LA FERIA — The race to fill the unexpired term for city commissioner Place 2 will be over soon for the two political newcomers who have their name on the ballot.
With decision day approaching, voters will have to decide if they want Devin Rey Martinez or Alma Martinez-Botello to take over where former city commissioner Eric Hoff left off.
Hoff stepped down from office in August for family reasons and has plans to move out of the city.
Three months later and the voters are coming out to make their choice to fill Place 2.
In the first two days of early voting more than 500 voters made it to the voting booth.
This is Martinez-Botello’s second campaign for city commissioner. She lost her race against Don Garcia by 199 votes in her bid for Place 3 in 2017.
She has been committed to join the commission as she has not missed a meeting since her loss.
“ I will continue to serve my community through positive actions and endeavors,” she said in an email if elected commissioner. “Our city needs a voice of optimism coupled with thoughtful yet quick action.”
Martinez-Botello is not the only candidate on the ballot who is a life-long resident of La Feria. She was an active participant in many clubs and organizations in high school.
Martinez-Botello is listed as an administrative assistant for the nonprofit South Texas Collaborative for Housing Development Inc. based in La Feria.
“ As commissioner, I will bring a new, positive energy filled with experience, strong work ethic, and community involvement. I am committed to meeting the needs of our community,” she said.
Her opponent, Martinez, is a 2010 La Feria graduate who was active in student activities and organizations.
Martinez, 26, was raised in La Feria and is excited about running for public office, he said.
“ I have always donated my time growing up and I just love helping others,” he said about the values instilled in him.
He said his campaign is a lot of work but will be worth it in the end.
“ I’m hoping to join the current commissioner court and implement my own ideas,” he said. “Hopefully, we can move the community in the right direction.”
He is a chemistry teacher at Los Fresnos High School.
“ I feel it’s my calling and my time to give back to the community,” he said
