Rancho Viejo to hold early voting Monday

The town of Rancho Viejo will hold early voting for mayor beginning on Monday.

The three candidates, all currently town aldermen, will vie for the position now held by Craig Flood. Flood will be stepping down after his term ends next month. He'll be replaced when a new mayor is sworn in May 15.

Early voting runs from Monday to May 5. Election day is May 9. Voting will take place at town hall.

Roberto Medrano, an alderman for one year, serves as a manager at the Brownsville Planning and Community Development Department. He's a graduate of the University of Texas at Brownsville.

"We face several issues," Medrano said. "Among them are those involving streets and drainage, property maintenance, energy efficiency, the old Stripes store, activities for our children and families, planning and development, and security. All these issues will need attention and will have to be dealt with earnestly."

Maria V. Garza, an alderwoman for two years, is a former educator who is now retired. She is chair of the town's beautification committee and a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington.

Garza stresses the importance of a low tax rate, fiscal responsibility and the town's street and drainage issues. "Of the three candidates, I am the only one who can serve the town of Rancho Viejo," Garza said, "since I am retired and have the time to give to the community."

William Dorsett, who works with electronic distribution companies in sales and various managerial positions, has been an alderman for three years. A graduate of St. John's University in New York, he's also a member of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.

His goal is "to help make Rancho Viejo a better town by working with community groups like the garden club, strategic planning committee, planning and zoning committee and the green and beautification committees."

Two aldermen positions are also on the ballot, but both are uncontested. Lupita Carr and Jean Hager will fill the positions. They are not incumbents.