Laredo Takes the Hill
Written by admin, Mar 11, 2010, 0 Comments
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
The City of Laredo delegation in Washington spent the day advocating for congressional earmarks for Laredo and to request that Laredo’s congressional leaders reinforce the City of Laredo’s requests of the various federal agencies for additional federal funding.
Mayor Raul G. Salinas, Congressman Henry Cuellar and City Manager Carlos Villarreal lead an almost two-hour meeting of the delegation and the Congressman’s staff. Every item on the City of Laredo’s agenda was discussed and plans were formulated to follow up on each of Laredo’s pending funding applications.
“We are so fortunate to have a leader such as Henry Cuellar representing us in Congress,” Mayor Salinas stated.
City Manager Carlos Villarreal agreed, saying “He brings an intelligence and personal integrity to the process that is so refreshing.”
The delegation spent the afternoon meeting with Senator John Cornyn and Texas members of the House of Representatives that represent border communities. Senator Cornyn listened attentively as Mayor Salinas, City Manager Villarreal, and Police Chief Carlos Maldonado articulated their rising concerns of potential spillover of violence from Mexico.
The City of Laredo’s messages in each of the meetings with were clear and consistent throughout the week: The federal government must fund border safety, health and transportation needs, since these investments serve all Americans, not just those who live on the border.
