Texas Border Business
McAllen, Texas – The Greater McAllen Association of REALTORS® today announces its successful request to Judge Sergio Valdez to Dismiss claims made by Timothy Wilkins in his lawsuit against them. In the Order signed by the judge the REALTOR® association was also successful in defending itself against a Motion for Sanctions that was sought by Mr. Wilkins.
In March Mr. Wilkins sued the organization for its decision to endorse candidates in contested races for the City of McAllen election which took place May 1, 2021. At the time of filing Mr. Wilkins requested a Temporary Injunction against the REALTOR® Association. Judge Valdez denied the Temporary Injunction in an Order dated April 13, 2021.
“Mr. Wilkins was wrong on the facts and his attorney wrong on the law. This should put to rest the belief that a REALTOR Association is not entitled to exercise its free speech and participate in political activities,” Lee Jinks, President of the Board of Directors. He added “Greater McAllen Association of REALTORS® will continue to pursue any and all legal remedies against Mr. Wilkins’ frivolous claims.”
Electing officials who understand homeowners’ concerns and who will work to lower the barriers to homeownership in Texas is one of the association’s top priorities.
Update:
Roland Quintana, an attorney representing Wilkins in the appeals process of the case, issued a statement in response to Jinks’ remarks.
“Today, the Greater McAllen Association of REALTORS (“GMAR”) announced victory in a case brought against it by Timothy Wilkins. This announcement can best be described as premature and unnoteworthy,” Quintana said. “Indeed, Mr. Wilkins’s case against GMAR has not been dismissed in its entirety. That is, Mr. Wilkins still has valid claims against GMAR that will likely proceed to trial.”
“As to the claims that were dismissed by the Honorable Judge, Mr. Wilkins will be appealing the dismissal,” he said.
