Romeo Lomas Precinct 4 Kleberg County Romeo L. Lomas, a lifelong resident of Kleberg County, will seek another term in the March, 2010 Democratic Primary.

He has served as county commissioner for 31 years and is the senior commissioner of the Kleberg County Commissioners Court.

“I have dedicated my life to serving our senior citizens, our disabled, our youth and all our families in improving their quality of life,” Lomas said.

In 1981, he was the guiding light that brought focus to the plight of the elderly in Kleberg County.

Lomas said his efforts brought about substantial

services that benefitted the

elderly of Kleberg County.

Also in 1981, Lomas initiated the first summer youth work program through the Coastal Bend CETA workforce programs.

“Over 30 local students were employed to care for our parks throughout the community,” he said.

“The students received minimum wage for working on park projects; the program existed for several summers until the legislation changed.

Commissioner Lomas initiated the rebuilding of school bridges that still serve as safe crossings at different locations of Tranquitas Creek for school children. He was instrumental in bringing the first dialysis services to Kleberg County, and provided the impetus for Coastal Bend College to establish the first nursing and cosmetology program in the county. Commissioner Lomas worked hand in hand with Bee County College Dean Mr. McBride, at a time when the Jr. College was not necessarily welcomed by other local institutions. The door was opened at Kleberg County Human Services to house the first cosmetology school here and the rest is history.

In 1983, Lomas worked through the Knights of Columbus Council 2623 to develop and build “Los Anos De Oro,” the only independent elderly housing in Kleberg County.

Today, Los Anos De Oro stands full of elderly tenants that might otherwise be homeless and in despair, he said.

“Our hospital services were in jeopardy of being terminated and something needed to be done about it,” Lomas said.

“As a consequence, I swung into action to support the sale of the hospital to (Christus) Spohn Health Systems, resulting in significantly improved health care for your citizens,” Lomas said.

In 1990, Lomas co-authored the establishment of the National Association of Hispanic County Officials in Washington, D.C., an affiliate of the National Association of Counties, and served as its first president. The association has become a fulcrum in providing significant legislation affecting Hispanics across America.

In 1991, Lomas received the National Association of Counties Service to the Elderly Award for his tireless work in improving elderly assistance.

He was also selected by the Junior Livestock Show board of directors to serve as marshal for the 53rd Annual Livestock Show.

Lomas said he works for the people of Kleberg County and has always placed people first.

“I believe I have been just and fair in serving the citizens of the county,” he said.

Commissioner Lomas said he has also been instrumental in developing and implementing numerous projects and grants for the benefit of Kleberg County citizens that include the following:

Developing Title III Elderly Assistance grant, Rural Transportation grants, Substance Abuse Prevention grants for youth;

Level IV Drug Dependency outpatient treatment for adults, Senior Center renovation grants, Latch Key children after school grant, Emergency Shelter grants;

Literacy grants for youth, Smoking Cessation grants for youth, Youth Crime Prevention grants, HIV Prevention grant, Summer Youth Employment grants;

Coastal Impact Assistance Grants, Fishing Pier Renovation, Riviera Beach Park, Fishing Pier Renovation, Boat Ramp Renovation and a Seawall at Kaufer-Hubert Park;

Addition of Recreation Hall and 25 new RV slots at Seawind Park, Expansion of Riviera Water system, Expansion of Ricardo Water system, New Water Well, Riviera, Elevated water storage tank, Ricardo and many more grants initiatives that have impacted the citizens of Kleberg County.

Lomas said his office is consistently full of people needing some form of assistance, which keeps him on the move conducting county business at the courthouse, in the community or representing the county at regional meetings.

Lomas said his future plans include developing more affordable housing for the elderly, developing job training for the most in need, and helping youth continue their education.

He also said he will continue to protect the environment and natural resources, such as the county’s sole source of ground water and natural wetlands in the eastern part of the county that draws wildlife to the area.

Lomas has served on the Executive Board of the Rural Coastal Bend Private Industry council and on the St. Martin Knights of Columbus Building Association Board.

He served in Korea with the U.S. Army.

Lomas is a devoted Catholic and attends St. Martin’s Catholic Church.

Lomas and his wife Doris have a daughter, Crystal.