By Cassandra Hernandez
The future of El Paso is on the line, and the contrast between Brian Kennedy and Renard Johnson could not be clearer. Their backgrounds, choices, and impacts couldn’t be more different – and the implications for El Paso’s future are profound.
Let’s examine Kennedy’s track record. During his time in public service, Kennedy faced multiple allegations of cultivating an environment conducive to sexual harassment, gender discrimination and consistently seemed to prioritize personal gain over public good.
Instead of directing funds toward maintaining the El Paso County Coliseum, he diverted tax dollars, even as watchdogs criticized his CEO salary of $340,000. Get this: He appointed himself as legal counsel to the El Paso Sports Commission right after obtaining his law license as a baby attorney!
Kennedy’s term as a public official was rife with ethical missteps. He neglected to pay parking tickets, rendering him ineligible to serve, yet misrepresented his indebtedness under oath.
He spent over a million taxpayer dollars to terminate a well-reviewed city manager, halted plans for a new arena to benefit friends at the County Coliseum, and openly disrespected police and fire unions in a hot-mic incident.
He got voters to alter the city charter to give himself exclusive control over audits, producing exaggerated findings seemingly crafted for headlines. His misuse of power extended to apparent acts of quid pro quo, and he ultimately abandoned his role, resigning from his district seat to pursue a mayoral bid.
Kennedy’s disregard for his constituents peaked when he allocated all District 1 funds without community input, sparking widespread outrage among neighborhood associations. Not surprisingly, he lost every precinct in his district in the general election.
Despite this track record, Kennedy now brands himself as a “watchdog” for the public interest, yet his campaign messaging reveals a pattern of pandering and opportunism.
Johnson, by contrast, embodies a lifetime of community service and leadership. Over the years, he has built a successful company, handling personnel matters with the confidentiality and dignity that employees deserve. He has invested millions back into El Paso, not only creating local jobs but building critical infrastructure with global impact.
Johnson’s support for the community has been steadfast, and his integrity, humility, and commitment to making El Paso a better place shine through his campaign.
Having worked closely with Kennedy during the short 18 months he served on the City Council before resigning more than two years early, I witnessed his cold, arrogant approach firsthand. He is often unapproachable, dismissive, and rarely collaborative. Whether behind closed doors or in council chambers, his lack of leadership leaves me deeply concerned about the future of El Paso.
Kennedy’s campaign leans heavily on Mayor Oscar Leeser’s coattails, signaling his intent to mirror Leeser’s governance style – one marked by drama, heavy-handed decisions, and a lack of transparency.
Voters should consider: Do we want more of the same closed-door decision-making and political chaos?
Some self-described “progressives” back Kennedy out of a fear of “big money” in politics. While concerns about special interests are valid, those who invest in El Paso’s future are the same people who have helped reinvent our city. What matters most is whether the candidate exercises independence and demonstrates a commitment to our community’s best interests.
I believe Renard Johnson is the best choice to lead El Paso.
Cassandra Hernandez is the District 3 representative on El Paso City Council and finished in third place in the Nov. 5 mayoral election.
The post Opinion: Brian Kennedy is a danger to El Paso. Vote Renard Johnson for mayor appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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