I just think its time for a woman to do the job."
By David A. Diaz - Legislative Media
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas South Texan Miriam Martnez a renowned international journalist small business owner and the
former 2012 Republican nominee for state representative House District 41 on Monday January 21 announced
her plan to seek the March 2014 Republican nomination for Texas governor.
She said her campaign would focus on key issues such as job creation education child support and immigration. But she also emphasized the importance of the Republican Party having a candidate who is a woman and a minority to lead the top of the political ticket.
I do not believe in discrimination. I just think its time for a woman to do the job" said Martnez a survivor of family violence.
I know how to take care of business. As a Mexican American woman I can handle challenges and defeats. What I cant handle is living a life of regret and asking myself What if?"
She said she has proven to her community that she cares and is willing to put up a good fight for the governors seat. Currently she has a radio show called Red Hot Texas Politics with Miriam Martnez that is broadcast on Monday Wednesday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on KIRT-AM 1580. The purpose of the show is to bring awareness about political and community issues.
Martnez also leads Trevi7 Productions which creates video documentaries and provides other broadcast services. In addition she has a nonprofit organization Trevi7 Foundation which is dedicated to helping other area nonprofit organizations to serve South Texans.
If nominated by the Republican Party in the spring of 2014 and elected in the November 2014 general election Martnez would be the first woman since Democrat Ann Richards who from 1991 to 1995 held the states highest political office.
Martnez would also be the first Hispanic to be the gubernatorial nominee for the Texas Republican Party and the first Mexican American since Laredo multi-millionaire Tony Snchez in 2002 secured the Democratic Party nomination for Texas governor.
In 1996 high school government teacher Vctor M. Morales became the first minority candidate for either senator or governor nominated by either major party in the history of Texas.
A naturalized U.S. citizen Martnez 40 said she knows first-hand how to overcome obstacles and disappointments and can relate to Texans from all walks of life.
People sometimes confuse my kindness as a weakness" she said. I believe it is my strength to have compassion for those who have struggled in life and who are looking to better their future. I will work hard for everyone and that will be the key to my success."
She said her recent campaign for the state legislature was a very valuable experience.
Like longtime incumbent Gov. Rick Perry who was formerly a Democrat Martnez said she initially announced as a Democrat before running as a Republican in the local legislative race.
Although I did not bring the victory I established credibility and gained valuable knowledge in the political arena" she said. It is a dream come true that I will be running for governor. In my mind you have to be your own person. People are very intelligent. They will decide if I fit the bill for that position."
Her appreciation of both Mexican and Texan cultures and being able to represent all women bring great benefits she said.
When it comes to the Hispanic community I have the finger on the pulse. I am bilingual fluent in both English and Spanish and I am a workaholic" she noted.
Martnez credits her determination to her parents who said instilled in her an incredible work ethic and a natural quality for leadership.
I learned from my father may he rest in peace. He worked for 34 years in Pemex (in Mexico) as a labor worker and was proud of his accomplishments" she recalled. My mother worked cleaning houses in Houston and later worked in McAllen for H.E.B in the deli and bakery department. I am very proud of my parents humble backgrounds and their faith in God."
Martnez is a conservative proven leader dedicated to her family and her profession. A South Texas businesswoman she is raising three beautiful children. A woman of deep faith she is an active parishioner at Harvey Drive Church of Christ in McAllen.
She shares the traditional views values and aspirations held by the vast majority of Texans. Her personal and political principles are strongly based on the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights which serve to promote and protect our God-given rights of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Like most Texans Martnez knows the value of hard work perseverance and education. A native of Mexico she began work at age 14 in Spanish-language media a move that would later transform her into one of the top American journalists in our region. A champion for education Martnez studied law and marketing in Reynosa and Monterrey Mexico.
Her parents Mara Del Socorro Velsquez De Martnez and Leonardo Martnez Gallardo (who passed away in mid-December 2012) also born in Mexico loved the United States and what it stands for. Her parents became legal U.S. residents 25 years ago.
They brought Miriam and some of their other children including Miriams brother who served the U.S. in combat in Iraq to the Valley.
In 2010 Martnez become a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Fluent in English and Spanish Martnez used her professional skills and impressive international contacts to help build news organizations along the Valley-Mexico border region. Her remarkable tenure in international journalism includes serving as news anchor for Univision 48 being the host reporter producer and sales representative for Televisa Channel 9 and serving as news anchor for Noticias Channel 40. She also worked with the Telemundo television network.
Martnez wants all Texans to blessed like her by having their American Dream come true too.
Credit to www.EdinburgPolitics.com.
