County officials cut the ribbon for the Fred M. & Anita Bruni Community Center on Tuesday, officially opening it to the residents of Ranchos Peñitas West.
Administrative Services Director Cynthia Mares described the center as a “very long-awaited and much-needed resource” meant to afford “a better opportunity for a better quality of life” for the people it is intended to serve.
The $483,000 project was funded through grant and bond monies, and has been in the works for nearly three years, spanning two different — but related — Precinct 4 representatives, former Commissioner David Cortez and his daughter, current Commissioner Cindy Cortez Brunner, who were on hand for the occasion.
Brunner said the center has already begun to offer health care services by the Mercy Ministry and Gateway, and social services by the Community Action Agency. Additionally, children are already utilizing the small library and computers at the center.
In the future, she hopes to expand on the programs and one day include computer, First Aid and CPR classes and a nutrition education program.
County Judge Louis Bruni, whose late parents are the center’s namesakes, also addressed the crowd at the ribbon cutting, explaining that he hoped the center’s name would remind the community of his family’s good deeds. His father once served as a county commissioner and his mother was active in community service, Bruni said.
“I’m very proud to have appointed Commissioner Brunner; she’s been a guiding light at the court,” he said. “And I’m proud to have served with David Cortez.” The project was initially spearheaded by former commissioner Cortez. He resigned from the Webb County Commissioners Court in January 2005, citing personal and health reasons. He later plead guilty to federal charges in March 2005 in connection with what prosecutors called an extortion scheme.
Current Commissioner Brunner was appointed to the position by Judge Bruni on the same day Cortez stepped down, and she has overseen the project since that time.
Both Cortez and Brunner expressed pride in the center.
Brunner described her participation in the project as making “sure his dream became a reality.” Cortez said he was “elated” the center was completed and that he was “very proud of the work the commissioner has done.” “When it comes to family, you always hope they will succeed in what they are doing,” he said. “She has succeeded as a commissioner, I have no doubt in my mind.” (Kirsten Crow may be reached at (956) 728-2557 or by e-mail at kirsten@lmtonline.com)
