Incumbents survive in Weslaco

WESLACO -- All four incumbent city commissioners survived Saturday's elections, despite a series of changes to the city's voting procedures.

One will head to a runoff.

Commissioner Soyla Gonzalez, 62, is set to face Andres "Andy" Noriega, 59, in a runoff election for District 1. Gonzalez was the only commissioner who did not win her seat outright. The date of the runoff has not been set, but it should take place within the next few weeks.

Incumbent commissioner John Cuellar, 45, defeated challenger Larry Cardenas, 43, for the District 2 seat, and Adrian Gonzalez, 27, beat Gerardo Tafolla, 41, for the District 4 seat. Incumbent commissioner Rene Rodriguez, 31, defeated three challengers for the District 3 seat.

Rogelio "Roy" Tijerina, 70, is set to face Guadalupe V. Rivera, 62, in a runoff to represent District 5.

And Patrick Kennedy, 21, is set to represent District 6.

A total of 19 candidates were vying for office after the city switched from at-large representation on the commission to a system of six single-member districts this year.

On Tuesday night, during the final commission meeting before the election, Mayor Buddy de la Rosa said this weekend's votes would prove historic.

"The face of the commission will change - the duties and responsibilities will not," said De la Rosa, who was not up for election.

Due to the switch to single-member districts, all city commissioners were up for election, though.

The change caused confusion at the polls for some voters who were unclear of the district in which they reside.

Weslaco resident Craig Weart, 47, tried to vote in District 2 at Old City Hall, where he had cast his ballot for years, only to learn he didn't live in District 2.

"I think everyone's having the same problems," Weart said.

City leaders said they weren't sure if the confusion affected final voter turnout.
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Ryan Holeywell covers PSJA, the Mid-Valley and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4446.