McALLEN — Though a special election has not yet been called for the District 1 seat on the city commission, physician Joseph M. Caporusso and businessman Timothy Wilkins have already announced that they will seek the coveted post.
This comes after District 1 incumbent Richard Cortez announced his candidacy for Hidalgo County judge on Tuesday, effectively triggering the eventual vacancy.
McAllen commissioners will likely vote at the next meeting, set for Oct. 9, to call a special election for Jan. 20, City Secretary Perla Lara said.
Caporusso is president and CEO of Complete Family Foot Care in McAllen and a former McAllen ISD board member. Wilkins is a senior property tax consultant and real estate broker, and is president and CEO of CADTax Property Tax Consulting. Wilkins also owns “Sofie’s ‘SS’ Saloon.”
“One of a city commissioner’s most important roles is to communicate with his or her constituents — to be attentive to their needs,” Caporusso said in a statement. “As a podiatrist, I have learned to listen to and advocate for my patients. Those patients are citizens in our community, and I’ve heard more than just their health care concerns. My goal is to reach out to the citizens of District 1 and understand their needs and desires in the same manner in which I listen to my patients.”
Caporusso’s wife, Lizy, is from Reynosa, which he said gives him perspective on issues in Mexico that impact McAllen.
Wilkins is a McAllen native and a graduate of Nikki Rowe High School.
“I am a product of McAllen, having been born and raised here,” Wilkins said in a statement. “I’ve spent my entire career fighting property taxes as well as managing other small businesses. I believe my skill set, experience and character would be of benefit to the current composition of the commission as well as our city.
“The city of McAllen is on the eve of some very serious economic downturns. Ultimately, the voters will decide if my ideas and skills resonate with them. I look forward to a healthy and spirited campaign.”
Caporusso and Wilkins are the first two candidates to announce a bid for the District 1 seat.
