It’s a New Ball Game in Santa Rosa

Updated: June 26, 2015

New Players on the Team

by Bill Keltner/LFN

The Santa Rosa general election held on May 9, 2015, will result in continued progress for Santa Rosa and its citizens according to Javier Florencia. He noted several new faces in the city administration and the school board membership when the new slate of officers were sworn in Sunday, May 16, 2015 in a ceremony at the City Hall.

Florencia himself, a long-time city officer, was re-elected for a third term as City Commissioner. He said, “the old timers at city hall and the school board look forward to working with the newcomers.”

Javier Florencia, City Commissioner. Photo: Bill Keltner/LFN

“We have a new mayor, Andres Contreras,” he said, adding, “we have some veteran officers and a couple of new members on the school board.” He listed: Refugio “Cuco” Rickford, re-elected as City Commissioner; Sandra Rickford, also re-elected to the school board. Hector Lumbrera was re-elected to be a member of the school board. And Bobby de la Fuente is a first-term new member elected to the Santa Rosa school board.

Refugio Rickford was also elected Mayor pro-tem by the Board of Commissioners and was sworn in at the same May 16th ceremony. Attending the ceremony was several notable visitors: Judge Juan Magallanes; Marcos Sanchez, the Mayor of Combes, and Silvia Garza Perez, Cameron County Clerk; among others.

“Santa Rosa has come a long way, and with these new faces, the future looks bright,” Florencia said. “These people have some good ideas, and all of us are working for a better future for our children and our citizens.”

Then he listed a number of recent programs that are helping Santa Rosa. “For example,” he said, “AMIGOS DEL VALLE” kicked off with 70 or more people coming for food assistance. Also the Santa Rosa FOOD BANK is a non-profit, non denominational organization supported by local officials, school board members, the fire department and the City of Santa Rosa. Our local organization distributes to needy families the food brought in from the McAllen food bank. All are volunteer workers.

“It should be noted also that the city administrators are always working hard and seeking available state and federal funds for special local projects,” he added.

And finally, he said the city has an open-door policy. Anyone wishing to speak with me or any of the other elected officials can call us at the City Hall. The number is 636-1113.

Or, if we are not there, you could probably find us at our second unofficial office–the Santa Rosa Coffee Shop on Main Street.