Adrian Esquivel, candidate for city commission Place 3 responds to questions concerning his candidacy

My approach is rooted in personal interactions, ensuring that every resident feels heard and represented.  As a City Commissioner, my goal is to empower our community to realize its ideas and aspirations. Vernon belongs to all of us, and I want to create an environment where families and businesses can thrive together.With over two decades of experience as a management consultant, I bring essential skills to this role. Relationship building is at the heart of my work, and I have successfully collaborated with everyone from executives to front-line workers. I will carry this commitment into my role as City Commissioner, engaging with both city officials and the Vernon community.

I am confident that I can help Vernon move forward by collaborating with city officials and residents to develop a shared strategy that equips our first responders, strengthens economic growth, uplifts youth sports and arts, and improves our community’s infrastructure.

My focus is clear; to partner with everyone in Vernon and serve as your voice and City Commissioner for a vibrant today and a promising tomorrow. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community.

What do you see as the most important issue facing our community right now?

As I embarked on my journey to become an involved and open City Commissioner, I made it a priority to walk the streets of Vernon, knocking on doors and having meaningful conversations with residents. This grassroots approach is essential because, regardless of how someone votes, what truly matters is the connection we share as community members.

Through these conversations, I’ve come to recognize the most pressing issue facing the community: the need for residents to know who their commissioners are, outside of just a name, and understand the vital role commissioners play in their lives. If the community doesn’t know who their city officials are or what they do, then City Commissioners cannot effectively serve them.

That’s why my first objective as a City Commissioner will be to bride this gap. It’s not just about names on a ballot; it’s about fostering personal connections and showcasing the good work that city officials do for our community. Vernon is my home, and I want to be more than just a title, I want to be a friend and a neighbor to everyone.What are your plans for improving local infrastructure (e.g., roads, utilities, broadband access)?

As a City Commissioner, my priority will be to engage with city leaders and foster meaningful conversations about our goals for local infrastructure. I plan to partner closely with our Public Works Director, whose expertise and experience are invaluable. Trusting his leadership on critical areas like roads and utilities will be essential as we work together to plan and implement improvements across Vernon.I believe in transparency and communication with our community. I will keep residents informed about projects and future plans, ensuring that everyone knows what’s happening and allowing them the opportunity to share their thoughts.

Listening to the community is vital and partnering with city leaders is important and I am committed to learning from residents as I collaborate with city leaders. Together, we can create a shared vision for Vernon’s infrastructure that meets the needs of all our residents and paves the way for a brighter future.

How do you plan to support local businesses and encourage economic growth in our area?

Vernon is home to incredible businesses that are the backbone of our community, and I am committed to supporting their journey towards success. One the simplest yet most impactful ways we can do this is by choosing to buy local. When we invest in our own businesses, we strengthen not only their futures but also the entire economy of Vernon.

I understand that growth can be both existing and daunting for a small town. It requires change, and that change must be guided by the voices of our community. As your City Commissioner, I will prioritize listening to residents, understanding their needs, and championing what matters most for our local economy.

I plan to collaborate closely with city leaders, including City Manager Darrell Kennon and those in Tourism, Downtown Improvement Services, and Community Development. Together, I will help support a comprehensive vision for economic growth that reflects the aspirations of all Vernon residents.

While Vernon strives for growth, as a City Commissioner I will also cherish and preserve the unique charm that makes Vernon special. A thriving downtown is essential for fostering community connections and driving economic vitality. I envision a revitalized downtown that attracts new businesses and sparks the entrepreneurial spirit. By improving our downtown infrastructure, we can create a vibrant space where families gather, friends connect, and local businesses flourish.

As a City Commissioner, I will work to ensure that Vernon grows while maintaining its small-town roots. Together, with the community, we can build a future where community thrives, our businesses succeed, and our hometown remains a place we are proud to call home.

What is your stance on land development, and how do you balance growth with maintaining the rural character of our town?

Land development plays a key role in supporting economic growth and building a thriving community—but it must be done with care, respect, and a deep understanding of what makes Vernon special. As a City Commissioner, I will work closely with city leaders and residents to ensure that any development efforts are thoughtfully planned, transparent, and rooted in community input.

What brought my family to Vernon—and what keeps so many families here—is the small-town charm, friendly spirit, and rural character that defines our way of life. I am committed to preserving that identity, even as we explore responsible opportunities for growth.

By collaborating with city officials and listening to community voices, we can take a strategic approach to land development—identifying areas where growth makes sense and where it can benefit Vernon the most. New development, when aligned with our values, can bring valuable services, new job opportunities, and economic support to our town.

Vernon’s geographic location gives us a unique advantage. We’re perfectly situated between major cities like Wichita Falls, Dallas–Fort Worth, Amarillo, and even our neighbors to the north in Oklahoma. This positions Vernon as a natural stop for travelers and a potential hub for small business growth—especially when we maintain the rural charm that makes our town memorable and welcoming.

As your City Commissioner, I’ll ensure that every step we take toward development is balanced with preserving the heart and soul of Vernon. Growth and charm don’t have to be at odds—they can work hand in hand to build a bright future for our community.

With agriculture being a significant part of the local economy, how do you plan to address issues facing farmers and ranchers?

Vernon has always been rooted in agriculture—both historically and economically. Farming and ranching aren’t just part of our economy—they’re part of who we are as a community. I’m committed to supporting our local farmers and ranchers so they can continue to do the vital work that sustains our town and preserves our rural heritage.

One way I plan to show that support is by encouraging and participating in community events that spotlight local agriculture, such as Vernon’s farmers market as well as supporting local ranchers such as Redlicious Meats. Continuing events and local support not only connects producers directly with our residents but also reminds us all how essential their work is to our way of life.

On a personal note, my wife’s family shares a deep connection with Vernon’s agricultural and ranching traditions. Her father, Kelly Roach, rode with the Duke Riding Club in 1964 as part of the Santa Rosa Roundup Rodeo parade and competed in the rodeo barrel at the Santa Rosa Rodeo — a tradition that still holds a special place in our hearts. Our family values these roots, and we believe it’s our responsibility to help carry them forward.

As your City Commissioner, I will be a strong and consistent voice for farmers and ranchers. I’ll work to ensure they have the support, recognition, and resources they need to thrive. Their success is our town’s success—and together, we can keep these proud industries alive for generations to come.

Community Well-being:

What steps will you take to ensure that our community remains safe and that public services like police, fire, and emergency medical services are adequately supported?

First responders are the heartbeat of any community—and in Vernon, their dedication, courage, and service are what help keep our town safe, strong, and united. Our police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel are more than just public servants—they’re trusted friends, neighbors, and respected symbols of what makes Vernon special.

I recently had the privilege of meeting with Chief of Police Wayne Hodges and Fire Chief Chris Cook. These conversations—along with time spent engaging directly with members of the fire crew—gave me an even greater appreciation for the essential work our first responders do every day. I listened to their needs, learned about their daily challenges, and witnessed firsthand the pride they take in serving Vernon.

As your City Commissioner, I will be a vocal and active advocate for our first responders. I will work to ensure they have the resources, tools, and equipment necessary to do their jobs effectively and safely—whether it’s access to up-to-date fire gear, modern policing equipment, or simply the support of their community leaders.

My commitment doesn’t stop on election day. Throughout my term, I will maintain an open line of communication with all first responder departments, regularly checking in on their priorities, plans, and concerns. Public safety is not a one-time issue—it’s an ongoing responsibility, and I take it seriously.

When we support our first responders, we invest in the well-being of every family, every neighborhood, and the future of Vernon. I will always stand with those who stand for us.

How will you prioritize education and support local schools in our area?

As a father of four, I know firsthand how important a strong, supportive education system is—not just for our children, but for the future of our entire community. My wife and I have always valued the role that teachers, coaches, staff, and school leaders play in shaping young lives, and we’ve proudly supported our schools every step of the way.

Education is the foundation of opportunity. It gives our kids the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to chase their dreams and contribute to our town’s future. As your City Commissioner, I will make it a priority to stand with our local schools—not just in words, but in action.

I will regularly engage with school administrators, teachers, and coaches to truly understand their needs and challenges. Whether it’s advocating for access to updated learning materials, ensuring safe and supportive school environments, or encouraging partnerships that expand student opportunities, I will work to make sure Vernon’s youth are prepared for success.

Supporting education is more than a goal—it’s a responsibility we all share. When our schools thrive, so does our entire community. I’m committed to being a partner in that success every single day.

Environmental & Sustainability Issues:

What is your stance on environmental conservation, and what measures would you advocate for to protect our natural resources?

Vernon is rich in natural resources—ranging from agriculture and oil & gas to wind energy and wildlife. As a City Commissioner, I am committed to working hand-in-hand with city officials, community members, and local organizations throughout Vernon and Wilbarger County to understand their priorities and challenges when it comes to conservation. By building strong partnerships, I will ensure that our community is well-informed and actively engaged in efforts to protect and preserve these vital resources.

My role will be one of collaboration, advocacy, and support—amplifying local efforts and championing sustainable practices that safeguard Vernon’s natural heritage for future generations.

With droughts and water shortages becoming more frequent, how would you approach water management for our town?

As City Commissioner, I believe that effective water management starts with understanding our history. I will actively partner with the Public Works Director and other city officials to learn how Vernon has addressed water shortages in the past—what strategies worked, what didn’t, and where we can improve.

These lessons are essential for shaping smarter, more resilient approaches today and for the future. The Public Works Director and his team are vital to the management, oversight and planning to ensure Vernon is taken care of. With their guidance and leadership of one of our most critical resources, I’m committed to making informed, collaborative decisions that help ensure our town has reliable, sustainable access to it for generations to come.

Governance & Transparency:

How will you ensure that the city council is transparent and accountable to the community?

As City Commissioner, I will build on the transparency efforts already in place while working with city officials to explore new ways to keep our community informed and involved. I’m committed to clear, consistent communication through town halls, social media, the Vernon Record, and personal connections. Transparency is important to me and I’m committed to staying engaged with residents—listening, sharing updates, and ensuring that accountability to the community remains at the heart of every decision.

What steps would you take to improve communication between the council and residents, especially in a rural community where access to information can sometimes be limited?

As City Commissioner, I will make it a priority to ensure every Vernon resident—whether in the heart of town or in our more rural areas—has access to accurate, up-to-date information. I’ll do this by continuing to support existing channels like social media and the city website, making sure they’re consistently updated and accessible. But I’ll also go beyond digital platforms by personally connecting with residents, knocking on doors, and checking in regularly to listen and share important updates. Clear communication builds trust, and I’m committed to making sure everyone in Vernon feels informed, included, and heard.

What is your approach to budgeting and allocating city funds, especially when resources are limited?

As City Commissioner, my approach to budgeting will center on collaboration, transparency, and strategic planning. I believe a strong city budget is more than just numbers—it’s a roadmap for economic growth, community well-being, and future opportunity. I will work closely with city officials to fully understand how funds are currently allocated, identify areas for improvement, and ensure every dollar is used effectively to support Vernon’s economy, infrastructure, first responders, and quality of life.

In times when resources are limited, it’s even more important to listen to our residents. I’ll stay personally connected with the community to understand their priorities, so budget decisions reflect what matters most to the people of Vernon. That means not only funding essential services (first responders, city water works team, etc.) and community events, but also investing in projects that can grow our local economy and create long-term stability. By working hand-in-hand with both the community and city leaders, I will help and support shaping a budget that meets today’s needs while laying the foundation for a stronger tomorrow.