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EDINBURG — There’s a new generation of Ochoas in office.

Edinburg’s new mayor, Omar Ochoa was elected into office on Nov. 4, with 7,438 ballots, or around 62% of the vote, and sworn in to his seat Wednesday, following in the footsteps of his father.

On his desk sits Gordian’s Knot. The story goes that in ancient Phrygia, a prophecy foretold that whoever untied the impossibly tangled knot would rule all of Asia. Many tried, but no one succeeded. That was until Alexander the Great faced the challenge in 333 BC, and boldly sliced through it with his sword, symbolizing a decisive and out-of-the-box style of problem solving.

To put it simply, Ochoa is a Longhorns fan, a numbers guy, and a devoted husband. More so, he is a visionary Rio Grande Valley native who wishes to lead Edinburg into a bright and sustainable future.

EDINBURG: INSIDE AND OUT

As the former city attorney of nearly six years, Ochoa says he knows Edinburg inside and out.

He was born and raised in Edinburg and attended local schools before leaving home to attain his law degree from UT Austin.

“This city (Edinburg) did so much for me growing up,” said Ochoa. “Everywhere I have lived, it felt like I was visiting. It was only when I was back here in Edinburg — in the Rio Grande Valley — that it actually felt like home.”

As a child, Ochoa watched his public servant father lead Edinburg as its mayor for 13 years. Looking back, he remembers always being proud and interested in his dad’s work. He says he learned a lot about selfless service during this time.

“He was a very good role model — the best role model,” said Ochoa. “When you are serving the community, it’s about the community. It’s not about you.”

SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH

Each mayoral tenure is marked by certain approaches and priorities. Richard Molina promoted himself as a people’s mayor, and Ramiro Garza took a more business-growth focus. Ochoa says he wants to be a mayor of sustainable economic growth that benefits all.

“It’s all about focusing on the future — making good decisions for the community that are going to benefit everybody and that are going to continue the economic development of our city,” said Ochoa.

Achieving this future won’t come without obstacles, and Ochoa says he believes the biggest challenge the city is facing is infrastructure investments, as the city continues to rapidly grow – so much so that it’s recognized as one of the fastest growing cities in the nation.

Ochoa plans to first comprehensively identify existing roads in need of repaveming by developing a rubric and master thoroughfare plan.

Additionally, he spoke about developing a master growth plan to strategize areas to push development.

“Doing these actual plans is key, because otherwise, all the city is doing is reacting to situations as opposed to pushing real growth,” Ochoa said.

JOB SECURITY

Ochoa believes the key to creating high paying jobs in the city — a major goal of Ochoa’s — is attracting outside investment.

“And there’s no reason why we can’t. We’ve got a university that’s pumping out a lot of smart, capable people,” Ochoa enthused.

He recognizes the poverty levels in the area, compared to other regions in the state. So, he believes the city must invest in bringing in out-of-town businesses to keep the job market and economic environment thriving, as well as retain and employ university graduates.

Additionally, Ochoa says he’d like to see a new, comprehensive, “high-end” trade school be established in the community.

THE SIMPLE THINGS

Wishing to nurture the creative culture loudly existing in the college town, Ochoa envisions downtown Edinburg becoming a “vibrant hub of arts, culture and creativity.”

“It’s a creative class of young vibrant energy that lives here at UTRGV. We need to give them spaces so that they can enjoy that creativity,” said Ochoa.

Throughout his campaign, he showcased a passion for green spaces.

Looking to improve public health, both mental and physical, Ochoa would like to spur the creation of more parks, both big and small, and trails connecting neighborhoods to existing greenspaces.

He has what he calls an “ambitious goal”: for every resident to be a 10-minute walking distance from a greenspace.

Ochoa says he’s excited, and ready to get to work, and he hopes the community is excited too.

“Given my time as city attorney, there is no ramp up period. I am ready to start going into city hall with a scalpel — fixing things, and making sure decisions are made for the best interest of the community,” said Ochoa.

The post Ready to work: Edinburg’s new mayor lays out priorities and goals appeared first on MyRGV.com.