New Council Members Sworn In at New City Hall

by Tony Vindell/LFN

The newest member of Los Fresnos City Council took the oath of office on the same day the new city hall opened its doors for business.

Andy Lopez was sworn in by his daughter Clarissa Chavarria, who is a municipal court judge in San Antonio.

Lopez took the seat of former councilman Swain Real, who served 11 years on the city’s administrative body and who could not seek a fourth term under city chapter amended about nine years ago.

The new councilman was elected without having to go through an election as the seat Real left did not have a second candidate.

Lopez said he is ready to serve.

“I bring a background in management and education,” he said, interviewed after the swearing in was held in the brand new council and courtroom chamber. “I was an educator for 35 years, was principal twice and also worked as director of transportation at the El Socorro school district.”

Originally from Rio Hondo, Lopez has been living in Los Fresnos and worked as principal and maintenance director with Los Fresnos school district.

‘I am excited to be on the city council,” he said. “I will see what I can do to help.”

Besides Lopez, Councilman Juan Muñoz also took the oath of office.

Muñoz, who took the oath of office from Justice of Peace Juan Mendoza with Precinct 4, also ran unopposed and will serve another three years on the council.

The two councilmen were recognized and greeted by friends and relatives as the city council met for the first time in the new city hall located on the east side of town along Ocean Boulevard.

The brand new facility was built at a cost of $3.2 million and it’s now located at 520 E. Ocean Blvd.