By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Elsa Reyes joined the Del Rio City Council on Monday following her swearing-in as the new Councilperson District 1.
Reyes was one of two candidates vying for the District 1 seat on the council. The incumbent, Councilman Jesus Lopez Jr., did not seek re-election after serving a single term on the council.
Reyes won the seat with an official total of 474 votes. Her opponent, Jorge “George” Vargas, garnered an official total of 318 votes.
Reyes was sworn in during a special city council meeting Monday.
During the meeting, the council also canvassed the results of the May 2 city election, formally accepted the election results, declared the winners and set a runoff election for the office of mayor, since none of the six candidates for that office won the election outright.
The council and city staff on Monday also bid farewell to outgoing council members Ernestina “Tina” Martinez and District 1 Councilman Jesus Lopez Jr., who did not seek re-election.
After those ceremonies were complete, Mayor Al Arreola called on Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses to administer the oath of office to Reyes.
Reyes was joined by her mother, Carmen Reyes, who held the Bible as her daughter took the oath of office.
Following the swearing-in, Arreola invited Reyes to make introductory comments to the council and audience.
“First of all, I want to thank my family and all of my friends who were my support system. I’m very grateful for all they did for me during this campaign,” Reyes said.
“I’m really excited to now sit on the other side of the city, the (council) dais. I did work for the city for 20 years. I wanted to do this, because I think my heart is really to do the best that we possibly can for the city, not only for District 1, but for the entire community.
“As Ms. Tina (Councilwoman Ernestina ‘Tina’ Martinez) says, it’s about doing what we can for the citizens as a whole, so I’m excited, and I can’t wait to get started. Thank you all very much, and I appreciate everyone that’s here today,” Reyes said.
As she noted, Reyes worked for the city for two decades, starting her employment as the city’s transportation coordinator. Over the years, Reyes also served as the Women, Infants and Children director, operations director, interim nutrition director, interim community services director, interim economic development director and grant writer. Her final post at the city was transportation director.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com
