Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Dallas, TX – The Republican Mayors Association (RMA) revealed the first members of its Advisory Board today, following a decisive meeting of the National Board on December 28, 2023.
These appointees will be pivotal in promoting the RMA’s goals, which include expanding the presence of Republican mayors nationwide and fostering engagement with key urban stakeholders.
RMA Chairman and President, Eric L. Johnson, emphasized the momentum gained from the successful 2023 election cycle and the RMA’s commitment to principles like fiscal conservatism and public safety. He stressed the importance of great cities in building a great nation and expressed confidence in the newly formed team’s ability to strengthen the Republican Party in urban America.
The RMA Advisory Board members will serve for one year, starting January 1, 2024.
RMA National Board Highlights:
• Eric L. Johnson, Dallas Mayor, elected as RMA President.
• Additional National Board members include Tommy Hicks (Co-Chairman Emeritus, RNC), William Palatucci (RNC Committeeman, New Jersey), Brian Schimming (Chairman, Republican Party of Wisconsin), Mary Elbanna (Founder/CEO, Adept Strategies), and Kevin Faulconer (Former Mayor, San Diego, California).
RMA Advisory Board Insights:
• Javier Villalobos, Mayor of McAllen, Texas, elected as the inaugural Chairman. Notably, he is the first Republican McAllen Mayor in 100 years.
• Villalobos, alongside Mayor Johnson and other board members like Ronald Morrell, Jr. (Mayor, Marion, Indiana) and Erin Stewart (Mayor, New Britain, Connecticut), aims to transform the RMA into a formidable force for electing Republican mayors and promoting Republican values in urban areas.
Villalobos told Texas Border Business about his enthusiasm for working with the RMA team to make impactful changes in city leadership across the nation, highlighting the potential for Republican success in every city with the right approach and messaging.
Mayor Villalobos outlined a comprehensive plan for city improvement, prioritizing a range of critical areas. He underscored the necessity of upgrading infrastructure such as roads, job creation, and water resources, as well as enhancing drainage, sewer, and water systems to promote a healthy living environment. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for public safety measures, the development of eco-friendly urban spaces, support for local enterprises, investment in efficient public transport, and partnering with higher education to promote human capital.
According to Mayor Villalobos, these multifaceted endeavors are vital for the city’s overall growth and well-being.
Additionally, Mayor Villalobos expressed his intention to concentrate on tangible local improvements and economic growth, steering clear of polarizing social issues. With the RMA, he will advocate for a focus on practical developments over debates on contentious topics like gun rights and abortion, which he views as sources of perpetual division.
