Texas Border Business
Javier Villalobos is a McAllen attorney running for District 1 in the City of McAllen. He has practiced governmental law representing municipalities, schools, housing authorities, corporations, nonprofits and general practice including family and criminal law.
Is this the first time you seek to be a public servant? “No, not at all. I have been a public servant forever, just not in the capacity of an elected official. The last time I ran, I lost to a gentleman who was very well-known, who was mayor, and who defeated me,” stated Villalobos was referring to Richard Cortez who has had successful campaigns. “I believe I can serve the public,” Villalobos said.
Why do you want to be commissioner? “I have about 19 years’ experience working with governmental issues. I have a lot of experience the city can use and benefit. I see the issues that arise in the city, and think I can help.”
Are you getting support from your district? “The support has been tremendous from people when we block walk, they are excited. I have also received calls from different people that before could not support me, that are now backing me. So, yes, we have had a great and terrific response.”
Residents in McAllen exercise apathy, how do you plan to get them to vote? “This is a real challenge for any candidate, in my case in this election, what I see is excitement in my district. It is important to invite people to vote to get the attention of the state and the federal governments.”
What is the best thing that you see about McAllen? “I think McAllen is a great place to live. Our location, close to the border is strategic, which is a good thing. We’re having a bit of an issue right now, because of the lack of tourism from Mexico. In the meantime, we should find different avenues.” He said, “We’re lucky in McAllen, McAllen is still… the gem of the Valley and District 1, the diamond.”
“If elected, I plan to engage the rest of the commission and propose rehabilitation for the southern areas on 10th Street with all the small businesses.” He plans to pick up the tax base and generate revenues which benefit the city and the businesses.
When you say, McAllen is great to live. What do you base it on? “McAllen has developed much nicer than most of the surrounding areas, some of that has been the foresight of 20-30 years ago. Today, north of Nolana has developed even nicer than the south, that is why I’m talking about rehabilitating the southern area.” Villalobos is aware that the city is currently addressing some of the drainage issues.
“If city officials address it with bonds that is the way government works… When the school district was trying to pass a bond that was not favorable to benefit the citizens. We fought against it because we didn’t think it was a proper plan. I have no issues with the use of bonds when necessary and proper.”
Would you be a puppet for someone outside city government? “People have seen me in action with the school district bond and the hospital district. I will be a puppet for nobody. I’ve pretty much funded 90 percent or more of my campaign; I don’t want to be beholden to anybody. I will do what I think it’s right. That’s how I was raised, and that’s what I’ll do, always the right decision.” TBB
