Reprint from the Progress Times - July 27, 2007
©Progress Times 2007 - All Rights Reserved

Ruben Plata files for Mission City Council

Ruben Plata, president of the First National Bank Mission Branch, has announced he will seek election to Mission City Council, Place 2, to fill the vacancy created by Councilwoman Gen Long’s resignation last week.

The city will hold a special election October 20 to fill the position. July 24 was the first day to file for the position and August 14 is the last day. Early voting begins October 8.

Plata brings an impressive list of credentials in terms of his community involvement. He has served on the Mission Chamber of Commerce board, and as chairman of the board in 2002-03. He is currently vice president of the board for the Boys and Girls Club of Mission, board member of Mission Economic Development Authority, Cimarron Country Club, Regional Mobility Authority, and NABA (North American Butterfly Association). He is chair-elect for the Mission Historical Museum and is a board member of United Way of South Texas, having served as chairman of the board in 2005-06.

Recognized by the community for his significant service to the city, Plata was named Mission’s Man of the Year in 2006. He also has been named 2007 SBA Financial Services Champion of the Year for South Texas.

He is a past president of Valley Bankers Association, past member of the Mission CISD Facilities Advisory Committee, and is currently a board member of Rotary Club of Mission and El Divino Redentor Church.

In announcing his candidacy, Plata said he moved to Mission in 1988 and began work at Carl’s Supermarket as a sacker, working his way through college. His hard work and determination earned him a promotion to the Carl’s central office.

He attended the University of Texas-Pan American and graduated with a bachelors degree in business administration and accounting.

Plata started work at First National Bank in 1993, and by 1998 was offered the opportunity to open the Mission Branch as branch president.

Since then, he has been very involved in the community and has been asked to serve in many organizations.

"Due to similar values I share with Ms. Gen Long, I was approached by several people of the community to run for city council," he said.

"The opportunity to make a difference for the people of Mission and assist the council is the driving force behind my decision to run for this position," he added. "I have established a proven track record of loyalty, integrity and leadership throughout this city. I hope the citizens of Mission will give me the opportunity to be of service in this new capacity. If so, I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I have acquired to serve this community and her citizens."