By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Maite H. Rivera is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for the office of Val Verde County Tax Assessor Collector.
Rivera is seeking to depose the incumbent tax assessor collector, Democrat Elodia “Loly” Garcia, who will square off with Rivera in the March 5 Democratic Party Primary Election. The winner of that contest will face a Republican candidate in November.
Rivera was born and raised in Del Rio. She attended local schools and graduated from Del Rio High School in 1978. She has also attended Sul Ross State University and lived briefly in Dallas in 1989.
Rivera began her career as a telecommunications operator with Val Verde County, a position she held for seven years before transferring to work for Justice of the Peace Fred Brockwell, as his juvenile court clerk.
“While working for Judge Brockwell, communication was of utmost importance and having a dual language was a priority,” Rivera said.
After working for Brockwell for seven years, Rivera took a position with the Texas Department of Public Safety as a driver license examiner. She worked for the DPS for 20 years.
“At the time of my retirement, I was serving as the lead in that department,” she said.
Rivera didn’t stay retired, though, and when the opportunity came to work for the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office in 2018, she took it. She currently works there as the receptionist and fingerprint clerk.
“Beyond my professional commitments, I am a proud and active member of the Brown Plaza Association and the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. I continue to work on building my leadership skills through effective communication, customer service and community engagement,” Rivera said.
Asked why she made the decision to run for the tax assessor collector position, Rivera said, “I have dedicated over 35 years to serving the Del Rio community. Running for Val Verde County Tax Assessor Collector will allow me to continue fulfilling my commitment to public service by contributing to the financial well-being of the community and to the overall functioning of our county government. The position offers me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of county citizens through fair and effective tax administration, among other responsibilities.”
Rivera said she has several priorities she would like to focus on if elected.
“My goals are to improve the efficiency, fairness and transparency of tax assessment and the collection processes, all while providing excellent and courteous customer service,” she said.
“I plan to advocate for legislation that supports fair and effective tax assessment and collection processes and to stay informed and up-to-date about changes in the law and regulations. I am also committed to serve through open communication and to listen to feedback. I will work collaboratively with the community and alongside other county elected officials,” she added.
Asked why she believed Val Verde County voters should cast their ballots for her, Rivera said, “Citizens should vote for me because of my work ethic. It has always been strong. I worked for the county for 15 years and then went to work for the Texas Department of Public Safety and retired with 20 years of service.
“Since my retirement from the state, I have returned to the county, where I am currently employed for my fifth year. I have had the opportunity to meet many people and believe I would be described as a hardworking friend. I also have the desire to serve and to follow the laws required for this position to best support the citizens of this community,” Rivera said.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com.
