BROWNSVILLE, Texas - The current Cameron County treasurer wants to remain on his job if voters choose to keep him there for another four years.
David A. Betancourt, who was first elected as the county’s chief financial officer 19 year ago, is running again because he wants to continue doing what he has done for nearly two decades.
He is now seeking a sixth term and said this could be the last time he might do so.
Betancourt, who is 72 years old, is one of the oldest county elected officers today and will be 66 years old if he gets re-elected for another four-year term.
“I am still in pretty good shape,” he said in a recent interview to talk about his intention to remain on his job. “I am happy with my work doing a good job for the county.”
He said a treasurer is a full-time financial position, not a part-time job.
His comment was in reference to one of two opponents he facing in the March election.
That is Jonathan Gracia, a Brownsville attorney.
Both Betancourt and Gracia are Democrats.
The other candidate is Harlingen resident Lucy Gonzales. She filed to run as a Republican.
Betancourt, who holds a certification as an investment officer, said he has been managing millions of dollars for the county.
Just in the last four years, he said the county made $30 million in interest.
“Our office acts as banker for the county,” he said. “We have more than 120 bank accounts today.”
When asked what have been some of his biggest accomplishments as county treasure, Betancourt said computerization of the office records has been one of them.
He said he comes from a generation of Democrats and attended Texas South College and the University of Texas at Austin.
“My vision is to keep taxpayers dollars visible and accountable,” he said in a prepared statement. “I have consistently ensured accuracy, accountability and efficiency in managing county finances.”
