By Edward Saenz and Indira Zaldivar

In the heart of Houston, 23-year-old Ruben Salazar stands as a beacon for community advocacy. With a background steeped in service and a passion for positive change, Salazar’s journey has led him to the forefront of local politics, where he currently seeks to represent the people of his East Aldine community as a candidate for the Sunbelt Freshwater Supply District Board of Supervisors.

Salazar’s dedication to public service traces back to his family’s legacy of community involvement.
“When [my great grandma] first came [to Houston], she became a very involved person in her community,” Salazar said.

“She was always helping out her neighbors, starting a local civic club, creating recreational programs. Many of her children followed in her footsteps, so I guess you could say it runs in the blood.”

Inspired by his great grandmother’s tireless efforts in East Aldine, Salazar found his calling in serving his own community. From organizing civic clubs to advocating for better infrastructure and public safety measures, his commitment to making a difference became evident early on.

As a young adult, Salazar’s journey into community leadership really took flight during his time as a Political Science student at University of Houston-Downtown.

“I just started attending civic club meetings, commissioners court meetings, managment district meetings and just seeing the way our money was spent, how our tax dollars are being spent and there were some things I didn’t agree with. So I learned of the ways I can make my voice heard.”

Motivated by a desire to empower his community, Salazar embarked on a path of activism and engagement.

His ascent in community leadership began with his role as president of the Green Forest Civic Club, where he spearheaded initiatives to improve local infrastructure and enhance public safety measures. Through collaborative efforts and grassroots organizing, Salazar and his team successfully advocated for increased street lighting—a vital step in ensuring the safety of neighborhood residents, especially students walking to school.

However, Salazar’s vision extends beyond streetlights and sidewalks. His campaign for the Sunbelt Freshwater Supply District Board of Supervisors is driven by a commitment to transparency and community-driven decision-making. Recognizing the dissatisfaction among residents with the district’s services, Salazar aims to bring a fresh perspective to the board, prioritizing the needs and concerns of the community.

Central to Salazar’s platform is the pursuit of transparency. He envisions a board that actively engages with residents, listens to their concerns, and incorporates their feedback into decision-making processes. By fostering open dialogue and promoting accountability, Salazar seeks to bridge the gap between the board and the community it serves.

Moreover, Salazar’s agenda emphasizes the importance of community-driven policies. Drawing from his experience in grassroots organizing, he intends to advocate for initiatives that address the pressing issues facing Sunbelt residents, from water quality concerns to infrastructure maintenance. With a focus on inclusivity and representation, Salazar aims to ensure that all voices are heard and valued in the decision-making process.

Looking ahead, Salazar’s candidacy symbolizes a new era of community advocacy—one rooted in collaboration, transparency, and service. With his campaign for the Sunbelt Freshwater Supply District Board of Supervisors successful, Salazar remains steadfast in his commitment to empowering his community and effecting positive change.

“My campaign went smooth, and I’m super excited to get to work alongside the other board members to help bring positive changes,” Salazar plans to keep the same attitude, mindset, and energy.

With his leadership, the future of Houston shines brighter than ever before.