Nov. 8, 2012 vela for congress
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Over the past year, I've focused intensely on learning how to best represent you in Congress. I am honored to have earned the trust of voters in District 34 and will work hard to fulfill my campaign promises.
As your next Congressman, I will do everything in my power to:
1. Revitalize the economy to promote job growth - that means supporting innovative, large-scale projects as well as small businesses. We must reduce unemployment.
2. Improve educational opportunities for our youth by scrutinizing and reforming No Child Left Behind and helping high school graduates attain the college degree or technical skill they need to thrive in the job market.
3. Broaden the reach of quality health care in South Texas by funding robust Community Health Centers and adjusting the Affordable Care Act to allow doctors and hospitals to do their jobs without added obstacles.
4. Fulfill our nation's obligation to support our Veterans in the brave and selfless manner in which they've served and protected us.
5. Address our nation's immigration problems comprehensively and humanely. We should start by turning President Obama's deferred action plan into law.
6. Listen to the concerns of ALL constituents and be the most accessible Congressman to serve the counties in the newly drawn District 34.
Once again, thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to read my emails, attend campaign events, listen to my platform and vote.
Your continued support is essential if we are going to effect real change that improves South Texas. I am eager to serve you.
Sincerely,
Filemon Vela
Congressman-Elect
Texas' 34th Congressional District
Nov. 5, 2012 vela for congress
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Thank you for joining me on this campaign over the last year - your support has been humbling. Tomorrow is Election Day. If you do not know where to vote, click here for a web-based utility that will help you locate your polling place. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Filemon Vela
Nov. 1, 2012 vela for congress
Dear Friends and Supporters,
A few days ago, I had the opportunity to visit with staff and management at the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (PUB), a municipally owned entity that provides residents and businesses in Brownsville with affordable and reliable water and electric energy services. Access to clean water and electricity is the basis of modern living - our lifestyle depends on it.
The Brownsville PUB is working to improve the infrastructure of our city's drainage and wastewater system, to revitalize our city's resacas and to upgrade the current wastewater plant located in the city's North Side. The Board is also moving forward to upgrade the electrical grid to provide improved energy resources to customers.
Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Brownsville PUB received more than $100 million for these and other similar infrastructure upgrades throughout the city. These federal funding awards have moved a number of important projects on Brownsville's infrastructure agenda forward by 10 to 15 years.
If I am elected to Congress, I will work with the Brownsville PUB to secure the federal funds needed to keep infrastructure up to date and I will work with the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to ensure that municipal boards throughout District 34 receive federal funds for infrastructure maintenance and expansion, when needed.
As a reminder, early voting is ongoing through Friday, November 2nd. Election Day is Tuesday, November 6th. I humbly ask for your vote and support.
Sincerely,
Filemon Vela
Oct. 30, 2012 vela for congress
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Last week, I toured the Port of Harlingen and met with the chairman of the board and the port director to discuss the impact the port has on our local economy.
The Port of Harlingen is centrally located just four miles east of Harlingen and only ten miles from the Free Trade International Bridge at Los Indios with rail service provided by Union Pacific Railroad. Companies such as NuStar Energy LP, CEMEX, and Favelle Favc provide approximately 200-300 permanent jobs at the port. The port also has acreage available for expansion.
The port’s central location allows it to serve as the port of entry for commodities vital to the Rio Grande Valley. For example, the Port of Harlingen is the port of entry for 70% of the refined petroleum used by Valley motorists and 90% of fertilizers used by Valley farmers. Additionally, all of the sugar grown in the Rio Grande Valley is shipped out via the Port of Harlingen.
Because the Port of Harlingen is a shallow draft barge port, it is extremely important that its main channel be maintained at a depth of 12 feet. Flooding can cause silt deposits to accumulate, requiring periodic dredging. Maintaining and expanding our region’s existing infrastructure are vital to economic growth in South Texas and will be one of my main priorities if elected to Congress.
Sincerely,
Filemon Vela
Oct. 29, 2012 vela for congress
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Thursday, I had the honor of meeting President Bill Clinton in San Antonio, as he made a swing through the Southwest to rally voters and encourage turnout for the upcoming elections.
President Clinton spoke passionately about our Democratic principles – working to bring more jobs to our country, fulfilling obligations to our veterans and the elderly, and ensuring that everyone has a shot at the American dream through access to education.
After the rally, I was humbled to have spent a few minutes with President Clinton, who left me with a renewed commitment to the principles about which he so passionately spoke. He wished all of us the best of luck in our elections and advised me to remain focused on what the American people need most - a better economy. If elected, I will focus on economic improvement, middle-class growth, protection of Social Security, Medicare and Pell Grants, and work to ensure that we offer affordable health care to those who need it most.
As a reminder, Early Voting is ongoing and ends Friday, November 2nd. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6th. I most humbly ask for your vote and support.
Sincerely,
Filemon Vela
Oct. 24, 2012 vela for congress
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Last week, I joined some impressive young professionals to speak to hundreds of college-ready middle school students from Lasara, Lyford, Rio Hondo and Santa Rosa. The students are part of GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. GEAR UP is a six-year federal initiative designed to increase early college awareness and readiness for students in middle school through high school.
Joining me at the event was a young man who was recently offered a press position in the Communications Department at the White House. He spoke of his preparation as a former editor-in-chief of his college newspaper, a reporter for a local newspaper and his most recent work in the U.S. House of Representatives as a director of communications – handling media relations for members of Congress. Now, this young man, who is only 26, has the opportunity of a lifetime – to work at the White House.
The students also heard from a 22-year-old senior majoring in civil engineering at The University of Texas-Pan American. She spoke about coming to the United States from Reynosa, Mexico, at age 12 and having to learn English while encountering a number of obstacles in middle and high school. The young lady told a moving and compelling story that had students on the edge of their seats, and she will be graduating with her bachelor’s degree in December 2012.
After that, the students heard from a civil engineer who has worked on a number of projects in South Texas, most recently a drainage canal that helps prevent flooding in the upper Rio Grande Valley. He showed students blue prints and diagrams of the construction of the drainage canal and spoke to them about his determination to obtain a college education. The young man brought smiles to many of the students present as he spoke with a fierce passion about his career and work and reminded all students to make education a lifetime commitment.
Finally, the students heard from a nurse practitioner who works at the Brownsville Community Health Center. She is charged with caring for women from their teenage years through adulthood, including prenatal care. The nurse practitioner told students about obtaining degrees in the health care field and the importance of living a healthy life style. She motivated them to stay in school and become part of an educated society. The students had many questions about the work she does and she was happy to answer them.
The students were also eager to learn more about why I am running for Congress in the newly-created District 34, anchored in South Texas and spanning 11 counties near the Gulf Coast. I spoke to them about my education at Georgetown University and The University of Texas School of Law, and about my 25 years of experience in the practice of law.
Spending time with middle school students who are eager to better their lives by earning an education was refreshing. These children reminded me of the importance of providing all the needed resources, tools and support so they can go on to become productive and successful members of society – whether they earn a technical degree in woodwork or a doctorate degree in astronomy – we must help them move forward.
If I am elected to Congress, I will make it a priority to offer educational opportunities for all. As a reminder, Early Voting started Monday, October 22 and runs through Friday, November 2. Election Day is Tuesday, November 6. I humbly ask for your vote and support.
Sincerely,
Filemon Vela
Oct. 23, 2012 vela for congress
Dear Friends and Supporters,
The 2012 General Election is finally upon us. We all know how important this election is to the future of our communities and country. Day one is over, but you can early vote through November 2nd. Election Day is November 6th.
Throughout history, many Americans have sacrificed to protect our right to vote. As a child, I was taught to honor those who fought for this sacred right by casting my ballot. Below is a photo of me during my first campaign season, when my father, Filemon B. Vela, ran for Texas State Representative in 1964. He, along with my mother, Blanca, instilled in me respect for integrity and compassion for people.
Over the past nine months, I’ve worked tirelessly with a focus on improving our District and helping people. If I am elected to Congress, you can rest assured that I will always put the people of South Texas first.
I humbly ask for your support to become the first Congressman elected to South Texas’ District 34.
Sincerely,
Filemon Vela
