CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The matchup for Nueces County Commissioner Pct. 3 is between incumbent John Marez and challenger Larry Cantu Jr.
3NEWS spoke with both candidates who shared how their experience makes them the perfect fit for the position which will include some big budget decisions.
Cantu said his experience in Robstown City Council and the school board has prepared him to make balanced budget decisions.
"I was on the city council here in Robstown for six years along with being on the school board currently for the past four," Cantu said. "I've learned many different ways of handling budgets ensuring that we take care of our staff, student needs, community needs, along with being approachable by community members and others. Being a former administrator in education for seven years and a teacher and a coach myself I've worked with many different individuals so just being approachable and being able to communicate."
Marez said being in the commissioner's seat before has prepared him budgeting scenarios the county faces.
"We've had to make some tough decisions and really we're also setting up for the future," Marez said. "Next year we go into collective bargaining negotiation with Nueces County Sheriff Officers' Association, so that is going to be really important to be able to balance that out, have enough funding so that we can help support the men and women in law enforcement. So that's one of the biggest challenges and being the incumbent having been there many years now as commissioner I think that's the big difference between the budget I handle in Nueces County and what my opponent's experience shows."
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- LIST: Early voting locations in Nueces County
- Fight at Peter Piper Pizza leads to shots fired
- Island cyclist accident spurs calls for road improvements
- Family describes the events that led up to 4-month-old Ailani Castro's death
- FCC legally requires KIII, ABC to air graphic ad purchased by presidential candidate
- Corpus Christi to get a Bass Pro Shops store, mayor announces
- Why is it likely that the presidential race results won't be ready on Election Night
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.