 16 de Septiember Fiesta, scheduled for Saturday, September 18, and sponsored by the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, president and CEO of the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, featured with the mayor, said the Mexican independence day celebration – the first for the organization – will be held at the McAllen Convention Center’s pond area from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The 16 de Septiembre Fiesta will feature live entertainment, different vendors with food, crafts, clothing, jewery, etc. and a Kiddie Land for youngsters. Along with the live entertainment, there will be a talent contest for dancers or musicians and a grito de independencia contest. Participants in the talent show will get three minutes to perform. Participants in the grito contest will be judged by their gusto (passion) in their grito. Both competitions will have 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. The South Padre Island Bike Fest will also participate with a poker run, field events and bike show. Vendors are still needed as well as entertainment for the main stage. Additional information on the 16 de Septiembre Fiesta is available by contact the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 928-0060.
••••••
Auditions for the Spanish language play Una Huelga Singular, written by José Manuel Álvarez, will be held on Tuesday, August 24 and Wednesday, August 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Pharr Literacy Project & Cultural Arts Center, located at 203 West Park Avenue in Pharr. The comedic yet poignant play is set around the household of Teresa Pacheco, who is about to have a breaking point due to her abusive family, especially her husband, the tyrannical Rafael Pacheco. The play, to be directed by Pedro García, seeks four women and four men ranging in ages 13 to 75. No appointments necessary and tryouts will be cold reading from the script. The production will have nearly a dozen performances spread out from October to January, including several outreach tours around the Valley. Persons interested in being understudies are also encouraged to audition. For more information call 956/655-9308 or 956/783-7746. Pharr Community Theatre actors featured here, waiting to go onstage earlier this year for another play, Bless Me Ultima, are, from left: Anna Mardiros, Inocente Gutiérrez, Raúl López and Armandina Sesin.
••••••
Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen, featured first from left, who is facing a challenge in November from Rebecca Cervera, the Republican nominee for the House District 41 House seat, had more than $195,000 in her campaign war chest as of June 30, according to the Texas Ethics Commission. House District 41 includes southwest Edinburg, all but southwest McAllen, the northeastern and central portions of Mission, all of Palmhurst, Sharyland, Alton, and western portions of Hidalgo County. According to Gonzáles’ campaign finance report, the three-term lawmaker received $164,708.22 in financial contributions and spent $62,622.57 during the first six months of this year. With money forwarded from previous years, Gonzáles was able to maintain a balance of $195,349.34 as of June 30. She did not have any outstanding loans as of June 30. In this photograph, Gonzáles posed with area, state and federal leaders following her participation in a recent legislative luncheon hosted by the local chamber of commerce. Featured, front row, from left: Rep. Gonzáles, Edna Peña, Marissa Castañeda, Lucy Canales, Mari Garza Bird and Armando Díaz. Featured, back row, from left: Flo Prater, Eduardo Parra, and Ana García. See lead story on Gonzáles’ campaign report activities in this posting.
(more…)
by Legislative Media | Dec 29, 2009 | Politics
Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, featured left, has announced that he will be soon be posting key dates on his legislative calendar that will allow his constituents to began shaping legislative priorities in the coming year that will result in bills being filed when the Texas Legislature returns to work in January 2011. "I will be busy working on interim committee assignments and reviewing state agency efficiency reports as a member of the Texas Sunset Commission," said Hinojosa. "We are just over a year away from the start of the 82nd Legislative Session, and already ideas for legislation are starting to trickle in to my office. My offices will be working hard to prepare for another successful session in 2011." He invited constituents to contact him and his staff with any ideas they have regarding proposed legislation or issues facing the state agencies under Sunset Review. Hinojosa and his staff may be reached at 512/463-0120. Hinojosa is featured here during a major gathering of the U.S. 281 Coalition during a Tuesday, December 15 session at the McAllen County Club. Hinojosa and Deirdre Delisi, the chairwoman of the Texas Transportation Commission, were honored by the coalition for their vital work in helping secure $114.5 million during the 2009 legislative session for major improvements along U.S. 281. Featured, from left: Sen. Hinojosa; Rep. Verónica Gonzáles, D-McAllen; Texas Transportation Commission Chairwoman Delisi; and Hidalgo County Judge René A. Ramírez.
••••••
The state representative campaign for Sergio Muñoz, Jr. (featured second from right) on Monday, December 21, drew big names and generous contributions from House District 36 constituents during a fundraiser held that evening at Balli’s Social & Event Center in Mission. Almost 150 supporters, including Mission Mayor Norberto Salinas, Pharr Mayor Mayor Leo "Polo" Palacios, and Hidalgo City Commissioner Guillermo Ramírez, joined Muñoz, a Democrat, and his family during the rally. "Sergio will be the kind of person who will know what to do in the Texas Legislature, who will be able to withstand the pressure of the lobbyists in Austin," said the Mission mayor. "Sergio is known for his good family values that we hold so close, especially in the Mexican American community. He will be able to take care of our needs." Muñoz, Jr. is seeking the March 2, 2010 Democratic Party primary nomination. From left are: former Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Sr.; Mission Mayor Norberto Salinas; Julio Cerda, Mission city manager; Sergio Muñoz, Jr.; and former Rep. Roberto Gutiérrez, D-McAllen. See lead story in this posting.
••••••
Former Hidalgo County Judge Eloy Pulido, featured center, on Wednesday, December 23, announced his plan to seek a second four-year term as Hidalgo County Judge. Pulido, who served from 1998 to 2002, said his campaign will also incorporate a push to encourage Hidalgo County residents to fill out and return questionnaires they will soon be receiving from the U.S. Census Bureau in order to help generate millions of dollars in additional federal and state funding for a wide array of programs and projects in Hidalgo County. Pulido, who has family members who are well known in the area, said he will work with top musicians to get the word out at concerts and dances about the need for residents to participate in the census, which begins in a matter of weeks. Featured at his announcement are, from left: nephew Bobby Pulido; Michael Cano, who was recently appointed to the board of directors for the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority; former County Judge Pulido; Pharr Mayor Leopoldo "Polo" Palacios; and brother Roberto Pulido. Eloy Pulido maintains a website at http://www.EloyforCountyJudge.com
••••••
Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner Héctor “Tito” Palacios, featured left, on Tuesday, December 22, unveiled plans and broke ground in San Juan for what will become the county’s first "green"-minded building, which promotes the protection of the environment. “Precinct 2 is committed to providing high-quality services to our residents, and having this building along with our other two community resource centers near where people live and work helps us to bring county government to the people. We are also working with the youth in our communities to educate them, get them ready for post-secondary education and the workforce. Having the energy of PSJA ISD next door will be good for everybody. I feel strongly that this is not just another building, but a commitment to learning and growing smartly,” said Commissioner Palacios. Wind turbines, solar panels, LED solar lighting, insulated concrete form exterior wall construction and several other exterior and interior green building components will respect not only the environment, but also taxpayer funds, because green buildings are shown to save on energy costs in the long term. Featured, from left: Commissioner Palacios; Rubén Cavazos, project manager for D. Wilson Construction Co.; and Pharr Mayor Leopoldo “Polo” Palacios. See story later in this posting.
••••••
The Hidalgo County District Clerk staff, led by District Clerk Laura Hinojosa, featured front row to the right, helping hold up check, on Tuesday, December 22, presented a contribution of $2,500 to the Palm Valley Animal Center as part of their Blues for Bucks Workplace Fundraising Campaign to benefit local charitable organizations. The Palm Valley Animal Center is a private, non-profit, open-door animal welfare agency serving the needs of animals, pet owners and the community at large and is the only animal shelter serving Hidalgo County. “Our staff is pleased to be able to give back to the community through our workplace fundraising campaign. Although our staff contributions are small, we recognize their significant affect on many of the nonprofit organizations that rely solely on the local support of their community,” said Hinojosa. See story later in this posting.
••••••
(more…)
by Legislative Media | Dec 17, 2009 | Politics
Former Hidalgo County Judge Ramón García celebrates with Dolly Elizondo, chair of the Hidalgo County Democratic Party, after García filed the legal paperwork to place his name on the March 2, 2010 ballot for Hidalgo County Judge. García, who was joined by numerous area mayors at the event, which was held in his law office in Edinburg on Tuesday, December 15, pledged to lead one of the state’s most important regions, noting the many contributions he made during his first successful term, and pledging to get the county government budget fiscally back on track. “Today, we are operating in a deficit,” said the prominent attorney and community leader. “I am proud of the fact that when I left the office over two and half years ago, we had an unprecedented budget surplus. Our county was in the best financial condition in its 153-year history. And I intend to see to it that we get the county back to a budget surplus position when I am elected. Being fiscally responsible is a requirement to be the county judge.” See story later in this posting.
••••••
U.S. Army Sgt. Abram Camacho of Mission, featured left, who already has two tours of duty under his belt in Iraq and could be possibly be headed to Afghanistan later this spring, was welcomed home for the holidays by family, friends, and community leaders when he and his family flew in to McAllen on Saturday, December 12. Camacho, a graduate of La Joya High School who in 2003 answered his nation’s call to fight the scourge of terrorism stemming from the Middle East, arrived with his wife, Nora Lee – a former Valley resident and a graduate of Hutchison High School in Alaska – and their five-year-old daughter, Jackqueline Iriz, at 10:10 p.m. at McAllen Miller International Airport. Part of the welcoming delegation included Rosalba Hernández-Martínez with the office of Rep. Ismael “Kino” Flores, D-Palmview, and her husband, Rudy Edward Martínez, a former U.S. Marine. “As we get ready to celebrate this holy season in our nation, Sgt. Camacho’s visit back home serves as a reminder how blessed we are to have men and women of his high caliber – many from the Valley – protecting our lives and liberties,” said Flores, a former U.S. Army veteran. “He is a symbol of the thousands of South Texans who voluntarily place themselves in harm’s way to protect our precious way of life.” See story later in this posting.
••••••
South Texas College and the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District are seeing stars from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. That’s because the two institutions were named recipients of the THECB’s prestigious Star Award for 2009. The partnering pair received the honor for their work on the PSJA College, Career and Technology Academy, which offers students between the ages of 18 and 25 a chance to go back to high school and earn a diploma. Participants work to make up missing credits or focus on passing one or more sections of the state’s standardized test. They also begin work to earn college credit in the hope they will continue on to earn a certificate, or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Featured, from left, are: Leonore Tyler, principal of the PSJA College, Career and Technology Academy; María del Pilar Garza, PSJA administrator; Ben Garza Jr., PSJA ISD board vice president; Pete García, member of PSJA ISD’s board; Dr. Shirley Reed, STC president; and Luzelma Canales, STC associate dean of community engagement and workforce development. See story later in this posting. See story later in this posting.
••••••
Sharpen up those gambling skills and get ready to enjoy a Las Vegas Style Casino Night at the 11th Annual “Noche de Gala” hosted by the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. This years theme is “A Night in the Orient”. The evening consists of a gourmet dinner, silent and live auction, the awarding of the Golden Eagle Award, and the Vegas-style Casino. The fun formal event is scheduled for Saturday, January 16 at the Corinthian Banquet Hall in Mission. The committee has already received many auction items such as: trip to Las Vegas with airfare and hotel; television time on KRGV-TV Channel 5; jewelry; sporting tickets; golf outings; restaurant certificates; and a pachanga for 100 people that includes on-site barbecue, dance and open bar, etc. Tickets and sponsorship information are available by calling the MHCC at 928-0060. Featured working on their Black Jack skills are, from left: Hari Namboodiri, chair-elect; Roxanna Godínez, vice chair of membership; Cynthia M. Sakulenzki, president and chief executive officer; Connie Hernández, committee member; Rachel García, committee member; Diana González, committee member; and casino dealer Joe Roxks.
••••••
(more…)
