By CATHERINE DONNELLY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Election night on Saturday, May 4, was a nailbiter for some candidates who hosted various watch parties around the Laguna Madre area. Early voting seemed to be robust and many of the candidates campaigned hard to keep their seats or steal it from an opponent.
For the Board of Trustees of Point Isabel Independent School District (PI-ISD), Place 1, the incumbent, Bertha Zamora was defending her position against challenger Nancy Martinez. Zamora has worked in local schools, mostly in administration, for 33 years, with 21 of those years being with PI-ISD. Martinez has been her opponent 4 out of the past 5 elections, with this reportedly being the closest margin. The results were Zamora receiving 1,063 or 54.79% of the vote and Martinez receiving 877 or 45.21% of the vote.
“I am thankful that the community has voted me in for the 5th time. It was the toughest race I’ve had so far,” said Zamora. “There are times during your career when an administrator has to make some difficult and even unpopular decisions, but you have to do what you think is right to get through these situations. I’m glad that I still have the support to continue serving the school community.”
In the City of Laguna Vista races, the only incumbent was Teresa Bryant. For Councilmember, Place 4, the race was between Ken Cornelius (629 votes/60.83%) and Natalie Ruiz (405 votes/39.17%).
“This was my first political race, and it was humbling. I’ve lived in the community for thirty years and cherish my history in our beautiful village. I have a deep connection to our community and a genuine desire to serve our residents. My commitment to bringing rationality, intellect, and love to my role as a councilman is sincere and pure,” said Kenneth Cornelius, Laguna Vista Council – Place 4. “Being a strong and positive voice for all residents of Laguna Vista is my goal. I am dedicated to making a positive impact on all of Laguna Vista.”
For City of Laguna Vista Councilmember, Place 5, the race was between incumbent Teresa Bryant and challenger Goldie Strader. Strader remained in the race even as she was going through significant health challenges that were made very public on social media, through posts on the NextDoor app.
“Thank you to everyone who supported me in becoming Town Council member, Place 5. I am proud to continue to serve the community of Laguna Vista and look forward to making a positive impact on our community,” said Teresa Bryant, Laguna Vista Council – Place 5.
City of Laguna Vista Councilperson, Place 6 had three challengers. Miguel “Mike” Hernandez (635/60.82% of the vote), Ginger Cunningham (291/27.87% of the vote) and Colleen Caputo (118/11.3% of the vote).
“I would like to thank all of my family, friends, and residents that supported me to become your next Laguna Vista Council member, Place 6. Without your support this would have not been possible. Let’s continue to enjoy our beautiful Town and keep Lagua Vista strong,” said Mike Hernandez, Laguna Vista Council – Place 6.
For the City of Port Isabel, Place 3, the race was between Martin C. Cantu, Sr., (568/64.62% of the vote) and challenger Nelda Vega (311/35.38% of the vote). For Place 4, it was incumbent Jeffery David Martinez (518/59.13% of the vote) and Alice Delgadillo-Gonzales (358/10.87% of the vote).
“A thousand thanks to our friends and neighbors who came together to re-elect Jeffery Martinez and me for Place 3 and Place 4 on the City Council,” said Martin C. Cantu, Sr. “Your support made the difference in this election to keep our city moving forward. I thank you for the confidence you have placed in us.”
All votes are unofficial until canvassed.
Comments