Eligible residents have until April 3 to register to vote, and early voting starts April 22 and ends April 29. Election Day is May 3.
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Vidal Quintanilla
Occupation:
Vice President of Human Resources, U.S. Division – Access Healthcare; Manages million-dollar budgets
Candidate Website:
www.VidalforPlano.com
Why are you running for Plano City Council?
I’m running for Plano City Council because I believe in a city that listens to its residents, prioritizes smart growth, and invests in its future. With my experience in public service and strong community relationships, I’m committed to ensuring Plano remains a safe, thriving, and forward-thinking city for all.
What are the biggest challenges Plano is facing?
Plano’s challenge is maintaining and improving our roads while minimizing disruptions for residents. Additionally, the redevelopment of aging retail spaces is crucial to keeping our city vibrant, attracting businesses, and enhancing our economy.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I plan to address these issues by advocating for a strategic, phased approach to road maintenance that minimizes disruptions and ensures a smooth transition for residents. Additionally, I will support plans that encourage the redevelopment of aging retail spaces, attracting new businesses and enhancing Plano’s long-term economic vitality.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My key focus areas are economic development, maintaining low property taxes, strengthening support for police and fire, and revitalizing aging retail spaces. My goal is to ensure Plano remains a safe, thriving, and well-planned city that listens to its residents and makes smart investments for our future.
Hayden Padgett
Experience:
Technology Executive, Former Chair of the Plano Parks & Recreation Board
Candidate Website:
www.haydenpadgett.com
Contact Information:
972-372-9770
Why are you running for Plano City Council?
My wife and I moved to Plano for its great parks, schools, and public safety, all at one of the lowest property tax rates in NTX. That’s what it means to be the “city of excellence.” I’m running to keep Plano excellent and an extraordinary value for its residents.
What are the biggest challenges Plano is facing?
Plano’s infrastructure is aging which strains our finances. Repairs need to be made while minimizing disruption, keeping property taxes low, and maintaining high quality services. Additionally, for too long, DART has not provided enough value to our residents. They need to work with the city to make changes.
How do you plan to address these issues?
As former Chair of the Park’s Board, I deeply understand how to deliver quality services to the community. Listening to residents, collaborating with staff, and understanding budget constraints are essential qualities I bring to the table. No one will have all the answers together to solve any problem.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
Maintaining great services while keeping property taxes low. One measure of success for my term would be that no Plano resident is forced to move out because they cannot afford to pay their property tax bill to the city.
