Maverick County Hospital District Board of Directors Election draws only two candidates for two positions

By: Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2014, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

The Maverick County Hospital District (MCHD) Board of Directors election for two at-large Board seats in the November 4, 2014 election drew only two candidates, incumbent Board of Director Joaquin L. Rodriguez and newcomer Dr. Ronald Hixson, guaranteeing both of them election to the Board for a four year term without having to hold an election, subject to the local hospital district’s Board of Directors cancellation of its election and declaration of Rodriguez and Dr. Hixson as winners.

The MCHD has sustained annual budget deficits under the leadership of Juan Manuel “Chuco” Farias as Board President requiring that the Hospital District make capital contributions from its reserves to balance the budget annually.

Incumbent MCHD Board of Director and former Mayor Joaquin L. Rodriguez registered his candidacy for re-election to a second four year term on the local hospital district’s bronco budget busting rodeo tour. Rodriguez in an interview to a local news media stated that he registered for re-election to help local citizens and ensure that the Hospital District’s reserves are not depleted by annual budget deficits.

Political newcomer and local health care provider and author Dr. Ronald Hixson also registered as a candidate for the MCHD Board of Directors seeking a four year term of office.

Both Rodriguez and Dr. Hixson are guaranteed election to the MCHD Board of Directors since only two at large positions were subject to election and no other candidates registered, subject to the MCHD Board approving the cancellation of their November 4th election and declaring them as winners.

Not seeking re-election to another tour of duty at the MCHD Board of Directors was Maverick County Treasurer and MCHD Board Vice-President Rito J. Valdez, III, who is unopposed to his first full four year term as Maverick County Treasurer in the November 4th election. Although the Texas Attorney General recently inked an opinion that Valdez may simultaneously serve as Maverick County Treasurer and a MCHD Board of Director, Valdez chose for unknown reasons not to serve Maverick County citizens in said dual capacities.

Maverick County citizens should be glad that Rodriguez and Dr. Hixson seek to serve the community as MCHD Board of Directors and registered as candidates in the local democratic system.