Mayor back in business

Edinburg City Council

Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. came back for the April 15 Edinburg City Council meeting after being away for his cancer treatment.

“I just want to say it is good to be back,” Garza said. “I want to thank our Mayor Pro tem Jason De Leon, I know I wasn’t here at the last meeting and he took the reins. I was able to come back at doctor’s clearance.”

He said he appreciates De Leon for taking the lead in the council. Garza also brought awareness to prostate cancer.

“A reminder to all men, and I’ll say to all women … we need to get checked,” he said. “Prostate cancer is something that is very prevalent in our community; being diagnosed with it myself it was really a complete shock.” 

Garza went on to thank his wife and the people around him that made sure he got checked, which led to his diagnosis. He said he had surgery a couple of weeks ago. 

“Surgery went well, I just need to stay on top of it,” Garza said. “If you’re at the age of 40 or 50, it is called a PSA … it’s blood work that was done and that’s what was found elevated for me.”

He encourages people that are 4o or older to make sure they are getting screened.

“Early detection is key,” he said. “Thank you to I think everyone in the community that has reached out to me, I never felt like I was alone. It’s just been amazing the support that has been expressed in the community.”

Garza said although he was cleared, he wasn’t able to drive himself to the council meeting.

“I was driven here; it is good to get out and the normalcy is good,” he said. “I know it’s tough as men, it is hard for us to admit but you just gotta do it. Probably the best way … to think of it is: do it for your family.”

The council recognized retiree Abel Beltran, planner 1 for the Planning and Zoning Department, for 20 years of service.

“The City of Edinburg has really benefited having Abel here these last 20 years,” Director of Planning and Zoning Jaime Acevedo said. “He has not only developed the city but developed a lot of the staff that works here at the Planning and Zoning Department, [and the] Engineering Department.”

Beltran thanked the City of Edinburg and the Planning and Zoning Department for giving him the opportunity to work for them for the past 20 years. 

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with the city on city projects, designs and inspections and also review the department development that has helped the City of Edinburg greatly in the past 20 years,” he said. “I wish the City of Edinburg all the best and for the city’s continuous success. I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Planning and Zoning Director Mr. Acevedo and [City Engineer] Mr. Mardoqueo [Hinojosa] … and of course, all others.”

The council also recognized retiree Adolfo Zapata, communications supervisor for the Edinburg Police Department, for 20 years of service.

“I worked with him for 17 years … I couldn’t have done what I’ve done without him and his support,” Communications Manager Elias Martinez said. “My favorite thing about him was any bad weather event he knew two days ahead and had everything prepared, and man did we miss him the other Thursday.”

Zapata thanked the mayor and staff for the opportunity and said one of the reasons he retired was because of prostate cancer last year. 

“It was something very challenging for me but under the guidance of my Lord God and my mom … I’m good,” he said. “There’s a lot that I learned through the City of McAllen, seven years and 22 years in the City of Edinburg.”

As the city celebrates telecommunications week for the month of April, Zapata said telecommunications is the heart of the city.

“I’ve been away from the department for about a month and I’ve been really busy, I haven’t had time to rest,” he said. “I’m still young and I just want to really say thank you to all of the citizens of Edinburg; it’s been a pleasure.”