Gus Flores

​“I’m Here to Work, Not to Play”: Gus Flores Makes the Case for a Fifth Term

By Texas Times Staff

Standing at the heart of Precinct 4, surrounded by projects that now define the community, Gustavo “Gus” Flores didn’t hesitate when asked why he’s seeking another term as Val Verde County Commissioner.
“Vision. Good health. And a positive drive to keep moving forward,” Flores said. “Everywhere you look, you see growth. And that progress didn’t happen by accident.”
For Flores, service has never been theoretical. It’s visible  in concrete, lights, grass, and opportunity.

A Community Built by Follow-Through

One of the clearest examples of that record is the Precinct 4 Community Center. Over the years, Flores has overseen three major expansions, added a park, playground equipment, exercise areas, and lighting all completed without loans.
“That park was built by our road and bridge crew, using taxpayer money the right way,” Flores said. “I’ve never misspent a dollar. Every cent has gone back to the people.”
In total, Flores points to:

•    $7 million invested in the Frontera Road project
•    Over $2 million in five water extensions
•    More than $1.5 million in community center expansions
•    $400,000 invested in the park all paid in full

Turning Assets Into Revenue

Just steps away from the community center sit the USDA Quarantine Pens — one of the county’s few direct revenue generators, bringing in nearly $40,000 annually.
Flores explained how a strategic land swap with the Texas Department of Agriculture allowed the county to take full ownership of the facility.

“We bought land for $185,000, swapped it for the infrastructure, and leased the pens to the federal government,” Flores said. “Over the years, that’s generated more than $400,000. Today, Val Verde County owns those pens 100%, and we’re the only open USDA facility in Texas.”

Infrastructure With a Purpose

Flores also highlighted the Cienegas Road project  a critical artery serving the industrial park.
“That road is the backbone of our industrial growth,” he said. “Once it’s completed, it’s going to attract businesses, create jobs, and grow our tax base.”

Investing in Youth and the Future

Looking ahead, Flores says nearly $1 million rolled over from last year is being invested in new baseball and soccer fields on 23 acres off Johnson Boulevard.
“These fields are for our kids,” he said. “We’re coordinating with the county engineer, and by late 2026, they’ll be ready for our local leagues.”


Sixteen Years of Trust


If elected to a fifth term, Flores says the meaning is simple.
“The people know I work,” he said. “They’ve seen it for almost 16 years. I show up  at food distributions, with road crews, in the neighborhoods. I don’t make promises I can’t keep.”
Asked if the drive is still there, Flores smiled.
“Oh yeah,” he said. “It’s still there. Still kicking.”
For Flores, the mission remains unchanged: work hard, spend wisely, and deliver results — one project at a time.
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