By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Mayor Al Arreola, Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez and Del Rio City Council members said farewell to two council members and welcomed two new members during a special meeting Monday.
Councilwoman At-Large Place C Ernestina “Tina” Martinez and District 1 Councilman Jesus Lopez Jr. left their seats on the council and said their goodbyes to council colleagues and city staff, then yielded their places on the council dais to their successors: Councilman At-Large Place C LeRoy Briones and District 1 Councilwoman Elsa Reyes.
The council’s first order of business was canvassing the returns of the city’s general election held May 2, declaring the official results of the election and declaring that Briones was the duly elected Councilperson At-Large Place C, Reyes was the duly elected Councilperson District 1 and Leno Hernandez Jr. was the duly elected Councilperson District 2.
Chavez announced Hernandez, who is a city employee, will be installed May 26. To leave the city in good standing, Hernandez must give the city two weeks’ notice before retiring.
After the council unanimously approved the ordinance canvassing the city election returns and an ordinance establishing a date for a runoff election for the office of mayor, Arreola recognized Chavez, who walked to the podium on the floor of the council chambers and announced, “Today we want to acknowledge two of our city council members who have provided their time, their dedication and their years of service for the last four years to the city of Del Rio.”
Chavez noted Martinez also served eight prior years on the council and, when combined with the four years she is completing this year, has served the city in elected office for a total of 12 years.
Chavez also recognized Lopez’s four years of service to the city.
Chavez said, “For each one, we do want to give a little parting gift as we transition. We’ve provided a plaque, and we also want to provide them with the name plates that were used while they were city council members. We also have some items with the city of Del Rio logo.”
Chavez read the text of the plaques: “In recognition of dedicated service … in grateful appreciation for your years of outstanding service as a member of the city of Del Rio. Your leadership, commitment and contributions have made a lasting impact on our community. With sincere thanks and best wishes for the future.”
Chavez also presented Martinez with a basket of blooming flowers.
Before she left her council seat, Martinez said, “I’d like to thank all the people that supported me. It was a pleasure serving you, the first eight years as the representative of my (council) district and then four years as an at-large member.
“I was dedicated to the city, and I’m happy to see that Mr. LeRoy Briones will be taking the lead now. Like I said, I was 24/7. My two sons are here today, and my oldest son would always say, ‘Mom, I’ve got to set an appointment with you to see you.’ I did enjoy working with the administration, and I thank them for all their hard work … Mr. Chavez, Mari, I enjoyed working with you all.
“The rest of the city council, I enjoyed working with you in trying to better our city for all the citizens, and like I always said, I was here for the citizens, not for myself, and I thank each and every one of you, and God bless all of you,” Martinez said.
Lopez, too, had some parting words before yielding his seat.
Lopez said, “I want to thank the constituents that supported me and had confidence in me representing my district. It’s a lot of work. It’s a lot of dedication, and like Tina said, sometimes, it was 24/7. People would call, people had concerns, but everything comes to the council and city administration.
“Serving the community, that’s what we’re here for, doing the best for the city. I want to thank everybody who supported me, and I hope I’ve done good in representing Del Rio … and the citizens. I hope the city continues to progress and grow for the good of the citizens for a good quality of life,” Lopez said.
The departing council members then posed with their colleagues and Chavez for photos before yielding their seats.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com
