Well he's only been in office for a few days, but City Council Jorge Vera is already making big plans on how to fix District Seven. Among those plans are building a levee to prevent flooding and building a bridge to help Farias Elementary students cross the train tracks safely. Pro 8 news reporter, Lauren Kendrick has the story.

City Council District Seven winner, Jorge Vera, appreciates everyone who helped his campaign and supported him during his run for office. But one thing he noticed was the low number of voters.

"We still have a lot of work to ensure that most, if not all, voters come out and vote. It's very important they get involved, because as a veteran I know a lot of people sacrificed their lives for this privilege."

There were a total of only 1,095

"It was slow. The whole day was slow."

Villarreal hopes that the next election will have a better turnout.

"It's important for people to vote and this is how people make a difference."

Although Vera has only been in office for two days, he has many plans on how to fix some problem areas of District Seven. Mines road has always been a problem when it comes to the amount of eighteen-wheelers, but Vera says he has a plan to help alleviate the traffic jams.

"Yes, that's our bread and butter in Laredo, the forwarding agency and truck traffic and we understand that and we accept it. But I think we as the city need to go to federal government and get federal funds.”

Vera plans to build a separate road for the public, as well as a separate road for eighteen-wheelers so they don't have to drive next to each other.

As for the flooding that occurred last summer, Vera has a solution that has been used in other cities and been a success.

"I've done a little research and I think a levee in that area would be greatly appreciated."

Vera says he has a list of things he wants to do for the people in
District Seven, but of those priorities, he feels the most important is to build a bridge over the train tracks for the students at Farias Elementary School."

"For the Farias area, we need a bridge right away for those kids who cross. That's one of the major things I need to start working on."

Vera's plans are going to take a while, but he is ready to get started on the renovations to better District Seven. Lauren Kendrick, Pro 8 News.

Jorge Vera hopes to have the bridge built by Farias Elementary School by the time the school year starts.