Abbott appoints Cascos Secretary of State

By JACOB LOPEZ
Staff Writercascos
reporter@sbnewspaper.com

Texas Governor-Elect Greg Abbott appointed Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos his prospective nominee for Texas Secretary of State on Tuesday.

If the nomination is confirmed by the Senate, Cascos’ capacity as Secretary would include duties as Chief Election Officer for Texas, assisting county election officials as well as ensuring the uniform application and interpretation of election laws throughout the state, and serving as senior advisor and liaison to the governor for Texas Border and Mexican Affairs. In addition, Cascos would also serve as Chief International Protocol Officer for Texas.

Cascos, who recently won re-election for Cameron County judge, is likely to step down as judge so he can begin his new role as Secretary of State.

The Cameron County Commissioner’s Court must then appoint a judge, who will serve for two years before a special election is held.

During the announcement, Abbott said, “Because the Rio Grande Valley plays such an important role economically and for the future of our state, I will ask for the indulgence of voters in Cameron County for the greater good of the region and the State of Texas as I ask Judge Carlos Cascos to serve as our next Secretary of State.”

“I know Judge Cascos will give the Rio Grande Valley a strong voice in Austin and will inspire the next generation of Hispanic leaders as he works on behalf of all Texans,” continued Abbott.

During the same announcement meeting, Cascos said, “While my heart and roots are here in Cameron County, I owe it to my constituents – and Texans across the Rio Grande Valley – to accept this appointment, subject to Senate confirmation, and ensure that the voices of South Texas are heard at the highest levels of state government.”

Pct. 3 Commissioner David A. Garza said, “I think it’s a great opportunity for us to have representation from one of our locals at the state level that we can count on for help in the future.”

San Benito Mayor Celeste Z. Sanchez, who was in attendance during the announcement, said, “I think it’s great news for the Valley and for Cameron County. We will now have a direct link to Austin.”

Port Isabel Mayor Joe E. Vega chimed in on Cascos’ nomination, saying, “Having somebody from our area will be good not only for Cameron County, but for the Rio Grande Valley. It’s great to have representation on the state level.”

On Tuesday, South Padre Island Mayor Bob Pinkerton Jr., while serving his last day as mayor for the Island after announcing his retirement earlier this year, added, “I think it is great that we have someone from the lower Valley (nominated as Secretary of State). I wish the judge the best of luck and success in his new position.”

Julie LaMure, council member-elect for the City of South Padre Island, said, “We are very fortunate.”

She added that Cascos’ nomination “gives Cameron County, in fact the entire Rio Grande Valley, a strong presence in Austin, and with the coming of SpaceX to our region, it is now more important than ever that we have that voice and that we have someone in a position of strength who truly understands our need for economic development in this region. This is truly exciting news.”

Abbott is set to be sworn in as governor on Jan. 20, 2015.

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