The City Council is nonpartisan and comprises eight district representatives who annually set a tax rate, adopt a budget and make wide-ranging policy decisions. City representatives also appoint a city manager and city attorney. The winner will serve the remaining two years of the four-year term and be paid $63,038 a year. District 1 represents parts of the Westside and Upper Valley.
Who’s running for this seat?
Sam Armijo, 85, is a nuclear power consultant.
Tom Handy, 51, is a writer, business owner and retired Army officer.
Alejandra “Ale” Chávez, 47, is an advisor, consultant and entrepreneur.
Monica Reyes, 55, is executive director of student support services, Canutillo ISD
Candidate Questionnaires
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been lightly edited for grammar.
What is your vision for the city of El Paso for the next 10 years and what needs to be done to get there?
Sam Armijo: My goal is to help make El Paso a prosperous, safe, and well-managed city. To make El Paso prosperous, we have to reduce city debt, and spend only on essential city services until property taxes are reduced to a reasonable level. Since 30% of our property taxes are due to interest on existing debt this will take financial discipline and time. To keep El Paso citizens safe we need to increase the number of uniformed police officers to a total of 1300, and possibly more.
Tom Handy: In 10 years, a lot can get done, but the city needs to adapt a plan to get there. I envision getting more roads repaired by reviewing the planning process; lowering the tax burden on residents by finding other means to generate income for the city instead of continuing to tax residents; and holding city employees accountable since we all are aware of the ethical training requirements as we work for the city and not for ourselves.
Alejandra “Ale” Chávez: My vision for El Paso is a city where every individual can work, live and thrive. Over the next 10 years, I see El Paso becoming a hub for innovation, attracting businesses with competitive wages while maintaining our cultural strength. By expanding the commercial tax base, investing in infrastructure, and promoting responsible growth, we can ensure a high quality of life and keep El Paso affordable for all. Together, we can share our story and build a bright future.
Monica Reyes: My vision is of a thriving city, marked by economic growth, sustainability, and an enhanced quality of life. A modernized infrastructure supports innovation, education and workforce development. The focus is on fiscal responsibility, reducing non-essential spending and fostering small businesses. We will attract new industries, expand public transportation, build binational collaboration, and retain local talent through education, training and mentorship initiatives.
The city of El Paso since 2004 has had a council-manager form of government, limiting the mayor’s power. In the past year, the city manager’s authority over auditing and other functions has been removed. How do you balance power between elected city officials and the city manager?
Sam Armijo: Power rests exclusively with the citizens of El Paso and their elected officials. The mayor and City Council have the authority to determine which specific functions the city manager must have to do her job well. It is essential for elected officials to maintain effective oversight of the city manager’s performance, and retention of the auditing function by elected officials is reasonable.
Tom Handy: The city manager works for the city. As elected officials, we need to ensure the city manager follows her/his duties to support the city of El Paso. A city manager has rules to follow and as elected officials we need to ensure the city manager follows those rules.
Alejandra “Ale” Chávez: Balancing power between elected officials and the city manager requires clear roles and accountability. Elected officials should focus on setting policies that reflect the will of the community, while the city manager implements those policies effectively. Transparency and communication are key to ensuring that both sides work collaboratively, maintaining a system of checks and balances to serve the best interests of El Paso’s residents.
Monica Reyes: Balancing the roles of elected officials and city administration is vital for effective governance. Clear boundaries allow the council to set direction while the city manager implements policies. Transparent communication is essential to maintain this balance. Public involvement in oversight ensures accountability and keeps both the council and city manager focused on residents’ best interests. This collaborative approach fosters trust and promotes a responsive, effective local government.
The November ballot asks voters whether to revoke the Downtown arena bond. Do we need such a venue? Please explain.
Sam Armijo: We do not need this venue. Although it has been relabeled as a multipurpose center it will fill no essential need for the citizens of El Paso. It will benefit very few yet all El Paso property owners will bear the cost. It will cost far more than the remaining authorized funds, require issuance of even more debt, and add to the crushing property taxes that every El Paso homeowner, business and renter will have to pay.
Tom Handy: We do. The Downtown arena was part of the 2012 ballot and since the bond has not gone anywhere, it is now up to citizens to vote if a Downtown arena is needed. The price of the 2012 arena ($180 million) is much different than it is today and will cost a lot more with today’s prices (up to $416 million or more).
Alejandra “Ale” Chávez: El Paso voters approved the arena bond over a decade ago, and while a venue could benefit the city by attracting events and boosting the local economy, we must ensure it aligns with the current needs and priorities of our community. Any decision should be made with input from residents and based on a clear understanding of how it will impact taxpayers.
Monica Reyes: At this time, to me, it appears that it is more of a want versus a need. The question of whether El Paso needs a Downtown arena requires careful consideration of its benefits and costs. An arena could boost tourism and local businesses, creating jobs. However, we must consider the financial burden on taxpayers and the city budget. If elected, I would assess the economic impact and continue to engage the community. We must ensure the benefits outweigh the costs and that it doesn’t displace residents or businesses.
The city has long struggled with how to prioritize and fund street repairs. How would you address this challenge and pay for it?
Sam Armijo: The city of El Paso currently has a $1.34 billion budget. This budget cuts the funding for Streets and Maintenance by $4.3 million while increasing the budget for Parks and Recreation by $4.6 million, and the library by $1.7 million. I would cut the budgets for these and other nonessential services, and increase the budget for Streets and Maintenance to a level necessary to properly repair (not patch) El Paso streets.
Tom Handy: The city needs to prioritize what streets need to be repaired this year versus which streets can wait a year or two. Then some streets may take immediate precedence if the road becomes undrivable due to wear and tear which will cause an immediate change in priorities.
Alejandra “Ale” Chávez: To address this challenge, we need a data-driven approach that prioritizes repairs based on the streets’ condition, traffic volume, and safety concerns. I would also explore reallocating existing resources, cutting waste, and potentially adjusting budget priorities to focus more on infrastructure needs. Taxpayers deserve to see their money used effectively, so transparency and accountability in how we fund street repairs are essential.
Monica Reyes: Fixing our streets requires a smart, long-term strategy. First, we must use data to prioritize repairs based on safety, traffic, and impact. Second, invest in proactive maintenance like resurfacing, which extends road lifespan and saves money. Third, seek diverse funding, including grants and partnerships to reduce taxpayer burden. Lastly, ensure transparency and public input on priorities. This approach makes streets safer and more reliable without overburdening the budget.
What is the top priority specific to your district and how would you address it?
Sam Armijo: District 1 has a serious problem with speeding, reckless and drunk driving, and running red lights. These violations result in needless fatalities and injuries. We simply do not have enough police on the street to enforce traffic laws, and those that we do have must concentrate on the growing level of major crime in the city. I will work to have the City Council authorize the employment of at least 1,300 police officers.
Tom Handy: There are a lot of priorities and one priority that needs to be addressed is the lack of roads in West El Paso by Enchanted Hills across from the Transmountain Road. With I-10 construction and only two access roads to this area, it becomes a burden for residents who live here. The city was working on another access road to this area and it would be good to know where planning stands on this.
Alejandra “Ale” Chávez: The top priority for District 1 is addressing traffic flow and infrastructure issues, particularly the delayed Resler Connect project. I will push for immediate action on these critical projects to improve safety and reduce congestion. Traffic flow concerns on Frontera and Country Club Roads also need urgent attention to prevent further congestion. By working with residents and city officials, we can ensure these improvements meet the community’s needs.
Monica Reyes: The top priority in my district is improving infrastructure with community engagement. Many areas suffer from outdated infrastructure, unsafe roads, and neglected public spaces, affecting quality of life and economic growth. I will prioritize critical repairs to enhance safety, mobility, and public spaces, engage residents in planning, and seek diverse funding sources to reduce reliance on local taxes. This will create safer neighborhoods and foster economic development
The post Q&A: City Council District 1 candidates in Nov. 5 general election appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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