Lt. Gov. Dewhurst to be Border Texan of the Year
HIDALGO — In choosing a Texan to represent the Valley, the selection committee for the Border Texan of the Year Award was looking for a leader.
The award, which pays tribute to someone who has contributed to making South Texas a better place, will this year go to Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.
Mayor John David Franz said in 2011, given economic difficulties, the committee primarily wanted to honor “a servant to Texas” who had the power to do good.
“It’s appropriate, with budget cuts looming and a dim forecast for Texas,” Franz said.
The selection committee touted Dewhurst as a strong businessman and leader who has enhanced life in South Texas through employment initiatives.
“Dewhurst has worked hard to make Texas a national leader in job creation and the best place in America to do business,” a statement reads. “As a result, Texas’ economy has grown faster than the national economy and more Texans are employed than at any other time in our state’s history.”
As the recipient of the award, Dewhurst will attend a dinner in his honor on March 4, during the annual BorderFest. Tables for the event will be sold at a cost of about $1,000 for a table for 10 and the proceeds will be donated to a charity of Dewhurst’s choice.
The lieutenant governor has not yet indicated which organization he would like to receive the funds.
Last year, the event sold 104 tables, which generated $40,000 after expenses for the event were paid. The Border Texan of 2010, Frank Boggus, chose to split those funds between the Boys & Girls Club of Harlingen, Loaves & Fishes, The Vannie E. Cook Jr. Cancer Foundation and the Vision Endowment Fund for the McAllen Boys & Girls Club.
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Elizabeth Findell covers Pharr, San Juan, Alamo and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.
