Councilwoman announces re-election campaign

Maria Elena Ramirez, widow of former Councilman Celestino Ramirez, has been a full-time Mission city councilwoman since 2009.

After more than four years of dedicated service, Ramirez has announced her candidacy for re-election for Mission City Council Place 1.

“It has been an honor serving my community and working diligently with Mayor Beto Salinas, and the rest of the council, to spur economic growth for Mission,” Ramirez said. “Although much has been accomplished in this short term, there is still more progress to be achieved.”

Ramirez was born and raised in Mission and has dedicated more than 26 years of her career as an educator to the Mission Consolidated Independent School District. Mission not only has impacted her life, but it has left a lasting imprint on her children; all four of Ramirez’s children have decided to raise their families in Mission (Celestino “Tino” Ramirez Jr., married to Melanie Ruiz; Anita Ramirez, married to Eduardo Rivera; Sylvia Ramirez married to Abiel Flores; Hector Ramirez married to Samantha Salinas).

During the last four years, the community entrusted Ramirez with a responsibility that she took seriously. Together with the leadership of Mayor Salinas, the council was able to achieve unprecedented growth and progress in the city. While serving the community, the council was able to accomplish many projects and goals that led to economic growth and opportunities for the community.

The following are just a few notable achievements during the last four years:

-Completed Banworth and Catholic War Veterans Park improvements, which included the completion of Boys and Girls Club facilities at each park

-Completed the city’s first covered pool at Banworth Park

-Increased Mission police officers incentive pay packages

-Completed fire station No. 5 as well as the police station located near Anzalduas Bridge

-Completed the Bryan Road Overpass project

-Increased pay for all city employees by four percent in 2013

-Completed improvements to Mission Historical Museum

-Expanded the City of Mission wastewater system

Ramirez humbly asks for the community’s continued trust, so the council may continue this momentum and take Mission to a new level.

There are still many ongoing projects that will continue to expand the city’s growth, and the following are just a few of the projects Ramirez looks forward to working on:

-Continue advocated for and expending funds to pave alleys

-Working with CDBG to build/rebuild homes for residents to improve the community

-Continued tax decreases

-Commencement of the Conway Streetscape Project to beautify downtown for current businesses while at the same time attracting new business to the city

-Commencement of he city’s solid waste collection system

-Commencement of the expansion of the 2 Mile Line from Conway to La Homa Road.

“Let us keep moving Mission forward,” Ramirez said. “I ask for your continued support in this upcoming election. On May 10 re-elect Maria Elena Ramirez to be your full-time Mission City Councilwoman.”