LA FERIA — Olga H. Maldonado said when she found out no one was running for mayor she knew it was time for her to take the lead.
“It’s one of those things you’d figure a lot of people would be interested in and nobody signed up,” Maldonado said. “So somebody had to step up to the plate.”
Maldonado didn’t grow up aspiring to be the first female mayor of La Feria, but it happened when she was elected in May.
“It’s a very big honor to be the first female mayor of the city of La Feria,” Maldonado said.
She knows a lot about leadership as she has been the police chief for the city of Mercedes for more than 10 years.
Now Maldonado is leading two neighboring towns, one as the protector of the peace, and in her hometown as the leader of the people.
“While I serve two cities in high capacity, I feel I can work a little bit more,” Maldonado said. “I realize I won’t have many days off, but I want to give back.”
Maldonado knows what it takes to succeed and work with people.
She worked her way up the ladder at the Mercedes Police Department.
In 1987, she started as a file clerk in municipal court. Then she became the first female officer in Mercedes and she is one of the highest ranking female officers in the state.
But, she will tell you it takes a lot of family support to do what she does.
“In order for me to be mayor and chief in another city, I do need the backing of my family,” Maldonado said.
La Feria Mayor Pro-tem Ezmeralda Lozano said she couldn’t be happier to serve the city along side Maldonado.
“She (Maldonado) is a native of La Feria, she was born in the city and not too many people can say that,” Lozano said. “She is helping promote policies and projects to lift our economy and community,” Lozano said.
