PRESS Staff Report
Jeffery Martinez announced his re-election candidacy for the Port Isabel City Commissioner Place 4.
In a press release, Martinez stated that he has been Port Isabel’s City Commissioner since May 2015. He ran for the position with goals of addressing the city’s financial issues, to take care of the city’s lowest paid employees, and focus on the city’s resources in areas that have highest economic impact.
Martinez said, “We’ve continued to invest in enhancing city operations and improving our infrastructure.” He continues, “A disciplined focus on these priorities has allowed us to lower the city’s maintenance and operations rate, while the support of the voters has allowed us to begin making long-term investments in the city’s buildings, parks, and streets.”
Martinez cites some of his accomplishments during his time in Place 4 as follows: upgrades to public safety equipment include the purchase of a new ambulance, the installation of AEDs in patrol vehicles and city buildings, the installation of advanced life support equipment in all ambulances (including remote heart monitors and automatic CPR machines), and equipping a second fire engine.
He has accomplished implementing an increased focus on police patrols, combined with the installation of cameras, and license plate readers across the city which has driven down crime. While personnel investments have provided extra coverage from the fire and EMS departments during peak times.
He reports the business environment continues to be strong, with new business expansions and the redevelopment of existing sites. Through marketing efforts between the city and an excellent partnership with the Texas Historical Commission resulting in lighthouse upgrades and relighting, area tourism has tripled, Martinez notes.
He states more improvements, such as a $3.75-million project to completely renovate the Laguna Madre Park, were the beginning of his efforts.
Martinez states that there are projects still in the works, such as utilizing $2M to upgrade sidewalks in Laguna Heights, Downtown Port Isabel, near Derry and Garriga Elementary Schools, and upcoming reconstruction of portions of Garcia and Maxan.
He also states that he is working on further improvements that he is building upon on previous successful projects such as: the reconstruction of numerous roads in the Fingers, Port Road, Laguna Heights, and the Galvan and the Washington Park projects.
He mentions the restoration of the city’s business environments in which abandoned buildings are now being renovated and occupied. such as the former Lacks building, the Port Motel, and the Mata’s Meat Market locations. Several new businesses have opened or expanded, which will generate revenue for the city and create new jobs.
He concludes his statement with, “When the Youth Center was threatened with closure, we stepped in to keep it open and expand services,” adding, “We look forward to many new programs and events that the youth center will have to offer to our children in this community.”
Early voting commences on April 22, 2024, at Port Isabel City Hall on 305 E. Maxan St., and runs through April 30, 2024. Election Day is May 4.
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