Here is some background on the candidates running for Cameron County Commissioner Precinct 3:

DAVID A. GARZA, 55, (D)

Family: Married with three children.

Occupation: Pharmacist. Owner and manager of The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in San Benito.

Political History: San Benito CISD School Board Member from 1986-1992; President of CISD School Board from 1993-1999; awarded School Board of the Year in 1997.

Affiliations: Cameron County Private Industry Council, board member from 1983-1996; Cameron County Appraisal Board, four years, chairperson, two years; Narcisco Martinez Cultural Arts Center Board, founding member; Queen of he Universe and St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish, parishioner, former finance board member and chair, Eucharist minister and lector, and former religious education instructor; Knights of Columbus, member.

Education: San Isidro High School, graduate, Class of 1971; The University of Texas at Austin, Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, Class of 1975.

ALAN ATHERTON, 42, (R)

Family: Married with two children.

Occupation: Owner of Valley Property Tax Consulting. Licensed real estate agent.

Political History: City of Los Fresnos Alderman for three years.

Affiliations: Los Fresnos City Commissioner; volunteer with several non-profit organizations as a non-member. Everything from raising money, getting uniforms for the Boys and Girls Scouts, being Santa Clause for the BSPCA and more.

Education: Hanna High School, Class of 1984; American College of Real Estate and online courses for Real Estate and Property Tax Consulting Licenses.