Candidate Profile: Miguel Espinoza

By West Texas Tribune | April 4, 2025 |

Miguel Espinoza

Miguel Espinoza

Abilene City Council Candidate, Place 5

1. What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment as a servant?
It is being a part of the PARC project of All Kind Animal Initiative. I am a founding board member, and going from setting up the first bank account as the board Treasurer of the organization to the ribbon cutting as the President of the board has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. It is truly amazing what can be accomplished when people put a mission above themselves and work tirelessly to get the job done.

2. What do you feel like is the greatest challenge facing the city of Abilene, and what would you do to solve it?
I think the greatest challenge is competing for the future investment in technology and clean energy. Abilene must lay the infrastructure to support the growth and development of the city. Streets, utilities, and public safety will be thoroughly analyzed by companies seeking multi-million-dollar investments in Abilene.

3. What do you see as the greatest opportunity for the city of Abilene?
Economic development.
Abilene is in a great position to attach businesses to come to Abilene. New investment in Abilene means better jobs and a lot more spending and demand for other goods and services in Abilene. Natura Resources and Lancium are great starting points for Abilene that will only continue to grow and expand.

4. If you could change something about the city on day 1, what would it be?
I would like the city to be more aggressive on the water conservation front in Abilene. From my discussion with City management, the new water meters have the ability to give the city data about who is violating the conservation rules. I would like them to put a fee-based system in place for violators. Water in Abilene is scarce, and we need a community that values responsible use of water in our community.

5. Sometimes the citizens have a cynical attitude when it comes to elected officials. The attitude is a we versus them attitude. What are you doing or what will you do to foster an environment where every citizen feels important?
It is crucial that every citizen, whether you agree with them or not, feels like they were heard. I believe in active leadership, and I hope to continue to be a part of non-profits that serve the citizens of Abilene. Engaging the community and listening to them will help foster a strong relationship with the citizens.

6. How do you believe the citizens of Abilene can help make this a better community?
There are so many ways to give back to the community of Abilene. From City Council to volunteering at a community event, it has an immeasurable impact. High level achievement is a lot of small things done right. The more people who invest in Abilene no matter how big or small matters. Choosing the side of investment and loving your neighbor will help shape our community into a place where future generations will thrive and enjoy.

7. What makes you uniquely qualified to serve on the City Council?
I am a certified public accountant (CPA) so professionally my skillset is tailored to handle the budget and other financial issues that the city faces. I analyze financial transactions daily, and I am constantly looking at short-term and long-term consequences of the transaction within the overall goal of my client. I am a CPA that specializes in Tax so I am familiar with tax matters of businesses and individuals. I get to see what local businesses are dealing with and help them find solutions that will help their businesses.

8. We seem to be at a place in politics where individuals campaigning for office can be extremely mean to each other. Could you pay your opponent(s) one compliment?
One thing I refuse to do is insult any of my opponents. That is not my character, nor would I like to be known as someone who is not respectful to all people. My opponents care about Abilene, and are sons, daughters, fathers, and mothers. I know they want what is best for their families. I am running on my character and professional resume that I am the most qualified person to be elected. I have no political background or agenda. I am a businessman who sees opportunities that the city has the potential to capitalize on, and I want to help them achieve those goals.

9. The city council is searching for a new manager. What qualities and traits would you hope the new city manager would have?
I hope the new city manager will be a strong leader that seeks first to understand the community of Abilene. The manager needs to be someone who understands business and the complexities of managing a city like Abilene. I hope they have the drive to help the city accomplish its goals. I hope the manager is full of humility and graceful when addressing issues and prioritizes healthy relationships with everyone.

10. If you could have dinner with anyone from the past or currently living, who would it be and why?
I would like to have dinner with Warren Buffett. I have always admired his approach to common sense investing. He has a way of breaking things down into the simplest terms that I think is helpful when digesting complex information. He also strikes me an incredibly humble man for someone who was accomplished as much as he has. Just because he is good at making money does not mean that is what is most important to him. You can just tell when someone loves what they do no matter how long they have been doing it, and Warren Buffett strikes me as a man who loves to work. I hope to stay productive in my later years and to always give back in some way to others.

11. Tell us a little about your family, hobbies, etc.
My father was born in Mexico and came to Abilene around the age of four, and my mother was born in Abilene. I am the youngest of three brothers. We all attended Abilene Christian University as it was my parent’s dream for us all to get an education and have a different upbringing than they had.
I love to work out and stay healthy so you can catch me at the gym just about every day. Chess is also my favorite game, so I try to play a game or two a day. Continuous learning is something near and dear to me, so I listen to a ton of audio books and podcasts about anything and everything.

12. Are you supported by a PAC and if so, what is their purpose?
I am not supported by a PAC.