BROWNSVILLE — Compromise is not a dirty word, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. said.
When two parties or more can listen to one another’s point of views and needs, then compare them and work out a solution, that is compromise, Treviño said.
Treviño was sworn in as county judge yesterday morning at the Dancy Building by state District Judge Migdalia Lopez. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including State Rep. Eddie Lucio III, D-Brownsville, and U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville.
Treviño replaces Pete Sepulveda Jr., who was appointed to the position following the resignation of Carlos H. Cascos, who resigned as county judge to become Texas Secretary of State.
“I remember when I was in college and I would come down to see him in the city commission,” Lucio said. “He was so articulate and put together. And when I got to work with him, that respect increased.”
Lucio said he was once again reminded of Treviño’s passion when they met prior to the ceremony.
They spoke about local issues and Lucio said Treviño was “very aware,” “very passionate,” and he possessed a vision of what he wanted Cameron County to become.
“The grind of being an elected official is tough. If you don’t have a strong ‘why,’ it’s tough to get through the day,” Lucio said. “Right now, he is the right person for the job.”
Judge Art McDonald Jr. of County Court-at-Law No. 1 shared a similar opinion of Treviño.
“You’ve been a mayor, you’re a lawyer, you’ve been a city commissioner, you have the genes of a parent. You’re going to do a very good job, and we are all very proud of you,” McDonald said to him.
During his speech, Treviño highlighted all of the issues he wants to work on as county judge.
Treviño spoke about the importance of education, transportation infrastructure and economic development. He wants to bring back the discussion about a regional metropolitan planning organization and find a compromise for the West Brownsville Rail Corridor, an issue he feels has polarized the community.
“I want to tell you here and now, I will compromise to do what is necessary to move forward in Cameron County,” Treviño said to thunderous applause.
