Mission hires San Juan city manager for deputy position

San Juan Deputy City Manager J.J. Rodriguez will take over as Mission’s deputy city manager April 9.

“One of the things that stood out for Mr. Rodriguez is his experience—the fact that he worked at an organization that is very similar to us as far as population, size, growth,” said Mission City Manager Martin Garza.

Rodriguez served as city manager of Edinburg before moving to San Juan in 2010. Overall, Garza said, Rodriguez spent 22 years with Edinburg, and that tells him Rodriguez will be committed to the organization. He began as an intern in the Edinburg planning department and worked his way up to deputy city planner before he was named to the post of city manager.

Garza also pointed to Rodriguez’s education; Rodriguez has a bachelor’s degree in political science.

Rodriguez, who is replacing Willie Seguin, who retired Jan. 31, will make roughly $86,000 annually.

“We did have several applicants; however, we felt that Mr. Rodriguez would be a good match for our community and the future goals and objectives that we have in place,” Garza said.