By McAllen Chamber of Commerce
Last week, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce hosted a “Meet Your City Leaders” city commissioner panel, ahead of the May 6 elections.
More than 60 community members attended the panel which was hosted in partnership with the McAllen Economic Development Corporation during the Government Affairs Council meeting. The event was open to the public.
Those present included Rodolfo “Rudy” Castillo (District 4), Victor Sebastian “Seby” Haddad (District 5) and Jose “Pepe” Cabeza de Vaca (District 6). All candidates were invited. Candidate Javier Salazar, who was Commissioner Rudy Castillo’s opponent, was not able to attend.
The panel was moderated by McAllen Chamber Chairman-Elect Jim Darling who asked each candidate a series of questions including what the greatest challenges were for the city and how they would address those needs.
The candidates were given equal time to answer the questions and the audience was also given an opportunity to ask questions.
One of the key issues that was discussed during the panel was economic prosperity. All the candidates agreed that the city needed to continue focusing on commercial and residential growth. Other topics discussed included how districts survived the recent unexpected storms, infrastructure improvements, long-term projects for the city, workforce development through education, annexation, and what each commissioner thinks is unique about their district.
The GAC monthly meetings provide membership the opportunity to meet and mingle with policy makers and engage civic leaders in meaningful dialogues surrounding key issues. GAC Sponsors include South Texas Health System and Boggus Ford/Lincoln.
If you would like to attend the next GAC meeting, please contact Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs Gerry Garcia at (956) 682-2871 or email her at ggarcia@mcallenchamber.com
Newly elected and re-elected leadership for the City of McAllen, McAllen Independent School District and McAllen Public Utilities Board includes:
City of McAllen
Rodolfo “Rudy” Castillo, District 4
Victor Sebastian “Seby” Haddad, District 5
Jose “Pepe” Cabeza de Vaca, District 6
McAllen Independent School District
Lizzie Kittleman, Place 1
Lucia Regalado, Place 2
Erica De La Garza-Lopez, Place 4
Aaron Daniel Rivera, Place 5
McAllen Public Utilities Board
Ricardo R. (Ric) Godinez, Trustee Place B
Albert Cardenas, Trustee Place C