Galena Park Commissioners sworn in

L-R: Commissioner Barry Ponder and wife Cheryl Ponder, Ruben Balderas, Commissioner Veronica Garcia, Sergio Moya, Mayor Esmeralda Moya, Commissioner Rodney Chersky and wife Samantha Chersky, Commissioner Zenaida Granados, Ofelia Castillo and Judge George Risner.
L-R: Commissioner Barry Ponder and wife Cheryl Ponder, Ruben Balderas, Commissioner Veronica Garcia, Sergio Moya, Mayor Esmeralda Moya, Commissioner Rodney Chersky and wife Samantha Chersky, Commissioner Zenaida Granados, Ofelia Castillo and Judge George Risner.

By Allan Jamail

Galena Park, TX. – On Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 6:00 PM, Mayor Esmeralda Moya called the Galena Park Commission meeting to order. After a prayer and pledge to the flag the Commissioners unanimously approved the reading of the Minutes of the April 17th and May 1st meetings and the Accounts Payable through May 15th.

On a unanimous vote of approval the Commission approved Resolution R052018 accepting the results of the May 5th General Election.

Re-elected for a new two year term is, Mayor Esmeralda Moya, Commissioners Rodney Chersky and Barry Ponder. Newly elected Commissioners to begin their first term to serve are Zenaida Granados and Veronica Garcia.

Jamal Humphries, a candidate who lost in his race against Rodney Chersky, made a public comment. Humphries said, “I’m not crying about the results of the election nor are these sour grapes but, I want to point out the fact there were four voters who voted in the election that wasn’t on the Harris County’s approved voters list. I don’t know how this could have happened, but I’m concerned about it and will be monitoring future elections for irregularities”.

There was a standing room only attendance so the Mayor adjourned the meeting and invited everyone to come out front of city hall to witness the swearing-in and oath of office to the Commission by Justice of the Peace George Risner.

After the swearing-in ceremony Mayor Moya said, “On this day, we gather because we have chosen progress over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.”

“The City of Galena Park is a community where citizens work hand in hand. We the people of Galena Park are the keepers of this legacy. We the people of Galena Park have the responsibility to protect it and to demand a greater effort, greater cooperation and understanding from each other. We must inherit these values to our children and the children of our children who will continue with the work we have started today.”

“Building a city that works for all of us will require all of us to do the work. Our success depends on our honesty, hard work, loyalty – the quiet virtues and forces of progress in our city.”

“My fellow citizens, I am honored to accept this great responsibility as Mayor of the City of Galena Park. I am humbled by the enormous work ahead and ready to stand hand in hand with you to guide this City forward.”

Each of the four Commissioners thanked those in attendance and pledged to work for the betterment of the city.

Commissioner Ponder, who received the same high vote total as the mayor, said, “I thank everyone for their support and regardless if you voted for all of us or not, we’ll work for you and respect you. What I’m asking for most of all is your prayers.” Ponder mentioned their campaign slogan of Moya Team or Team Moya but he declared to the 150 enthusiastic spectators, THIS IS YOUR TEAM.