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. They serve four-year terms and are paid $63,038 a year. District 3 represents parts of Central, East Central and the Lower Valley.
Who’s running for this seat?
Deanna Maldonado-Rocha, 41, is a capacity analyst.
Jose Rodriguez, 78, is a Realtor.
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?
Deanna Maldonado-Rocha: My vision for El Paso for the next 10 years is to have a clean (well-maintained, clean streets, parks that are taken care of) and even safer community (provide public safety with necessary equipment and create a retention program), with a vibrant economy (spurring innovative and economic growth). You accomplish this with community engagement, prioritizing funds, if possible, and education.
Jose Rodriguez: We need high-paying jobs so that our children do not have to leave after graduation. Tourism is the cleanness industry. Not enough is being done to attract tourists.
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?
Deanna Maldonado-Rocha: I believe in the council-manager form of government. I believe that the power lies in the contract verbiage and negotiations and to also have open communication and mutual respect, budget control, frequent performance evaluations and the ability to effectively resolve conflicts.
Jose Rodriguez: There shouldn’t be a need for a highly paid city manager. The mayor and the department heads need to run the city. The city auditor needs to do his job better.
The November ballot asks voters whether to revoke the Downtown arena bond. Do we need such a venue? Please explain.
Deanna Maldonado-Rocha: I honestly feel that the voters approved it 12 years ago and should not be added back to the ballot this November because it has the potential to cause a precedent for the future. I was one of the people that voted for it 12 years ago because I did feel that this would spur economy.
Jose Rodriguez: Not needed. Money should be spent on things that improve the quality of life.
The city has long struggled with how to prioritize and fund street repairs. How would you address this challenge and pay for it?
Deanna Maldonado-Rocha: I would first look at the general fund for any opportunities there. Next, I would need to approach grant-based funding for this since it has no impact on the citizens of El Paso.
Jose Rodriguez: Street repairs are a necessary part of city functions. They should be a priority.
What is the top priority specific to your district and how would you address it?
Deanna Maldonado-Rocha: Economic growth is my priority for District 3. Two of my skills are to build relationships and collaboration. I would support local businesses and work to create job opportunities. Also, I would showcase the district’s strategic location in the city with potential investors. Along with these steps it would also help to partner with educational workforce development for vocational training, continuing education and apprenticeship/internship opportunities.
Jose Rodriguez: Streets, cleanliness and property upkeep.
The post Q&A: City Council District 3 candidates in Dec. 14 runoff election appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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