Meet the Candidate: Veronica Vela Whitacre

MCALLEN, Texas - For the latest in our Meet the Candidate series we met up with Veronica Vela Whitacre, who is running for mayor of McAllen.Currently, Vela Whitacre is a McAllen City Commissioner. She has represented District 6 on the commission for the past eight years.Born and raised in McAllen, Vela Whitacre has also served on the boards of Easter Seals, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Mcallen Boys and Girls Club, and the McAllen Education Foundation.  Vela Whitacre currently works as an executive director in the non-profit sector. “I want to assist small local businesses recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping their doors open with targeted support and need-based plans,” Vela Whitacre told the Rio Grande Guardian.“I want to stimulate new and existing business growth through grant programs for economic growth and create opportunities to stimulate high demand and unique businesses.”As for quality of life issues, Vela Whitacre said: “I want to continue developing outdoor spaces, city parks and pedestrian infrastructure. And increased digital infrastructure rot support e-commerce, education and other digital activities.”Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.