On The Record: Rosalie Weisfeld

For this episode of On The Record, we speak with Rosalie Weisfeld, Senate District 20 Committeewoman and Treasurer for Keep Your Rights PAC.

How did you get started in politics? Did you come to it in your youth or later on?

When I was 15-years-old, my father tragically passed away, and I was the oldest of six children. I was in the process of taking driver’s education, and my mother needed help with car-pooling. She signed a slip to apply for a hardship’s license so I could drive legally. I received my license at 15. At the same time politically, Sissy Farenthold announced her run for Governor as a Democrat. I was so ecstatic to hear that a woman was running for office, and up until that point, I had never seen or heard of a woman running before.

Since I had my license and lived in McAllen, I volunteered for the campaign and drove my friends around to pass out leaflets and organized others to volunteer. We knocked on doors to encourage people to vote, even though we couldn’t vote ourselves.

What was your personal progression from the role of activist to the role of SDEC Committeewoman for SD 20?

When Farenthold lost, I was very disappointed. I was about 30-years-old before I actually met her. I met her at a former women’s group convention in San Antonio. I still remember feeling a certain spark when I saw her. After that, I became the Executive Director of the Hidalgo County Democratic Party. I was later elected to the SDEC.

How do state politics affect your neighborhood?

I was the Legislative Assistant to Texas Senator Hector Uribe, and the Enterprise Zone legislation had tremendous impact in the Valley. It led to twin plants being allowed, opportunity for a free-trade zone and for educational opportunities for Valley-ites.

The legislation led to the expansion of the university and Brownsville and created opportunity for citizens to receive education here and have competitive job offers here with a higher wage.

Do you have plans to run for any other public office again?

I ran for McAllen City Commissioner but didn’t win the nomination. I also ran for State Representative almost 16 years ago. I prefer to be the groundbreaker, and allow others a chance to run for positions. I work on other issues that some don’t see as political, but I do view them as such, like recycling.

At the age of 13, I called my Mayor to discuss the landfill and recycling. I was referred down the line to the sanitation department manager. I made an appointment and walked over after school to meet with the manager. He patted me on the head and said the landfills would never be filled. Well, the landfills are filled now, and it has become a political issue.

I have no plans at this time to run, but I wouldn’t rule it out if see it as a worthwhile endeavor.

Who are some of your political heroes?

Sissy Farenthold is obvious hero of mine. I also admire Ann Richards. I remember when she ran for County Commissioner; I helped her in a small position and didn’t know her at the time. Golda Meir, the former Prime Minister of Israel, is also a hero of mine.

When Bill Clinton was running for President, I was the Director of Hidalgo County Democratic Party, here in McAllen and he was scheduled to speak here. It was my first time to meet him.

I was waiting at the front door and Hillary Clinton came in alone and I greeted her. Bill had dropped her off at the front door and went to park the car. The first thought I had was that he was a gentleman to do that for his wife. He was the Governor of Arkansas at the time and a Presidential candidate, and he drove himself around and dropped his wife off at the front door so that she wouldn’t have to walk far.

I spoke with Hillary and found her to be so dynamic and bright. I decided that if she supported Bill to be president, then I would too.

What are you looking forward to in the coming cycle?

Winning. I am looking forward to a big Democratic sweep and working hard to make it happen. Winning the primary elections and general election are very different. The only way to win is through hard work like calling, knocking on doors, and convincing people to get registered and vote.