Candidates discuss city issues

Affordable housing, government transparency and regional growth were among the main topics as three candidates for Edinburg mayor faced off Tuesday night at a public forum hosted by Futuro RGV, a nonpartisan civic group.

Former city councilman Johnny Garcia, political newcomer Jonathan Salinas and former city attorney Omar Ochoa participated in the 90-minute event at the Edinburg Municipal Auditorium. 

In an interview with The Rider Wednesday, former mayor Richard Molina said he did not attend due to a prior commitment but plans to take part in future forums.

On housing, Garcia said the city should lean on local contractors and workforce training programs to build homes at lower costs. 

“We’ve got to be able to create the labor force here to meet the demand,” he said.

Salinas argued the real issue is affordability, pointing to vacant units and calling for tenant protections and assistance programs. 

“There are quite a bit of housing units vacant, and they’re vacant because people can’t afford to live in them,” he said.

Ochoa stressed partnerships with groups such as South Texas Affordable Homes, and said the city needs a master plan to ensure housing options at all income levels. 

“We need to make sure there’s housing for everybody, not just one segment of the community,” Ochoa said.

Transparency drew contrasting approaches. 

Salinas called for summaries of executive session deliberations to be made public. 

“The people deserve to know what their government is doing behind closed doors,” he said.

Garcia suggested better communication through newsletters and utility bill inserts. 

“We can’t expect folks to go hunting for information—we need to bring it to them,” he said.

Ochoa proposed an interactive online system giving residents access to city contracts and spending. 

“If you want transparency, let’s make the system transparent,” he said.

All three agreed regional challenges such as drainage and transportation require cooperation beyond city limits.

Garcia cited his experience on the Rio Grande Valley Development Council, while Ochoa pointed to the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Salinas said the city should explore expanded public transit across the Valley.

On taxes, Garcia said the city should pursue grants and provide resources to help families navigate exemptions. 

“It’s about helping people save where they can,” he said.

Salinas opposed property taxes altogether and said large corporations should bear more of the burden.

“Our residents are taxed enough—let’s make sure corporations are paying their fair share,” he said.

Ochoa countered state law prevents taxing profits and urged efficiency while expanding revenue from the city landfill and airport. 

“We have to be smart with the tools we actually have,” he said.

The candidates also addressed rural concerns, with each noting involuntary annexation is no longer allowed under state law.

In discussing public-private partnerships, Ochoa said the city should pursue new financing tools, Garcia emphasized the need for consistent master planning and Salinas argued contractors working with the city should pay fair wages.

Early voting begins Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 4.

About The Author