TEXAS CITY — Abel Garza Jr. was sworn in Wednesday as the 19th mayor of Texas City, officially taking office during a May 13 ceremony that also included commissioners being sworn into new positions.

Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, Garza said one of his first priorities will be meeting with department heads to discuss expectations, goals and the direction of the city moving forward.

“The first thing on the agenda is to talk to the department heads,” Garza said. “Find out what they need to know, what I expect from them, what they expect from me, what they can expect from the commission, and what some of the plans are and some of the goals that we may have.”

Garza said transparency and a more responsive government were issues residents made clear during the election process. He said city leadership will spend the coming months evaluating operations and finances before determining next steps.

“We’re going to be busy for the next two or three months,” Garza said.

Garza also reflected on his family’s history in Texas City, saying the Garza family was among some of the early settlers in the community during the 1950s. He credited his father for instilling the importance of civic involvement in the family.

“My dad worked very hard,” Garza said. “He got involved with several civic organizations and he instilled that into Carlos and I and James and my sister.”

Garza also spoke about his late sister, who founded Susan’s Market on Texas Avenue. He said the market and 21st Street were named after her and remembered her as a strong influence within the family.

“We miss her very much,” Garza said.

Garza closed by saying he looks forward to serving the community and working alongside city leadership to address the city’s needs.

“I look forward to rolling up our sleeves and doing what’s best for the community,” Garza said. “They’re the ones that put us here and we’re responsible for them.”