MISSION, Texas — Longtime trial attorney Ricardo “Rick” Salinas officially entered the race for mayor of Mission, Texas, filing his candidacy paperwork and outlining an ambitious campaign platform focused on City Hall transparency, urgent infrastructure repairs, and fiscal accountability ahead of the November election.
Salinas, who has practiced law for 33 years, framed his run not as a career move, but as an “affair of the heart” aimed at addressing core municipal issues that he contends current leadership has neglected.
Addressing common public perceptions, Salinas acknowledged that his career high-profile courtroom work often leads residents to see him as unapproachable or stern.
“I think a lot of people feel that I'm unapproachable because I wear the tie, I wear the suit... but they need to understand that I've always been the guy—in case of emergency, break the glass kind of guy,” Salinas said.
Beyond the courtroom, Salinas highlighted his roots at his family ranch, emphasizing that his social media outreach and public presence aim to show voters his true character.
1. Open Government & Public Comment Rules
Transparency stands as Salinas’ primary mandate. He sharply criticized current city council rules that restrict public comment strictly to agenda items, calling the policy unconstitutional and an infringement on residents' free speech rights.
“Those three minutes belong sovereign to the people that live here,” Salinas stated. “Let them get up there and talk... Transparency is real big, and I'm bothered by the leadership right now because even with our financing, even with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), there seems to be an overall lack of transparency.”
2. Infrastructure and Neglected Neighborhoods
Salinas pointed to drainage failures, roads, and inadequate sewer systems in working-class neighborhoods—specifically highlighting areas around 11th Street in Precinct 3—where residents face localized flooding and severe sanitation issues.
“For the common everyday folks, they need a little help,” he noted. “I just want to make them feel better, knowing that someone cares and we're going to get it done.”
3. Fiscal Oversight & EDC Restructuring
Expressing grave concern over the city’s financial health and lowered bond rating, Salinas questioned past expenditures, arguing that economic development funds should be redirected from cosmetic projects toward basic needs and small business development.
Salinas emphasized that he is establishing a strict eight-year limit for his overall vision for Mission, noting that bringing in additional legal support at his firm will allow him to dedicate his full energy to municipal governance.
“My plan is an eight-year plan,” Salinas said. “If you don't give yourself a begin date and an end date, you won't get anything done... I want to bring everybody back down to reality. Let's go back to the heart of Mission, rebuild downtown, and give people a sense of hope.”
