WESLACO, Texas - The Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization has new leadership.
Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner David Fuentes is the new chairman of the group’s transportation policy board. He was previously vice chairman. Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., is the new vice chairman.
The group is also conducting a nationwide search for a new executive director. That is because Andrew Canon is starting a new position as director of international trade, freight and corridor planning at the Texas Department of Transportation.
The RGVMPO’s transportation policy board comprises representatives from the cities of Brownsville, McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, Pharr, Harlingen and San Benito; the counties of Hidalgo and Cameron; Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority, Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority, Valley Metro, and the Texas Department of Transportation. It functions as the decision-making entity of the RGVMPO.
Fuentes said he was following in the footsteps of two “political giants.” He was referring to Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, the mayor of Pharr, and Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. Hernandez was the first chairman of RGVMO. Treviño was the second.
Under its bylaws, the RGVMPO’s chairman and vice chairman must come from different counties. When the chairman is from Hidalgo County, the vice chairman is from Cameron County. And vice versa. With Treviño’s term of office expiring, a leader from Hidalgo County had to take over the role of chairman.
“Well, it's intimidating to follow two political giants like Dr. Ambrosio and Judge Treviño. Thank you so much, guys, for your leadership. I mean, we couldn't be here without the type of leadership that you guys have provided over these last few years, along with Andrew’s guidance and support,” Fuentes said, at the RGVMPO’s October meeting.
“So it's an honor to be sitting here at this table and working with all of you towards trying to improve quality of life and transportation in our area. So I look forward to it. And whatever we can do to continue to grow, I’m looking forward to working with you. And, obviously, Andrew, thank you so much for all of your leadership over these last few years.”
Cowen spoke about his election in a press release issued by the City of Brownsville.
“I am honored to serve as vice chair of the RGVMPO Transportation Policy Board,” Cowen said. “This position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on our region’s transportation infrastructure, and I am committed to working collaboratively with all our partners to ensure the Rio Grande Valley continues to move forward. Together, we will tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead, driving progress and prosperity for all our communities.”
Cowen thanked Treviño for his leadership, dedication, and contributions to the RGVMPO.
Once his appointment as vice chairman is completed, Cowen will serve as chair of the group.
The City of Brownsville press release said the RGVMPO “plays a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation, bicycling, and pedestrian safety in the Rio Grande Valley, ensuring that federal and state funds are effectively allocated to critical local, projects.” The press release added: “As a federally mandated body, the MPO works diligently to prioritize and address the unique transportation needs of our communities.”
Treviño made these parting remarks as chairman at the October board meeting:
“If you'll indulge me for a moment, let me take this opportunity to first of all congratulate and thank Andrew (Canon) for his years of service.
“A few short years ago all points and corners of the Valley got together to discuss the possibility merging three MPOs into one Valley-wide MPO. Some of the individuals that were involved in those discussions, which took took a little bit of time, are no longer participating here, but I want to thank and acknowledge all of their efforts, and in particular, Mayor Ambrosio, who I'm glad is here today, for being one of the spearheading forces and making this a reality.
“It's been an eventful five and a half years putting it together and then serving the last four as both vice chair and as a chairman, and I look forward to continuing to serve the entire Rio Grande Valley as a board member and advocating not just for Cameron County, but for the entire Valley as I think we're all growing and becoming more accustomed to at the same time.
“I know we all advocate on behalf of our particular region, city or county, but we all have to realize and accept and be grateful for the fact that as the pie gets larger and larger, we all benefit and we all do this by working together on a regional basis.
“The the young man from Michigan indicated, he’s only been here a little while but he sees the potential. And sometimes we don't see the forest for the trees. We take our own backyard for granted. And we need to be sure that we're mindful and also appreciative of all of the many treasures, resources, and making that potential actual reality for the entire Rio Grande Valley.
“So, on a personal professional level, I want to thank each and every one of you. I want to thank Andrew and the entire RGVMPO staff. I want to thank my county staff, Pete Sepulveda, Dan Serna, Anthony Lopez and all of you who I have had the pleasure of working with over the last several years. I'm looking forward to passing the gavel. And with that I ask that God continue to bless each and every one of you and in particular Chairman Fuentes.”
The “young man from Michigan” Treviño was referring to was engineer, strategist and entrepreneur Brian Boardley. During the public comment period of the meeting, Boardley had advocated for mass transit.
Canon, the outgoing executive director, thanked Treviño for his leadership
“On behalf of staff, Judge, I just want to say that, the last few years, we appreciate the insight and the guidance that we've received. I appreciate the time and the meetings that you've given to me in preparation for meetings and everything. So, it's really grown in the dynamics of the MPO and helped lead to the success that we've had over the last few years and we really appreciate that.”
