top of page
A Message from Ron Lyons

Let me preface this statement with the fact that I personally like and consider each candidate in this race to be friends of mine. Sadly, many people are willing to lose friendships with good people over politics. It's a huge issue that has taken over our country, from national politics to local. This is discouraging to me, and I hope that it is to you as well. When we start to put people ahead of politics again, Celina becomes a MUCH better place. 

As the owner of The Best Of Celina Facebook Group with over 5,000 members, host of The Celina Radio Podcast, and founder of TheBestOfCelina.com, I’m honored to be in a position where I regularly engage with countless members of our growing community. Through these conversations, I gain unique insights into the thoughts, concerns, and hopes of our citizens.
​
That said, I want to be clear: I do not endorse either candidate in the Celina City Council Place 1 race. I have had the opportunity to observe both candidates closely, and while I believe each of them brings strengths to the table and could contribute positively to the future of Celina, I also believe that both come with concerns that warrant careful consideration by you, the voter.
​
It’s important to note that in my role, I strive to serve the entire community without bias even though supporters of both candidates are sure that I am in the opposite camp. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I’ve recently made it a personal mission to help move Celina beyond the divisive “two-group” system that has polarized our local politics for far too long—a dynamic that both candidates have been part of. It's time we come together as one community with a shared goal of building a better future, rather than clinging to sides, labels, or past divisions and absolutely without vendetta, paybacks and dirty politics. Disagreements and differing opinions are healthy and should be encouraged. Sadly, we are well beyond that during election seasons in present day Celina, Texas.
​
These opinions and observations are entirely my own and should not be interpreted as representing the views of any candidate, organization, or business partner. I encourage every voter to do their research, ask tough questions, and most importantly—vote informed. If you disagree with my views, good! Welcome to The United States of America and something that makes us unique.
​
Let’s continue to grow Celina with unity, respect, and purpose.
​
—Ron Lyons

Celina City Council Place 1

​

✅ Candidate: Philip Ferguson (Incumbent)

 
Years on Council: Since 2022
Background: Insurance executive, HOA president, downtown event creator, and former Republican precinct chair. Recognized as Celina's Volunteer of the Year in 2021.
​

🟩 Pros:

  • Helped deliver major city improvements, including:
    • New Celina Police Headquarters
    • Fire Station #3
    • Infrastructure upgrades, pothole repairs, and expanded public works staff
  • Advocated for economic development, retail growth (Costco, Lowe’s, etc.), and community-focused events like Beware of the Square.
  • Strong public visibility and responsiveness to residents
  • Well-versed in city operations and budgeting; backed shift from reliance on developer fees to sustainable sales tax revenue
  • Calmed in tone over time, showing signs of maturing leadership
​

🟥 Cons:

  • On his very first night in office, Ferguson seconded a motion (led by also newly sworn-in council member Tony Griggs) to completely remove members of all city boards and commissions, an unprecedented act now known as the “Tuesday Night Massacre.” This surprised many, appeared premeditated, and likely disrupted months of planning for several city initiatives.

​​

✅ Candidate: Dorothy Allan (Challenger)

​
Experience: Business consultant, EDC collaborator, volunteer, and licensed commercial real estate agent with active leasing activity in Celina with Keller Williams.
​

🟩 Pros:

  • Strong strategic background in analytics, retail planning, and business growth.
  • Promises to preserve small-town charm while guiding smart, connected growth.
  • Publicly critical of past council missteps, including calling the “Tuesday Night Massacre” a “rookie move” that harmed Celina's momentum​.
  • Wants stronger community engagement, walkability, and thoughtful infrastructure upgrades.
  • Strongly supports local law enforcement and zero tolerance for crime.
​

🟥 Cons:

  • Real Estate Conflict of Interest Concerns: During her Celina Radio Podcast interview, she expressed hesitancy about recusing herself on matters where she may have a business interest. She stated she doesn’t get paid by the city and sidestepped direct questions about possible conflicts—potentially raising ethical questions if real estate decisions come before council​.
  • Shea Scott Case Fallout: Allan has been a vocal public critic of supporters of former Celina Assistant Police Chief Shea Scott, who was terminated and later filed a wrongful termination lawsuit. Despite publicly stating he deserved “his day in court,” she often sided against Scott supporters and criticized the “Stand With Shea” movement using images of city officials on social media.
    — Now that Scott has won his lawsuit and been awarded a significant jury verdict, many are questioning Allan’s judgment and whether she trusted flawed narratives or allowed personal opinions to override fairness and due process.
  • Lacks direct experience in public office or in executing city budgets or infrastructure projects.
​

🎯 Final Thoughts:

​

The Place 1 race is a contrast of three years of city council experience versus a different vision—but both candidates come with baggage voters must weigh. Ferguson seems to have improved with time, but started with a heavy-handed approach that still casts a shadow. Allan brings strategic insight and passion, but her alignment on high-stakes issues like the Shea Scott case and her refusal to fully commit to potential recusal raise concerns about discretion, neutrality, and long-term trust.
​​
This vote may come down to whether you prioritize governing experience and course correction—or fresh perspective with lingering red flags.
bottom of page