At-Large A candidates provide spark to election

It’s election day and the air is electric with excitement.

But even if there were none, the four candidates competing for At-Large A on the City Commission are capable of producing enough of their own to go around.

It’s a recipe comprised of equal parts enthusiasm, nerves and nerves.

“We’re here by the grace of God, trying to do the best we can with what we’ve got, and we haven’t got a lot,” said candidate Ernesto De Leon. “But, we do have enthusiasm.”

De Leon, an agricultural consultant, is no stranger to the frenetic pace of Election Day. The 72-year-old is vying for a third stint on the commission.

He plans to hit as many of the polling places as possible to visit with and feed his tireless supporters.

“I’m trying to look after the interests of every citizen of Brownsville as I have in the past,” De Leon stated. “I just hope people will consider me for their vote and honor me with it.”

If De Leon is bringing the enthusiasm then Troiani is supplying the nerves. A newcomer to elections, Troiani, is running for elected office for the first time.

“Of course I’m nervous,” he said. “I’d be a fool not to be.”

He decided to throw his hat in the ring because he wanted to be a more integral part of Brownsville’s development.

As an attorney he solves complicated problems everyday, he said, and he is betting that voters will see it the same way.

“I want to work together with the City Commission and the community as a whole to make Brownsville a place we can all be proud of,” he said.

Enter hustle. Sandra Garcia said she’ll be “working, working and working” today.

The chiropractor said she believes Brownsville is in need of a new voice and new vision, and she’s got both.

“We need to hold developers accountable and make sure they contribute to the prosperity of Brownsville by putting in place im-pact fees so that rate payers are not overburdened with high utility bills,” Garcia said.

William Garza, marketing director for La Quinta Hotels in Brownsville, said he was in good place mentally.

“If what everybody is telling me is true, that I’m going to win, well I guess I feel good.” Garza said. “Then again, maybe the other candidates are hearing the same thing.”

“(The candidates) pretty much agree on the issues,” Garza said. “We need street repair (and to) keep down utility costs.”

For each of the candidates that means a long and tiring day, crisscrossing Brownsville’s pocked streets.

“People are looking for someone level-headed and (who goes) in one direction,” Garza said.