Early voting runs through Friday, as well as December 8th and 9th. Election Day is Saturday, December 13.
ROBSTOWN, Texas — The race for Robstown mayor is heating up as early voting continues, with residents choosing between current Mayor David “Petey” Martinez and challenger Mary Ann Saenz.
Candidates are making their final push to get voters to the polls in a runoff where turnout is historically low.Â
By lunchtime Tuesday, 174 ballots had been cast (including Monday’s numbers) at the Johnny Calderon Building on East Main, where steady foot traffic reflected growing interest in what has become a contentious race.
Many voters said aging infrastructure and deteriorating roads were top priorities. Others, including local business owner Ninfa Trevino, pointed to financial concerns facing the city.
Ninfa Trevino, owner of Modern Pharmacy, said, “the biggest issue is that we don’t have enough revenue like businesses that is going to bring in the sales tax, we need to collect on property taxes, without those things we don’t have any money.”
Martinez and Saenz advanced to the runoff after neither secured the majority required to win outright in last month’s election. Preliminary results in November showed Saenz leading with 40 percent of the vote, followed by Martinez at 37 percent.
Martinez, speaking outside the polling location, highlighted what he views as key accomplishments during his time in office.
“When I came in there was a lot of things that needed to be done,” Martinez said. “When I came in, I brought 3 tractors from the Port of Corpus Christi, they had a bridge out here on CR 44, the city did not have the money for it, so I chased the money, called the County Judge and Commissioner Marez, they donated the money.”
Saenz, reached by phone, said her priorities include major street repairs and bringing in additional funding support.
“We do have some streets that are in dire need of repairs lack of funding, to fix those streets is one of the biggest priorities I have,” Saenz said. “Another is a grant writer, someone to come in and push for grants for our parks and infrastructure.”
Both candidates said they’ve been working to clear up confusion among residents.
“There was some confusion, some people thought they weren’t allowed to vote for the runoff election, we have made a pretty good job I believe telling people they can vote again and they do need to vote again,” Saenz said.
Martinez added, “I encourage the people of Robstown to come out and vote. Give us support and I plan to be here again, if they elect me. If not, it’s Gods will.”
A runoff is also underway for City Council Place One. Curbside voting remains available for voters who cannot enter the polling location.
Early voting runs through Friday, as well as December 8th and 9th. Election Day is Saturday, December 13.