Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The McAllen Citizens League (MCL) held its third membership meeting of April 2025 with a public candidate forum for the City Commission elections for Districts 1 and 3. The event took place at the Rio Bank event venue located at 701 E. Expressway 83 in McAllen.
The meeting began with remarks by MCL President Judith Flores Saldivar, who welcomed attendees and introduced the program. In lieu of an invocation, Saldivar led a moment of silence in memory of Joe Vera, McAllen’s Assistant City Manager, who passed away the day before. Vera was recognized for decades of public service and for his leadership in organizing events like the McAllen Holiday Parade.
Saldivar acknowledged the work of MCL officers and board members in organizing the event and introduced several dignitaries in attendance, including City Commissioners Tony Aguirre, Omar Quintanilla, Seby Haddad, former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, and former McAllen ISD Trustee Sam Saldivar. The program was then handed over to Judge Ernie Aliseda, who introduced the forum moderator, attorney Dan Worthington.
Worthington opened by emphasizing the importance of local elections and outlined the rules for the forum. Each candidate was given 90 seconds for opening remarks, followed by alternating first-responder order to questions, with a focus on city budget priorities, growth management, traffic concerns, and drainage issues.
Antonio “Tony” Aguirre (incumbent) and challenger Timothy “Tim” Wilkins were candidates for District 1. Aguirre, who previously served 27 years on the McAllen Public Utilities Board and held roles on the City’s Audit Committee and various community boards, stressed his priorities of public safety, economic growth, parks, healthcare access, and arts support. Wilkins, a business owner with two decades of real estate management experience, emphasized smarter growth, better traffic flow, transparency, and accountability.
J. Omar Quintanilla (incumbent) and challenger Rolando “Rollie” Rios were candidates for District 3. Quintanilla, a Senior Vice President at Frost Bank and civic volunteer, focused on drainage improvements, neighborhood safety, and support for small business growth. Rios, a former La Joya ISD administrator with 33 years in education and now a real estate agent, highlighted priorities including student success, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement.
During opening statements, Aguirre emphasized the commitment and courage required to serve on the City Commission and spoke of the need for thorough research and collaboration on city matters. Wilkins advocated for positive pressure in leadership and invited voters to review his campaign platform online. Quintanilla detailed his years of service, listing improvements made to drainage, parks, and mobility in District 3. Rios cited his background in education leadership and emphasized a need for an educator’s perspective on the Commission.
The first round of questions addressed budget priorities in an ideal versus real-world context. Aguirre emphasized maintaining a healthy fund balance and fostering continued commercial and industrial growth to sustain the tax base. Wilkins pointed to deficiencies in city facilities and suggested public-private partnerships to revitalize areas, starting with McAllen High School. Quintanilla prioritized drainage, athletic fields, and animal services, while Rios linked economic growth to educational infrastructure, emphasizing the need to retain local talent with better job opportunities.
Candidates discussed the city’s growth trajectory, agreeing that expansion is primarily northward but also occurring industrially along Military Highway to the south. Wilkins warned against unchecked expansion without matching public services. Quintanilla cited increased commercial activity in District 3. Rios highlighted the need for equitable attention to older neighborhoods. Aguirre emphasized a structured approach to growth across all sectors — industrial, residential, and commercial.
Traffic management was another major topic. Wilkins noted strong north-south traffic corridors but weaknesses in east-west flow, advocating better signal timing during peak hours. Quintanilla acknowledged congestion challenges, especially during holiday seasons, and highlighted investments in traffic light optimization. Rios described McAllen’s road system as outdated for a growing city and called for greater planning and collaboration to improve traffic flow. Aguirre described ongoing efforts and a traffic study delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing that work on traffic issues is continuous.
Regarding drainage, candidates responded to the severe rainstorm that struck McAllen weeks prior. Rios emphasized the need for regular evaluation and maintenance of drainage infrastructure. Aguirre described recent and ongoing projects, including a major retention area in the south industrial zone. Wilkins praised the city’s existing drainage performance during the storm but advocated for future-oriented stormwater detention and retention strategies. Quintanilla outlined drainage improvements completed in District 3 since 2018 and called for continued attention to drainage needs as the city expands.
In closing remarks, Aguirre reflected on his family’s deep ties to McAllen and encouraged continued citywide momentum. Wilkins urged voters to seek accessible, service-oriented leadership and called for new energy on the Commission. Quintanilla cited improvements achieved during his tenure and reaffirmed his commitment to fiscal responsibility and quality of life projects. Rios stated his intention to represent overlooked areas of District 3, promising a focus on service, community listening, and results.
The McAllen Citizens League organized the forum to provide residents with information to help them make informed decisions in the ongoing municipal elections.
