South Texas Association Welcomes New Officer

Hello! Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jerry Garza, and I have always believed that there are few honors greater than that of earning the confidence of one’s peers. I wish to thank the judges and commissioners of the South Texas Association for their vote of confidence during this last conference in giving me the privilege of serving as second vice president of our Association. I assure all of you that I will not take this duty lightly and will work diligently.
I was first elected as Webb County commissioner in 2004, and I have since been re-elected for another term. Webb County, like so many other counties across this region, is facing challenges unlike those seen in several years. A strong Association can go a long way in helping counties share information about their problems and how they have been able to overcome them. I will work diligently with President Roger Galvan, Calhoun County commissioner, and First Vice President J.D. Salinas, Hidalgo County judge, to help strengthen the network between county officials, and develop seminars and training that are relevant to today’s issues that will give judges and commissioners the tools they need to be even more effective in their home counties. This, after all, is one of the most important functions that the Association provides.
I would like to share some of the things that are happening in Webb County. Being the largest inland port in the country, transportation and mobility remain on the forefront of our agenda. We continue to work diligently with the city of Laredo on construction of the area’s fifth international bridge which is desperately needed to maintain this area’s importance in the realm of international trade. We are improving our infrastructure by upgrading Loop 20 and making it easier for commerce to get through town.
Public safety is also a major area where we all share common ground. Learning how we can maximize our resources and become more effective in an era of reduced resources is something I think we as an Association can benefit from.
A little bit about me: Prior to being elected as commissioner, my previous career was that of a television news anchor in Laredo (KGNS & KVTV) and the Rio Grande Valley (KGBT). I think it was that career that really spurred my interest in politics because reporting the news gives you a unique insight into local government and the problems of the community. I felt this insight would be tremendously useful in attacking the problems of Webb County head on, and it has.
I have an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M International University and a graduate degree in political communications from St. Mary’s University. I’m also currently president of Integrated Financial Solutions, a company specializing in public/private entity employee benefits and financial investments. I also hold professional licenses as an insurance broker, real estate broker, and securities broker.
Finally, I would like to tell you about my family. My wife, Maritza, and I have 3-year-old twin boys, Jerry II and Alex, who seem to have gone into overtime with the “terrible two’s.” My wife and my children give me the motivation to keep on working diligently for my county.
If I can be of any assistance to anyone, please feel free to call or send an e-mail. Thank you, once again, for the opportunity to serve our Association.
Webb County Commissioner Jerry Garza to Serve as Second Vice President