Richard Moya

Richard Moya (August 14, 1932 - February 16, 2017) was the first Mexican-American elected to public office in Travis County, Texas, becoming County Commissioner in 1970, having been elected in 1969. Characterized as a "legendary Chicano activist" and a "political trailblazer" by Austin newspapers, Later Moya served at the state level where he continued his push for better government. Here, he developed strong leadership skills and found the value of helping others to realize their goals. With limited college opportunities after graduating from Austin High, Moya became a delivery boy for a print shop. The shop's pressmen pooled their money to pay Moya to clean the presses for them. Eventually, he learned the printing trade and became a union pressman.

Travis County Legal Aid Society In the mid-’60s, the Travis County Legal Aid Society sought to hire a chief investigator. Knowing Moya had connections in the community, Justice of the Peace Jerry Dellana encouraged him to apply for the non-lawyer chief investigator position.

Following his election, Gus Garcia was elected to the Austin school board, Gonzalo Barrientos was elected to the Texas Legislature and John Treviño to the Austin City Council. In 1998 Moya ran again for the Pct. 4 position, in a failed attempt to oust Margaret Gómez, his former employee.

Texas State Government service

After leaving the commissioners court Moya worked for Jim Hightower at the Texas Department of Agriculture as the Director of Field Operations. His focus was on handling personnel issues and working with field offices.

After Ann Richards was elected Governor, she hired Moya as a Deputy Chief of Staff. He was a trouble shooter for problem agencies and he used his experience to help Richards bring diversity to state boards and commissions.

Personal life

In 1953 Moya married Gertrude “Gertie” Garza. Together they had a son who died at age 19 and a daughter, Lori Moya, who followed her father into politics, serving on the Austin school board from 2006 to 2014. Known as a family man, he always made time for them. A Texas Longhorn fan, he followed their football, basketball, and baseball teams.

Legacy Moya's most visible legacy is Richard Moya Park, 100 acres of woodlands and ball fields along Onion Creek, close to the Austin airport, and home of Moore's Crossing Historic District. His political legacy lives on in the changes he brought to Travis County government, having opened the door for the hiring and election of minorities.

Death Moya died after a battle with prostate cancer at age 84 in 2017.