BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Six people are running for two seats on the Brownsville Navigation board of commissioners.
Three hopefuls are in the race for Place 2 and three others for Place 4.
For the second are Prisci Roca Tipton and Martha A. Davila and Luis H. Villarreal, Jr.
Although having men and women running for offices is nothing unusual in politics, this is the first time two females are seeking a seat on a board historically made up of men.
Davila and Roca Tipton are running on similar platforms.
Each of them is aware of the activity taking place at the port today, its jobs creation and the role it’s playing in the local, region and state economies.
Roca Tipton, who is 50 years old, said her experience working at the port’s Shrimp Basin, where her father ran a shrimp construction business, is a plus.
“My camping logo is Port Strong,” she said. “I have maritime experience. I managed Roca Construction when I was 17 years old.”
Roca Tipton said she has the industrial and government experience needed to keep the port moving ahead.
“I was elected to serve on the board for the largest school district south of San Antonio, “she said. “If elected, I would like to create an advisory board made up of port tenants, business people and parents to discuss and inform the community what is happening at the port.”
Roca Tipton served on the Brownsville Independent School District board from 2018 to 2022. She is now associate vice president of educational partnership and outreach at Texas Southmost College.
Davila, 55, said she has the business expertise to lead the port.
“We are getting more businesses at the port, but we have to be responsible,” she said, referring to the type of industries coming in. “I think my business experience has prepared me for this role.”
Davila, who owns TCS Brokerage, said she has been a licensed U.S. custom broker for 25 years and served twice as president of the organization.
She said the jobs creation going on today is good for the people but, on the other hand, Davila said like to see businesses paying higher wages.
“I am from here,” Davila said. “I know the community and I want people to stay here.”
In addition to Villarreal who is running for Place 4 on the BND board, three others are running for Place 2.
They are Shariff Gonnella, Alex Najera and David A. Garcia.
