Texas Border Business
2020 was a time of deep reflection for McAllen businessman and City of McAllen Public Utilities Trustee Tony Aguirre. He considered all of our past and present city employees and elected officials and how, historically, McAllen has stood out for being progressive and never satisfied with the status quo.
“Throughout the year, I also listened intently to the reflections of others as they outlined outstanding aspects of our city and areas they think need to be addressed in that visionary McAllen way,” Aguirre said. “As I reflected over the past several months, I also acknowledged that we will be dealing with COVID-19 for several more months. I thought about the consequences of the pandemic and the work that lies ahead for our city to restore what has been lost and to prosper post-COVID-19.”
Instead of pointing toward others who could help accomplish this formidable task, Aguirre has decided to step forward and offer his knowledge, experience, and vision, as well as the ideas he has garnered from countless others who also love our city. So today, Aguirre formally announces his bid for District 1 McAllen City Commissioner.
“While 2020 was a time of reflection,” Aguirre said, “2021 must be a time of deliberate, visionary planning and implementation.”
As a boy, Aguirre attended Zavala Elementary and Travis and Lincoln junior high schools. He graduated from McAllen High School. Aguirre is the managing partner of Riverside Development Services, LLC, a land-development and infrastructure-construction company. He and his wife, Linda, have three adult children who all live in McAllen.
Aguirre has served as a McAllen PUB trustee for 27 years, over half of those as chairman of the Board. During that time, he has played an instrumental role in ensuring that our public utilities keep up with the city’s growth while maintaining water quality and safety. This is evidenced by the fact that, during this time, McAllen residents have never had to boil their water. Aguirre has always been a strong steward of taxpayer dollars. Through their deliberate actions, the PUB and the Public Utilities staff have managed to keep the water rates for City of McAllen residents among the lowest in the state.
Aguirre served on the City of McAllen’s Audit and Investment Committee for over 10 years. This committee has the vital task of securing McAllen’s enviable AA+ credit rating.
Community service has always played a significant role in Aguirre’s life. He has served on a number of boards, most notably serving for 20 years on the board of Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement, which brings Valley residents out of unemployment and poverty through education, the Boys and Girls Club of McAllen, and the McAllen Economic Development Corporation. Aguirre has also served on several committees for his church, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and is an active member of its ACTS community.
Aguirre has developed strong relationships with city, county, state, and federal leaders, a critical asset as McAllen and the RGV rebuild. Even more importantly, he has developed countless lasting relationships within our community. Those who know him describe Aguirre as approachable and kind with a relentless work ethic and a reputation for getting the job done.
“In the coming weeks,” Aguirre said, “I will share my platform with the citizens of McAllen, a five-priority platform: (1) community health, (2) drainage and traffic, (3) education, (4) public safety, and (5) small-business and economic development. I am ready to serve as your District 1 McAllen city commissioner, and I humbly ask for your support.”
