District 3 candidates tout local experience, differ on infrastructure and services

Incumbent Mark Zeske asked voters to re-elect him to Irving City Council District 3, highlighting decades of civic service and what he described as a strong fiscal record.

Zeske said the city maintained its triple-A bond rating and that refinancing bonds when interest rates were low saved "about $125,000,000," and he pointed to recent local projects — including two new Irving library branches and a large Las Colinas high-rise development — as evidence of economic progress. "I think I'm the only candidate that's running for city council this year that is kinda proven," Zeske said, asking viewers to back his re-election bid.

Challenger Abdul Khabeer framed his campaign around five priorities: economic growth; public safety; transparency and accountability; diversity and inclusion; and community involvement. Khabeer said he would "work with local businesses to create jobs and stimulate growth" and pledged to pursue equitable safety policies in collaboration with law enforcement and community leaders.

Paul Bertanzetti, the third District 3 candidate, emphasized neighborhood-level infrastructure needs and city services. He flagged damaged sidewalks and local street deterioration as priorities and warned that reduced trash pickup could lead to public-health problems in hot months. Bertanzetti said he wants council members to be hands-on advocates for residents who cannot get action through city departments.

Why it matters: District 3 voters will weigh continuity on city financial management and development against challengers’ calls for more focused attention on neighborhood infrastructure and basic services. The forum offered direct statements of priorities but no debates or exchanges among candidates.

The forum was recorded by ICTN and included procedural reminders about early voting (April 24–May 2) and Election Day (May 6). The city secretary’s office and the city elections website were listed as resources for voters.