December 22, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian Godinez
(956) 655-4655
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Sergio Muñoz Jr. hosts Monday fundraiser in Mission and endorsing him are mayors from District 36: Pharr Mayor Leo "Polo" Palacios, Jr., Penitas Mayor Marcos Ochoa and Mission Mayor Norberto "Beto" Salinas, where Muñoz continues his campaign momentum, draws over 30 elected officials and raises over $100,000. Photograph by Mario Hinojosa.
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Sergio Muñoz, Jr. continues momentum, draws big local support, raises $100,000
(MISSION) -- Sergio Muñoz, Jr.'s state representative campaign on Monday, December 21, drew big names and generous contributions from House District 36 during a fundraiser held that evening at Balli's Social & Event Center in Mission.
Almost 150 supporters, including Mission Mayor Norberto Salinas, Pharr Mayor Leo "Polo" Palacios, and Hidalgo City Commissioner Guillermo Ramírez joined Muñoz, a Democratic candidate for state representative, and his family during the rally.
Muñoz, a successful attorney and Palmview Municipal Court Judge, is seeking the Democratic Party nomination on March 2, 2010.
The gathering generated about $100,000 in campaign contributions and pledges, which will be invested right back into the local district to help cover expenses ranging from purchasing fuel and food for volunteers, buying other essential supplies and services from local businesses, and helping Muñoz travel the region in the coming months to meet with thousands of voters.
House District 36 includes Granjeno, Hidalgo, southern McAllen, most of Mission, Palmview, Peñitas, and Pharr.
Given that the event came as most people's attention was focused on Christmas and not politics, Muñoz said he was surprised and appreciative that the turnout was about three times the initial expectations.
"I am very humbled by this wonderful showing, but there is tremendous interest by South Texans to send a strong advocate to the Texas Legislature," he said. "My campaign is not about me, it is about all of the people of House District 36."
He noted that as he has "campaigned throughout this great area, I'm the one who has been inspired by the wonderful people, from all walks of life, who live in this district, who have great ideas, who will help me keep House District 36 the tremendous success story which it has become."
Muñoz emphasized his legislative platform, which he said focused on creating more jobs, sparking economic development, helping make health care more accessible and affordable, improving educational resources in public schools and in higher education, and helping improve public safety, including cracking down on sexual predators.
"I'm running because I believe my years of professional and community services, my experiences as a defender of the people, combined with my vision and commitment for all of us to have a better life are positive qualifications to serve the good people of District 36," he continued.
The Mission mayor said Muñoz has education, loyalty, and high moral character to overcome the power of special interest groups which do not care about the legislative needs or personal convictions of the overwhelming majority of South Texans.
"Sergio will be the kind of person who will know what to do in the Texas Legislature, who will be able to withstand the pressure of the lobbyists in Austin," said Salinas. "Sergio is known for his good family values that we hold so close, especially in the Mexican American community. He will be able to take care of our needs."
Palacios, the Pharr mayor, said Muñoz' strong support for securing increased funding for education and landing new funding for a sought-after Veterans Affairs Hospital in the Valley will result in tremendous economic development and a higher quality of life for the entire area.
"Being a veteran myself (Korean Conflict), I am very, very glad to see that Sergio has made a VA Hospital one of the major issues he will be working on in Austin," said Palacios. "He will also work hard to continue to get funding for education, including money for UT-Pan American and South Texas College. Education is the key to success for all of us."
Muñoz earned a business degree from the University of Texas at Austin and then graduated from Thurgood Marshal School of Law in Houston. Ramirez, the Hidalgo city commissioner, said Muñoz has the credentials, vision, and energy to succeed in the Texas House of Representatives.
"Sergio brings that right combination of passion, dedication, and knowledge about the issues, and that is what we need in the Texas Legislature," said Ramirez. "There is no doubt that once Sergio begins his work in Austin, he will be a champion for education, health care, and the other major needs we have in Hidalgo County."
For more information, please visit the Muñoz campaign website at www.sergioforsouthtexas.com.
By DAVID A. DÍAZ
Political announcement paid for by Sergio Muñoz, Jr., – Óscar Elizondo, Jr., Treasurer – 1110 South Closner Boulevard, Edinburg, Texas 78539.
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