Mayor Ramsey English Cantu and City Councilmen Rudy Villalpando and Luis E. Sifuentes sworn-in

By: Ricardo E. Calderon
An Exclusive Eagle Pass Business Journal News Story/Copyright 2013

Mayor Ramsey English Cantu and City Councilmen Rudy Villalpando and Luis E. Sifuentes were officially sworn-in to new four year terms after being re-elected by the citizens of the City of Eagle Pass, Texas during the May 11, 2013 municipal officers election at a special meeting of the City of Eagle Pass City Council on Tuesday, May 21st, held at City Hall, 100 South Monroe Street, in Eagle Pass amidst 200 family, friends, and well-wishers in attendance to celebrate their re-election and witness their swearing-in ceremony.

Mayor Ramsey English Cantu stated after taking his oath of office that he liked to first thank God for providing him the blessings to run for public service, his parents, Byrdie and Raul Cantu, his sister, Kimberly D. Cantu, his aunt, Daisy English, his grandmother, Elvira English, his extended family members, the citizens of Eagle Pass, the Eagle Pass City Council, and the employees of the City of Eagle Pass for their loyal support and trust in his service to the community as Mayor.

Mayor Ramsey English Cantu also stated that there is always a time for change in every community and respectfully requested the citizens of Eagle Pass to work with him in bringing change to the City of Eagle Pass. Mayor English Cantu thanked all local governmental entities, Maverick County Judge David Saucedo, Maverick County Commissioners Court, the Maverick County Hospital District, the Eagle Pass Independent School District, and Mexican Consul Ricardo Santana Velasquez for working together in providing an orderly growth and development in the community.

Mayor Ramsey English Cantu also thanked the United States Customs and Border Protection and Eagle Pass Port of Entry Director Cynthia Rodriguez for working with the City of Eagle Pass in maintaining the City’s two international bridges with Mexico safe, secure, and open for international commerce between the United States and Mexico.

City Councilman for Place 4 Luis E. Sifuentes expressed his appreciation to God for placing him in this public service position to serve the citizens of Eagle Pass, his wife and children for supporting him, and the citizens of Eagle Pass for bestowing him confidence and trust in serving them. Councilman Sifuentes also thanked the citizens of Eagle Pass who took the time to vote and participated in the electoral democratic process. Councilman Sifuentes stated he is going to focus on developing new City parks and recreation areas as well as renovating the existing public parks during his new four year term. Councilman Sifuentes also stated that he is going to focus on assisting local businesses grow and prosper, including the Eagle Pass Downtown merchants and businesses. Councilman Sifuentes was unopposed in the election.

City Councilman for Place 2 Rudy Villalpando stated that he ran for re-election to serve the public and citizens of Eagle Pass. Councilman Villalpando thanked his beautiful wife, Elsa Villalpando, his daughter, Izanel Villalpando, and his granddaughter, Jaden, for their support of his public service. Councilman Villalpando also thanked the voters of Eagle Pass for coming out to vote. Councilman Villalpando stated that he is going to focus on City infrastructure projects, local businesses, public safety, fire safety, and water safety to support local citizens and commerce. Councilman Villalpando added that he welcomes comments and suggestions from local citizens and businesses and has an open door policy to hear these matters. Councilman Villalpando was unopposed in the election.

Following the swearing-in ceremony and the canvassing of the May 11, 2013 municipal election results, current Mayor Pro-Tem Asalia Casares was re-elected unanimously as Mayor Pro-Tem until the next City election. Councilman Sifuentes made the motion to re-appoint Mayor Pro-Tem Asalia Casares for another term and Councilman William “Billy” Davis seconded the motion with Mayor Cantu and Councilmen Villalpando voting for the motion.

After adjourning the special City Council meeting, guests, family members, friends, and well-wishers were invited to attend a reception in the foyer of City Hall with hor’s de voures and refreshments.