EDINBURG , RGV – The next Hidalgo County District Attorney says he will be sworn into office on January 1, 2015, by U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio.
Ricardo Rodriguez is an attorney, former Edinburg City Councilmember, and former State District Judge. In a media advisory he said he was inviting all Hidalgo County residents to accompany him as he takes the oath of office and assumes his new position as Hidalgo County District Attorney on Thursday, Jan. 1.
Rodriguez said the public ceremony will take place at 6:00 pm at the Pharr Events Center. Congressman Joaquin Castro will administer the oath of office, the advisory states.
Rodriguez was elected into office as District Attorney in Hidalgo County Democratic Party primary March 2014, defeating 32-year incumbent Rene Guerra with nearly two-thirds of the vote. He did not have a general election opponent in November.
The advisory said Rodriguez campaigned on a plan for “reform” and to bring “new leadership, vision and direction” to the DA’s office. He said he would prioritize “public integrity efforts” and implement “evidence-based approaches to the administration of justice” as part of his platform for change.
“I am excited to begin the new year in the company of my family, friends, supporters, and the voters of Hidalgo County as I commence my tenure as District Attorney, and invite everyone to join us on this momentous occasion,” Rodriguez stated.
Here are Rodriguez’s biographical details: Rodriguez previously served as Judge of the 92nd State District Court Rodriguez for nearly six-and-a-half years before stepping down to announce his candidacy for District Attorney. Rodriguez was first elected as Judge in a special election in 2006 and served for two years before being reelected in 2008 for a full four-year term. In 2012, Rodriguez ran unopposed and was re-elected for yet another four-year term, where he served until he announced his intention to run for District Attorney in August. Prior to his tenure as Judge, Rodriguez was elected to and served as Councilmember on the Edinburg City Council from 2002-2005.
Rodriguez’s media advisory said the general public and the media are invited to attend the swearing-in ceremoney. It said refreshments will be served.
Julia Benitez Sullivan, public affairs director for Hidalgo County, issued this list of swearing-in events for elected officials for January 1, 2015. She said the elected officials are “eager to begin their new terms.”
Thursday, January 1, 2015
9 a.m. Precinct 4 Commissioner Joseph Palacios
Judge Toribio “Terry” Palacios Administering the Oath of Office
Hidalgo County Pct. 4 Field Operations
1124 M. Rd., Edinburg
11:30 a.m. Precinct 2 Commissioner Eduardo “Eddie” Cantu
Valencia Event Center
3012 S. Jackson Rd., McAllen
12 p.m. Pct. 3, Pl. 2 Justice of the Peace Marcos Ochoa
Judge Luis Garza Administering the Oath of Office
New 3rd Heaven Adult Day Care
2308 Exp. 83, Peñitas
2 p.m. County Clerk Arturo Guajardo Jr.
Precinct 4 Constable-Elect Atanacio “J.R.” Gaitán Jr.
Judge Rudy Delgado Administering the Oath of Office
92nd State District Judge-Elect Luis Manuel Singleterry
Judge Roberto “Bobby” Flores Administering the Oath of Office
County Court-at-Law No. 8 Judge-Elect Omar Maldonado
Pct. 2, Pl. 2 Justice of the Peace-Elect Jaime “Jerry” Muñoz
Pct. 4, Pl. 2 Justice of the Peace Homer Jasso, Sr.
Edinburg City Auditorium
415 W. McIntyre St., Edinburg
6 p.m. District Attorney-Elect Ricardo Rodriguez
Congressman Joaquín Castro Administering the Oath of Office
Pharr Events Center
300 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr
