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MISSION, Texas - Mission Mayor Armando O\u2019Ca\xf1a has addressed claims from one of his political opponents that good ethics have not been at the forefront during his first term in the city\u2019s hot seat.

One of his political opponents has claimed O\u2019Ca\xf1a is the subject of an FBI investigation with regard to a contract the City of Mission entered into with Performance Services, Inc., to update the city\u2019s water utility system. The vote to approve the $20 million project was taken in June 2020 O\u2019Ca\xf1a was one of the council members who voted \u201cyes.\u201d The vote was 3-2.

Asked how he responds to claims that he received a kickback for his vote, O\u2019Ca\xf1a said: \u201cObviously, when you get stoned like that, from the other side, a lot of people begin to doubt. But, I can tell you right away, those that have known me for many, many, years, know that I have a track record and my record has always been clean. And it continues to be clean.\u201d

O\u2019Ca\xf1a continued: \u201cI have not taken any bribes from anybody and I haven\u2019t given any bribes to anybody. Basically, I do not know where they (my critics) are coming from, other than they are jealous of the progress we have been making for the last four years and the fact that Mission has begin to shine. It is a shame that the negativism begins to override the beautiful city of Mission, as far as that is concerned.\u201d

O\u2019Ca\xf1a said he could throw dirt also but chooses not to.

\u201cIf you look at my side, how many negative ads have you seen? Do I have information about the negativism about my opponents? Oh, definitely. But am I going to share it with you, no. Why? Because we are very positive and we run very positive campaign.\u201d

Asked if he can overcome being \u201cstoned\u201d by his critics, O\u2019Ca\xf1a said: \u201cI know we are going to override it. First of all, I know we have God\u2019s blessing. The fact that we have God\u2019s blessing and God\u2019s guidance on it, we are always having the shield of Christ with us. The devil can come any time he wants to but they are not going to be successful.\u201d

In the podcast, Mayor O\u2019Ca\xf1a also spoke about the growth of Mission, both with retail and commercial development. In fact, it has become something of a catchphrase for O\u2019Cana during the election campaign that, \u201cMission is booming.\u201d\xa0

O\u2019Ca\xf1a pointed out that there was no development on the corner of Business 83 and Shary Road when he took over as mayor. Now, he says, an investor has come in and is constructing over 100 houses valued at $200,000 each. A Circle K is coming at this location, O\u2019Ca\xf1a said, along with more stores and offices.

One of the biggest private projects underway in Mission is the development of a large industrial park near Anzalduas International Bridge. This is being developed by Killam. O\u2019Ca\xf1a said he hopes to have a groundbreaking ceremony for this project soon.

Mission\u2019s skyline is changing also, O\u2019Ca\xf1a pointed out. In a previous story, the Rio Grande Guardian speculated that Mission could have a skyscraper. Asked if that was over-hyping things, O\u2019Ca\xf1a said it actually helped his efforts to bring more tower blocks to the city. Because of the news article, he said, other developers have approached him and he now has four towers in the works.

O\u2019Ca\xf1a also gave an update on the Madero International Bridge, fixing Mission\u2019s drainage problems, and beautifying his city\u2019s downtown.

To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.