The city of Peñitas appointed a new mayor Monday following the resignation of embattled former Mayor Rodrigo Lopez.
The Peñitas city council appointed Mayor Pro Tem Ramiro Loya to the vacant position during a special called meeting Monday evening.
“To me, it’s an honor to be the mayor of the city of Peñitas, where I was born and raised,” Loya said. “My plans, together with the city council, is to take the city forward and focus on the growth of the city. We’ll keep our heads up high. It’s the beginning of a new chapter here in Peñitas.”
Lopez was arrested and charged with bribery and fraud in an alleged scheme involving a La Joya Independent School District property on June 13. He initially plead not guilty; however on August 11, the former mayor pleaded guilty to fraud and agreed to pay back the nearly $35,000 he fraudulently obtained from the school district.
In the days following Lopez’s arrest, Loya and the rest of the council remained tight-lipped regarding the situation. Speaking now in his new position, Loya said that he is ready to put that period of the city’s history behind him and move forward.
“We will keep our heads up high,” Loya said. “That chapter is closed already. We’re going to take it from 8/22/22. We’re going forward.”
Loya had served on the city council since 2015, and he’d previously served in that same capacity from 1996 to 1997 before stepping away due to reasons pertaining to his health.
The new mayor said that there have been many improvements in the city in the form of new developments. He said that he hopes to continue the city’s growth.
“What we’re doing, and they’re seeing it, there’s a lot of improvements here in Peñitas — a lot of businesses coming to the city,” Loya said. “That’s what (residents) want to see — streets and lights and all that. That’s coming soon. That’s because we’re working together. All those businesses will be here in six to eight months, more or less.”
Loya said he anticipates the city council will fill his now vacant seat sometime in September. In the meantime, he asked for support from his constituents as he fulfills his new role as mayor.
“All I ask is for their blessings,” Loya said. “You need the Lord to be with you at all times. I ask for God’s help and of course the blessings of all the citizens of Peñitas.”
