Valley wood Publications, 143 N. Texas Avenue Mercedes 78570; (956) 272-8058

Mercedes mayor’s race started

By Raul Garcia Jr.

The race for Mercedes’ top elected seat is up for grabs and five men have come to the table thus far for the duty of leading the Queen City as mayor.

The stage is set for May 14 and each candidate is preparing their independent campaign.

Mercedes is operating without a mayor since Joel Quintanilla was elected Hidalgo County Commissioner for Pct. 1 in November 2010.

Ten years ago the City of Mercedes was cash strapped and known to many as a bedroom community but with the influx of tax dollars from the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets the city is richer than ever and has the funds to realize community needs and any department wish list.

Of the five candidates Gilbert Dominguez was elected Mayor for Mercedes in 1982.

Henry Hinojosa, a life time resident of Mercedes was a three term city commissioner from 1997-2005.

David Garza, a life-time resident was elected to two separate terms for city commissioner in 1993 and 2005.

Mercedes City Commissioner Ruben “Chano” Guajardo is ending his second term as after being first elected in 2005.

Vernon Hover has been a resident of Mercedes since 2000.

“My goal is to see Mercedes continue to grow from the inside out and the outside in,” Hoover said. “There is a lot of people out of a job and I want to pull in more businesses into Mercedes.”

Hoover is a former assistant pastor and first time candidate and said issues need to addressed and citizens need to be more informed.

Hinojosa dates his community activism all the way back to the 1970’s in his youth as a Mercedes Community Helper. Today his campaign is to make Mercedes into a more economic success.

“Business development for the downtown and surrounding area is a priority and along the expressway,”Hinojosa said.

Former Mayor of Mercedes Gilbert Dominguez has been very vocal in recent council meetings since returning home after retiring from the Lansing School District in Mich.

“I’ve had a life long interest and commitment to community interest as apposed to politics,” Dominguez said. “For me community service has been some what of a calling for me.”

Guajardo said he promotes open government and excellent services.

David Garza

Henry Hinojosa