In an overwhelming show of confidence hundreds of supporters, elected officials and community leaders from across the Rio Grande Valley joined together this past week to kick-off State Representative Aaron Peña's re-election campaign. The community rally was held at the ECHO Hotel in Edinburg. The excitement and energy of the large crowd was helped by the positive tone of the evening.
"I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support from family, friends and my community," said Representative Peña. "All the hard work that has gone into the last three sessions is being noticed. These successes include adding over a hundred thousand children to the CHIP program and securing $40 million for a new fine arts center at University of Texas Pan American. I will not be complacent when there is so much work still left to do. We must continue to invest in our public schools, our teachers and our universities. I look forward to continue serving this district with honor and integrity."
Master of Ceremonies for the evening celebration was Elsa native Dr. Frank Guajardo, founder of the Llano Grande Center. Edinburg Mayor Pro-Tem Alma Garza gave the official welcome to the attendees. She was followed by State Representative Veronica Gonzales who had warm words for her friend and colleague. The two primary speakers for the evening were Former President of the University of Texas Pan American Dr. Miguel Nevarez and Elsa native and VFW District 18 Commander Felix Rodriguez. Both gave rousing speeches about the representative's character, service and successes.
Dr. Nevarez spoke about Representative Peña's experience and credited him for standing strong and delivering for his district. As the former UTPA President noted, Peña was successful in securing millions of dollars for important projects in his district including $3 million for a substance abuse treatment center, $5 million for the Regional Academic Health Center, $45 million for a regional DPS center as well as countless other projects. He was an author of legislation that created the newly opened $26 million Wellness Center at the University of Texas Pan American and authored legislation that helped to provide $3 billion in funding for cancer research. One of the representative's proudest accomplishments was the "13th" check he helped secure for retired educators and two pay increases for active teachers. Nevarez reminded the audience and the larger community that Peña's seniority and strong negotiating abilities necessitated his re-election.
"Without a doubt we had some big victories this session," said Representative Peña. "I am proud of my record of service. I remain committed to serving this community and will not allow special agendas and partisan bickering to divert my efforts."
Commander Rodriguez complemented the statements by Dr. Nevarez by affirming Representative Peña's commitment to his community and his strength of character. Rodriguez reminisced about the march that a group of veterans from South Texas took to San Antonio in order to highlight the need for a VA hospital in the Rio Grande Valley. He let the audience know that the representative joined them on every step of the 250-mile trek. It was that effort and determination that impressed Commander Rodriguez. The march to San Antonio along with a lot of hard work by many is now leading to better access to healthcare for our veterans. Commander Rodriguez told the audience that it was imperative that Representative Peña be returned to Austin so that he can fulfill his mission to organize federal, state and local leaders to pull their resources and establish a four-year medical school to complement a full-fledged VA hospital in South Texas.
"The future for South Texas is bright," said Representative Peña. "The hopes and dreams of our parents and grandparents are finally being realized. Our children's future is limited only by our imaginations and their initiative. As our community's economic, social and political progress continues to move forward we must reject the outdated failed politics of the past. Public service is not about inspiring hate or driving people apart. It's about bringing people together and inspiring the best in all of us."
In aspiring towards a brighter future the representative championed the efforts of leaders from the district who are seeking to reject the public corruption burdening the citizens of the community and the progress achieved. The Rio Grande Guardian has a story on this issue.
Peña was first elected to the Texas House in 2002 and is seeking re-election to a 4th term. During his tenure he has been recognized as a top negotiator and one of the most powerful Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives. District 40 covers northern Hidalgo County, which includes the communities of Edinburg , Edcouch, Elsa, La Joya, and Sullivan City. He is Chairman of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence and sits on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.
Elected officials and political leaders in attendance at the reception included: State Representative Ryan Guillen; State Representative Veronica Gonzales; State Representative Armando Martinez; former Edinburg State Representative Cullen Looney; Treasurer of the Texas Democratic Party and Deputy Political Director of Hillary Clinton for Texas, Victor Garza,; Hidalgo County District Attorney Rene Guerra; District Judge Ricardo Rodriguez; Judge Maxine Longoria Nash; Justice of the Peace Charlie Espinoza; Constable Andy Rios; Edinburg Mayor Pro-Tem Alma Garza; Edinburg City Commissioner Gene Espinoza; Edinburg City Commissioner Noe Garza; Edinburg City Commissioner Gus Garcia; Edinburg School Board President Carmen Gonzales; Monte Alto School Board Member Raul Valdez; Sullivan City Commissioner Oscar Salinas; Sullivan City Commissioner Rosendo Benavidez; Municipal Judge Terry Palacios; Municipal Judge Luis Singleterry; Pharr Economic Development Corporation Board Member Adrienne Garza; Candidate for District Judge Israel Ramon, Jr.; Candidate for District Judge Jesse Contreras; Candidate for Constable Eddie Guerra; Candidate for Constable Ronny Perez; Former Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia; President of Bee Club, Jesus Flores; Daco Club leader, Eloy Garza; Former Bee Club President, Irma Rodriguez; retired Judge Johnny Dominguez; retired Judge Dario Martinez and former Edinburg Chamber Presidents Byron Lewis and Mitch Roberts.
Capitol Annex has the story.
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