By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Six people have filed applications for seats on the Del Rio City Council, according to documents filed with City Secretary Mari Acosta as of Monday morning.
Four city offices will be decided by voters in the May 2 general election: mayor, councilperson at-large Place C, councilperson District 1 and councilperson District 2. Filing for a place on the ballot began Wednesday, Jan. 14.
Three file for mayor
Three candidates have filed applications seeking the office of mayor.
Incumbent Mayor Al Arreola filed Jan. 20 seeking re-election. Arreola is employed as the manager of the Zales jewelry store at Plaza Del Sol Mall.
Also filing for mayor were Efrain V. Valdez and James “Jim” DeReus.
Valdez worked for many years as a coach and educator in the local public school district before entering city and county government. He has previously served on the Del Rio City Council, including terms as a councilperson and as mayor, and later served as Val Verde County judge.
DeReus has served two terms on the city council as councilperson District 2 and currently serves as mayor pro tem. He is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and pilot and is currently employed as a simulator instructor at Laughlin Air Force Base.
Three seek at-large seat
Three candidates have also filed applications for councilperson at-large Place C.
Incumbent Ernestina “Tina” Martinez filed Jan. 20 seeking re-election. Martinez is a retired business owner and volunteers with several local organizations.
LeRoy Briones also filed Jan. 20 for the at-large seat. Briones is employed as a funeral director.
Alexandra Falcon Calderon has also filed for Place C. Calderon previously served a single term on the city council as councilperson District 3. She is the owner of a hair salon and is involved with several local organizations and boards.
District seats still open
As of Monday morning, no candidates had filed applications for the offices of councilperson District 1 or councilperson District 2.
Filing for the open seats on the Del Rio City Council continues until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13.
