Odessa, Texas/May 30, 2025-Hispanic Heritage of Odessa held a farewell event for interim City Manager, Richard Morton at Ajuua’s Mexican Food Restuarant. City of Odessa staff including members of the city council, Eddie Mitchell, District 1, Greg Connell, District 4 and Gilbert Vasquez of District 3 attended the special event. Representatives with Hispanic Heritage of Odessa say that Richard Morton had a major impact on reshaping city government and building relationships with the Hispanic community.
(Liliana Marquez, President-Hispanic Heritage of Odessa/Odessa, Texas)
Richard Morton had been in Odessa for about 20 years and served as City Manager from 2002 to 2017. In early 2025 the new Odessa City Council asked for his help in finding a qualified city manager.
(Richard Morton, Interim City Manager-City of Odessa/Texas)
David Vela is now the new Odessa City Manager and will begin his duties on Monday, June 2nd.
