Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
McALLEN, Texas — In a highly attended candidate forum hosted Tuesday night at South Texas College, contenders for District 1 and District 3 seats on the McAllen City Commission addressed the city’s most pressing issues, ranging from flooding and water security to affordable housing, taxes, transparency, and inclusion.
The event, organized by FUTURO RGV and held at STC’s Pecan Campus, featured STC President Dr. Ricardo Solis’s opening remarks, emphasizing McAllen’s national political relevance and regional impact. “Never before in the history of the political history of the United States… has the border been the number one priority,” said Dr. Solis. “McAllen is at the epicenter of what’s taking place… not only in South Texas but the entire border and the U.S.-Mexico region.”
FUTURO RGV President Mark Murray welcomed the crowd, highlighting the organization’s mission. “Our goal is to drive positive change in government, economic development, educational advancement, healthcare, and public safety,” Murray said. “Forums like these bring transparency and accountability to local leadership.”
In the District 1 race, incumbent Commissioner Tony Aguirre is seeking reelection against challenger Tim Wilkins, who could not attend the event and was represented by Tony Forina, External Operations Director for Hidalgo County Precinct 4.
Forina, speaking on Wilkins’ behalf, delivered a message focused on accountability and fresh leadership. “Leadership isn’t about staying silent,” he said. “It’s about standing firm, even when it’s uncomfortable. Tim Wilkins will question what doesn’t make sense and speak up when others stay quiet. He’s simply asking for a turn.”
Aguirre, who has served over 30 years in city government and utility leadership, defended his record and emphasized his long-standing commitment to infrastructure and fiscal prudence. “A city commissioner needs to listen to residents, be proactive with ideas, and work as a team member,” Aguirre said. “We’ve lowered the tax rate for four straight years. We’ve kept McAllen growing, safe, and financially strong. I love this city, and I’ve proven I get results.”
The District 3 contest between incumbent Omar Quintanilla and challenger Rolando “Rollie” Rios brought sharper contrasts, especially on infrastructure and neighborhood equity.
Quintanilla, a banker with over two decades of community involvement, focused on the district’s growth and drainage improvement efforts. “We’ve completed six major drainage projects in District 3 since 2018,” he said. “Quality of life means everything — from streets and streetlights to economic opportunity. The growth is real, and I’m asking for four more years to continue that progress.”
Rios, a retired educator, and current realtor, countered with a grassroots message focused on the disparities between different areas of the district. “I grew up two blocks from here, and I’ve seen how this part of District 3 has been left behind,” Rios said. “That’s why I’m running — because our neighborhoods deserve equal attention. I will listen, act, and most importantly, I will lead.”
Water security was a shared concern among all candidates. Aguirre outlined ongoing plans to build a $200 million desalination plant and stressed securing funding through upcoming state initiatives. “We’re fighting to get our share of $10 billion the state is allocating for water projects,” he said. “We are preparing now to protect McAllen’s water future.”
Quintanilla and Rios both agreed with the need for proactive planning, though Rios emphasized community education and conservation strategies. “Let’s partner with regional leaders, hospitals, and residents,” he said. “This isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about sustainability.”
On fiscal issues, all candidates praised McAllen’s financial standing. The city holds approximately $100 million reserve and a $21 million economic development fund. However, residents raised concerns about tax equity. Quintanilla responded by pointing to high city efficiency. “Our city spends your tax dollars responsibly, and we’re proud of that,” he said.
Affordable housing and rising rent costs resonated, especially with STC students in attendance. Aguirre acknowledged increasing demand and limited supply, noting, “We’re seeing the pressure across the board. We need more housing — not just for students, seniors, and families too.”
Quintanilla advocated for continued support for the McAllen Housing Authority and tax-credit-funded developments. “We don’t want our people priced out of the city they love,” he said.
When asked about transparency, candidates agreed that more city business should be handled in public sessions. Aguirre voiced support for more workshops, adding, “I’m for as few executive sessions as possible. People deserve to hear what’s being discussed.”
Rios called for more town halls and citizen engagement. “We need to hear from people regularly — what’s working, what’s not,” he said. “Transparency means inviting people into the process, not just reporting back later.”
On a question concerning LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion, all candidates expressed commitment to fairness. “We serve everyone in this city,” Aguirre stated. “Every decision we make has to reflect that.” Rios added, “We need to ask why that question was raised tonight — it means someone doesn’t feel heard. That should matter to us.”
In their closing statements, the candidates made final appeals. Quintanilla cited the district’s progress under his tenure. “I’ve been your commissioner for eight years, and I want to continue the work we’ve started,” he said.
Rios reiterated his reason for running. “I wasn’t going to let another four years go by without giving our neighborhoods a voice,” he said. “I have the vision and the heart to serve.”
Aguirre reminded voters of his decades-long dedication to the city. “I’ve lived all over McAllen, and I care about every corner of it,” he said. “This is not a job to me — it’s a calling.”
Early voting begins April 22 and runs through April 29. Election Day is Saturday, May 3. Voters are encouraged to get informed, compare platforms, and make their voices heard at the ballot box.
See related stories:
