Local businessman Ben Mendez made it official Thursday night and announced his candidacy for Houston City Council District I–and he did it in grand fashion. Hundreds of supporters packed the Talento Bilingue Houston facility for quite the production which included all sorts of community VIPs, a biographical video, a reception, and, of course, the candidate.
Mendez touts almost two decades of experience as an engineer, project manager, budget manager, educator, and community activist in various public-private ventures. Among his various community projects is serving as founder of the National Hispanic Professional Organization and its Leadership Institute which has helped develop various current and up and coming community leaders. Currently, Mendez serves as Chair of the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC). And, of course, this blogger has enjoyed a couple of appearances on a local public access show Mendez co-hosts, LatinoTalk TV.
Mendez is centering his campaign on two points, among other issues: Improving the delivery of city services and strengthening services to Seniors. He states he is especially committed to making District I a community its residents will take pride living in after he leads it through much needed infrastructural and neighborhood improvements. Economic and small business development are also among his commitments, as he further touted his TAMACC experience.
Mendez took the opportunity to talk about the diversity of District I and pointing to the diverse base of support he has been able to establish. Joining him on stage were notables, such as HCDE Trustee Erica Lee, Houston Sports Authority Chairman Edgar Colon, and recent Texas Senate Candidate Joaquin Martinez, to name a few.
For all intents and purposes, it looks like activity for this East End council district is taking off. Once the SD-6 election is done on Saturday, expect more to formally announce their respective candidacies.
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