Ethan T. Maldonado 
Draya Rios/THE RIDER
Economic development, infrastructure funding and public safety took center stage Thursday as three of the four candidates running for Edinburg mayor participated in a forum hosted by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce at the DHR Conference Center at Renaissance.
Former mayor Richard Molina, former city attorney Omar Ochoa and former city councilmember Johnny Garcia spoke about their priorities for the city’s future. Political newcomer Jonathan Salinas did not attend.
“I will not be doing any more candidate forums or debates for the rest of the campaign,” Salinas wrote in an Oct. 5 Substack post.
Thursday’s event came more than a week after the Futuro RGV forum, where Ochoa, Garcia and Salinas debated issues including housing, transparency and taxes. Molina, who missed it due to a prior commitment, appeared on stage for the first time this election cycle.
Molina, pointing to economic development, said the city’s existing health-care sector is the foundation for future growth.
“We’ve already invested millions into the medical school and health systems here,” he said. “That’s our strength; there’s no reason to look elsewhere.”
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Ochoa agreed on the importance of health care but said the city should expand its economic base to create more opportunities for younger residents.
“The average age in Edinburg is 29,” he said. “We have a workforce that’s ready to go. The challenge is training them up.”
Garcia said the city’s leadership will play a crucial role in attracting investment. Citing his experience on the Rio Grande Valley Development Council, he said, “We need the right leadership in place to bring investors to our city.”
Infrastructure funding was also discussed, with candidates outlining different strategies to ease the burden on taxpayers. Ochoa said the city should rely more on development agreements and grants to support major projects.
“We shouldn’t be doing everything on the backs of taxpayers,” he said.
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Garcia said he would prioritize growing revenue through operations at the landfill and airport, while Molina pointed to his administration’s efforts to expand the city’s grants department.
“We laid the foundation,” Molina said. “Now it’s about building on that.”
On public safety, all three candidates expressed support for strengthening local police and fire departments. Garcia emphasized wages and resources, calling first responders “the backbone of community safety.”
Molina pointed to endorsements from public-safety unions, saying, “It’s not about talking; it’s about doing.”
Ochoa said improving response times and expanding technology can make the city “safer and smarter at the same time.”
In closing statements, Garcia emphasized teamwork and accessibility, Molina focused on his record and community involvement, and Ochoa urged voters to move the city forward with “new ways of doing things.”
Early voting begins Oct. 20 and will end on Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 4.
Draya Rios/THE RIDER
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