By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez,
As originally published by Texas Border Business newsprint edition August 2017
I have great respect for municipal administrators. All cities come with a set of rigid rules; they can be in my opinion, cumbersome. If an administrator does not have the experience of how a municipal machinery works, he or she will fail.
There are multiple, intricate parts that makes a city run smoothly. City fathers can only be effective public servants if the city staff is experienced, dedicated, and possesses the mindset to serve and do their job well.
No department works properly without the other, a city commission cannot function without the recommendation of the staff. So, it’s clear that an important and proper chain of command has to be in place.
Such is the case of the City of McAllen. For years, this municipality has led the Valley in many aspects. However, this has been a team effort, where projects are envisioned, debated, planned and built.
This month, Texas Border Business is proud to present Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. in our Exclusive section of this newspaper. He is the city manager of this great city. He has had the opportunity to lead experienced staff and to select key personnel that manage to keep 35 departments running smoothly with about 1,800 employees. Rodriguez has been with the city almost fourteen years in various high-ranking positions.
Get to know him better; this Exclusive article will give you an opportunity to know more about the monumental challenges faced by city administrators.
ON ANOTHER NOTE: Mayor Richard Garcia, surrounded by his family and supporters, filed for another term in office as Mayor of Edinburg.
ALSO: In case you haven’t heard, La Plaza Mall has added four new retail businesses: Torrid, Love Culture, Doc Popcorn, and Dippin’ Dots. As you know, La Plaza Mall is also finishing the second multi-level parking building and the expansion adding sixty additional stores. It is getting very exciting… stay tuned.RIBBON CUTTING: Bob’s Steak & Chop House in Edinburg celebrated their ribbon cutting ceremony with dignitaries, friends and patrons who attended this important event. The opening of Bob’s has raised the bar in the fine-dining industry. Congratulations to Peter Higgins, Managing Partner; Luis Mussenden, General Manager; and also to the City of Edinburg on the opening of this excellent venue.
EMPOWERING GIRLS: Have you ever wondered what advice you would give to your 10-15-year-old self? Well, thirty young girls were able to hear this message at the Empowering Girls Forum, a series organized by Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. Four influential women from different industries and professions openly discussed how they navigated their tween and teen years, overcame obstacles, and conquered their insecurities. From growing up poor to the power of authenticity, from education to professionalism, the girls were given the opportunity to listen and be heard.
NEW CAREER: Spencer and Patricia Hansen opened the first Miracle Method in the community in July. The couple who previously worked at a school in Reynosa decided to change career paths and follow Spencer’s passion for home repair and handyman work through the Miracle Method.
BORDER HELP: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement regarding the delay in reimbursement for border communities who have provided humanitarian assistance during the surge of immigrants which began in 2014.
Congressman Henry Cuellar told Texas Border Business that he sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott addressing the concerns of our border communities who have yet to be reimbursed for the humanitarian assistance they provided when the federal government was overwhelmed by a large influx of immigrants that began in 2014.
“I fought hard in Congress to author appropriation language that allows our local communities on the border to be reimbursed for their humanitarian assistance with federal dollars. The State of Texas as the administrator of these federal dollars has not reimbursed our border communities,” he stated.
Cuellar said there was a misunderstanding between the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Governor’s Office so that using federal funds to reimburse communities was not allowed. “I understand that this misunderstanding has held the state back from reimbursing communities.” He also pointed out that now, the State of Texas can tap into its federal dollars to reimburse our communities.
Congressman Cuellar has been an outstanding representative, as you can see he is not giving up until these reimbursements happen. Good Job Congressman!
Related articles:
Exclusive: “McAllen Is One Step From Heaven” –Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P. E., McAllen City Manager
Mayor Richard Garcia files for another term to continue building the future of Edinburg
Torrid, Love Culture and Doc Popcorn/Dippin’ Dots are now open for business at La Plaza Mall
McAllen Resident Turns His Hobby into a Business by Opening the First Miracle Method
Cuellar Sends Letter to Governor’s Office Requesting Reimbursement for Border Communities
