City of Uvalde’s upcoming public meeting on the proposed TRIZ on Wednesday, December 4th at 6 PM at the Ssgt Willie De Leon Civic Center,
by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian
12-03-24
Hector R Luevano and Everardo “Lalo” Zamora attended Monday night’s Uvalde Southwest Neighborhood Association Mayoral Candidate Forum on Monday, December 2nd, at the El Progreso Memorial Library where they spoke before approximately two dozen people. Both Luevano and Zamora will face off in the Uvalde Mayoral runoff election on Saturday, December 14th.
After each was provided 5 minutes to speak on their respective visions and plans for the City of Uvalde if elected as Mayor, they answered questions submitted by members of the audience.
The issues discussed included the need for sidewalks in the City, the proposed Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone or TRIZ, grant applications, and homelessness. Additionally, both Luevano and Zamora spoke about the need for all local government entities to work together to address concerns about Uvalde CISD student success.
With the City of Uvalde’s upcoming public meeting on the proposed TRIZ on Wednesday, December 4th at 6 PM at the SSgt. Willie De Leon Civic Center, both citizens and the two candidates expressed their concerns over a proposed TRIZ deal between Carper Capt’s real estate venture and the City of Uvalde
which would potentially add 130 houses in the area near the news Legacy Elementary School is being built.
Diana Olvedo-Karau was the first to bring up her concerns about the City tying public funds to a private real estate project. The proposed development, according to Karau, would add additional area where city services such as water, sewer and garbage services as well as police and fire department services would be needed.
Karau stated that the city cannot adequately maintain its existing roads. Additionally, adding 130 homes would increase the demand for water.
When Luevano and Zamora were asked if they would vote for the TRIZ, both said more information was needed and neither candidate said they would vote to approve the deal.
Luevano said, “Who is going to be able to afford these houses on the east side of town when areas on the other side of town desperately need attention?
“They tried to push us to make a decision right away: slow down. We need to get the community involved and educate the community,” Zamora said.
On the Homeless
Candidate Lalo Zamora stated on the issue of homeless persons within the City, he said the issue is complicated but stated they homeless are choosing homelessness and they often refuse help. He was referring to City’s action to remove a homeless camp earlier this year located along the Leona River just south of Uvalde Memorial Park.
When Zamora received criticism from an audience member on his answer, Zamora said he went to the homeless camp and spoke to one of the homeless men who stated he didn’t want help, and he liked staying where he was.
Luevano agreed the issue is complex including mental health considerations. He suggested the city seek help from the Ministerial alliance.
Zamora stressed the importance of meeting with all City workers on a regular basis and asking them what they need.
Luevano stated, if elected, he planned on having an open-door policy for community members to communicate their concerns.
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