10-15-24
Top picture (Left to Right) Jennifer Gilliland, Arnulfo “Arnie” Reyes, Everardo “Lalo” Zamora, Hector R. Luevano, Amy Franco and James “Jimmy” Alvarado.
The LULAC de Uvalde Council #22553 hosted a Uvalde Mayoral Candidate Meet and Greet event on Sunday, October 13th from 11:30AM to 1PM providing local LULAC council members and the public and opportunity to meet the three candidates vying for the vacant Mayoral seat on the Uvalde City Council at the Tuesday, November 5th general election. Jennifer Gilliland, Hector R. Luevano and Everardo “Lalo” Zamora were at the event and spoke to an audience of a few dozen people and fielded questions.
The Uvalde Hesperian arrived at the meeting about 12:30PM on that Sunday and at that time it appeared the candidates were answering questions from the audience members. The Uvalde Hesperian invited all candidates to submit a statement on what their respective messages were at the meeting and/or about their candidacies.
At the event, candidate Zamora told the audience he was open to trying new ideas and new approaches to address the needs and opportunities of the City.
Zamara answered a question on why the City of Uvalde’s Cemetery Board has not met in over a year.
He said there are two open positions on the board allotted for Robb Victims family members but no one has gotten back to the city with nominations for the position.
The following statements were sent to the Uvalde Hesperian from two respective candidates. All candidates were provided an opportunity to submit statements.
Jennifer Gilliland
Hi, I’m Jennifer Gilleland and I am a prominent member of the Uvalde community either by name, reputation, or simply known as the woman who rolls the streets of Uvalde daily in a power wheelchair. I treat my wheelchair as my feet / vehicle, it is essential to my independence. I have never considered myself an inspiration to others, I have just done what I was taught to do, which was work twice as hard as everyone else to accomplish my goals. My cerebral palsy has given me my share of struggles and heartaches, but this disability is a part of me. Through the years, it has taught me the power of resiliency, determination, patience, and laughter. Sure, I’ve been tried and tested, rejected more than I can count, fallen flat on my face both literally and figuratively, yet I keep getting back up hoping for change. Each one of us is battling something, mine just happens to be audible and visible. Despite my disability I have achieved a long list of accomplishments. I graduated from Uvalde High School in 1997 and from Southwest Texas Junior College in 2001. In May 2006, I earned my Master of Education in counseling with licensed professional counselor eligibility from Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College. I organized the Ray of Hope Disabilities Support Group in 2010.
I have always loved Uvalde, but lately I am so frustrated, disappointed, and embarrassed by the lack of leadership shown and acted upon in this city, and county. I continue to give the leaders of Uvalde the benefit of the doubt that they will act and the only action I see is inaction. We all must be responsible and accountable for our actions. If I am going to complain about these broken entities, then I should be willing to roll for Uvalde and run for mayor. Our current leaders seem to have forgotten that they work for the citizens of Uvalde. May 24, 2022, changed our community. It is broken and divided due to the lack of accountability and responsibility. The only way for our community to heal and unite is by making full scale changes. I do not follow, I lead. It’s time to stop accepting mediocrity and do better; we deserve better. Let me be clear, I am not running for notoriety or to prove anything to anyone it’s been done. I will not be changing the way I interact with others because my disability is a part of me, I will prepare statements when necessary. I have listened to our community and communication still remains an issue therefore you all will be the first to experience the Voiceitt app in order to facilitate better communication. I’ve been asked repeatedly why I am running. The answer is simple, I want change for Uvalde and action for Uvaldeans. So, come roll with me, let’s make some history, shatter barriers, while doing better for Uvaldeans.
The second question was concerning our ongoing need to improve our infrastructure more specifically the streets, sidewalks, lighting, and most definitely the cemetery.
What we are doing is not working repaving the streets is in essence a band aid. We need to use a more sustainable material like brick or concrete. I know a lot about the conditions of the streets and sidewalks as I can tell you the locations of potholes and sidewalks that abruptly end or have gaps in the middle of them. We cannot ignore the socioeconomic factors as the northeast side of town has better lighting and sidewalks. Accessibility is about more than compliance with standards. It’s about developing solutions to meet the needs of all users, with and without disabilities.
There should be sidewalks throughout Uvalde and all streets need to be repaved. Uvalde has other resources which are continually untapped that would make getting around Uvalde easierMy plan for the cemetery includes working several non profits to immediately renovate the cemetery. I’m not sure why the council has not completed this task already since they have a trust that could be tapped into and a portion could be designated to the cemetery. However, the City does not have legal counsel, therefore no legal action can be taken.
If you’re elected as mayor what will you do differently and will you host town halls.
Hector R. Luevano
My name is Hector Luevano and I am your candidate for Mayor of Uvalde. As a lifelong resident of Uvalde, born and raised, my roots run deep in this community and my commitment to its future is unwavering. I believe in a shared vision of a brighter, safer and more prosperous community for everyone. I have over 40 years of experience in public service to our community. I have served on our local school board and appraisal district, I am currently serving as city councilman for District 2, and I am an honorably retired Texas State Trooper with DPS.
I am committed to serving the great City of Uvalde, and I believe in the power of your voice— it’s the people who shape our community. With your help, we can create a better future for our city. I want to hear from you—what positive changes would you like to see if I became mayor? Visit hectorformayor.com to share your thoughts.
Join me in this journey toward a better Uvalde. Your voice matters, your vote matters!
Vote Hector Luevano for Mayor of Uvalde.
