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Rubén A. Salazar, a passionate advocate for East Aldine, has been appointed to Position 4 on the East Aldine Management District’s board of directors. At just 23 years old, Salazar has already built an impressive track record of grassroots advocacy, civic engagement, and community leadership, making him a natural fit for the role.

Salazar’s dedication to community improvement is deeply rooted in his personal experiences growing up in East Aldine, a suburb in north Houston. He witnessed firsthand how neglected properties, illegal dumping, and infrastructure issues affected residents’ quality of life. Instead of waiting for change, he took action.

“I realized that by bringing people together, connecting residents with resources, and pushing for action, we could make real changes,” Salazar said. “My passion comes from wanting to improve everyday life for people in my community and making sure their concerns aren’t ignored.”

A Legacy of Civic Engagement

Salazar’s advocacy work began shortly after graduating from Aldine ISD’s MacArthur High School in 2019. He became involved with a local community club, serving as assistant secretary and later president. Under his leadership, the club doubled in membership. It successfully lobbied for additional streetlights, sidewalk improvements, increased sheriff patrols, and new programs for residents of all ages.

In April 2023, he took his commitment a step further by founding the East Aldine Civic Association, a nonprofit organization focused on neighborhood improvements. The group has worked closely with local government agencies, nonprofits, and elected officials to address key issues, including public safety, beautification efforts, and civic engagement.

Salazar credits two figures as major influences in his journey — Richard Cantú, Executive Director of the East Aldine Management District, and his great-grandmother, Lilia Ríos Ortega. Ortega, a longtime neighborhood advocate, worked to create recreational programs for children and a daycare center for single mothers in East Aldine in the late 1950s.

Priorities as a Board Member

Salazar sees his appointment to the East Aldine Management District as a full-circle moment, allowing him to continue the legacy of service his great-grandmother and other community leaders set in motion. As a board member, he plans to focus on:

  • Neighborhoods: Addressing neighborhood nuisance issues such as illegal dumping, neglected properties, and infrastructure concerns.
  • Disaster Preparedness Initiatives: Ensuring residents have the resources and education needed for emergencies.
  • Economic Development: Advocating for more businesses, job opportunities, and amenities in East Aldine.
  • Community Engagement: Creating more opportunities for residents to have a voice in district decision-making.

“One of the biggest challenges facing East Aldine is the need for stronger infrastructure and public safety measures,” Salazar said. “Flooding, aging roads, and economic development remain major concerns. My goal is to push for practical, impactful solutions that make East Aldine a safer, stronger, and more vibrant place to live.”

A Future of Service

Beyond his advocacy work, Salazar serves as Precinct Chairman for Harris County’s Precinct 411 and was elected Senator for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences in the University of Houston-Downtown Student Government Association for two consecutive terms. In May 2024, he was elected to the Sunbelt Fresh Water Supply District board of directors, where he helps oversee the management of water and sewer services for North Houston.

Despite his growing responsibilities, Salazar remains focused on grassroots engagement. His experience with the East Aldine Civic Association has shaped his leadership style, emphasizing transparency, collaboration, and direct action.

“My experience has shown me the power of listening to residents and working with them to create real, lasting change,” he said. “In this new role, I want to bridge the gap between residents and the district, ensuring transparency, accountability, and meaningful progress.”

As Salazar steps into his new position, he remains committed to his core mission — empowering the people of East Aldine and making sure their voices are heard.