Garza defeats Sanchez
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By G. Romero Wendorf
SAN JUAN – As most residents are already aware, there is a new mayor in town thanks to Saturday’s election results.
Mayor Pro Tem Mario Garza defeated the incumbent mayor, San Juanita Sanchez, by an approximate 60-to-40 percent margin out of (as-yet unofficial) 2,767 votes cast.
Once political allies, the two had grown apart politically, especially during the past approximate 15 months. The reasons why are subject to debate.
Garza ran at the top of a slate that included Rubio Muñiz, Place 2; and “Jesse” Ramirez, Place 3.
Sanchez’s slate included Belinda Cisneros, Place 2; and Cynthia Gutierrez, Place 3.
There was also one independent running for Place 2: Neto “Coach” Guajardo.
Ramirez beat Gutierrez and captured Place 3: 1,664 to 1,104.
That left Place 2: Guajardo, 917 votes; Cisneros, 840 votes; Muñiz, 1,037.
Because city elections require 50 percent plus one vote, Place 2 will require a run-off election, pitting Guajardo against Muñiz.
The date for the run-off will be set during a city commission meeting next Monday during which the votes will also be officially entered into the record (canvassed).
Garza and Ramirez are obviously supporting Muñiz, along with Place 4 City Commissioner “Raudy” Maldonado.
Place 5 City Commissioner Pete Garcia is supporting his brother-in-law, Neto Guajardo.
Question is, what will the supporters of the Sanchez slate do with regard to the run-off election? Stay home? Vote? If some do vote, which will surely be the case, for whom will they vote? Muñiz or Guajardo?
Asked to comment on his victory, Garza said, “Obviously, I’m happy with the outcome. The hard work obviously paid off. The citizens spoke, and we are grateful for all of the support we got from the community. On behalf of both myself and our slate, I want to thank all of our supporters and the citizens who went out and cast their votes.”
San Juan’s new mayor-elect (swearing in will take place next Monday) said he wants to make sure that city residents can be assured of one thing:
“As a commission, we will be here to serve those who voted for us; those who voted against us; and those who chose not to vote. Our goal is to take this city in a positive direction.”
When reached by phone Monday, Sanchez said that she was grateful to her supporters who had elected her to three terms as mayor.
“I can’t think of a greater honor than that of being given the opportunity to serve the people as a public servant. In spite of the obstacles and challenges I faced during the course of my service, I don’t remember a time where my passion to better my community ever waivered.”
Sanchez said she felt blessed to have run a campaign with “two great women,” Cisneros and Gutierrez.
“They have inspired me with their determination to do what is right and serve selflessly. It is my hope and prayer that my community thrives and prospers, and that my having served it has contributed to its ability to reach its potential. God bless San Juan.”
If there is one city employee who can now breathe a sigh of relief, it has to be the city manager, Ben Arjona. Sanchez was out-voted 3-2 when it was time last year to award him a full-time contract and finally remove him from his probationary period, which had been twice extended.
Meanwhile, San Juan police officers and firefighters have to be happy. Their bid to win the right to bargain collectively with the city (collective bargaining) won by a vote of 1,808 to 883.