Dozens of constituents showed up for the public meeting at Yopo’s where the event was opened up by the Better Futures Forever group comprised of Gabriela Marines, Pele Manaku, Natalia Salinas, and Irazema Salinas, under the leadership of Marlen Ramirez.
Mayor Ramsey English Cantu welcomed Hurd and local officials including Justice of the Peace Tere Melendrez, City Councilmen Rudy Villalpando and Luis Sifuentes, Eagle Pass Bridge Board Chairman Kimberly Cantu, Former County Judge Enriqueta Diaz, and Mexican Consul Ismael Naveja Macias.
“Today it’s not about politics, it’s about community,” said Cantu. “Everybody here is very important, we thank you for taking the time to be with us.”
Hurd thanked the audience for their attendance as well, and recognized that although not everyone agreed with him, he wanted to be a part of what is going on in the community.
“This is why we’ve done over 450 public events. I want to hear from y’all. That’s why I’m here today, that’s why i appreciate you all treating me like one of your own; because I am able to get a number of ideas on things we have been doing in Washington DC,” said Hurd.
He took the time to honor recently retired Eagle Pass Police Officer Luis Garza with a certificate of special congressional recognition before opening the floor to questions.
The congressman listened to concerns from the community included water in the Quemado area that was not potable, the failings of bilingual education in the local school system, highway deterioration, veterans’ affairs, border security and immigration.
Hurd addressed every issue and promised to look into all of them, before he had to get back on the bus to continue his tour.
“It’s an honor to represent ya’ll and everyone within the 23rd congressional district,” said Hurd. “God bless you, thank you for coming out, and may god continue to bless these United States.”