The seat opened after Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Julie Holmer announced she would resign to run for Collin County Commissioners Court Precinct 4 in the 2026 election. The winning candidate will serve the remainder of Holmer’s term, which expires in May 2027.
Early voting starts Jan. 14 and will run through Jan. 27. The last day to register to vote in the election is Dec. 31.
Candidates were asked to 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.
Colleen Aguilar-Epstein
Occupation & Experience:
Plano Board of Adjustment, Church Council Secretary, Strategic Long Range Planning Board, Board Member of La Paz
Candidate Website:
www.colleenforplano.com
Why are you running for Plano City Council?
For over 30 years, my husband and I have raised our family here and built deep relationships. I’m eager to help shape decisions that strengthen Plano and keep it a place where companies call home, neighbors feel welcome, and families can put down roots and thrive.
What are the biggest challenges Plano is facing?
Aging infrastructure that is not sufficient for the explosive growth of the last decade and lack of affordable home stock. Young families can’t afford to move into homes here, so they are bypassing Plano for less dense suburbs. The resulting shrinking student population has caused some school closings.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I would slow approval of high-density residential developments, so our infrastructure can accommodate our current population. I would strengthen the “over 65 tax freeze”, so that seniors can transfer their frozen tax amount dollar for dollar to a smaller footprint residence. This will free up housing stock for young families.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
I will prioritize support for our dedicated first responders, and mitigate factors that make our residents vulnerable to crime. I will modernize our mobility, decrease traffic, and better plan for road repairs. I will reduce the tax burden with a stronger business tax base, and a more cost-effective transit solution.
Are there any changes or improvements you would like to see for public transit in Plano?
We need to modernize our transit. Billions of dollars of our taxes have been diverted to DART, with inequitable return in services to our city. We have the funds to provide immediate continuity of service outside of the DART system to our residents who rely on para-transit and micro-transit transportation.
Shun Thomas
Occupation & Experience:
Community Leader: Junior League of Collin County, Community Relations Commission
Candidate Website:
www.shunthomas4plano.com
Why are you running for Plano City Council?
I am a longtime community leader and a neighbor who loves this city. For years, I’ve brought people together, including schools, hospitals, nonprofits, businesses, and families, to solve problems and build lasting solutions. Plano will thrive when we work together in the spirit of transparency, collaboration, respect, and integrity.
What are the biggest challenges Plano is facing?
Although one can identify a few challenges, Plano’s biggest challenge is identifying the best transportation option for our growing city. By listening to residents, studying all available solutions, and fostering smart partnerships, we can build a reliable and accessible transit system that moves our city confidently into the future.
How do you plan to address these issues?
Plano’s transportation challenges can be addressed through working in a collaborative mindset that strengthens partnerships, enhances neighborhood connections, and invests in modern, reliable transit. By being transparent with all stakeholders, listening to residents, and using data-driven planning, we can reduce congestion and ensure everyone has dependable ways to move across our city.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
My priorities are to keep Plano safe by supporting first responders; protect our excellent parks; grow tourism responsibly; sustain a healthy balance between businesses and neighborhoods to keep taxes low; improve transportation options; and partner with agencies to deliver wrap-around services for all members of our community in need.
Are there any changes or improvements you would like to see for public transit in Plano?
The major improvement will start with the manner in which one collaborates with our transportation partner and how one communicates with our citizens regarding the state of our public transit system. Enhancing those efforts includes being transparent, [and] we should provide updates using all available applications to keep citizens informed.
