On March 20th, a wave of Irving citizens flooded City Hall, united by love for our community, to confront an inflammatory proposal: the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, working hand-in-glove with city establishment figures, sought to rush through a zoning change allowing potentially the world’s largest casino to operate in Irving, within walking distance of schools and neighborhoods, and despite gambling currently being illegal in Texas.
We who fought to resist the casino weren’t driven by fear, but by a fierce commitment to protect the place where we raise our families and call home.
That night, we came armed with compelling evidence—studies documenting the harmful effects of casinos on communities, alongside personal stories from those who grew up near or worked in casinos. Increased crime—including and especially violent crime, such as human trafficking— strained public services, and economic instability often follow such developments. Yet the city’s entrenched establishment—long-serving politicians and political insiders—either supported the Las Vegas Sands Corporation’s plan or stayed silent, ready to roll out the red carpet for the massive casino, in complete and almost taunting disregard for the people’s will.
When Irving faced this threat, and our leaders faltered, I fought. And we won. Hours before the City Council vote, the Sands Corporation backed down and withdrew their request to permit casino gaming. Together, we won a hard-fought battle. But the war isn’t over.
Las Vegas Sands made its intention to build a casino in Irving quite clear when it declared in a recent Dallas Morning News statement, “We’re not going anywhere.” I take them at their word.
Make no mistake, this election will decide whether we open our city gates to corporate giants who profit from predatory gambling that destroys families and the surrounding community, or hold the line to preserve Irving as a beacon for families and opportunity. This threat to Irving is existential, and it is why I am running for City Council.
My Hope and Vision for Irving
My vision for Irving centers on the well-being of all residents, prioritizing quality-of-life issues that shape our daily lives. My policy goals focus on putting family ahead of corporate interests.
First, we must protect our neighborhoods from rampant high-density development. Overcrowded housing strains infrastructure, erodes community character, and drives up costs. I’ll push for zoning policies that preserve existing neighborhoods and promote single-family housing, making homeownership attainable for more families.
Second, public safety is non-negotiable. Irving’s streets and downtown businesses deserve a safe environment. Small, unaddressed issues—petty crime, loitering, vandalism—have snowballed into larger problems, signaling a city on a downward trend. I’ll advocate for proactive policing to restore order and create a secure foundation for our businesses to thrive, particularly in our downtown core.
Third, revitalizing Irving requires attracting great families and businesses. Quality education and safe, vibrant neighborhoods are the magnets that draw them. By investing in our schools and fostering an environment where businesses can operate securely, we can reverse the city’s decline and build a prosperous future. Irving’s potential is immense, but it’s been stifled by short-sighted decisions from an establishment that too often prioritizes personal gain over public good.
My campaign began as a rebellion against these entrenched interests—cronies who view leadership as a reward for checking resume boxes, not as a duty to serve. For too long, they’ve made decisions without considering their long-term impact on residents. I’m running to represent the people, not special interests, and to ensure Irving remains a place where families can build lasting futures.
To achieve this, I propose a clear plan. Beyond zoning reform and enhanced policing, we need transparent governance. City Hall must engage residents through regular town halls and open forums, ensuring your voices shape our future. We’ll invest in community programs—youth sports, local festivals, and small business support—to strengthen our civic fabric. Infrastructure upgrades, like better roads and parks, will enhance daily life without burdening taxpayers. And we’ll prioritize economic development that aligns with our values, attracting industries that create stable, well-paying jobs without compromising our community’s character.
I bring a fresh perspective, untainted by decades of insider politics. As a parent and homeowner, I understand the challenges families face—rising costs, safety concerns, and the desire for a community that feels like home. My commitment is to you, the residents, not to corporate agendas or political dynasties. Together, we can make Irving a city that stands tall, not as a gambling hub, but as a place where opportunity and family life flourish.
This election is about choices: between a city that serves its people or one that bows to outside interests; between a future where Irving thrives as a family-friendly haven or one where short term profits erode our foundation.
I ask for your vote to protect our home, to fight for our values, and to build an Irving we’re proud to pass on to the next generation. Let’s hold the line together.
About the author:
Sergio Porres, a proud Texan and dedicated Irving resident, is raising his six children with his wife, Emily, and is committed to protecting the city’s family-centered community and culture through his active involvement in youth sports, educational initiatives, and public service inspired by his parent’s legacy. With a successful 20-year career in IT and a deep connection to Irving, where his family thrives in local programs, Sergio aims to preserve the city’s character by prioritizing family housing and resisting reckless development, seeking to earn voters’ support to put Irving families first.
The Place 2 runoff between Sergio Porres and David Pfaff is set for Saturday, June 7.