Harlingen swears in mayor and two commissioners; outgoing mayor pro tem honored, Lopez chosen as mayor pro tem

HARLINGEN, Texas — The Harlingen City Commission used a brief Nov. 17 special meeting to honor outgoing Mayor Pro Tem Ford H. Kinsley Jr., swear in re-elected and newly elected officials and elect a new mayor pro tem.

Mayor Norma Sepulveda paid tribute to Kinsley’s service and personal qualities, thanking him and his family: "You left a mark on this commission, and we will all miss you more than you know," she said. State officials joined the ceremony: Senator Hinojosa read a Texas resolution commending "Ford H Kinsley junior" for his service and presented a custom engraved gavel, and Representative Janie Lopez presented a U.S. flag that had flown over the Texas Capitol in Kinsley’s honor and praised his "servanthood" and leadership.

The meeting included ceremonial swearing-ins. Norma Sepulveda was sworn in as mayor and offered brief remarks of gratitude to supporters and family. Delia Cavazos Gamez took the oath as the District 1 commissioner and received a certificate of excellence presented on behalf of the state. Daniel Nimesio Lopez was sworn in as District 2 commissioner; in remarks he thanked staff and his family and said the commissioners "are gonna work together" to move Harlingen forward.

Under the Harlingen City Charter (the transcript cites article/section related to selecting a mayor pro tem), the commission then moved to elect a mayor pro tem. A commissioner nominated Daniel Nimesio Lopez for mayor pro tem; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously, making Lopez the new mayor pro tem.

The mayor closed the short meeting, invited attendees to photos and refreshments, and the commission adjourned.