By David A. Diaz Legislative Media
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas McAllen construction magnate Alonzo Cant reacted with humility & surprise when a reporter noting the significance of the economic development leaders appointment to the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority Board of Directors portrayed the multi-millionaire banker Democratic Party fundraiser & philanthropist as being renowned throughout the state and in parts of the country.
I didnt know that Cant laughed midway through that observation prompting another reporter participating in the interview to emphatically add Well I agree. I agree.
For the many public officials who supported Cants recent selection to the RMA leadership team it is precisely his far-reaching reputation as a mover-and-shaker in politics and business that helped earn him a coveted spot on this crucial transportation public entity.
I think having roads and infrastructure are certainly important to the future growth of the Valley Cant reflected. So I think it is important that we do that and do it right. There are people on the
(RMA) board who will help out the county.
Along with Cant two other McAllen leaders businessman Forrest Runnels and R. David Guerra Vice President and Director of International Bancshares Corporation are the latest appointees to the RMA Board of Directors.
Cant and Runnels were sworn into office during the RMAs board meeting on Wednesday November 10.
Guerra was sworn into office during the RMAs meeting on Wednesday October 27.
They join four accomplished veterans on the RMA Board of Directors who bring equally impressive credentials to the table.
ALONZO FORREST AND DAVID BRING TREMENDOUS CREDENTIALS
McAllen banker Alonzo Cant featured left and businessman Forrest Runnels also of McAllen on Wednesday November 10 were sworn in by Sen. Juan Chuy Hinojosa D-McAllen as the newest members of the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority Board of Directors during the RMAs work session in Weslaco.Michael G. Cano of Pharr is an attorney with Linbarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP in Edinburg.
Dennis Burleson of Mission a financial advisor serves as chairman of the RMA Board of Directors. He is an appointee of Gov. Rick Perry.Ricardo Prez is Palmview branch president for Rio Bank.
Realtor Joe Olivarez hails from Weslaco.
Alonzo Forrest and David bring tremendous credentials integrity and vision to one of the most important projects that will affect all Hidalgo County residents said Cano. For all of us it is both very challenging and very gratifying to be part of history in the making. We encourage all Hidalgo County residents to provide their ideas concerns and hopes to us at any time.
According to its website the
Hidalgo County RMA is an independent governmental entity created by the Texas Transportation Commission and the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court on November 17 2005 to accelerate needed transportation projects in Hidalgo County.
But for much of the public the RMA is best known for trying to create a landmark highway loop around Hidalgo County which would be designed to handle heavy commercial truck traffic going through the region between Mexico the states largest trading partner and the major cities in Texas and beyond.
That envisioned transportation system which would eventually be similar to the famous Loop 410 that serves the San Antonio metropolitan region is expected to take more than a decade and hundreds of millions of dollars before it becomes reality.
STATE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING NO LONGER A GIVEN
Sen. Juan Chuy Hinojosa D-McAllen who administered the oath of office to Cant and Runnels underscored the vital importance of the RMAs mission to improve the increasingly congested major highways and roadways in Hidalgo County.
Previewing the upcoming five-month regular session of the Texas Legislature which begins in early January Hinojosa warned that a projected state budget shortfall estimated between $18 billion and $25 billion means state funds may be in short supply for the long list of transportation needs throughout Texas.
I think next session will be a very challenging session in lieu of the projected deficit in our state budget Hinojosa told the full board.
We are very cognizant that transportation is very key especially here in the Valley since we are one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. We will continue to work with you locally try to find ways to find finances and sources of revenue to continue our economic growth that will lead to more jobs expansion of our economy and a better quality of life.
Cant an American success story who believes hard work always achieves noble goals in early November accepted an offer from then-Hidalgo County Judge Ren A. Ramrez to serve on the RMAs Board of Directors.
But even for a man with his capacity to understand a broad range of topics Cant acknowledged the daunting workload that faces him in this his latest leadership role.
Environmental studies pass-through financing transportation reinvestment zones the schematics for proposed roadway construction and of course the whirlwind of local state and federal policies and politics required to lead to the construction of the Hidalgo County Loop have now been added to Cants already full-plate of his many other private and charitable responsibilities.
UP FOR THE CHALLENGE
True-to-form he readily accepts this imposing new public responsibility and shoots straight about his first RMA session.
(I have been) talking to some of the (RMA board) members and with (Mario Jorge P.E. district engineer for the Pharr District of the Texas Department of Transportation) I met with them earlier and by reading some of the materials they have given me he described how he began getting up-to-speed for his first RMA board session.
It is pretty comprehensive and a lot of work Cant said. It is confusing.
Hidalgo County Judge Ramn Garca himself a former member of the RMA Board of Directors knows what is about to face his former colleagues and new board members.
Addressing Cant and Runnels the county judge welcomed them to their new roles.
I am very happy to see them wanting to be involved said Garca. I know they bring their experiences background and knowledge of the financial matters to the table to this regional mobility authority.
That frankly makes us at the county commissioners court at least speaking for myself feel more comfortable about whats going on whats being done and what is being requested of the county.
Touching on the obvious Garca couldnt resist reminding Cant and the rest of the RMA board members that the scrutiny and hopes of Hidalgo County are riding on what is accomplished by this public body.
I told Alonzo as we walked in Welcome to the public sector
Garca an attorney counseled.
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