He is a retired Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Valuation Analyst (CPA/CVA). Judge Cortez has developed four main goals for his administration:
--Earn the public's trust in government.
--Provide solutions to countywide poverty.
--Ensure effective and efficient delivery of services.
--Attract investment and economic development. Judge Cortez has also focused on the needs of military veterans including the production of a brochure of available veteran services. He has also created a brochure of available mental health services for Hidalgo County residents. In 2020, as the head of emergency management for Hidalgo County, Judge Cortez steered the community through an unprecedented pandemic of a new virus called COVID-19. As he administered to the needs of thousands of sick and dying, he has always been vigilant of economic recovery including the distribution of more than $2.2 million in federal funds to help small business, rent and mortgage assistance, and a condolence program to help families who lost loved ones to the disease. Judge Cortez earned his CPA license in 1973, and soon began his own firm with accounting colleagues. In 1984, he began providing consulting services, assisting parties in litigation by assisting and determining economic damages. He has been involved in hundreds of cases in federal, state and bankruptcy courts. Judge Cortez has been appointed receiver, special auditor, accountant, and business valuator by various state district courts. Judge Cortez has devoted considerable time for the betterment of the accounting profession. He has held various positions, including president of the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs. Judge Cortez was elected the eighteenth Mayor of the City of McAllen and served two terms, paving the way for the substantial growth during tough economic times. His administration oversaw construction of a $53 million convention center with no borrowed funds. A new international bridge was constructed; city parks were built or improved; the McAllen Miller International Airport was expanded; an Arts District and an Entertainment District were created; a Historic Preservation Ordinance was enacted; a Youth Advisory Council was formed; various programs to benefit youth and senior citizens were established; and the city undertook the environment- friendly technologies of “Going Green.” The city’s fund balance exceeded $225 million, and the tax rate did not increase during his tenure as mayor. Judge Cortez also served as McAllen City Commissioner-District 1, elected in 2015, and continued to serve until he gave up his seat to run for Hidalgo County Judge.
