Voters appear to have elected Diana Y. Mooy, an Ysleta Independent School District administrator, to the El Paso Community College for District 6, early voting results show. But District 4 incumbent Jesus Mendez could face a runoff against political newcomer Eduardo Flores.
Mooy, 40, won 59% of the early votes. She campaigned for additional resources for family-friendly schedules that would engage students of all ages. The El Paso native said she wants the college to offer flexible learning options, more community engagement and workforce development programs that could be accessed evenings, weekends and summers.
Mendez, 63, who joined the board last year to fill an unexpired term, won 51% of the early votes in his race. He said his efforts are a way to give back to the community. He earned his welding certification at EPCC and said that credential led to his professional success to include ownership of Winsupply of West El Paso.
Eduardo Flores, 23, could force a runoff against Mendez. Flores works at EPCC’s Curriculum and Instructional Development Office. He, Mendez and Mooy are alumni of EPCC. Flores’ main campaign plank was to create a scholarship program that could make college free for EPCC students who meet certain criteria.
Mooy said that she was ecstatic by the early returns as she was surrounded by about 15 family members and friends at Ardovinos Pizza, 1879 N. Zaragoza Road. The group had just completed working the polling sites, and were “sunburned and sticky” but very happy.
“I’m beyond excited,” she said between bites of pepperoni pizza. “I’m ready to serve and learn. My excitement comes from my love of lifelong learning.”
The District 6 seat had been held by the late Nina Piña, who died in January.
District 5 trustee Carmen Olivas Graham was unopposed in this election. Her district encompasses parts of the Eastside. She is the board’s vice chair and a Socorro Independent School District administrator. She will be sworn in for her fourth term during the board’s May meeting.
Early voting results (rounded):
District 4
- Eduardo Flores, 23, works in EPCC’s Curriculum and Instructional Development Office: 35%
- Luther Marcena, 66, is an entrepreneur who retires this month as a chief technology officer: 14%
- Incumbent Jesus Mendez, 63, owner of Winsupply of West El Paso: 51%
District 6
- Eduardo “Eddie” Mena, 58, retired Federal Express driver/cargo handler: 41%
- Diana Y. Mooy, 40, YISD associate superintendent of Technology Information Services: 59%
During their campaigns, candidates spoke about their desires to keep tuition affordable – or even free for some students, enhance the college’s efficiency and financial accountability, maintain the tax rate, develop mentorship programs and flexible, family-friendly options for lifelong learners, increase faculty salaries add to or improve faculty training, upgrade equipment to stay current with workforce needs.
The newly elected trustee will take office at the board’s May 28 meeting in the EPCC Administrative Services Building, 9050 Viscount Blvd. The District 4 winner will be installed at the June 25 meeting.
Trustees are unpaid and serve six-year terms. The seats are nonpartisan.
The seven-member board governs the 25,600-student college district, sets its vision, oversees the college president, adopts the annual operating budget and sets the tax rate. The current board adopted a $166.5 million budget for this fiscal year.
The post Early voting: Diana Mooy wins EPCC District 6 board seat; runoff possible in District 4 appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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