Issues We Face

Explore a Greater Change

I worked for the City of El Paso as an Assistant City Attorney for almost 7 years. With my experience, I possess the knowledge and skills that no other candidate has working with the City. I worked with the following departments:

City Planning (I was also a legal advisor fot the City Planning Commission)
Economic Development
Quality of Life Departments
Parks and Recreation (legal advisor for the Parks and Rec. Advisory Board
Community and Human Development
Sun Metro
Museums and Cultural Affairs
Environmental Services (provide training to inspectors)
Libraries
Zoo
Municipal Court

TAXES

It's no secret that El Paso has one of the highest property tax rates in the State. That, coupled with the outrageous property value increases, has left many of our citizens with financial struggles. We need to reevaluate our budget to cut taxes and put more money back in our taxpayers pockets.

We need better financial oversight. Voters need to approve the millions of dollars being obligated for projects that are brought to Council. There needs to be more transparency in the operation of our government and its spending.

I own a home and I fight the property taxes. I know firsthand how they affect us taxpayers and the inequality of what we are charged.

Additionally, operating costs should be included with the yearly budget, and not require additional bonds that increase our taxes to pay for all of it.

ROADS

When will our infrastructure ever be fixed?! There are constant construction projects, but at the end of it all we are stuck with the same deteriorating roads, pot holes, and inadequate drainage. We need to prioritize funding to fix our roads and infrastructure. It is an embarrassment that locals and out of towners nearly need an ATV to get through many of our streets.

Additionally, there are many areas that do not have any sidewalks at all, or that are in disrepair. We need to take care of this issue as well as make them ADA accessible. This has been an issue for years, but the City now wants to issue more Certificates of Obligation (increase in taxes) to pay for the repairs and maintenance.

ANIMALS

In 2019, funding was approved for an expansion of the animal services facility. There has been zero movement, and now we see the overcrowding and overpopulation of our fur babies in the shelter that can no longer sustain them. I want to push this project forward as well as promote other services and education to help with the overpopulation of animals.

I currently have 5 cats and 2 dogs, all of them are rescues. I know from experience, the great need there is to take care of our animals and provide them with livable and humane conditions.

I have a published Law Review article regarding commercial breeding of animals. You can check it out here.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY & ACCOUNTABILITY

El Paso has one of the highest debt obligations in the State....and it keeps growing. When will there be a balance and more efficient budget adopted? Tax-payers should approve the millions of funds for new projects and ensure there aren't any "pet" projects that our money is wasted on.

We need to take a closer look at our budget, the limit on City Manager's spending, and obtaining voter approval for large expenditures.

I will also push for financial transparency. We are millions of dollars in debt, but where does all of it go? Why is there yet additional bonds for needs that should be incorporated into the regular budget? There is a lot of money being spent, but no answers being given.

Possible Solutions:

*Transition to paperless communication. For example, Municipal Court sends out thousands of letters via snail mail. A majority can be sent electronically, saving thousands of dollars and the environment!

* Limit the Chapter 380 Agreements, and monitor compliance. Millions of dollars are given away, but where is the accountability? If investors aren't holding up their end, then we are giving away millions.

* Limit travel and use virtual accommodations as much as possible.

* and more! Continue to look where we can trim the fat in the budget to provide necessities in lieu of raising our taxes and debt.

PUBLIC AMENITIES

Parks and Recreation Centers are a necessity for the community. I am a frequent user of our parks (kickball, ultimate frisbee, sports, playground use) as are my children and family. Many of our parks don't have updated play equipment, shade, or sufficient lighting. I want to ensure that our parks are safe and friendly environment for our families to enjoy.