Martinez running for City Council

Robert H. Martinez has announced his candidacy for City Council, District 3. Martinez is a native of Gonzales, hence his campaign slogan, "Gonzales' Native Son." He graduated from Gonzales High School in 1987. He attended Southwest Texas State University with a major in speech communications and Spanish.

Martinez is the son of Frank and Juanita Martinez. He is the youngest of 10 children. He has spent the majority of his life caring for his elderly parents. Dealing with their medical concerns and well-being has given him an appreciation for many senior citizen concerns.

This concern has led Martinez to pursue a career in social services. He is currently employed at the Gonzales Community Health Center as a case manager. At the clinic, Martinez assists people with health care needs, especially when financial hardships are present. Working in a non-profit entity, such as the Community Health Center, is not a new experience for Martinez. He has previously worked with Community Action Inc. in Gonzales and worked with migrant students for Region 13. Helping others and giving to those in need is the career choice for this candidate.

In addition to his work, Martinez donates much of his time volunteering for the community. He is an active member of the Apache Booster Club where he serves as second vice president. He is also a board member for the Gonzales Christian Assistance Ministry, Come and Take It Committee member, serves on the city zoning board, member of Seniors in Action, volunteers at the Senior Citizen Center monthly and enjoys working with youth in the community. Martinez also has served as a member of the Noon Lions Club and co-chaired bingo at Come and Take It for the past two years. He is also a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Martinez has ambitious ideas for the city of Gonzales. His focus will be based on his volunteer work with children.

"Recreational needs are an important concern, and Gonzales needs a place for children to enjoy activities," Martinez said. Bringing business to the community such as a bowling alley, movie theater, arcade, etc., will be something this candidate will support. In addition to this recreational need for the city, Martinez will also support the Gonzales County youth in their efforts for growth in agriculture and youth-sponsored activities at the new arena.

Another focus of this candidate will be to serve constituents in District 3. Having a positive relationship with many of the citizens in this district has given Martinez the opportunity to hear issues and concerns of those that reside here. Being available and accessible to the public, especially those in District 3, is the priority of his campaign.

Martinez says it has always been his destiny to serve in politics. He was born a day after Robert F. Kennedy was fatally shot and his mother named him Robert after this famous politician. More than 20 years ago, a good friend of his, who was the last Hispanic to serve on the Gonzales City Council, encouraged him to one day serve his hometown in the same capacity. Since then, Martinez says, he has had a vision to lead Gonzales.

"It is my goal to ensure that Gonzales' best days are ahead of us and not behind us," Martinez said. If you would like to meet Robert Martinez, there will be an official announcement celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at Caf/ on the Square.