By CATHERINE DONNELLY
Special to the PRESS
Port Isabel native Nelda Vega announced her candidacy for Port Isabel City Commissioner, Pl. 3. She is challenging Martin Cantu, Sr., who currently holds that position (see April 4 edition about his reelection bid announcement).
Vega is the daughter of Olga M. and the late Judge Eliseo B. Vega. “As a lifelong member of this beautiful community, I’m dedicated to making Port Isabel an ideal place where families can grow and thrive,” she said. “I will work tirelessly to ensure that this city is a place where everyone can live, work and play.”
Vega attended local schools, graduating from Port Isabel High School. She went on to take classes at Texas Southmost College and eventually obtained her Real Estate license. She is currently a real estate agent.
“I’m a fourth generation native of Port Isabel,” said Vega. “My great grandfather, Jesus Vega, opened the first motel and restaurant on Tarpon Beach on South Padre Island called Don Jesus Vega.”
Vega’s father established a legacy of public service for his family to follow. Eliseo B. Vega, who was a local and well-admired municipal court judge for many years, served on the school board for 37 years.
In addition to public service, the elder Vega instilled compassion and kindness in his children and Nelda Vega remembers beginning her volunteerism at the age of eight.
Eliseo Vega started Port Isabel’s local chapter of the Salvation Army where his children still serve as members and volunteers for the community. Additionally, Nelda Vega is involved in many different local charities and efforts, from beach clean-ups to organizations or groups that benefit children.
If elected as City Commissioner, Nelda Vega remarked that she will commit to being a voice for everyone. She will instill an “open door policy,” being available to her constituency and encouraging meaningful communication.
Her priorities would include striving to improve Port Isabel and to find common ground when deciding what’s right for city residents as the council navigates solutions to issues that develop during her purview. She adds that she wants complete transparency and accountability when spending public tax dollars.
Nelda Vega looks to prioritize maintenance and upgrades to streets, infrastructure, historical and municipal buildings as well as city parks. She also wants to improve the Veterans Wall of Honor and restore the Veterans Committee.
Regarding the last possible expansion of the city’s cemetery, Nelda Vega wants to weigh in by looking into finding another location or entertaining other alternatives, adding that she wants to ensure that the dialogue with citizens is enhanced so that decisions can be made together when it’s an issue that will benefit the community as a whole.
“Together, let’s continue to improve Port Isabel for all citizens,” the challenger concluded.
Early voting commences on April 22, 2024, at Port Isabel City Hall, 305 E. Maxan St., and runs through April 30, 2024. Election Day is May 4.
Candidate announcements are a longstanding, free service provided by the Port Isabel-South Padre PRESS. Each candidate is allowed one announcement per election season providing the candidate’s background. To have an announcement published, email copy to editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com. The PRESS reserves the right to edit.
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