Bipartisan Group of Mayors and Elected Officials Endorse Gov. Perry for Re-Election

MISSION – Gov. Rick Perry today accepted the endorsements of 30 elected officials from the Rio Grande Valley region, including mayors, mayors pro-tempore, school board members and city commissioners, including several Democrats. They pointed to Gov. Perry’s principled leadership and success in maintaining a friendly business climate and strong economy in offering their support of his re-election campaign.

“It is an honor to stand here today with a group of leaders who have dedicated themselves to public service and worked tirelessly to strengthen their communities, and I am deeply honored to have their support,” said Gov. Perry. “Working together, we will keep our state moving forward with Texas values and proven leadership, and the support of hardworking Texans like those here with me today.”

"I’ve been supporting Gov. Perry since 1998 and I'm very proud of him,” said Mission Mayor Norberto Salinas. “Texas has never had as good a governor as Rick Perry. I am proud to endorse him and offer my full support. Texas needs him for another four years."

In his remarks, Gov. Perry discussed the importance of efforts to create jobs and uphold the fiscally conservative policies that have kept Texas comparatively strong in the midst of a challenging national economy. He noted Texas’ unemployment rate has remained a point-and-a-half below the national average and the state has created more jobs in the last six months than any other state. He also pointed to the state’s success in keeping taxes low, restraining spending and upholding a predictable regulatory climate, which has enabled entrepreneurs and businesses to succeed.

Gov. Perry also highlighted efforts to continue strengthening education, citing his proposals to double the number of Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (T-STEM) schools and increasing the number of U-Teach programs in state universities.

“I am a Democrat and I am supporting Gov. Perry because he's been a good governor for Pharr, the housing community and economic development,” said Pharr Mayor Polo Palacios. “My family came from Mexico and growing up I was always taught to respect those that help you and treat you well. Gov. Perry’s efforts have helped our community. We have worked together and, time after time, Gov. Perry has not let us down.”

“Gov. Perry has worked so hard for South Texas and I am so proud of him,” said La Feria Mayor Steve Brewer. “His team did an unbelievable job during Hurricane Dolly – we were underwater and Gov. Perry wasted no time in dispatching the state guard.”

“Gov. Perry really cares about South Texas,” said Elsa Mayor Senovio Castillo. “The City of Elsa has been helped tremendously by Gov. Perry. He was there when we needed him. We were well prepared before Hurricane Dolly hit because of his efforts.”

The following elected officials today endorsed Gov. Perry:

Mission Mayor Norberto Salinas
Pharr Mayor Polo Palacios
Palmhurst Mayor Ramiro Rodriguez
South Padre Island Mayor Robert Pinkerton
Laguna Vista Mayor Susie Houston,
Lyford Mayor Henry De La Paz, Jr.
Elsa Mayor Senovio Castillo,
La Feria Mayor Steve Brewer
Mission Mayor Pro-Tem,Leo Olivarez
Pharr Mayor Pro-Tem Adan Farias
Mercedes Mayor Pro-Tem Leonardo Garcia
Edcouch Mayor Pro-Tem Eduardo Gonzalez
Pharr Commissioner Oscar Elizondo, Jr.
Pharr Commissioner Arturo Cortez
Pharr Commissioner Bobby Carrillo
Mission Commissioner Ruben Plata
Mission Commissioner Maria Elena Ramirez
Mission Commissioner Norie Garza
Elsa Commissioner Cain Caceres
Elsa Commissioner Oscar Garcia
Mission I.S.D. School Board Member Oscar Martinez
Mission I.S.D. School Board Member Raymond R. Longoria
Mission I.S.D. School Board Member James E. Olivarez
Edcouch-Elsa I.S.D. School Board Member Antonio Barco
Mission Chief of Police Leo Longoria
Former Donna Mayor Rick Morales
Former Harlingen Mayor Rick Rodriguez
Former Rio Grande City Mayor Kevin Hiles
Former 92nd District Judge Horacio Pena
Former 430th District Judge Tom Wingate