Seven people file to run for Water District #3

Grab a bag of popcorn and rest for a spell, because the race for tiny little Hidalgo County Water Improvement District #3 promises some fireworks as the May election draws near. Former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling vs. District GM and Board President O.E. Brand (Othal Jr.).

Brand isn’t actually up for re-election this cycle, but the friction between Darling, while he served as McAllen mayor (eight years), city commissioner, and city attorney, is well documented.

Former McAllen City Attorney Kevin Pagan has also tossed his hat in the ring with Darling for a board seat. Rioco-based attorney Jesse Barba makes it a trio.

In most past district races, incumbent board members have run un-opposed, but not this election (May 2022). This year, the three incumbents — Chris Burns, Lance Neuhaus, and Bill Moschel — have filed to run again, but it will be a district race like no other.

Well, OK, there was the year that a board member was sworn in the same day another board member was removed from office, but that’s beside the point. A seventh candidate

A seventh candidate has also filed to run: attorney and former judge Fidencio Guerra.

Reached by phone earlier this week, Brand said that he had a lot to say about this race, but wanted to wait until after Wednesday’s board meeting was concluded. “After that, I’ll have

“After that, I’ll have a lot to say about this race,” he said.

As mentioned in last week’s brief story about this election, the water district and the city have been at odds for years.

It went so far one year, in 2011, that the city, along with the help of state Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was able to get legislation passed by the state House and Senate that would disband the district, giving control of its resources to the city.

Somehow, some way, Brand was able to circumvent the legislature with the help of a heavy-duty lobbyist and get then-Governor Rick Perry to veto the new bill, provided that the district undergo an audit, which was either good or not very good, based on who you asked.

The city’s position, which will presumably be the platform on which Darling, Pagan, and Barba campaign, has been that with the concept of economy of scale, McAllen can run the district with a reduced budget and manage it more effectively, saving taxpayer money.

Also, the city has objected to the fees the water improvement district charges developers for easements, right-of-ways, crossings, so that new subdivisions can be platted.

Not sure of the exact numbers now, but in years past, the water district provided approximately 55% of McAllen’s raw water, but the city provided approximately 90% of the district’s income.

Brand, speaking in past interviews about the two entities butting heads, has said it’s a power trip on the city’s part, painting a David vs. Goliath struggle.

“One heavy hitter trying to walk all over the little guy and steal its water.”

In the past, Darling has discounted Brand’s assertions.

Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 3, one of the smallest in the RGV, is relatively narrow in scope, but its boundaries run through the very heart of McAllen, with Bicentennial Boulevard on the west and 2nd Street on the east; Canton Road on the north, to the city’s airport on the south.

At least those used to be the boundaries (circa 2013). For this election, The Advance needs an up-to-date boundary map, so that people will know if they’ll have a voice in this upcoming election.