The gist
Council held a special meeting May 13 to interview three of the applicants who voiced interest in filling the Place 1 council seat incumbent Chester Drash will vacate as he will be sworn in as mayor before council’s next regular meeting May 21.
Council members asked questions of Rodriguez and two other applicants, Ray Luna and Alan Sale.
Council voted unanimously to appoint Rodriguez to the Place 1 seat, where he will serve out the rest of Drash’s term in office, which ends in May 2025. Rodriguez will then have the option of seeking election to a full two-year term.
About the applicants
A Hollywood Park resident of more than 33 years, Rodriguez is a mechanical/electrical/plumbing engineer who owns his own consulting engineering firm.
Retired from the U.S. Navy, Rodriguez said he has been involved in civic activities, including the town’s board of adjustment and board of appeals.
"I’ve had great interest in the past about talking to some of the council members about conditions of the roads, golf cart issues, things like that,” Rodriguez said.
Luna said he has never been involved in municipal government but was once a member of a homeowners association in Rockport, Texas. He also said he previously worked for Drash, an engineer by trade, and was inspired by Drash’s run for public office to do the same himself.
“I’ve learned a lot about being a leader, a father and a husband,” Luna said.
Sale, a Hollywood Park resident since fall 2021, presides over the town’s economic development corporation board.
Sale said he is passionate about learning more about community projects and initiatives.
"I saw this opportunity to get more involved with the town,” Sale said.
The takeaway
Following a brief executive session discussion, council members reached by consensus a preference for Rodriguez.
Drash was the lone applicant for mayor in Hollywood Park’s May 4 election. He will succeed Sean Moore, who declined a re-election bid after one term.
Moore thanked all three Place 1 applicants for their interest in serving on council, and Drash implored Luna and Sale to remain involved in city affairs.
"Thank you for your willingness. All of you are terribly capable, which makes the decision even harder,” Moore said.
