VOL. I, NO. 14
Three File For McAllen District One Election Voters in the sprawling northern most McAllen city district will be going to the voting booths early next year to replace City Commissioner Richard Cortez, who announced in September that he would run for Hidalgo County Judge. After looking at several possible election dates, city staff recommended that the City Commission go with January 20, 2018 for the election date. Three candidates have already announced and filed for the seat. Other potential candidates have until November 20 to file. If a run-off is needed, it would be held in late February or early March. The city’s election will run just before the 2018 March primaries for the Democratic and Republican parties. The three announced candidates are Joseph M. Caporusso, Javier Villalobos and Timothy Wilkins. District One runs from East Nolana Loop north and then west across Tenth Street to Monte Cristo Road. Joseph M. Caporusso is a medical doctor. He appointed Sam Lara, a Pharr resident, as his campaign treasurer. Javier Villalobos is an attorney. He appointed Rafael Flores, a McAllen resident, as his campaign treasurer. Timothy Wilkins is a tax property consultant and real estate broker who also owns Sofie’s SS Saloon. He appointed Raul “Cool” Moreno as his campaign treasurer. This will be city’s second election in less than a year. In May of this year, voters give Mayor Jim Darling his second term. Joaquin “J.J.” Zamora beat incumbent District 2 Commissioner Trey Pebley while Omar Quintanilla tool the District 3 Commissioner spot to replace Hilda Salinas, who chose not to run for re-election. Cortez indicated that he will continue to serve until the new commissioner takes the office after the election.
|
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2017
|
RGVTIMES.COM
FREE
CITY ELECTIONS, STATE AMENDMENTS DRAW VOTERS FOR NOVEMBER 7
P.4
Affordable Homes of South Texas Expands to RGC.
P.6
Internationally Award-winning Pianist Chen to perform for UTRGV
P.7
Parents Push State to Screen Newborns for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
2
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
OPINION
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
What Constitutional Amendments Will Be On The November Ballot? By Alex Samuels, Texas Tribune With the start of early voting for the Nov. 7 election, Texans are being asked to approve seven amendments to the state’s constitution. During legislative sessions, lawmakers typically agree on multiple changes to law that require amendments to the state’s rigid constitution. Any changes to the Texas Constitution must be approved by a majority of Texas voters. Getting a proposed amendment on the ballot requires support from more than two-thirds of both chambers of the Legislature.
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
Voters in some communities are also weighing in on important local issues alongside the statewide ballot. For example, qualified Travis County voters will have the chance to vote for or against two bonds — one dealing with transportation improvements and another on constructing and improving county parks. Check out the state’s website (www.votetexas.gov) to find your polling place. Below are the seven constitutional amendments that will be on the ballot. The Texas Secretary of State’s office randomly assigned each resolution (each of which was adopted during the 2017 regular legislative session) a ballot number ahead of the election. Proposition 1 What will be on the ballot: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the Legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the market value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of a partially disabled veteran if the residence homestead was donated to the disabled veteran by a charitable organization for less than the market value of the residence homestead and harmonizing certain related provisions of the Texas Constitution.” What it means: It would authorize property tax exemptions for certain partially disabled veterans or their surviving spouses — those whose homes were donated to them by charity for less than market value. Proposition 2 What will be on the ballot: “The constitutional amendment to establish a lower amount for expenses that can be charged to a borrower and removing certain financing expense limitations for a home equity loan, establishing certain authorized lenders to make a home equity loan, changing certain options for the refinancing for home equity loans,
changing the threshold for an advance of a home equity line of credit, and allowing home equity loans on agricultural homesteads.” What it means: This would ease restrictions on borrowing against home equity in Texas and allow Texans easier access to their equity. The proposition also lowers the maximum fees that can be charged in connection with home equity loans but also exempts certain charges from the calculation of that maximum. Proposition 3 What will be on the ballot: “The constitutional amendment limiting the service of certain officeholders appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate after the expiration of the person’s term of office.” What it means: Unsalaried appointees whose terms have ended but who have not been replaced would serve only until the next legislative session has ended. Proposition 4 What will be on the ballot: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the Legislature to require a court to provide notice to the attorney general of a challenge to the constitutionality of a state statute and authorizing the Legislature to prescribe a waiting period before the court may enter a judgment holding the statute unconstitutional.” What it means: This would require courts to notify the state attorney gen-
eral of any constitutional challenges to state laws. Proposition 5 What will be on the ballot: “The constitutional amendment on professional sports teams’ charitable foundations conducting charitable raffles.” What it means: It would expand the definition of a “professional sports team,” giving more team-connected foundations the ability to hold charitable raffles. Proposition 6 What will be on the ballot: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the Legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a first responder who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.” What it means: This would give property tax exemptions to surviving spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty. Proposition 7 What will be on the ballot: “The constitutional amendment relating to legislative authority to permit credit unions and other financial institutions to award prizes by lot to promote savings.” What it means: It would allow banks and other financial institutions to conduct promotional activities — such as raffles — to encourage savings.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
3
Early Voting Sites Open For All November Elections Hidalgo County voters will have the opportunity to cast their votes in the matter of seven constitutional amendments next week. Residents in seven cities will also have the opportunity to elect new city officials. During the last Texas legislative session, the legislature approved seven measures that will require voter approval. Any changes to the Texas Constitution must be approved by a majority of Texas voters. Getting a proposed amendment on the ballot requires support from more than two-thirds of both chambers of the Legislature. (See Page 2 for clarification on the amendments.) As in previous elections, Hidalgo County residents can vote at any of the polling places during the early voting period, which runs from Oct. 23 through Nov. 3. On Nov. 7, voters will also be able to vote at any location. In a new development, voters who want to cast early votes for city elections will also be able to cast their votes in any of the county’s early voting locations. According to Hidalgo County Elections Administrator Yvonne Ramon, in previous years, city voters could only vote at their city’s early voting location. “This year, if a person is in another city for some reason, they can cast their vote in any of the early voting sites. With our voting equipment, we have all of the constitutional amendments and city elections loaded electronically, so we can call up any of the local elections. We think this will help to encourage more voters to take the time to cast their votes,” Ramon explained. In addition to the constitutional amendments, voters in Alamo, Donna, Edcouch, Edinburg, La Joya, Progreso and Weslaco will be voting for a mayors and/or city commissioners. Early voting locations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., except for Sunday, Oct. 9th, when the polls will be open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Nov. 7th polls will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, as required by state law.
City
Building
Address
Location
Hours (M-S)
Hours (SUN)
Alamo
Sgt. Fernando de la Rosa Library
416 N. Tower Rd
Class Room
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Alton
Alton City Hall
509 S. Alton Blvd
Comm Chambers
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Donna
Donna Recreation Center
307 MIller Ave
Main Entrance
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Edcouch
Edcouch Fire Station
200 W. Santa Rosa Ave
Main Entrance
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Edinburg
UTRGV Student Union
1201 W. University
Student Union Bldg
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Edinburg
Elections Annex Bldg
317 N. Closner
Warehouse Room
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Edinburg
San Carlos Endowment Ctr
107 N. Sunflower
Main Entrance
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Elsa
Elsa Fire Station
216 E. 4th St
Chambers
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Granjeno
Granjeno City Hall
6603 S FM 494
Main Entrance
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Hidalgo
Hidalgo City Hall
704 E. Texano
Chambers
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
La Joya
Municipal Library
201 Palm Shores Dr
Main Entrance
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
La Villa
Multi-Purpose Bldg
500 E. 9th St
Main Entrance
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
McAllen
Hidalgo Co. Tax Office
300 E. Hackberry
Main Entrance
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
McAllen
STC Pecan Campus
3201 Pecan Blvd.
Main Entrance
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
McAllen
STC Nursing Campus
1101 E Vermont Ave
Main Entrance
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
McAllen
Lark Community Center
2601 Lark Ave
Exercise Room
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
McAllen
Palmview Community Center
3401 Jordan Ave
Exercise Room
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Mercedes
Mercedes City Hall
400 S. Ohio Ave
Main Entrance
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Mission
Boys & Girls @ Bannworth
1822 N. Shary Rd
Gym
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Mission
Mission City Hall
1201 E 8th St
Community Room
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Palmhurst
Church of Christ
1410 E. 3 Mile Rd
Main Entrance
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Palmview
Pct. #3 “The Mansion”
2401 N. Moorefield Rd
Back Entrance
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Penitas
Penitas Library
1320 S. Main St
Meeting Room
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Pharr
Jose Pepe Salinas Ctr
1011 W. Kelly
Conference Room
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Pharr
Las Milpas Comm. Ctr
7107 S. Cage Blvd
Main Entrance
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Progreso
Progreso Comm. Ctr
510 FM 1015
Main Entrance
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
San Juan
San Juan Fire Station #2
2301 N. Raul Longoria
Commissioner’s Room
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Sullivan
Sullivan Fire Station
500 Cenzio
Main Entrance
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Weslaco
Business Visitor & Event Ctr.
275 S. Kansas
Conference Room
7:00 A.M.-7:00 P.M.
10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
4
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
Affordable Homes of South Texas Expands To Rio Grande City First time expanding into Starr County for non-profit Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. (AHSTI), in partnership with the City of Rio Grande City, has officially announced its expansion into Rio Grande City. The expansion, which has been about a year in the making, will start with building homes in Morning Star subdivision. The Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation has also shown its support through a grant incentive to AHSTI for this program. “We are very excited Affordable Homes of South Texas will implement the very first affordable homeownership program in Rio Grande City. Home ownership is important to the growth of our city and with the support and investment of the Rio Grande City EDC, a total of 50 homes constructed over the next 5 years will help spur job creation, commercial business attraction and the improvement of the quality of life in Rio Grande City” said Mayor Joel Villarreal. AHSTI plans to build on 50 lots with its’ subsidiary Framework Homes building on another 32 lots. Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. will be building for households that make 80% of the area median income (AMI) or less while Framework Homes will
be targeting households that earn more than the 80% AMI threshold. “We are excited about expanding into Rio Grande City,” says AHSTI Executive Director, Bobby Calvillo, “We have had requests in the past, but had not been able to make it happen until now.”
AHSTI will kick off the expansion on Saturday, November 4, 2017 with its inaugural WELCOME HOME! Event. The launch event is focused on not only providing program information, but meeting with attendees to determine if they are eligible for the program. If eligible then the attendee will
be able to leave with a pre-qualification amount, a list of available lots, and floor plans that fall within their pre-qualification amount. Walk-ins to the event are welcome, but appointments are encouraged as walk-ins may experience longer wait times. To make an appointment, visit www.ahsti.org and click on the ‘Create Account’ button. After you create your account you must complete your profile in order to access the link to make an appointment. For questions on the program, visit www.ahsti.org or call 956-687-6263.Morning Star subdivision is located on Trophy Street and is part of the more newly developed area of Rio Grande City. Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. is a local non-profit organization that provides home ownership opportunities and education for working low-income families. Nationally recognized, AHSTI provides a range of non-profit housing solutions. AHSTI takes on the role of land developers, general contractors and as a full-service mortgage company. In addition, AHSTI is a certified HUD Counseling Agency and provides a multi-cultural, in-house pre-purchase counseling and group education program to all clients. For any questions, please contact 956-687-6263, email info@ahsti.org or visit www.ahsti.org.
Weslaco Beautiful Posts Commercial, Residential Beautification Awards The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce announced its September 2017 Community Beautification awards for commercial and residential locations. Weslaco Beautiful, a committee of the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce, selected Rio Bank as its Commercial Beautification Award recipient for the month of September. Located along Westgate Drive, Rio Bank features a well-kept lawn that adds a splash of green to the busy intersection of Westgate and Pike Blvd. “Rio Bank takes a lot of pride in Weslaco and our community,” remarked Omar Rodriguez, Branch President. “We try to do our part to show that pride.
Keeping our grounds in great shape is part of that.” “We are honored to receive the award,” Rodriguez added. The Residential Beautification award went to Catarino and Juanita Reyes who reside at 1513 E. 2nd Street in Weslaco. “To me, it makes the neighborhood look nice and we love doing our yard,” remarked Juanita. “We’ve been living here for a long time, and we’ve always tried to keep it up. We want Weslaco to look nice!” For more information on Weslaco Beautiful and the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce, visit www.weslaco.com.
Residential Beautification Award, pictured from left, are Pete Garcia, City of Weslaco Public Works Director; District 5 City Commissioner Letty Lopez; Juanita Reyes, Olga Garza, City of Weslaco Public Works Asst. Director and Doug Croft, Weslaco Chamber President/CEO.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
Día De Los Muertos Festivities Continue at MOSTHistory
Happy Hour: Calaveras & Cervezas To Be Held Nov. 2 In a modern twist on a centuries old tradition, the Museum of South Texas History will host a relaxed, social atmosphere for Happy Hour in celebration of Dia de los Muertos, tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 2. MOSTHistory Happy Hour is an event aimed to welcome young professionals (and young at heart) to enjoy the Museum of South Texas History’s Happy Hour. Bodega Tavern & Kitchen, the Landmark Lounge, Ignite Lounge and Tr3n will host MOSTHistory Happy Hour: Calaveras & Cervezas (Skulls & Beer) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This special event will feature food samples from Bodega Tavern & Kitchen, craft beer from Rogue Ales and Spirits, calavera face painting, a tour of the community altar exhibit, a calavera literarias (“skull” literature) activity, a catrina dressing contest and live music by Jesus Ray Jimenez and Armando Ibarra. Located in the heart of McAllen’s 10th Street entertainment district at 2901 N 10th St., Bodega Tavern & Kitchen aims to highlight the Rio Grande Valley’s culture through a constantly evolving menu which reflects the availability of locally sourced ingredients and flavors. The food sample menu will include Bodega’s fish tacos with spicy orange slaw and pico, house made chicharrones with Bodega spice and citrus, and chicken fried quail legs with chipotle buffalo sauce. Pair these tasty menu selections with a Rogue Dead Guy Ale – completing the culinary experience. If craft beer isn’t your preference, a selection of wines
will also be available. Beverages will be served by Happy Hour FRIENDs, the Landmark Lounge and Ignite Lounge. MOSTHistory Happy Hour guests will also receive 10% off the bar tab that same night at either Landmark Lounge or Ignite Lounge. And, it wouldn’t be a MOSTHistory Happy Hour without interactive activities. Guests will be able to write calaveras literarias, which are known for expressing one’s feelings about a departed loved one. Another way to get into the spirit of Día de los Muertos is by getting your face painted in the style of a calavera. If you are still unsure about the traditions and symbolism of Día de los Muertos, guests can participate in a community altar exhibit tour with museum staff guiding and answering questions about the history of the altars. The event activities will conclude with a catrina dressing contest, which makes the participating teams dress a catrina with materials provided by the museum. The winners of the catrina dressing contest will receive free admission to the next MOSTHistory Happy Hour on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. Admission to this special event is $15 for the general community and $10 for FRIENDS of MOSTHistory. If you are interested in becoming a FRIEND of MOSTHistory, please contact Cedar Risica, the assistant development officer, at 956-383-6911 or send an e-mail to crisica@mosthistory.org. This special event is for individuals 21 and over. For more information about this event, please contact the museum at 956-3836911 or visit mosthistory.org/events.
BBVA Compass Bank donates $5,000 to McAllen Education Foundation: BBVA Compass Bank presented the McAllen Education Foundation with $5,000 to assist the Foundation in providing support to help foster excellence and enhance educational opportunities for students in McAllen ISD by funding Innovative Teaching Grants, Student Scholarships and Professional Learning. The Foundation will hold its fourth annual fiesta fundraiser from 7-10:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, at McAllen Country Club (615 Wichita Ave.). The McAllen Education Foundation is
a philanthropic, tax-exempt, public corporation that operates independently of McAllen ISD and is governed by a board made up of business and civic leaders from the community. For information on sponsorship opportunities and auction donations, visit the Foundation website at mcallenisd.org/community/foundation or call 956-618-6023. Pictured from left are Tony Forina, McAllen ISD School Board President; Tiffany Henderson, McAllen Education Foundation (MEF); Annie Holand Miller, MEF; Jon Rebello, CEO Texas Border; and J.A. Gonzalez, Ed.D., McAllen ISD Superintendent.
CATERING de la Casa
Serving Authentic Mexican Food Since 1983
Make your reservation with us: 956-585-0832
Check out our HH
HAPPY HOUR
Menus & Drinks 3-7:30PM
casadeltacorgv.com
5
MISSION
(956) 581-8523 1800 E. Business 83
MCALLEN
(956) 631-8193 1100 W. Houston Ave
Facebook.com/LaCasaDelTaco
6
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
Internationally Award-Winning Pianist Chen to Perform For UTRGV Patron of The Arts Series
He earned accolades for “alluring, colorfully shaded renditions” (New York Times) and “genuinely sensitive” (LA Times) playing. He was recently named a 2015 Fellow by the prestigious Leonore Annenberg Fellowship Fund for the Performing Arts. Sean Chen will perform in Brownsville and Edinburg to show off what earned him that praise. Chen will perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8, in the TSC Arts Center in Brownsville, and at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, in the Performing Arts Complex on the UTRGV Edinburg Campus as part of the Patron of the Arts Series at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. “Mr.Chen is 28 years old and was the third-prize winner at the 2013 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. He is described as a charismatic, rising star with an exceptional ability to connect with an audience,” said Dr. Dahlia Guerra, assistant vice president for the UTRGV Office of Public Art. “We are thrilled that he will
perform two concerts as part of his visit to the Rio Grande Valley.” A multifaceted musician, Chen also transcribes, composes and improvises. He has performed numerous solo recitals in major international venues, including Jordan Hall in Boston, Subculture in New York City, the American Art Museum at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., the National Concert Hall in Taipei, Het Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Salle Cortot in Paris. Chen is a Steinway artist and has made return appearances with several prominent orchestras, including the San Diego Symphony, Santa Fe Symphony, Indianapolis Chamber, Carmel Symphony and Sunriver Festival Orchestra. He has been featured in both live and recorded performances on WQXR (New York), WFMT (Chicago), WGBH (Boston), WFYI (Indianapolis), NPR’s “From the Top” and American Public Media’s “Performance Today.” His CD releases include “La Valse,” a solo recording on the Steinway label, hailed for “penetrating artistic intellect” (Audiophile Audition); a live recording from the Van Cliburn competition, praised for his “ravishing tone and cogently contoured lines” (Gramophone); and an album solo piano works by Michael Williams on the Parma label. Chen earned his bachelor and master’s degrees in music from Juilliard, garnering several awards, most notably the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans. He received his Artist Diploma in 2014 at the Yale School of Music as a George W. Miles Fellow. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors 65 and older, and $5 for students with a valid ID. Tickets are available at patron.utrgv.edu
Thinking of owning a home? See if you qualify! ¿Pensando en ser propietario de una casa? ¡Ven a ver si calificas!
Saturday, November 4 sábado 4 de noviembre
9:00 am - 5:00 pm City of Rio Grande City - City Hall Oficina municipal de la ciudad de Rio Grande City
5332 US-83, Rio Grande City, TX 78582
Avoid the long lines!
Visit www.ahsti.org or call (956) 687-6263 to make an appointment ¡Evite las largas filas! Visite www.ahsti.org o llame al (956) 687-6263 para hacer una cita
ing in build Now ing Star Morn ision! iv subd ndo truye cons ión de a r o ivis ¡Ah subd r! en la rning Sta Mo
Walk-ins also welcome! ¡Todos serán bienvenidos!
® A non-profit housing initiative Since 1976
NMLS# 346848 │ 1420 Erie Ave, McAllen, TX 78501 │ 956.687.6263
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
7
Parents Push State To Screen All Newborns For Spinal Muscular Atrophy By Matthew Choi Texas Tribune
Kristen Resendez, of Harlingen, had a normal pregnancy and, two years ago, brought home a healthy baby boy, Jack. Four weeks later, Jack couldn’t move. After a bevy of tests, Jack was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a neuromuscular disease that shuts down muscle use throughout the body. Resendez said her doctor told her that children with Jack’s form of SMA rarely live beyond 6 months. “I took Jack home and let myself cry for 24 hours, but then got back on my feet and told myself, ‘What can I do?’” Resendez said. Resendez signed Jack up for a new treatment called Spinraza, which she said allowed Jack to beat his doctor’s assessment and grow into a lively 2-year-old. The FDA approved Spinraza in December, and now Resendez is part of a community of families pushing to get SMA added to a list of diseases for which Texas tests all newborns. The Newborn Screening Advisory Committee, which advises the Texas Department of State Health Services on which diseases should be on the list, plans to discuss whether to recommend adding SMA at its next meeting, slated for Oct. 27. Only diseases with accepted treatments can be added to the list, and parents like Resendez are hopeful that the FDA approval of Spinraza will bolster their argument for adding SMA. The committee will also discuss other conditions not on the Texas list, including Pompe disease, MPS-1 and X-ALD. SMA is a genetic disease that causes damage to the spinal cord and blocks messages from the brain to muscles.
Kristen Resendez places her son, Jack, in a pediatric standing frame in their home in Harlingen, Texas. Jack has spinal muscular atrophy and has lost the ability to use most of his body. (Photo by Reynaldo Leal, The Texas Tribune)
The disease causes total loss of muscle use but does not affect a child’s ability to learn or think. Though affected children are often born appearing healthy, the disease can cause rapid deterioration, said Dr. Warren Marks, medical director of the Movement Disorder and Neurorehabilitation Program at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. Marks estimated about 100 children are born with SMA in Texas each year. He said it’s critical to detect the disease “as soon as possible,” before symptoms appear, for treatment to be effective. Children who go without treatment until they develop respiratory failure will most likely die, he added. SMA is the most common genetic cause of infant death in the U.S. Blood samples of all newborns in Texas are sent to a testing lab in Austin, where the blood is tested for 53 conditions. The testing costs about $55 per child and is generally covered by their parents’ health insurance. Medicaid-
and CHIP-eligible children are screened for free, costing the Department of State Health Services more than $57 million last year. Recommendations by the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee are considered by the state health commissioner and are subject to available funding from the Legislature, said Lara Anton, press officer at the Department of State Health Services. Resendez, who lives in Harlingen, and Beth Moore, a Forney mother of two children with SMA, traveled with their children to the committee’s August meeting in Austin, where they asked members to put SMA on the list. Committee Chairwoman Dr. Charleta Guillory decided to formally discuss SMA at the October meeting, Anton said. Moore’s son William, 6, was born before Spinraza was available and remains bedridden. He uses a computer to speak with his eyes — the only part of his body he can move — and needs saliva suctioned
out of his mouth because he can’t swallow. After William tested positive for SMA, Moore had her daughter Mary tested in utero. The results showed Mary also had the disease. Children with SMA-positive siblings have a 25 percent chance of being born with the disease, Marks said.
Unlike William, Mary started treatment before she showed severe symptoms and does not need the same equipment as her brother. She can now eat, move and walk with the help of a walker. Moore said she takes her daughter on playdates and often “no one even knows she has special needs of any sort.” If Resendez had been able to start treating her son before symptoms appeared, Jack may not have needed much of his medical equipment, she said. “Yeah, the drug costs money and the screening costs money,” Resendez said. “But wouldn’t you want to spend [a little more] screening the kid, save the kid and avoid spending the long term amount of money it costs to keep these kids alive?” Moore plans to attend the meeting this month to continue demonstrating her support for adding SMA to the Texas list. She said she’s optimistic the disease will be added. “I’m doing this for all the future parents to avoid the heartache,” Moore said. “To have the simple day to day life experiences I missed with my son.”
Beth Moore plays with two of her children, William, 6, and Mary, 2, who both have spinal muscular atrophy. Moore asked the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee in August to add the disease to a list of diseases for which newborns are automatically screened in Texas. (Photo by Laura Beckman, The Texas Tribune)
8
City of McAllen Hires New Health Director Wednesday, November 1, 2017
The City of McAllen has hired Steve Kotsatos as its new Director of Health and Environmental Code Enforcement. The Ohio native has 17 years of government experience, with six years of health services experience at both the municipal and state level. Kotsatos has a broad range of expertise in the field, including a strong knowledge of code enforcement and
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
environmental issues, as well as public health and restaurant food safety issues. “The City of McAllen is proud to have Steve as our Health and Environmental Code Enforcement Director, leading the efforts to keep our community safe and healthy to best serve our citizens and community,” said McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E.
McAllen to Increase Mosquito Spraying Recent rains have increased mosquito populations
With the recent rains in the Rio Grande Valley, there is an expected higher volume of mosquito activity that may cause public concern. The City of McAllen will be spraying/fogging areas to reduce the mosquito population, starting this evening, Tuesday, October 24, from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. midnight. “As part of the City of McAllen’s Integrated Pest Management Program to protect the health and safety of our communities, we will be more active in educating the community and provide adequate mosquito treatment methods to reduce the population of mosquitoes within the city,” said Steven Kotsatos, Director, City of McAllen’s Health & Code Enforcement Department. Additionally, the community is asked to assist supporting these efforts by removing any tires and containers that can hold an inch or more of water with the property. Residents should also maintain their property to reduce
mosquito breeding sites by cleaning out drains and gutters. Please report any mosquito concerns to (956) 681-1900, or through the McAllen 311 app, available for free for both Android and Apple devices. The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends people throughout the Rio Grande Valley and Texas to continue protecting themselves from mosquito bites by: • Using EPA-approved insect repellent every time they go outside. • Using air conditioning or window and door screens that are in good repair to keep mosquitoes out. • Limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito times. • Covering exposed skin with long pants and long-sleeved shirts whenever possible. • Removing standing water in and around homes, including in trash cans, toys, tires, flower pots and any other containers so mosquitoes can’t lay their eggs. • Using a larvicide in water that can’t be drained to keep mosquitoes from developing into biting adults.
“He stood out amongst a strong pool of applicants based on his understanding of health issues, environmental enforcement and government processes.” Prior to coming on board with the City of McAllen, Kotsatos was a Compliance Officer and Sanitarian with the State of Texas Department of State Health Services. There, he was responsible for the state and Food & Drug Administration’s inspections and investigations of food manufacturing, distribution and salvage operations throughout Texas, ensuring compliance with federal, state and local environmental regulations. Additionally, he reviewed data evidence, prepared cases for escalated enforcement and served as an expert witness in administrative hearings. Some key accomplishments Kotsatos achieved were maintaining his federal and state credentials and remaining knowledgeable of industry regulations. Additionally, he was instrumental in providing information and assistance on food and drug regulations as requested by citizens, industry and
various levels of government agencies. Kotsatos also worked with the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health Department, where he served as a health leader on educating and enforcing various environmental issues. Kotsatos began his career with the Summit County Board of Elections in Akron, Ohio. He has a bachelor of science in biology from the University of Akron. Aside from serving as the City of McAllen’s Health Director, Kotsatos will serve as presiding officer of the Registered Sanitarian Advisory Committee for the State of Texas Department State Health Services, as well as the newly created Task Force of Border Health Officials, as stipulated in Texas Senate Bill 1680. “I am excited at the opportunity to be a part of the City of McAllen where I will be not only helping my community, but also, I will be part of the progress the border’s health issues that will make continue making an impact in the lives of the citizens of McAllen and beyond,” said Kotsatos.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
WWW.RGVTIMES.COM
Funding Provides Tor Continuation of Cybersecurity Certification Bootcamps
LOOKING FOR A NEW BANK?
FREE CHECKING ACCOUNT VISA® DEBIT CARD IBC MOBILE ONLINE BANKING ONLINE BILL PAYMENTS ONLINE STATEMENTS IBC ATM SERVICES IBC VOICE About 120 fortunate Valley residents will have the opportunity to get trained for jobs with a median pay of $90,120 per year. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awarded the Mission Economic Development Corporation (Mission EDC) a Wagner Peyser grant in the amount of $496,120 to continue their series of CompTIA cybersecurity bootcamps at its CEED building in Mission. The program is set to begin in January 2018 and will consist of 3 cohorts of 40 individuals, every 12-weeks. Through this training, participants will receive the CompTIA series of professional certifications that includes A+, Network+, and Security+ at graduation. Mission EDC again partnered with CompTIA, the world’s largest IT trade association, to continue to provide the IT related bootcamps to residents in the Rio Grande Valley. “This bootcamp is focused on filling a need in professional certification of IT workers in cybersecurity. The demand for certified workers encompasses all industries in IT departments and companies that provide IT services to businesses both large and small,” said Alex Meade, CEO, Mission EDC. This program will provide a total of 120 participants (who meet Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) basic eligibility requirements) with a rigorous 12-week cybersecurity bootcamp utilizing its partnership with CompTIA. Participants will complete a series of CompTIA vendor-neutral skills certifications for technology professionals that are widely sought after and recognized
by companies all over the United States and the world. Mission EDC’s Career Services Coordinator will provide recruitment, pre-screening, job readiness training and job placement services to participants for this intensive program. “We are excited to continue this cybersecurity education and certification effort with CompTIA as a component of the Mission EDC E-STEAM programs aimed at developing our workforce”, said Joel Garza, Director of Technology, Mission EDC. “We need to prepare our workforce to support the everexpanding technology infrastructure with a security focus, capable of understanding security risks and deploying countermeasures. This initiative will achieve our objective by delivering technology training to students, covering the content objectives assessed in CompTIA’s industry-recognized certifications.” Properly trained IT security staff that can analyze, monitor, and protect cybersecurity resources are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that information security analysts will be the fastest growing overall job category, with 37 percent overall growth between 2012 and 2022. A career in information security analysis ranked seventh on U.S. News and World Report’s list of the 100 best technology jobs for 2017. According to the BLS, the median pay for an information security analyst is $90,120 per year. For more information, contact: Joel Garza, Mission EDC Director of Technology, at 956.585.0040 or jgarza@missionedc.com.
Serving our communities since 1966. SERVICE 7 DAYS A WEEK
29 BRANCHES IN MCALLEN
9