Inside Valley Politics: Edinburg mayoral race and local propositions

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — This week on Inside Valley Politics, ValleyCentral continues to follow the local races that will be on the ballot on November 4th.

The Edinburg mayoral race is one of the most high-profile races and ValleyCental will hear from three of the four candidates on the ballot.

Additionally, we are taking a closer look at the Edinburg City Commission, as well as some propositions voters will decide on. 

The government shutdown has highlighted the realities of the intense division in Washington between Democrats and Republicans. U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez explains what the realities of the shutdown are and what he believes Democrats have been fighting for.  

"The biggest issue right now that Democrats are pushing back on very hard, and I'm pushing back on a second one, is the enhanced tax credit premium that people are taking advantage of," said Congressman Gonzalez. "Right now, if we allow those cuts to stay in place, a 60-year-old couple, family of four, their insurance will increase by about $16,500 a year." 

Representative Monica De La Cruz, a Republican for District 15, responded with, "Democrats are holding our government hostage. Weeks ago, I voted to extend government funding at levels that Democrats have supported. Instead of working with us, they are playing political games." 

Brownsville Mayor John Cowen told ValleyCentral about the growth of the city, along with growing pains and news about the development of hotels that is happening in Brownsville.