Aledo City Council candidates talk managing growth ahead of special election

Aledo voters will head to the polls March 31 to elect a new City Council member to fill the vacancy left after the death of Nelson Rowls in December.

The special election on Tuesday is to fill the unexpired term in Place 4.

Three candidates — Kip Dernovich, Melanie Allen and Jessica Dobbins — are on the ballot. On election day, polls are open from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. Residents can vote at the Aledo Community Center, located at 104 Robinson Court.

Kip Dernovich

Dernovich has served as the director of public works and capital projects for the city of Richland Hills since 2023, according to his public LinkedIn. Dernovich did not respond to requests for comment. Dernovich said in a Facebook post announcing his candidacy — and committing to honoring Rowls’ legacy — that he has been a resident of Aledo since 2016. His campaign is built on a philosophy of “managed growth.” Dernovich said he believes Aledo is in need of a “robust” comprehensive plan that will guide the city in carefully considering new developments — with an emphasis on the impact to roads and utilities.

Dernovich has spent the majority of his career in the public sector, serving in the public works departments of Burleson and Waxahachie before his position in Richland Hills. Dernovich was also a budget manager for Fort Worth from 2016 to 2018 and a business operations division manager for Dallas.

Dernovich said if elected, he would push to use existing fund balances for expenses before borrowing funds. Dernovich also said he would work alongside Police Chief Carol Riddle to help the newly formed department establish “Community Based Policing” policies in Aledo.

Melanie Allen

Melanie Allen has been a resident of Aledo and worked in Parker County for 16 years, she said in an email to the Star-Telegram.

“I’ve seen firsthand what makes it so special,” she said. “I want to help protect and strengthen that as we continue to grow.”

Allen is assistant vice president and business development officer for PlainsCapital Bank, according to her Linkdeln. Allen is also an executive board member of the United Way of Parker County. She completed six years as an executive board member of the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce until 2024.

Allen is running on a “smart, responsible growth, maintaining our small-town character, supporting local businesses, and strengthening communication between the city and its residents.”

Allen said residents want to know their concerns regarding growth are being heard, and they need city council members who communicate clearly on why decisions are made.

Allen said throughout her near-decade living in Parker County she has built strong relationships and developed a keen sense of how its municipalities operate.

“Those relationships are incredibly important — growth, infrastructure, and economic development don’t stop at city limits,” she said. “Having trust and open communication with leaders across Parker County allows us to work together more effectively, share ideas, and make better, more informed decisions for our residents.”

Jessica Dobbins

Jessica Dobbins has been the planning and zoning commissioner for Aledo since October 2025. The commission is volunteer-based, and positions are appointed by the city. Dobbins is also the director of sales and key accounts for Strategic Telecom Supply & Solutions, according to her public LinkedIn.

Dobbins said in an email to the Star-Telegram that her time as planning and zoning commissioner has given her the opportunity “to provide thoughtful input and help guide responsible growth” for Aledo. Dobbins said she has worked in close connection with council in updating the Unified Development Code, which will be used in the process of creating the city’s comprehensive plan, Dobbins said.

“With Nelson’s unfortunate passing and the need to fill his unexpired term, many residents encouraged me to take my involvement with the city a step further and run to fill his seat,” Dobbins said. “With Parker County now ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing counties in the nation, I believe it’s more important than ever to preserve the heart and heritage of our community.”

Dobbins said she believes Aledo residents need council members who balance thoughtful and selective commercial development that provides tax relief and incentives for residents, without marring the city’s small town character.

“Growth is inevitable, but how we grow is a choice,” she said. “I want to help guide that growth in a way that’s authentic to our community.