Former Edinburg mayor announces intent to run again
EDINBURG — In a matter of months in 2006, former Edinburg mayor Richard Garcia lost his job as the city's top elected official and then lost his wife, Peggy, to cancer.
"It was a tough time for me," said Garcia, who has practiced law in Edinburg for more than 30 years. "I'm rested and ready for more."
Garcia announced Thursday he will run in May for the mayoral post he lost in a close election three years ago. Economic development and regional cooperation will be key issues in his campaign, he said.
Garcia, who currently serves as president of the Edinburg Economic Development Corp., was mayor from 2003 to 2006 before losing to current Mayor Joe Ochoa by about 500 votes.
Ochoa, whose three-year term will end in May, declined to comment Thursday when reached by phone.
Garcia made the announcement in front of supporters at the Echo Hotel & Conference Center. He said he wants to continue the work he has done at the development corporation if he is elected mayor.
Though Edinburg and other Rio Grande Valley cities have not been hit as hard by the economic recession as other parts of the country, he said, retail development and job creation is key to keeping the local economy healthy.
He wants to emphasize regional cooperation among local cities and universities, including restarting periodic lunches with area mayors, and he hopes to see Edinburg invest in green spaces and work to improve its downtown area.
____
Jared Janes covers Hidalgo County government and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4424.
