Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Mission, TX – In a significant moment for the city of Mission, Marissa Ortega Gerlach was officially sworn in as the new city council member for Place 3 on December 18, 2023, marking a new era in the city’s governance.
The council meeting room was packed with citizens, family and friends who came to witness this momentous occasion. Among the notable attendees was the Honorable Judge Fernando Mancias, of the 93rd District Court in Hidalgo County, adding a layer of magnificence to the event.
Anna Carrillo, the city secretary, played a crucial role in establishing the quorum for the meeting. She called out the names of the council members, including Mayor Nori Gonzalez Garza, Mayor Pro-tem Ruben Plata, Councilwoman Jessica Ortega, and Councilman Alberto Vela. This was followed by the approval of Resolution 1871, which formally canvassed the results of the special election held on December 9th, 2023.
The election results were announced, declaring Marissa Ortega Gerlach as the elected council member for Place 3, having secured a decisive victory with 1502 votes. The resolution was unanimously passed, and the stage was set for Gerlach’s swearing-in.
Judge Fernando Macias administered the oath of office to Gerlach in a ceremonial gesture. She pledged to uphold the constitution and laws of the United States and the state, as well as the charter and ordinances of the city of Mission.
In her first official duty, Gerlach addressed the public, thanking them for their presence and support. She vowed to make decisions in the best interest of the City of Mission. Former Commissioner Abiel Flores, who vacated his seat to pursue a district judge position, took a moment to commend the participation of all candidates in the election process and stressed the importance of transparency and integrity in governance.
A New Journey Begins
Marissa Ortega Gerlach’s inauguration as a city council member represents a new chapter in the governance of Mission, Texas. Her commitment to serving with transparency and integrity, as echoed by her predecessors and the community, sets a hopeful tone for her tenure. As Mission continues to grow and evolve, the leadership and decisions made in these council chambers will significantly shape its future.
