• Originally published May 26, 2008 at 12:08 a.m., updated May 26, 2008 at 12:08 a.m.

CUERO – Randy Saenz received nearly 60 percent of the vote in the Saturday, May 10 election for Cuero mayor. At 35, Saenz is no political newcomer, already having served eight years on the city council representing District 2.

The Wednesday after the election, the votes were canvassed and Saenz sworn in as mayor before a large crowd overflowing council chambers.

Now the town’s first Hispanic mayor, Saenz sat down with reporter Sonny Long and answered a few questions about his new role as mayor.

Q: As mayor, you, of course, serve all the citizens of Cuero, but it must be noted that you are the first Hispanic mayor in Cuero history. This must be a source of great pride for you. Talk about that.

A: Being the first Hispanic mayor is a milestone achievement for me, and the citizens of Cuero, as they are the ones who made this possible. I am very proud to have been given the opportunity to serve all the citizens of Cuero.

Q: You talked well before the election and during the campaign about the need to get control of an escalating budget. What are your plans to accomplish that goal?

A: In order to control an escalating budget, you need to consider every source of information you have at your disposal. You must review long-term relationships that have been established with suppliers, contractors, engineers and general providers for the City of Cuero and determine whether our relationships with these organizations have maintained a healthy level of competitiveness in the Cuero market. Cuero is looking for cost effective relationships that can provide more for the community. We must continuously shop for competitive deals on an ongoing basis. We owe this to the citizens of Cuero. Additionally, our number one resource is our city employees. Collectively working together, we can uncover inefficiencies that can drive costs out of the system. Team effort will be the key.

Q: What other goals do you have for the city?

A: Working with the city council to make the kinds of investments and tough decisions that will bring change and prosperity in improving the neighborhoods and the city. I also want to start the Cuero Business Alliance Group with the objective to bring news businesses to Cuero and to strengthen existing businesses.

Q: With the retirement of the long-time city manager, what qualities or qualifications would you like to see in a new city manager?

A: I am seeking a professional who is driven with strong leadership and interpersonal skills that can make decisions and work well with the leadership team and the community. This person must keep everyone focused, working together in a collective effort to achieve a common goal and address opportunities.

Sonny Long is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact him at 361580-6585 or slong@vicad.com or comment on this story at www.VictoriaAdvocate.com.

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