By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
FRISCO — Supporters of mayoral candidate Mark Hill packed Frisco Hall on Wednesday evening for “Unite Frisco,” an event featuring educators, faith leaders, community advocates and elected officials just days before voters decide the city’s next mayor.
The evening opened with a mariachi band performance and drew a packed crowd that included current and former elected officials, school board members and community leaders from across Frisco.
Unite Frisco Event Draws Diverse Crowd
Throughout the program, speaker after speaker returned to a common message: Frisco’s strength comes from the people who call it home.
“Look around this room,” emcee Dan Peril told attendees. “This is who we are Frisco. This is diversity, this is our foundation.”
Powell described the gathering as a celebration of a city that remains welcoming as it continues to grow.
“We come from different backgrounds. We have different stories. We have different neighborhoods, but we’re all here for the same reason,” he said.
Event Reflects Themes Emerging in Runoff
The event took place during the final days of a mayoral runoff that has generated significant attention and debate across the city.
Hill, a member of the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees, faces businessman Rod Vilhauer, a former member of the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, in Saturday’s election.
In recent weeks, the race has been marked by controversy surrounding comments Vilhauer made about Hispanic residents, immigration and Islam. The disputes have fueled debate across the city and helped shape broader conversations about leadership, community identity and Frisco’s future.
Wednesday’s event focused heavily on themes of unity, inclusion and belonging. The lineup reflected that message, featuring speakers from Frisco’s Hispanic, Muslim, education and disability advocacy communities.
Although speakers did not mention Vilhauer by name, several referenced recent divisions within the city.
The themes highlighted throughout the evening reflected broader debates that have surfaced during the runoff campaign, including questions about Frisco’s growth, diversity, identity and future direction.
The Rev. Billy Echols-Richter of Grace Avenue United Methodist Church opened the program by noting that Frisco had experienced “especially challenging” weeks and days. He later recalled advice from a mentor who warned against allowing “the promise of liberty and justice for all” to become “liberty and justice just for some.”
Community Voices Take Center Stage
Several speakers shared personal stories about their experiences in Frisco and why they chose to support Hill.
Alma Hernandez Juarez, founder of the Hispanohablantes community group and an ESL teacher in Frisco ISD, reflected on her family’s journey after arriving in Frisco.
“I was only 8 years old when I arrived in Frisco unable to speak English,” Hernandez Juarez said.
She credited educators and community members with helping her become the first person in her family to graduate from college.
“I’ve seen Frisco grow, change and welcome families from every background,” she said. “I’ve seen what is possible when people choose to come together rather than focus on what makes us different.”
Former Islamic Center of Frisco President Azfar Saeed spoke about Frisco’s growth and the role residents from different backgrounds have played in shaping the city.
“The future of Frisco will not be built by one group, one neighborhood, one religion or one political party,” Saeed said. “It will be built by all of us together.”
Drawing from multiple faith traditions, Saeed encouraged residents to “build bridges, not walls.”
Disability advocate Dylan Rafaty focused his remarks on accessibility and inclusion.
“As a person with disabilities, I have experienced firsthand the power of inclusion,” Rafaty said. “When barriers are removed, opportunities grow. When people are welcomed, communities thrive.”
The speakers represented several communities that organizers highlighted throughout the evening as part of the city’s identity and growth.
Hill Focuses on Opportunity and Growth
When Hill took the stage, he spent much of his speech discussing what has drawn families and businesses to Frisco over the past several decades.
“Ultimately, to me, it comes down to one word, and that word is opportunity,” Hill said.
He argued that families often move to Frisco seeking educational opportunities while businesses relocate to pursue economic opportunities.
“It is our job to make sure that the next family that wants to have a better education for their kids chooses Frisco,” Hill said. “It’s our job to make sure that businesses looking to grow choose Frisco, Texas.”
Hill also emphasized the importance of city leaders serving as what he called “a positive ambassador for the city of Frisco.”
He later urged supporters to spend the final days of the campaign encouraging neighbors to vote.
“The differences between the candidates are oceans apart,” Hill said.
Final Push Before Election Day
As the event concluded, organizers urged attendees to contact friends, neighbors and family members before Saturday’s runoff election.
The race will determine who succeeds Mayor Jeff Cheney as Frisco’s next mayor.
Polls will be open Saturday June 13th, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.