Laredo City Council Appoints Youngest Mayor Pro Tem in Laredo History
Written by admin, Jan 25, 2020, 0 Comments
Courtesy Rafael Benavides,
LAREDO, Texas—On January 21, the Laredo City Council voted to appoint District 4 Councilmember Alberto Torres, Jr. as Mayor Pro Tempore. Torres now assumes the role of Mayor Pro Tem following District 8 Councilmember Roberto Balli’s appointment a year ago.
In his new role, Mayor Pro Tem Torres will assist in various duties and serve as mayor when Mayor Saenz is not available. Torres hopes to play an integral role in policy and the city’s economic development endeavors. An active member of the community, he also plans to help the mayor engage the community through various events and initiatives throughout the year.
“Upon reviewing city records, Torres is the youngest Mayor Pro Tem in Laredo’s history,” said City Secretary Jose A. Valdez, Jr.
Torres is a native Laredoan and lifelong resident of District 4. The son of Mexican immigrants, Torres is the product of the Laredo public schools system—having graduated from Martin High School, and attended both Laredo College and Texas A&M International University. He has served as District 4 councilmember since 2016 and is a firm believer that integrity, accountability, communication and fairness are key to operating a successful municipality.
An avid pet advocate, he has diligently worked towards protecting our four-legged friends. Days after assuming his role as District 4 councilmember, he established the City of Laredo Animal Care Services Advisory Board, a board composed of constituents to oversee in an advisory capacity the city’s management of shelter operations. Additionally, he championed the arrival of the first ever full-time veterinarian for the city animal shelter. Throughout the years, he has secured funding to better the operations and treatment of animals by promoting spaying and neutering to reduce the pet overpopulation and working closely with rescue groups to decrease the city’s euthanasia rate.
“I am honored to have been chosen by my colleagues to serve as Mayor Pro Tem,” said Mayor Pro Tem Alberto Torres, Jr. “I am ready to work closely and alongside Mayor Saenz in carrying out any mayoral duties he wishes I assist him with. I continue to work diligently in addressing the needs of the district I proudly represent. It is humbling to know that I am the youngest Mayor Pro Tem in Laredo’s history. My goal is to serve as a role model to our youth and to motivate them to accomplish anything they aim for, no matter their age.”
