El Paso Matters – Meet the candidates for Precinct 3 constable in Democratic Primary

Hector Bernal: I am vehemently opposed to this law.  This is a federal law and is best handled by the Border Patrol.  If my deputies happen to come across undocumented individuals who have broken the law, they will take appropriate action. What happens after that is beyond our control.

Eileen Lopez: Federal agencies should enforce federal laws. Here, in El Paso, collaboration between local, state, and federal agents has been a successful practice for many years in keeping our community safe.

Hector Bernal: I am of the opinion that the Constables are the people’s peace officer.  As such, Constables should be required to participate in community outreach events such as neighborhood association meetings, elementary and high school events, realtor and Veteran Post meetings as well as participating in national night out events.  It is for this reason that my deputies and I have, for years now, been participating in the aforementioned community outreach events.

Eileen Lopez: Attend neighborhood and school meetings to stay informed of trending issues. Work on building lasting relationships with local businesses, churches, and other public entities.

Hector Bernal: Due to the recent enlargement of Precinct 3, the most important change is the need to increase the number of deputies for Precinct 3.  For example, the increase in the number of deputies would allow us to enforce more vigorously the violations in the Accessible/Special Needs parking spaces, improve our response time to emergencies and participate in more community outreach programs.

Eileen Lopez: Exercise our duties with proper discretion, professionalism, and compassion. Provide informative training on topics relating to civil process, evictions, traffic warrant payment programs, and truancies. 

Hector Bernal: Absolutely, Constables should be more involved, unfortunately, due to the limited resources this is not possible. Currently, Constables are statutorily obligated to perform security for the Justice of Peace and serve all civil papers and warrants issued by the Justice of the Peace, also Constable Pct. 3 executed writs of possession on children issued from the Family Court, because of this we are limited in time but help as much as possible. 

Eileen Lopez: Collaborating with schools and other entities to address crimes involving juveniles in need of supervision and/or delinquent conduct is vital in targeting and preventing problems affecting our neighborhoods.

Hector Bernal: I have been the constable for this precinct for the past 25 years. Not only have I obtained a tremendous amount of experience over the course of these years, I have developed a close working relationship with elected officials to assist me in making our community safer.  Additionally, having been born and raised in the community as well as attending various community meetings, I know my community and understand the importance of its safety needs.

Eileen Lopez: As an honorably retired deputy with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, I’ve acquired 25 years of experience with over 3,000 hours of training. I have a Master Peace Officer license and I’m a certified Mental Health Peace Officer. With my knowledge of civil process through my current position, experience in conflict resolution, response to emergencies, interpersonal communication, knowledge of public safety, and leadership training, I am the best candidate for Constable of Precinct 3.