2024 Board Election
A brief biography for each candidate running in Medina EC’s contested races are listed below. The content is written in the candidates’ words and has not been edited by Medina EC staff.
Acknowledgement of the campaign policy and disclosure reports are available for each candidate upon written request.
All Medina EC Members are eligible to vote for a candidate in any of Medina EC’s contested races, even if the member does not have a meter in those voting districts.
The 2024 election will open on August 20,2024, and close on September 20, 2024.
Welquis Lopez Sr., Voting District 1
Campaign Policy: Complete
Medina EC Member (# of years): 7
Occupation (former if retired): Retired - Formor Business Owner
Describe work experience:
Former Government Official and business Owner, Special Advisor to the President and Majority Leader of the Republican Senate, Member of the Reapportionment Committee of the State of New York for the Republican Senate .Travel throughout New York State meeting government officials and Community Leaders concerning Reapportion. Fundraising and Budgeting for Non- profits organizations. Liaison to the Hispanic Community in the State Senate; was Responsible in Creating The Unidad Latina Conference in the State for the Republican Senate which brought Together Hispanic business Leaders and Hispanic Agencies that service the Community. Unidad Latina created a Scholarship Fund for High School Students to attend College and we Raised over $500.000. I held that position for 8 years. I was a Commisioner for two different Departments for the largest Town in the Country (Town of Hempstead population 765,000); Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development Dept. As commissioner I helped to provide Handicapped accessibility improvements to over 25 public and quasi -public building ,construction of hundreds of units of senior citizens housing and 200 affordable single family homes. This also included Rehab single family home for seniors and Handicapped persons. During my time as commissioner I managed a budget of $8 Million and a staff of over 30 (16 years ). Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of the Town of Hempstead Highway Department: Review and Report Highway activities and future plans, Inspect Streets, Roads, and Highways. I was responsible to oversee 1200 miles of Roadways of the Town and over 135 Commuter parking lots (Snow removal for the entire Town , sweep all the Roads of the Town and pick up all the debris. This role as commissioner I was responsible for Supervising 300 personnel and a Budget of $65 Million(8 years ). Entrepreneur; former owner of Newspaper, Restaurants and Taxi company.
I would be a good director because:
I know both the public & private sector working for the Government and managing my own businesses. I also have prior experience as a member of the Board of Trustees for Molloy University (Catholic institutions ) for 7 yrs and was a Member of the Board of Trustees for South Nassau Community Hospital (now call Mount Sinai South Nassau) for 7 yrs. This experience provides me with a strong foundation to serve on the board. My proven track record in governance, budgeting, strategic planning, management, and fiscal responsibility demonstrates my ability to make sound decisions the prioritize the well being of the organization and community. My experience with diverse community interests and navigating those environments will allow me to address both challenges and opportunities. I have a commitment to transparency, accountability and fostering community engagement to ensure that Medina Electric continues to meet the needs of it’s members and clients while upholding its mission of providing reliable and affordable energy services.
Please contact me at:
Phone - (210) 984-4193
Email - daliquild15@aol.com
Candidate Campaign Disclosure Report:
Michael (Mickey) Holzhaus, Voting District 1
Campaign Policy: Complete
Medina EC Member (# of years): 17
Occupation (former if retired): Beeville ISD - Science Teacher, Northeast ISD - Math/Science Teacher/Coach, Alamo Iron Works - Vice President Steel Divisions, Triple - S Steel Supply-Sales/General Manager (Retired January 2022).
Describe work experience:
I graduated from Texas State University in December 1979, earning a B.S. in Education, and taught Public School for 1-1/2 years.
The next 41 Years were spent in the Industrial Supply/Structural Steel Business, occupying various positions in Sales, Supply Management (earned my C.P.M. in 1995), Operations, and Executive Management.
I would be a good director because:
I have over 42 years of experience working with people of various skill sets across many occupations and professions in a multitude of businesses. Additionally, I have served on numerous boards in various capacities. My resume includes member and then Chairman of the Castroville Planning and Zoning Board, President of the Institute of Supply Management San Antonio Chapter, Director of the Metal Service Center Institute Texas Chapter, and Treasurer/Trustee of the St. Louis Catholic Men's Society. These experiences have contributed to my knowledge of how to plan and work strategically for the benefit of the customer. Most importantly, I consider myself a people person who listens, asks questions, approaches issues in a logical straightforward manner, and I have the time to devote to the responsibility of serving on the Medina Electric Cooperative Board of Directors.
Please contact me at:
Phone - (210) 422-3310
Email - m.holzhaus@sbcglobal.net
Candidate Campaign Disclosure Report:
A brief biography for each of the candidates running in uncontested races are listed below. The content is written in the candidate’s words and has not been edited by Medina EC staff.
James Crawford, Voting District 2
Campaign Policy: Complete
Medina EC Member (# of years): 36
Occupation (former if retired): Farming
Describe work experience:
Born and raised in Crystal City, Texas. Have been farming grain, cotton, and vegetables in Uvalde and Zavala county for over 45 years. Experienced in many aspects of agriculture from equipment and implement design to partnering ownership of equipment franchise in three counties. Have traveled throughout the US and abroad to farm shows and worldwide meetings to stay up-to-date on current Agricultural practices. Currently, in partnerships with son Brad and wife Kathy, headquartered in Uvalde, Texas, and with Espinaca Farms in La Pryor Texas.
I would be a good director because:
I have years of board experience in Uvalde and of Zavala County, including Winter Garden Coop, Uvalde County Coop, Wintergarden Spinach Producers Board, Uvalde Youth Baseball Board , and Zavala County Bank.
I am a hard worker, always in learning mode, and I have a commitment to excellence in everything I undertake.
I am also a first-hand Medina Electric consumer in our forming operation and I want to do what I can for the benefit of other consumers.
Please contact me at:
Phone: (830) 591-3477
Email: jcrawfordfarms@gmail.com
J.L. Gonzalez, Voting District 3
Campaign Policy: Complete
Medina EC Member (# of years): 23
Occupation (former if retired): CHIEF CBP OFFICER
Describe work experience:
I have been a South Texas rancher all my entire life; on land being owned by my family since the mid 1700’s. Additionally I worked for the federal government 40+ years; having retired as a Dept. of Homeland Security CBP CHIEF Officer. I spend the last 8 years of my career as a Security Advisor in Central Asia; Afghanistan and neighboring countries. My work with the Federal government has taken me from the halls of various offices in Washington D. C. to countries in the Middle East, SE Asia, Russia, Europe, Ex-USSR, South and Central America; and many others. All these experiences have served to prepare me to give back to my community and serve my fellow citizens in a giving way. I am a firm believer in “SERVICE before SELF”.
I would be a good director because:
I have educated myself in all facets of the Cooperative way, attaining the highest level of certification. I have always maintained that one must give back to the communities we live in. As I have proudly served my country, I will continue to proudly serve community.
Please contact me at:
Phone: (956) 286-1863