Podcast: Gonzalez Garza: Mission deserves a higher ed institution

MISSION, Texas - If elected mayor of Mission, Norie Gonzalez Garza says she will work to get a higher education institution established in her city.

Mission has so far missed out in securing any campuses or clinics associated with UT-Rio Grande Valley or its School of Medicine. Perhaps that has something to do with the fact that the City of Mission decided not to help UTRGV financially when it was getting up and running. While other big cities in Hidalgo County, such as Edinburg, McAllen and Pharr contributed millions of dollars to UTRGV in its early days, Mission declined. 

In a podcast with the Rio Grande Guardian, Gonzalez Garza said that if elected mayor on May 7, she would start discussions immediately with UTRGV and South Texas College to secure a higher education presence in her city. 

Here is the podcast:

Gonzalez Garza has served on Mission City Council as a council member for 15 years. She said she was now securing the top slot, mayor, in order to restore better ethical standards. 

In a message to voters, Gonzalez Garza also announced these initiatives:

• Provide collaborative and inclusive leadership, with input from all stakeholders, experts, and community members, to create and expand opportunities for Mission’s growth and future development.
• Support and retain existing businesses and increase economic development by promoting Mission as the land of opportunity to attract new businesses and higher-paying jobs for our community
• Partner with school districts, local entities, higher education institutions, and other entities to expand workforce and skills training opportunities for residents and future generations.
• Remain accountable, ethical and transparent with residents and make sound financial decisions that protect our tax dollars, keeping the public informed and aware.
• Support job training opportunities and leadership development among city employees and first responders to improve morale and enhance the delivery of city services. 
• Enhance city services to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of our residents, including focusing on infrastructure, drainage, parks, downtown revitalization, roads, and public safety. 

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