Frisco’s mayoral race heats up as candidates Rod Vilhauer and Mark Hill vie for leadership and a new direction amid growth and diversity tensions.
FRISCO, Texas — Frisco’s mayoral special runoff is shaping up as a contest not only about leadership, but also about the city’s identity amid rapid growth issues and rising tensions over diversity.
The two candidates, Rod Vilhauer and Mark Hill, say they are best prepared to lead one of Texas’ fastest-growing cities.
Mark Hill points to his background as an attorney and his service on Frisco ISD and economic development boards as president, while Rod Vilhauer highlights his experience once running a multi-million-dollar construction company and his four decades in the city.
“I know so much of this city. I helped build it. I know what it takes to build. I know what it takes to lead people,” said Vilhauer, whose campaign mantra is “Frisco First.”
“I’ll be a positive ambassador for the city. I’ll be a deliberate and measured leader for the city. And I have been consistent throughout,” Hill said.
The city of Frisco still has about 10-15 percent of residential space before full build-out. Both candidates say public safety, low taxes, strong city services and attracting major businesses are top priorities.
“I’ve negotiated with some of the top companies in the world and I know how to do that,” Vilhauer said.
“Attract smart, disciplined, development to this city. It helps keeps taxes low, it generates revenue,” Hill said. “I have experience in real-time and I will be consistent and measured.” Mark also pointed to his service with the Economic Development Corporation.
But the race has also been overshadowed by controversy following heated public comments at a recent Frisco City Council meeting over proposals for a mosque and two Hindu temples.
“This is the result of putting mosques in Christian cities,” one speaker said during the meeting.
“I don’t want to see it turn into India or Islam,” another speaker added.
The comments drew backlash from residents and city leaders.
“I have heard things tonight I find horrifying,” one attendee said.
“To me what I am hearing he is so foreign,” another speaker said.
Hill described the rhetoric as “disheartening, frustrating, and forecasted,” while emphasizing his campaign message to “Unite Frisco.” “I really wish we could focus on what will advance this city,” Hill said. Hill also told WFAA that these are “outside forces” that are encouraged by supporters of his opponent.
About the many references to sharia on Tuesday night, Vilhauer said, “some of it has truth to it.” But he added that emotions at public meetings have become too intense.
“It is not a platform to destroy people with their mouth. Let’s bring honor back to these chambers.” he said. Vilhauer tells WFAA that if he is mayor these types of comments will not be tolerated and stop.
“If we stop becoming a welcoming community, that’s when this city starts to really struggle,” Hill added.
Vilhauer has also faced criticism over previous remarks on a podcast in which he compared the influx of Indians to “rats.” He says he has apologized directly to members of the community.
“I’ve apologized. I’ve asked them to forgive me and some of them I’ve looked them in the eye and said that,” Vilhauer said. “They say I’m a hater. I’ve been called a bigot; I’ve been called an Islamophobe.” Vilhauer said.
With three weeks until the runoff election, both candidates say they offer a different vision for Frisco’s future.
“If you want change, then I’m your only choice,” Vilhauer said.
“I try to be very positive and future focused and that is how I will lead the city,” Hill said.
The special runoff is scheduled for June 13th.