ALEXANDRA CALDERON

Dysfunction permeates all levels of politics, from the top of the federal heap to local city councils.
Del Rio is certainly not immune to it. Some would argue it is the epitome of bad government. Whatever the case may be, two new council members have a chance to steer a perceived wayward ship right. One of those is Alexandra Falcon Calderon, a native Del Rioan.
In a city and county where incumbents frequently go appallingly unchallenged, and popularity seems to trump substance in contested races, nascent policymakers are a welcomed sight.
Sworn in during November, Calderon represents District III, which she said needs some adjustments.
“A lot of things have not been done in this district,” she said. “It’s been neglected.” Oversight or lack of prioritization have kept the district in need. “Communication is what’s lacking, and leadership…and working together is very much needed.”
Supporting the cultural aspects of the community, specifically for the children, alleviating the volume of trash in the district and the development of small businesses are primary goals.
“In reality, the whole of it is not to forget the south side of Del Rio,” she said.
Calderon, a small business owner for more than 20 years, has always been very involved in the community. She is the president of the Del Rio Downtown Foundation, and locals have sought her advice on business, personal or civic-related issues throughout the years. She feels this has built a platform of trust within the community. These reasons compelled her to run for the city council seat.
“The seat is coming up open. I’m a Del Rioan. I’m from District III. All my life, I’ve been District III…I live in the same house,” Calderon said.
She ran her campaign without any staff, saying that direct contact with voters is a more effective way to cultivate rapport than to have a worker speak for you. COVID-19 required her to campaign heavily through social media and supplement it through print media. “I did it the best I could, and here I am.”
“Here I am,” wasn’t so easy. Calderon barely won. The metaphorical margin of victory didn’t even measure the width of a ballot. Her race against the opponent, Silvia Ojeda, ended with 1,214 votes to 1,212 votes, respectively.
Calderon said she is there to help the entire city, not just her district. “I’m going to be open to the whole city of Del Rio. I’ve always said that.”
That means solving the water billing issues, which supposedly is occurring, but Calderon insists she will follow-up on the city’s progress to make sure something concrete is underway.
The lingering resurfacing project of the city streets was an agenda item at her first meeting. “The streets is [sic] something that is a priority all the time…There is money. I don’t like where it’s moved around.”
Franchise tax revenue is supposed to be earmarked for roads and not to be used or borrowed for other expenses or projects, Calderon told the Texas Times.
“Then they come around and say there’s no money for streets. There was money and there is money.”