By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
Voters in Laguna Vista will choose among six candidates running for three Town Council seats in the upcoming municipal election. The mayor’s seat is also on the ballot this year; candidate responses for that race were previously published in the Press.
Each race for Town Council features two candidates seeking the same position. The Press asked each candidate the same three questions regarding their background, the top concerns facing the town, and which programs they believe are working well and should continue.
The PRESS submitted the same three questions to each candidate.
The questions were:
- Education, Experience & Background: Please briefly describe your educational background, professional experience, and any community involvement that you believe prepares you to serve on the Laguna Vista Town Council.
- Top Concerns Facing Laguna Vista: What do you believe are the most important issues currently facing Laguna Vista, and how would you work to address them if elected?
- Program s that Candidates Want to Continue: Are there any town programs, initiatives, or projects that you believe should continue or be expanded? Please explain why.
Candidate responses appear below in their own words and may be edited for length and clarity while preserving the original meaning at time of print.
Town Council Place 1
Frank Galvan, Candidate for Town Council Place 1
Education, Experience & Background: Port Isabel High School graduate, some college, 23 years as an Active Duty Marine, and some professional experience as a Project Manager. I believe what prepares me to serve is my willingness to listen and work for the community on what is in the best interest of our community. For more on my résumé and background please refer to electfrankgalvan.com.
Top Concerns Facing Laguna Vista: Leadership failures. We need to restore transparency, accountability, and public trust in local government. Residents deserve to clearly understand how decisions are being made, how taxpayer dollars are being spent, and whether those decisions truly reflect the interests of the community.
Many residents have raised concerns about budget transparency, salary decisions, and the lack of clear communication surrounding major financial decisions. When residents cannot easily access or understand how public funds are being allocated, it creates frustration and erodes confidence in leadership.
If elected, I support making the town’s budget and financial data more accessible and easier for residents to review, including clearer reporting, open discussions about compensation for senior staff, and ensuring that salary comparisons and financial decisions are based on fair and appropriate benchmarks for a town our size.
I also support stronger oversight and accountability from the Town Council. Council members should ask tough questions, represent residents, and ensure that major decisions are made openly and responsibly. Laguna Vista residents deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the community.
Programs Candidates Want to Continue: The City doing anything well? Nothing comes to mind.
From a misunderstanding involving grant money to the high turnover rate of city personnel.
A City Secretary promoted to City Manager with unvetted credentials and subsequently fired, with pay for six months, and a current city manager with an almost 50% pay increase after three months on the job.
Debacle at the library where suggestions were made to do away with the library. Library employees being bullied and harassed.
Infrastructure collapsing due to age and no proactive measures having been taken to address the issue to prevent or at minimum mitigate future issues. Unqualified contractors being hired to fix the issue. Regardless of who hired the contractor, the city should have a vested interest in getting the issue fixed correctly. A little supervision goes a long way.
When questioning the current leadership you get excuses if you get a reply at all.
Laguna Vista has tremendous potential, and with open leadership, responsible decision-making, and strong community involvement, the town can continue to grow while preserving the qualities that make it such a special place to live.
Christopher Romero (incumbent): Candidate for Town Council Place 1
Education, Experience & Background: After growing up in Cameron County I attended Texas A&M Corpus Christi where I earned a Bachelors in Science. I went on to attend medical school and completed the combined MD/PhD program at The University of Texas Medical Branch. Professionally I have served the Rio Grande Valley as a physician for over a decade. I have large organization leadership experience in hospital administration, the public health sector, and currently as a member of the executive leadership team for a multinational research firm. I began my service to the Town of Laguna Vista as a volunteer firefighter where I proudly served for years. I then joined the Town’s Community Development Corporation Board, where I served as Board Chair, helping promote economic development and public service projects within The Town. I have volunteered to serve on the Town Council since 2022, focusing on promoting public safety, sustainable growth, and the preservation of our beautiful Town’s charm.
Top Concerns Facing Laguna Vista: Economic growth and development is occurring at an unprecedented level across our region, and it is a double edged sword for communities such as ours. Our Town will remain at the epicenter of the growth and expansion of prosperity that is occurring in South Texas, but it is important for community leaders to safeguard that this occurs in a sustainable fashion to ensure it does not erode the safety, security, and beauty we all love about the Town we call Home. This means leadership will need to consider second and third order effects of decisions that are made regarding our Town’s development. The Town Council will need to remain proactive in securing funds and building partnerships to ensure our infrastructure and essential / emergency services are capable of accommodating our community not only today, but for generations to come. Balancing these needed developments while remaining within budget, and preserving the warmth and community that is quintessential to Laguna Vista will be complicated, and a challenge I welcome.
Programs Candidates Want to Continue: The safety and security provided by our law enforcement and fire department is impeccable, and I cannot thank them enough for their tireless service and sacrifice, including our incredible volunteers. These services were strengthened tremendously with the creation of the Emergency Medical Services Department in 2023. In collaboration with our neighboring town, this has greatly enhanced medical emergency care around the clock. This came at a pivotal time, and has allowed the Town to keep pace with the rapid rise in call volume for emergency services due to our population growth. Even in the face of development the Town has continued to foster a sense of community and hold firm to its small-town charm. Every year, the Town hosts a series of community events, from the 4th of July to our Winter Wonderland, and every race and parade in between. It is apparent Laguna Vista understands the meaning of “hometown.” At the heart of so many community events are our parks, and with a recent groundbreaking the town has embarked upon a massive improvement of Roloff Park. All of this has been done while maintaining a balanced budget, and planning for future expansion of the Town’s emergency preparedness.
Town Council Place 2
Johvonne Hernandez Howard (incumbent), Candidate for Town Council Place 2
Education, Experience & Background: I have dedicated much of my life to serving both my community and students through education, athletics, and public service. I have nearly 20 years of experience in education as a coach and currently serve as the proud Port Isabel Early College High School Girls Athletic Coordinator. In this role, I mentor students and coaches, build strong programs, and promote teamwork, discipline, and accountability.
For the past nine years, I have proudly served on the Laguna Vista Town Council. During that time, I have worked to ensure transparency, ask important questions, and make thoughtful decisions that put the interests of our residents first. I believe in independent leadership and careful stewardship of our town’s resources.
Beyond my professional role and council service, I remain actively involved in the community. I am an active parishioner of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church and a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Court #2569. I dedicate my summers to coaching youth track and field through our Coastal Heat team, where we have helped athletes qualify for and compete in the National Junior Olympic Games. I have also served as President of the Friends of the Library Board of Laguna Vista and as a board member of the Laguna Madre Youth Center.
Top Concerns Facing Laguna Vista: One of the most important issues facing Laguna Vista right now is managing growth responsibly while protecting the interests of our residents. As development opportunities arise, it is critical that the Town Council ensures transparency, proper oversight, and agreements that truly benefit the entire community.
I believe the Council must continue to carefully review development proposals, infrastructure plans, and financial agreements to ensure they align with the long-term needs of Laguna Vista. This includes making sure projects are fiscally responsible, protect our quality of life, and do not place unnecessary burdens on taxpayers.
The specific action I support is maintaining strong oversight and accountability in every agreement the town enters into, while encouraging thoughtful development that supports our local economy and preserves the character of Laguna Vista. Responsible growth, transparency, and putting residents first should always guide our decisions.
Programs Candidates Want to Continue: Laguna Vista has done a strong job in recent years of maintaining a close-knit community while continuing to make thoughtful improvements to the town. One of our greatest strengths is the sense of community involvement—residents care deeply about Laguna Vista and actively participate in local events, town discussions, and community initiatives.
The Town has also worked to maintain our parks, public spaces, and community amenities, which help make Laguna Vista a welcoming place to live and visit. Continuing to support these spaces, along with community programs and events, helps strengthen the quality of life for our residents.
Moving forward, the Town should continue investing in infrastructure, maintaining transparency in local government, and supporting initiatives that bring residents together. By building on these strengths while planning carefully for the future, Laguna Vista can continue to grow while preserving the character and community spirit that make our town special.
Glori Love, Candidate for Town Council Place 2
Education, Experience & Background: Graduated from medical college in 1982 in California, and enjoyed work as a medical & dental assistant as well as managing high end offices for over a decade.
I then advanced as a specialized medical consultant that would manage and oversee medical & dental offices, providing leadership, financial planning,and guidance that would transform a failing organization into a premiere and profitable business.
I also worked with my husband’s architectural firm becoming associated with coastal commission jurisdictions, historical governance overview, building and city planning departments, and homeowners associations. This involvement with large population communities taught me the intricacies of sustainability and public needs.
I’ve been nationally certified in multiple medical aesthetic abilities, and have trained over 100 Doctors on these specialized medical procedures.
My qualifications includes leadership in financial stewardship, my compassion and ability to work with others along with common sense problem solving, and my association with city growth policies.
My community involvement includes volunteering for construction work on city properties, food and medical supply donations, free medical procedures assisting onsite Doctors, donations towards elderly residents including home repair, maintenance, and landscape maintenance on parks and green spaces to better the aesthetic quality of the city.
Top Concerns Facing Laguna Vista: As Cameron County experiences new industries, new businesses, and increased tourism, our current and future issues for Laguna Vista includes managing rapid growth within our city limits, maintaining traffic flow & services, and all while maintaining our charming small town character for our citizens who enjoy the quiet lifestyle they deserve.
Programs Candidates Want to Continue: I believe Laguna Vista has done very well in focusing on public safety for all its residential communities as we continue to welcome new families into our unique city.
The City of Laguna Vista should continue to pursue responsible growth and protection of our infrastructure & services and continue to provide activities within the library and the parks for our community.
Town Council Place 3
Norma Parker, Candidate for Town Council Place 3
Education, Experience & Background: Early in my career, I worked in the finance department of a large South Texas company supporting budgeting, payroll, and financial record keeping. That experience taught me accountability and respect for how every dollar is managed.
I later earned my bachelor’s degree with honors from Oakland University in Michigan and became a teacher. While teaching, I worked with a small team of educators who helped rewrite elementary curriculum as our school pursued International Baccalaureate authorization, a rare distinction at the elementary level.
Community involvement has always been important to me. By volunteering at the Salvation Army, our local volunteers helped distribute more than 3,000 meals last year and provided Christmas gifts to more than 300 local children. I also volunteer with the SPIGC Social Committee helping organize events such as the Christmas Train, Boo Barn, and the monthly community market.
Most importantly, I am a mother who raised three accomplished young women, including a daughter proudly serving in the United States Navy.
Top Concerns Facing Laguna Vista: If our public conversation reflected the best of Laguna Vista, I would not be running today.
Many capable people step forward to serve because they care deeply about this town. Serving on the Town Council is a volunteer role, and those who step forward deserve respect. Personal attacks against neighbors who volunteer their time should never be encouraged or amplified. Disagreement is part of democracy, but when civic discussion turns into anonymous criticism and personal focus, it discourages good people from serving.
Laguna Vista has always been a community where people step up to serve, such as the City Council, CDC, LVRA, the Salvation Army, and many other organizations that make this town special.
As a council member, I will support transparency and encourage respectful dialogue so residents feel comfortable participating in our local government.
Programs Candidates Want to Continue: Too often when people search for our town online, they see commentary that does not reflect the Laguna Vista most residents experience every day.
Spend a little time here and you see something very different. Neighbors sharing coffee at the Cloud, golfers enjoying one of the region’s best courses, anglers landing redfish on the Laguna Madre, friends enjoying a cold one at Bay Boomers, and families gathering for our Fourth of July celebration.
Laguna Vista is on solid financial footing with a $3 million rainy-day fund and improved financial stability. Planned improvements to our parks and marina, responsible growth through the TIRZ development district, and the proposed regional emergency response and EMS center show the town is planning for the future.
As a council member, I will work to build on that progress and make Laguna Vista even nicer.
Natalie Ruiz, Candidate for Town Council Place 3
Education, Experience & Background: My professional experience has centered on legal, financial, and operational leadership roles in both the private and public sectors. I began my career in the Corporate Banking and Finance Division at Sills Cummis & Gross in Newark, New Jersey, where I worked on complex corporate matters including mergers, acquisitions, and regulatory compliance. During my time there, I contributed to projects involving major corporations such as Bally Corporation, Trump Casinos, and the Merv Griffin Corporation, and later rose to Managing Director of Paralegal and Legal Assistant Support, overseeing a team of approximately 50 staff members.
I later worked with the Newark Public Schools District Law Department during a period of restructuring following state intervention. In that role, I assisted with investigations into corruption and fraud, including a Ponzi scheme involving more than $10 million in the district’s employee insurance plan.
My career also includes leadership roles with JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup, where I managed global sourcing and outsourcing operations, oversaw regulatory compliance, and worked on major financial initiatives during the 2008 financial crisis.
Top Concerns Facing Laguna Vista: Rapid residential development is occurring in Laguna Vista, with more than 365 homes currently in progress. This growth will place additional pressure on the town’s infrastructure, including traffic, streets, water systems, and public safety services. At the same time, many residents are concerned about protecting the quiet residential character that attracts people to Laguna Vista in the first place.
One of the most frequent questions I hear from residents is whether the town’s current infrastructure can handle this continued growth. Concerns often center on aging underground water and sewer piping, which in some cases is decades old, as well as flooding issues the town has experienced. These are real concerns for our residents and must be addressed as Laguna Vista continues to grow.
To prepare for continued residential development and the businesses that will follow, the Town Council should adhere closely to the Comprehensive Plan outlined in the town’s Home Rule Charter. The plan includes ten key elements that guide responsible development. By taking this plan seriously and following it carefully, the council can help ensure Laguna Vista grows responsibly while protecting the quality of life for both new and longtime residents.
Programs Candidates Want to Continue: This question closely relates to the issue of growth and whether Laguna Vista is prepared to maintain the quality of life for all residents. One important area that needs attention is emergency medical services and the possibility of establishing our own ambulance service.
Currently, Laguna Vista relies on ambulance services from Los Fresnos. As our population grows, particularly with retirees moving to the area, access to reliable and timely emergency medical care becomes increasingly important. Many new residents are coming from communities where EMS services and ambulance response are readily available with a phone call.
Another factor to consider is distance. The nearest hospitals serving Laguna Vista are approximately 40 minutes away. Having fully credentialed EMS personnel and a local ambulance service could allow immediate treatment to begin while patients are transported to hospitals.
I understand that establishing such services would be expensive, but it is something the town should begin evaluating now. Preparing for growth means ensuring both longtime residents and newcomers have access to the services needed to maintain Laguna Vista’s quality of life.
Election Day for the Laguna Vista municipal election is Saturday, May 2, 2026. The official notice lists the polling location as Laguna Vista City Hall, 122 Fernandez Street (Precinct 67) for Election Day, and the same location will be used for early voting. Additional voter information is available through the Cameron County Elections Department website.