Laredo leaders share their New Year’s Resolutions

This holiday season, Laredo Morning Times wishes everyone a Happy New Year. And other local figures have also joined in on the spirit as they shared their New Year’s Resolutions with all of Laredo:

Rep. Henry Cuellar:

“My New Year’s Resolution for this upcoming year is spending more time with the family, as this year was hectic with all of the campaigning. We have spent some time during the holidays and for the next couple of days, but on Monday morning I fly at 7 o’clock via United Airlines back to Washington DC to get sworn-in on the third, which is Tuesday. Then, I’ll be back Thursday and have a little ceremony here because people have told me that they wish they could go up there but they can’t make it, so for the people here we will be here to do a symbolic ceremony for my sworn-in to office. I am really grateful to the people of Laredo for this election and that we won over 70%, and I will continue working really hard for the City of Laredo.”

Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino:

“There are several. As a husband and family man, I ask God to help me unite and teach my family. Also to guide me in my new role as mayor to make proper and just decisions, and also help people that are disenfranchised or do not have a voice.”

Laredo District I Councilmember Gilbert Gonzalez:

“I don’t live by calendar days as I am blessed by God, and so being blessed by God it means that every day is a new day and you just have to move forward and be positive.”

Laredo District II Councilmember Daisy Campos Rodriguez:

“As the new city councilmember for District II, I want to focus on my enthusiasm and my hard work for the residents of the district, so I have already began working on some items of my platform when I ran which is sidewalks and lighting for the neighborhoods. Those items have already been added to the agenda where we have discussed it, so just continue being their voice and more than anything working with the City of Laredo and my new colleagues coming in and working as a whole for not just the betterment of the district but the city as a whole. I wish all the residents of Laredo a very happy New Year and for them to enjoy and may all their wishes fulfilled with the new coming year.”

Laredo District VI Councilmember-Elect Dr. Tyler King:

“I haven’t even been able to give that enough thought, but ultimately I want to give more time to my wife as she has been through a big campaign, an exhausting campaign in the last six months, which she did not sign up for. I want to give her the time that she deserves while also rearranging my life to make sure that I am giving my full self to City Council and managing my medical requirements as a physician. So basically I need to reorganize my life in a way that makes everyone happy and a way I can serve everyone to the best of my abilities. On that same note, do a better job of delegating, as there is a lot of smart people that can do tasks that I do not necessarily need to do, so I want to do a better job at delegating.”

Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina:

“A while back, I read a quote that has stuck with me ever since, ‘Greatness is always under construction.’ The great county of Webb immediately comes to mind when I remember this principle. There are projects that are underway that future generations will benefit from: the 4/5 International Bridge, to the fairgrounds, to the first detox facility. Not to mention the projects that were once under construction are now completed: Mirando City Water Tank, the Botines Fire Station and the first Webb County Employee Health Clinic, just to name a few. None of this would have been possible without God’s favor, courage in the face of trials, temperance, patience and a commitment to justice and wisdom.  My resolution is to continue breaking ground and leading the way. Sometimes cutting new paths comes with momentary resistance, but the end goal will always be to set Webb County up to be the shining star of Texas, and we are on that trajectory. Thank you Webb County for putting your faith and trust in this trail cutter cowboy. May we all always lead with God. Un Abrazo Grande Webb County y puro amor for 2023!”

Webb County Commissioner for Precinct 1 Jesse Gonzalez:

“It’s going to be about family. Family time is always important, and I want to make sure that I am there with my family. I worked my brother’s campaign along his side, and it is hard as it takes you away from the family, so my New Year’s Resolution will be to put my family first and foremost. But then I will jump into my reelection mode, and I plan to work on my projects as we have great projects in Precinct 1 altogether. That will be my New Year’s Resolution that I spend as much time as I can with my family, but at the same time also keep to be there for the people and to push my projects forward for the betterment of the constituents.”

Webb County Treasurer Raul L. Reyes:

“I haven’t really thought about them. For one, I want to continue to build on and strengthen my faith and relationship with God, as I think that will be something really important. I truly hope that there is finally a cure for cancer, and I hope that my family, my loved ones, my friends and even my enemies and everyone to really just have good health and joyness and blessings. I want to also continue focusing on me, as I will be turning 40 in June so I want to focus more time on me, my personal life and my health.”

Laredo Health Department Director Dr. Richard A. Chamberlain:

“Personally, it is to ensure good health care as it is extremely important to take care of oneself and make sure to practice a lot of self-care. On a professional level, I want to continue to serve selflessly the City of Laredo and to bring in as many new awards for the City of Laredo Health.”

Rio Bravo Mayor Gilbert Aguilar Jr.:

“We have been through a lot for the past two years, and I think that as a father for the new year one of the most important things for our kids is to simply be safe and healthy. I think as community leaders we have to work together to promote this and make sure we continue on working to better anything with inflation or COVID and bring more resources to make the lives of the residents easier and for them to not worry about things like that.”

Webb County Justice of Peace for Precinct 2 Place 1 Bobby Quintana:

“My New Year’s Resolution is for the office to continue moving forward and serving the people and to giving justice to the people and being there Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and have my open door policy and transparency and everything that we said in our platform we are going to continue working.”

Laredo Police Department Chief Claudio Trevino Jr.:

“As 2023 arrives, I am determined to take care of my family, those I care for and myself. My New Year’s Resolution is to continue doing what is right and trust God will guide my every step.”

Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar:

“A personal resolution for this coming new year is for me to exercise more often, eat healthier and spend more quality time with my family and friends. A resolution as the leader of Webb County Sheriff’s Office is to recognize my employees when they do something good more often, create team building opportunities, celebrate the small wins and set goal posts for the big ones, and most importantly practice the art of leading through example. A resolution for the people of Webb as their leader is to make the Webb County Sheriff’s Office better and to have more public service in protecting our community.

“I also hope that God provides my family and I with abundant health and blessings, and ask the same for the almost 400 employees of the Webb County Sheriff’s Office. May God to continue guiding Webb County in a positive direction, and may he bless each and every one of you and your families.”

National Board of Directors for Alzheimer’s Association member Joe Arciniega:

“I have two New Year’s resolutions: First I plan to write every day — whether an essay, a speech or my autobiography, words every day. Also I am going to express my gratitude more often and in more meaningful ways. In my life, I am thankful to so many for so much. It’s time to show it. Thank you!”

TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz:

“I’m eager to begin a New Year with great things ahead for the university including the city’s completion of the tennis complex here on campus and the groundbreaking for our new $71.2 million plan for a new Health Sciences Education and Research Center and expansion of the Western Hemispheric Trade Center. We’ve got exciting plans for this year, including increasing financial assistance for students and working with our legislators in this 88th Legislative Session to support their focus on advancing higher education for South Texas’ regional universities.

“While a new year always signals change, it more importantly affirms the renewal of hope. My hope is that this new year will see us all appreciate what has been given and taken from us. That we acknowledge all that can and should be, without dwelling on what isn’t. That what we have is never too little to share with those in need, that giving isn’t just relegated to the holidays … and that we all learn to understand that differences can only affirm the remarkable American dream of a seat at every table.”

LC President Dr. Minita Ramirez:

“As another year comes to a close, I am delighted and excited for what the new year will bring to our community and the Laredo College family. Seeing our students succeed is a privilege and an honor we have cherished throughout our 75-year legacy and will continue to do so for many more. Igniting excellence is our goal and we are eager to see our students flourish this year.”

LISD Superintendent Dr. Sylvia G. Rios:

“Our community has recently lost some notable, impactful leaders who will be sorely missed. In the same spirit defined by our district leadership definition, I hope to extend additional leadership opportunities to our district and campus staff in ways that will model leading with heart, inspiring change, supporting growth and driving results. Our teachers and LISD staff, at every level, continuously demonstrate a fierce commitment to the well-being of our students and their schools, and for this tireless dedication, I am extremely grateful and blessed. 

“While unseen challenges as well as opportunities loom ahead of us, I want to encourage everyone to treat each other with respect, compassion and kindness — the very traits I want to continue modeling for our children to learn and practice in their own life’s journeys. Their dreams shape the futures that we envision for our community, and to this end I am wholeheartedly committed to working alongside of our entire LISD community. On behalf of Laredo ISD and our Board of Trustees, I offer my heartfelt wishes for a safe, healthy, prosperous and joyous new year.”

LISD Board of Trustees President Monica Garcia:

“The beginning of the new year is a good time to consider making some positive lifestyle changes. Therefore, I resolve to take better care of my health and the health of my family members. I vow to be more mindful of what I am eating and serving my family. My menu will include more fresh fruits and vegetables, for sure. I plan to get more exercise by parking further away from my office so I can walk more and take the stairs instead of the elevator. And as President of the Laredo ISD Board of Trustees, I want to motivate our students to set goals and make smart choices that benefit their health and future.”

LISD Communications Director Veronica Castillon:

“I’ll be adding some random acts of kindness to my routine. Perhaps I’ll add extra coins for an expired parking meter in downtown Laredo or pay for the person behind me in the drive-thru lane. Saint Paul admonishes us in the Book of Ephesians to ‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.'”

Martin High School Principal Mario Alberto Mireles Jr.:

“As we enter the new year, I thank God for the many blessings in 2022. My New Year’s Resolution is to make more time to recognize the amazing work our students, teachers, staff and administrators are doing at Martin High School. Laredo ISD has set forth our leadership definition through ‘Leading the Way,’ and it is a great opportunity to highlight the great things our Tiger Community has been able to accomplish. Hoping this new year our Tiger Spirit is renewed in perseverance, commitment and fortitude in order to lead our students into higher education. Our ultimate goal as a school is to see them succeed and accomplish their goals after graduation. Blessings to all and Happy New Year!”

Nixon football coach Benny Cabello:

“We will continue our journey in coaching to change lives and creating champions on and off the field. I want our boys to understand and realize that all great things in life are extremely difficult to obtain. We will be resolute in instilling our culture at Nixon; being mentally and physically tough, being enthusiastic about our accomplishments, working to excel, having discipline in all aspects of our lives and have the burning desire to be the best version of ourselves. Forever Green and Gold!”

Alexander basketball coach Luis Valdez:

“My resolution for our team is to continue to grow and get better as the district season looms ahead. As for a personal resolution, to be a better person for everybody in my life. My wife, family athletes and especially my first grandson that will be born in the next few days — Adriel Daniel Benavides.”

United basketball coach Archie Ramos:

“Have fun enjoying playing with your teammates and be grateful everyday that we have an opportunity to play the game we love.”

Alexander football coach Edwin Garcia:

“We will continue to strive in building strong relationships within our program and attack each day with our team philosophy of B.I.T.E.”

United South basketball coach Gogi Martinez:

“My resolution for my team is for us to stay healthy and injury free.”

Laredo Heat Owner Priya Vaswani:

“If the last couple of years has taught us anything, it is to spend more time with our loved ones.”

Laredo Heat Owner Shashi Vaswani:

“To learn to breathe and flow with the universe and not against it.”

editorial@lmtonline.com