By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Alvaro “Al” Arreola was sworn in Tuesday to a second four-year term as mayor of Del Rio.
Arreola was joined by his wife, Myrella Arreola, family members and several close friends during a special meeting of the Del Rio City Council, where officials canvassed and certified the results of the June 13 mayoral runoff election.
The first item on the agenda was approval of an ordinance canvassing the election returns, declaring the official results and formally announcing Arreola as the winner.
was part of the swearing-in ceremony held during a special council meeting Tuesday. (Photo by Karen Gleason)
City Secretary Mari Acosta presented the certified totals.
“Mayor, on the dais, I’ve placed the results for the runoff election on June 13. There are 21,452 registered voters, and there were 1,894 ballots cast. Of those, Mr. Efrain Valdez received 925, and Mr. Alvaro Arreola Sr. received 933, and we are declaring Mr. Arreola as the elected mayor for the City of Del Rio,” Acosta said.
Arreola then called for a motion to approve the ordinance. Councilman Leno Hernandez Jr. made the motion, which was seconded by Councilman J.P. Sanchez.
The council approved the ordinance on a 6-0-1 vote, with Arreola abstaining.
Acosta then congratulated the mayor and introduced the next agenda item, the administration of the statement of officer and oath of office.
Val Verde County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. administered the oath as Myrella Arreola held the Bible.
Following the ceremony, Arreola posed for photographs with Owens, family members, friends and campaign supporters. He also joined the city council for a group photo.
Mayor Pro-tem J.P. Sanchez then presented Arreola with a certificate recognizing his election as mayor in the June 13 runoff.
After returning to the center seat on the dais, Arreola thanked his family and supporters.
“Before I close this session, I really and truly want to thank my wife, who gave up her summer to spend two elections with me out there in the trailer instead of being in Cabo or Mazatlan. I love you, honey, and thank you for everything,” Arreola said.
He also thanked his children, Al Jr. and Myrella Isabel, for helping with the campaign.
“They walked streets. I think that all of us up here on the dais know that we’re nobody without our families, and that is what matters,” he said.
Arreola also recognized campaign volunteers and encouraged residents to participate in future elections.
“It’s not about a candidate; it’s about casting a vote that will bring funding back to this community,” Arreola said. “If you don’t want to vote for me, it doesn’t matter, but just come out and support somebody. Every registered vote that’s tallied, when we go to Austin and ask for grants, ask for funding, this is what they look at.”
He concluded by thanking his supporters and fellow council members.
“We’re going to move and rock ’n’ roll, like J.P. says. The next four years, the next three-and-a-half years, this city’s going to move forward with a lot of projects and a lot of growth. Let’s start today with moving forward.”
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com.
