By RAUL GARCIA | The Mercedes Enterprise

After Leo Villarreal finished high school in Mercedes he joined the military and went on to serve during Desert Storm.

When Villarreal finished his work in the Army six years later the proud veteran returned to his hometown to become a businessman and leader in the Mercedes community.

Villarreal says he’s a leader by example and not afraid to get his hands dirty.  Over the years he has volunteered for many community groups in Mercedes, and he has operated two businesses in town.

Villarreal is running for re-election for Mercedes City Commission Place 1 as the incumbent and current Mayor Pro-Tem. Challenging Villarreal are political newcomers Melissa Rincon and Jacob Howell, both educators.

“I am a very happy-go-lucky kind of guy because life is too short and having fun at what you do is important the candidate said he is  very professional when it comes down to it and I go a 110%.”

Villarreal  opened Leo’s lemonade stand in the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets, and later started Leo’s Drive-thru.

He said his experience working for the city Mercedes as a building official an inspector for six years and City of Donna’s planning director for three years gives him an edge and great outlook on being a decision maker for the city.

“I was not just the planning director I was involved in all aspects of the city so I learned a lot about getting business to come in Villarreal said. “I want to apply what I learned in Donna to help the city Mercedes because we’ve have a lot of opportunity here.”

Mercedes is not the bedroom community it once was he said.  “The commission and mayor must work together and take aggressive steps to leave the city to the next level.”

Villarreal said his service as planning director  opened his eyes on how he looks at ideas and objectives taken on by the city. 

“I believe I have made an impact on the commission, and I’m asking for your support to continue to make the immediate impact the city needs,” Villarreal said. 

 Villarreal said he is very proud of Mercedes and its upbringing while growing up in the Taylor Apartments, and even today he strives in making the right decisions to make his mother and father proud. 

“I’m honest and I do what I say I’m going to do,” Villarreal said. “I don’t make false promises and I am going to do what is good for Mercedes.”