Reprint from the Progress Times - March 14, 2008
©Progress Times 2008 - All Rights Reserved

Ex-City Councilman O'Cana announces bid for Place 2

 

Former City of Mission Councilman and former Fire Chief Dr. Armando O’Caña Sr.  announces his intention to run for the position of City Council, Place 2 which had been vacated by Gen Long and is being served by Ruben Plata.

Dr. O’Caña said, “I feel that with God, my family, my friends, my neighbors, and my community I can serve the citizens of Mission best. I promise to continue the economic growth and prosperity Mission is experiencing. I am an independent public servant candidate. I ask not what my city can do for me; but what I can do for my city.”

In his prepared statement, Dr. O’Caña continued to note that he wants to promote a fixed tax rate and fixed property value rate for all senior citizens and veterans especially those living with a fixed retirement income. He continued to say that during his two terms as city councilman he has proven himself to be honest, trustworthy, hardworking and dedicated to serving his community.

Dr. O’Caña cites his many experiences such as mayor’s liaison to the Boys and Girls club for six years, representative for elected officials on the Hidalgo County 911 committee for six years, being the Fire Chief for this city for over 15 years and as an alternate representative to the Amigos del Valle for six years and others as positive attributes that will be utilized to lead the City of Mission during hard times as well as during progressive good times today and whatever new challenges the future brings.

“Not only did I get involved with the policy making process, administration and fundraising of the Mission Boys and Girls Club, I coached five to seven year old kids in basketball, T-Ball, Mustang, and Little League baseball too,” said O’Caña. He cites that some of his best years of his life have been coaching his sons, their friends and neighborhood children, educating students and being a public servant through the years.

Dr. O’Caña also said, “I pledge to work for governmental efficiency at reasonable cost, make decisions that are researched based and data driven, and will work together with the current administration, council, and Mayor Norberto ‘Beto’ Salinas with citizenry approval.”

Dr. O’Caña pledges to use taxpayers’ money with the same authority and good judgement he uses with his own money. He wants to get the best for each dollar. Dr. O’Caña cites three major concerns: drainage, sidewalk improvements and revitalizing downtown.

The candidate for City Council, Place 2 and his wife, Maria de Jesus Ortega O’Caña have three sons Armando Jr., Johnathan Lee, Mathew James O’Caña, three grandchildren, Armando III, Esperanza “Hope” Grace and Jacob Ramiro O’Caña and three step-grandchildren, Dakota Martinez, Sabana Strange and Drew.

As an educator for over 33 years, he has served as a math teacher, guidance and counseling counselor, assistant principal, principal and now serving as Dropout Prevention and School Safety Director under Student Services with the La Joya ISD. He is the vice-president of HEROS Inc., an organization dedicated and available to City of Mission first responders during personal crisis situations such as dying in the line of duty. He cites that he serves each organization, education and La Joya ISD with distinction, honor and dedication.

Dr. O’Caña announces in his prepared statement that he is a Master Commission Firefighter, Certified Arson Investigator, and a member of the South Texas Arson Response Team. He has served as a local, state, national and international, as far south as Argentina, firefighter instructor.

“I have served at the state level on an advisory board as the chairman, vice chairman, and member of the Texas firefighters and rose up the ranks within five years to be the District Chief President of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Firefighters and Fire Marshall Association,” said O’Caña. O’Caña graduated from the National Fire Academy under the Executive Fire Officers making him the first and the only one in the history of the Mission Fire Department to achieve the highest national degree in the fire service.

Dr. O’Caña cites that he graduated with a Ph. D. from the University of Texas A&M at College Station, Texas in Educational Administration with emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction, Masters and Bachelor Degrees from the University of Texas Pan-American, associate degree from Texas Southmost College, high school diploma from Mission High School and attended grade school at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School.

“The City of Mission is currently celebrating 100 years in existence and he proudly reports without reservation and hesitation that he has resided 53 years with his three generation family who have resided for over 60 years in the City of Mission,” said O’Caña.