By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
As originally published in Texas Border Business newsprint edition January 2020
I have covered this region since 1975, so yes, I was there in 1978 when Mayor Darling showed up to the McAllen City Commission meetings as City Attorney.
He has never changed; he is the same. However, for each event, Darling transforms according to the circumstances. Take note of these photos.
I have had the opportunity to be present in some, not all events, and cover the mayor, and as you can see, he is versatile. When they invite him to the podium, the audience already knows that he will share his good humor.
In his State of the City address, he has arrived as a cyclist; also, he repelled descending from the ceiling of the McAllen Convention Center. Last year he was a magician, and a good one.
That day he said that people asked him what he will be in his next act? Unfortunately, he never reveals what comes next. He said not even Sandra, his wife, knows. Because according to Mayor Darling, Sandra has veto powers and can cancel the act. Or give him, as we say in Spanish, a “¡Estate quieto!” that’s why I say, Mayor Darling has a good sense of humor.
I have covered the region as a media member for more than four decades. Because of it, I can say that Darling is a good mayor, just like former McAllen mayors Jack Whetsel, Othal Brand, Sr., Leo Montalvo, and Richard Cortez.
In his case, Darling comes with a lot of experience. No offense, he is probably a touch bit more qualified than some of the mayors before him. Yes, I understand, each one of them showed exceptional leadership qualities. But Darling has worked with four mayors. Plus, as an attorney, he has the legal experience needed for essential solutions to many challenges that a municipality like McAllen faces multiple times every day.
That’s why I say, today, Darling stays ahead, his proven record supports what you are reading. Honestly, if he were doing a lousy job, we wouldn’t even mention him. But he is just like the mayors before, as they were exceptional.
Darling is in the lead for his experience in municipal affairs.
Please take notice that former mayor Jack Whetsel was an example in administration. Othal Brand, Sr. a true visionary; Leo Montalvo, also an attorney, made history by becoming the first Hispanic mayor of McAllen; and Richard Cortez, the public accountant, came with lots of experience from public works but also as a man who knows the numbers extremely well. These men helped shape McAllen into the gem it is today.
Friends, enjoy these photos and then tell us which ones you liked the most!
