The Candidates in Their Own Words

Mayor Victor Gonzalez, Jr., whose position as mayor was up for election in this cycle, has been accepted as Commissioner Position 3, running unopposed in a Special Election for the position vacated by Olga H. Maldonado.

Commissioner Maldonado, Chief of the Mercedes Police Department was certified by the La Feria City Council and elected mayor after she was the only candidate to file for the top job.

Also declared victor due to a lack of opposition, Eric Hoff will assume Commission Position 2 after the election on May 7th. This spot was held by longtime Commissioner John Hernandez.

Of the positions up for election, the only one to be decided during the May general election will be Position 1 vacated by Commissioner John Betancourt; two candidates are vying for that position – Jose “Jesse” Zuniga and Don Lee.

As a courtesy La Feria News offers space to the candidates running for election as a forum for their views and aspirations for the community – unedited and in their own words.

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As a twenty six year resident of the beautiful city of La Feria, Texas I strive to help our community through civic involvement. With ​ this in mind and ​the support of Maricela Aleman Zuniga my wife of twenty seven years and my two daughters, and the opportunity at hand I am running for City Commissioner Position #1.

I want to provide the community of La Feria with experienced leadership obtained through twenty five years in business management by working with the City Administration and other community leaders on the budget, projects and overall City issues.

I promise to show up, be prepared, be respectful, listen and be active in all decisions made to ensure the City of La Feria continues to grow economically and has a safe living environment for all it’s citizens.

I encourage all to come vote and be part of the movement for an even better Hometown – City of La Feria.

Respectfully
Jose “Jesse” Zuniga

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My mission as a City Commissioner will be to represent the public interest, promote quick, courteous response to residents’ problems, provide leadership and direction for the City’s future, and assure the present and future fiscal integrity of our municipal government.

The City Commission must determine the policies, directions and levels of service of City government. My job is to determine how to best meet the numerous needs and demands for public services throughout the community while complying with state and federal mandates and doing all of this with limited financial resources. As your City Commissioner I will listen to the people in the community while keeping an ear tuned to the events of the region and state, which could affect the City of La Feria.

Policies and Ordinances
I will work with the other City commissioners in meetings to develop and enact policies and ordinances for our city by voting on them. These actions bring about changes in existing laws specific to the community or they develop new laws that the commission believes will help the city function better in some way. I will always work to make La Feria even greater!

Tax Rates
City commissioners decide on the local tax rate on homes and businesses. I will take into consideration the affects of any tax hike. Right now I am against any tax hikes.

Identify Local Issues
One of the important duties of a city commissioner is to identify issues within the city that need to be addressed. I have a strong knowledge of our city and the needs of our voters. I will act as a liaison between the public and the city government to help make changes that will benefit the citizens.

I will work with the local EDC to promote new businesses and create jobs.

I will work to build more sidewalks in the city.

I will be a strong advocate for the needs of our Veterans and senior citizens.

I will promote local efforts to increase the numbers of winter Texans who bring a lot of revenue to our local businesses!

Budget
The city has a budget that should be balanced. It is the job of the commission to develop the budget for the upcoming fiscal year and see that it is properly funded in order to keep the city in a good financial condition. The city is treated much like a business in this respect and should work to at least break even each year if possible without raising taxes

Pay Rates
The city commissioners are responsible for setting the pay rates for city employees. I will work to keep all employee compensation in line with inflation while preventing overspending in the budget on salaries.

As your City commissioner I will have the power to make decisions, which are set forth in laws, regulations and codes that affect the actions of citizens and benefit the health, safety and welfare of the public. I will not take this honor lightly!

I will represent the public interest, promote quick, courteous response to residents’ problems, provide leadership and direction for the City’s future, and assure the present and future fiscal integrity of the municipal government. I would greatly appreciate your support and vote during early voting and on election day, May 7th, 2016.

Thank You.
Donovan Lee
956-200-1786
Navy Veteran
Active in La Feria American Legion
Active in local fund raising events to help the needy
Long time resident of La Feria

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EARLY VOTING
April 25 – May 3, 2016

ELECTION DAY
May 7, 2016