Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
The McAllen Citizens League (MCL) is proud to host a timely and informative candidate forum during its upcoming meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025. This event is open to MCL members and the general public and will provide valuable insights ahead of the upcoming local elections.
Candidates running for McAllen City Commissioner Districts 1 and 3, as well as those vying for seats on the McAllen Independent School District Board of Trustees, Places 3 and 7, will be featured during the forum.
The forum will take place at the Rio Bank Event Center, located at 701 E. Expressway 83 (at McColl Rd.), in McAllen. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and the program runs from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
This is an excellent opportunity for residents to hear directly from the candidates on key issues facing the city and school district. Don’t miss this chance to get informed and engaged in your local democracy!
City Commission Races candidates:
District 1
City Commission Races
District 1
Antonio “Tony” Aguirre (Incumbent):
Tony Aguirre Jr. served on the McAllen Public Utilities Board for 27 years before being elected to the City Commission in 2021. He also served on the City’s Audit Committee and various community boards. His priorities include public safety, economic growth, parks, healthcare access, and support for the arts.
Timothy “Tim” Wilkins:
A lifelong McAllen resident, Tim Wilkins is a business owner and father of three. With over 20 years of experience managing $2 billion in real estate, he brings practical solutions to City Hall. He advocates for smarter growth, better traffic flow, transparency, and accountability.
District 3
J. Omar Quintanilla (Incumbent):
Commissioner since 2017, Omar Quintanilla focuses on drainage, neighborhood safety, and small business growth. He is SVP at Frost Bank and a St. Mary’s University graduate. He serves on multiple civic boards and is President of Amigos Del Valle.
Rolando “Rolly” Rios:
Rios is a McAllen native with 33 years in education, including 30 as a La Joya ISD administrator. He holds degrees from UT-Pan American and completed leadership training at UVA. Now a real estate agent, he prioritizes student success, budgeting, and community engagement.
MISD Trustee Races
Place 3
Allena Cano:
An MISD graduate and parent of three MISD students, Cano is an attorney and owner of Cano FamCo. She holds degrees from TCU, UT Arlington, and Duke Law. Her priorities include transparency, accountability, and policy compliance, focusing on directing funds to educators and facilities.
Robert Carreon:
Carreon is a longtime McAllen resident, parent, and educator with experience as a teacher and nonprofit executive. He is focused on improving student outcomes, sound budgeting, teacher support, and increased parent involvement. He brings a passion for coalition-building and educational equity.
Place 7
Rojelio Aleman II:
An Army veteran and MISD graduate, Aleman served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He’s active in veterans’ groups, Keep McAllen Beautiful, and Holy Spirit Church. He’s pursuing a degree in Organizational Leadership and advocates for student services and civic engagement.
Roberto Haddad:
Haddad is VP & Counsel at DHR Health and active in regional civic organizations. A McAllen Memorial, St. Edward’s, and Georgetown Law graduate, he brings experience in law, policy, and advocacy. He lives in McAllen with his husband, son, and a daughter.
Tiffany Ramos:
As a pharmaceuticals and medical benefits manager, Ramos has four years of experience working with nationwide insurance plans. She specializes in conflict resolution and client advocacy. Her goals include improving special education and staff compensation and launching a farm-to-school program.
Questions were developed by the Government Affairs Committee of the MCL with board guidance.
The McAllen Citizens League was established in 1952 and focuses on providing members pertinent information about current affairs, community, art and culture, government, and education, among other topics related to its citizens in a non-sectarian/non-partisan manner. Please call (956) 681-2861 to make your reservation to attend this informative luncheon meeting by 4/14/2024. The lunch fee is $20 for MCL members and $23 for non-members. Credit card and check payments are preferred and may be paid at the registration table.
Annual membership dues of $20 per member may also be paid at MCL meetings. More information is available on our social media pages: Facebook or Instagram.
