City of Justin General Election Candidate Profile

Meet Tomas Mendoza – Candidate for City Council, Place 2
Election Day: Saturday, May 3, 2025

What is your personal and professional background, and how has it prepared you to serve on the Justin City Council?

As a two-term member of the Justin City Council, I bring proven experience in understanding and addressing the needs of our community. Over the years, I've had the privilege of volunteering on multiple projects at both the city and county levels, further deepening my connection to the issues that matter most to our residents.

My academic background includes a degree in Management and Finance, which has equipped me with the skills to assess budgets, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure the financial sustainability of our city. Additionally, my expertise in project management has allowed me to oversee initiatives from conception to completion, ensuring that they meet timelines, budgets, and community expectations.

Together, these experiences have prepared me to make informed, impactful decisions for Justin's future. I am committed to continuing to serve our city with transparency, diligence, and a focus on the well-being of every resident.

Old Town Justin is a vital part of the city’s character and history. What are your thoughts and plans for revitalizing and preserving Old Town Justin while encouraging thoughtful growth?

Old Town Justin holds a special place in our city's heart, embodying its character, history, and sense of community. Preserving and revitalizing this area is not only a matter of honoring our heritage but also ensuring its continued vibrancy as we grow.

To achieve this, I plan to work closely with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Community Development Corporation (CDC) to create incentives for local businesses, fostering a thriving, diverse economy in Old Town. I believe in supporting all businesses equally, without regard to their politics or affiliations, as every enterprise contributes to the area's unique charm.

I also aim to collaborate with organizations such as the Rotary Club and the Heritage Foundation to celebrate and promote Old Town. Together, we can enhance its visibility and engage residents by bringing back events like an Old Town Festival—creating opportunities to gather, celebrate, and attract visitors.

Looking ahead, I envision Old Town as a lively hub where history and thoughtful growth coexist, offering a welcoming space for both residents and visitors to experience the best of Justin. By combining preservation, business support, and community engagement, we can ensure Old Town remains an essential part of our city's identity.

As Justin continues to grow, how will you help the city maintain its small-town charm and close-knit community feel?

As Justin experiences growth and development, I believe it is crucial to maintain the small-town charm and close-knit community feel that makes our city so special. As an elected official, I represent all citizens, including those with differing opinions. My goal is to foster unity and respect rather than division, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.

For me, the essence of a small town lies in its spirit of collaboration, mutual respect, and genuine effort to listen—not just to respond, but to truly understand. I am committed to promoting this mindset at every level of decision-making.

To strike a balance between development and preserving Justin’s identity, I would support thoughtful strategies such as:

• Encouraging community involvement in city planning processes to ensure that growth aligns with residents' values and priorities.

• Preserving historic sites and landmarks that reflect our town's heritage, while incorporating these into new developments where possible.

• Supporting local businesses to keep our economy vibrant and our sense of community strong.

• Investing in public spaces and community events that bring residents together, strengthening our bonds as a town.

By prioritizing respect, collaboration, and mindful growth, I envision a Justin that continues to evolve while cherishing the qualities that make it feel like home. 

What are your top three priorities for Justin over the next 3–5 years, and how do you plan to accomplish them?

Over the next 3–5 years, my priorities for Justin center around leadership, quality of life, and balanced growth. Together, we can address key areas that matter most to our community while preserving what makes Justin truly special.

1. Exemplary Leadership: Leadership shapes the success of our initiatives and the unity of our community. I strive to lead with transparency, collaboration, and respect—ensuring every voice is heard and valued in decision-making processes.

2. Enhancing Quality of Life: Key initiatives include:

2. Improving the connectivity of our parks and trail systems throughout the city, creating accessible spaces for recreation and community gatherings.

3. Ensuring the quality and quantity of water supply meets the growing needs of our residents.

4. Repairing streets in Old Town to preserve its charm while supporting its functionality.

5. Speeding up progress on the Justin Town Center Project to offer a vibrant community hub.

3. Strategic Growth and Development: I aim to:

3. Explore the addition of an urgent care facility or similar healthcare services to meet community needs.

4. Identify alternative funding sources to maintain quality services with minimal tax impact.

5. Foster economic development to increase retail tax revenue, supporting local businesses while reducing financial burdens for residents.

Through thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a focus on sustainability, I am committed to leading Justin toward a future where growth and community values go hand in hand.

5. How do you define integrity and transparency in local government, and what specific actions will you take to ensure both?

Integrity and transparency are the foundation of a trustworthy and effective local government. For me, integrity means consistently acting in the best interest of the community, adhering to ethical principles, and holding myself accountable for the decisions I make. Transparency means open and honest communication, ensuring residents have access to the information they need to understand and participate in local governance.

To earn and maintain the trust of voters, I commit to taking the following actions:

1. Open Communication Channels: I will actively engage with residents through regular town hall meetings, open forums, and online updates to share information and receive feedback.

2. Access to Information: I will advocate for clear and accessible communication about city decisions, budgets, and projects, ensuring residents can easily stay informed.

3. Accountability: I will hold myself and others accountable by encouraging oversight, welcoming constructive feedback, and addressing concerns promptly and honestly.

4. Inclusivity: I will prioritize listening to diverse perspectives and ensuring that all voices are heard and respected, fostering a culture of collaboration.

Trust is earned through actions, not just words. By leading with integrity and practicing transparency, I aim to build and sustain the confidence of our community in their local government.

📅 Election Day: May 3, 2025
🗳️ Be informed. Be involved. Vote local.