Our recommendation for Plano mayor
Lily Bao faces off against John Muns and Lydia Ortega.
On May 1, Plano voters will have a chance to choose between two quality mayoral candidates with deep knowledge of the city and experience serving their neighbors. Our endorsement goes to Lily Bao.
Bao, 50, is the only candidate in the race currently on the Plano City Council. In our candidate forum, she demonstrated deep knowledge of city government, citing financial statistics on the fly and recounting the history of certain council deliberations.
A Realtor, Bao speaks intelligently about one of Plano’s most important issues: housing. Housing trends are changing in light of the pandemic, as are opportunities for development and redevelopment across the city. Once a staunch critic of multifamily housing, she seems to have softened slightly on that score. She pointed to the recently approved development on the east side of the Collin Creek Mall property as “a great project.” But she was
Why are you running for Plano mayor?
JM: I am running for mayor because I love this city. I grew up here in Plano [and] graduated from Plano Senior High. My kids went through Plano schools, and now, my grandkids are in PISD as well. I have always believed that if you want to live in a vibrant community, then you have to contribute to its success by serving, volunteering and giving back to the community.
What are your qualifications for seeking this office?
JM: Plano has been my home for the past 50 years. I have raised my family and created a business here. I served on the PISD School Board from 1993-2002 [and] 2004-10 and was president of the board from 1998-2000. For the last six years, I chaired the planning and zoning commission of the City of Plano and was in Leadership Plano Class Six. I have also served on many boards over the years, including Volunteer Center, Practical Parent Education, YMCA, Children’s Medical Center, Journey of Hope, Plano Economic Development Board a