Reprint from the Progress Times - May 25, 2007
©Progress Times 2007 - All Rights Reserved

Salinas Sworn In For Fourth Term

"I just want to serve the people of Mission for three more years – maybe six," said Norberto "Beto" Salinas after taking the oath of office as mayor of Mission for the fourth time.

As he made this remark, the mayor looked at his wife, Yvonne, standing by his side and said, "If my wife will let me do that." The standing-room-only audience chuckled while nodding in agreement.

Salinas and his running mates, incumbent Councilman Celestino Ramirez and new council member Norie Garza, were all elected by decisive margins in the recent May 12 elections.

Mayoral contender Armando O’cana, whose council position was filled by Garza, expressed thanks to God, his family and the voters of Mission for the opportunity to serve.

"I am making a pledge, I will be back. I don’t plan to stay home and not serve anymore," he said.

After District Judge Letty Lopez administered the oath of office to Mayor Salinas, Councilman Ramirez took the oath of office administered by his daughter, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez Flores.

Garza also was sworn in by Judge Lopez, who later told the audience that she and Norie Garza are first cousins. Garza vacated her seat on the Mission CISD board of trustees to run for city council.

Garza said, "I’m here for every citizen of Mission, I’m here to work; I’m here to get things done. I want to be a part of the prosperity that we have had for the past nine years. I am proud to say I’m from Mission."