Al Suarez
Converse Mayor 

Today, we celebrate over 10 months of challenges and triumphs. I am honored to be the mayor of Converse, one of the fastest growing cities in the Metrocom.

We’ve been very busy establishing a proactive communication link between our residents, employees, and business leaders through my “Mayor’s Call.” This open-door access is a vital tool of allowing one-on-one communication that has led to the identification of numerous “challenges” within our city and lead to their effective and speedy resolution.

City Council unanimously approved a balanced budget with a 2 1/2 cent dec-rease in the ad valorem property tax per $100 valuation and approved a significant salary adjustment and increase to city staff compensation.

City Manager Sam Hughes has worked with his leadership to enhance the quality of all our basic services (police, fire and EMS, and water and sewer). Also, we are timely in our construction of the Town Square Apartments and soon will begin retail site construction. The approval and implementation of the Tier II street maintenance plan addresses our primary streets for maintenance and repair.

The Economic Develop-ment Corp. was instrumental in securing a Community Development Block Grant from Bexar County for $90,000 to facilitate street repairs for Placid Park area. Over the last 10 months, the EDC has distributed a record number of pre-development business grants, hosted its first Regional Business Expo, and partnered with the Randolph Metrocom Chamber of Commerce to do ribbon-cuttings for Wendy’s, Bush’s Chicken, Grady’s Bar-B-Q, Yantis Automotive and U.S. Martial Arts.

Converse is honored to now house one of State Rep. Joe Farias’ district 118 offices.

Other notable accomplishments include:

• Achieved support for funding on the FM 1604 expansion project.

• Approved relocation of the Red Schumman Pavilion to North Park.

• Established a beautification and environmental commission.

• Fire/EMS achieved an ISO Rating of 2.

I am grateful to serve the city of Converse. Visit our Web site at: www.conversetx.net to download a copy of the Mayor’s Voice newsletter for more on our accomplishments.