San Elizario residents prepare for first municipal election
For the first time residents in the new city of San Elizario are preparing to choose a mayor and five city council members.
The elected officials will be chosen in an election on May 10.
“Finally my dream came true when we had good people working the polls (and) good people that voted. People that called for information, we had the information readily available. Consequently, we won,” lifelong resident Ramon Holguin said Tuesday afternoon. Holguin has seen several incorporation attempts in years past.
Last year, neighboring city of Socorro was trying to annex San Elizario to be included in their city limits and that’s what prompted people of the community to take action.
“It’s important for the people of San Elizario to stand up and make the choices and to figure out what we need and to take care of it on our own without depending on anyone else,” David Cantu said.
Members of the community must choose who they trust to run the city during the upcoming election.
“Election day will certainly be historical day for this community because for the first time they will have a mayor and city council who will be directly accountable for the people and setting a new course for the city of San Elizario,” County Commissioner Vince Perez said.
Anyone who wishes to have their name on a ballot must:
Be a U.S. citizen older than 18
Been a Texas resident for one year
Resided in San Elizario for six months
Meet additional Texas Election Code requirements.
A new direction is about to begin under leadership from six members of the historic San Elizario community. Candidates may file to run for mayor and council from Jan. 29 through Feb. 28. Officials recommend applying sooner than later in case there are any issues that need to be resolved.
Packets passed out to interested residents on Jan. 7 were only for informational purposes. Those wanting more guidance and instructions are urged to contact the Texas Secretary of State ( www.sos.state.tx.us ) (1-800-252-8683 ) and the Texas Ethics Commission ( www.ethics.state.tx.us ) (1-512-463-5800 ).
