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 7 represents parts of the Eastside and Lower Valley roughly south of Montwood Drive.
Who’s running for this seat?
Alan Serna, 54, is a business owner and urban forester tree grower.
Chris Hernandez, 40, is a political consultant.
Fabiola Campos Lopez, 62, is chair of the El Paso Neighborhood Coalition.
Lily Limón, 74, is a retired educator, former city representative and political consultant.
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?
Alan Serna: I envision an El Paso that is a celebrated city that is greener, cleaner and one that learns to embrace a pro-development mindset that sets its sights on creating an entertainment and leisure industry that will improve its image, create jobs and help offset the tax burden with tourism related revenues.
Chris Hernandez: My vision for El Paso is to create a safer, more vibrant city where families, businesses and local communities thrive. To achieve this, we need to invest in public safety, create jobs by attracting diverse industries, and revitalize neighborhoods while preserving our unique culture. With a focus on smart development, responsible fiscal policies, and strengthening partnerships, we can ensure El Paso grows sustainably and equitably for all residents.
Fabiola Campos Lopez: I envision a prosperous city that grows responsibly, both economically and with fewer infrastructure challenges — a city with functional streets, proper lighting and signage. A safe city is a symbol of progress and a role model for others. A united council is essential to provide services and amenities to each district, ensuring the city functions smoothly. How? Making meaningful policy, creating new opportunities for economic growth and innovation, focusing on environmental responsibility.
Lily Limón: I envision a city that continues to be one of the safest cities in the US due to our continued focus of providing the necessary resources to accomplish the job. Our taxes will be more reasonable for all citizens and we will have safe, well maintained streets. To get there we need a city council that will focus on these issues. These are our priorities and we must always keep them at the forefront. Idle spending on projects that don’t help us reach these goals must be carefully reviewed.
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?
Alan Serna: You restore the city manager’s authority by especially giving her the ability to audit and find the waste that leads to higher taxes to begin with. The city manager and mayor should be co-equals in the power sharing dynamic. A practice deeply rooted in the fabric of representative democracy. A checks and balances of what is required to make diligent decisions concerning the functioning of city governance.
Chris Hernandez: The City Council and mayor, as elected officials, should be responsible for setting policy and long-term vision, with the city manager focused on executing those policies and managing daily operations. Elected officials are accountable to the public and must guide the city’s direction. By clearly defining these roles, we ensure that the will of the people is reflected while benefiting from the manager’s professional expertise in administration.
Fabiola Campos Lopez: The mayor and council are elected by the public, while the city manager is a city employee hired by the elected body. Their roles and responsibilities are distinct and should remain separate to ensure effective governance. Mutual collaboration and a comprehensive understanding of each other’s roles is essential. It is the responsibility of elected officials to reassess and adjust the CM’s role to ensure it aligns with the evolving needs of the city.
Lily Limón: The balance between elected officials and the city manager lies in how her contract is drafted. It is unfortunate that a previous administration gave the city manager immense power along with a very lucrative contract. That was a very clear shift in power. Open communication is the most powerful tool and both parties need to use it to the fullest in order to have a good balance of power.
The November ballot asks voters whether to revoke the Downtown arena bond. Do we need such a venue? Please explain.
Alan Serna: Unfortunately, we no longer need a downtown arena and especially one that is going to compete directly with other existing venues of similar size. It’s no longer needed because of the amphitheater that will be built at Cohen. What should happen with the remaining money is the city should enter a public/private partnership agreement to build a smaller version of a downtown tourist mall with a food court around an ice rink, arcade for the kids, souvenir shops and a bar for adults, accessible with proper ID. This could be the anchor that El Paso needs to start it’s own tourism economy.
Chris Hernandez: While I support venues like the ballpark, museums and water parks, this arena doesn’t seem worth the investment. I would love to see El Paso become a tourist destination, but I don’t think this arena is the answer. We need to ensure it’s something El Pasoans can be excited about and proud to bring their friends and family to. Since it’s been 12 years since we last asked voters, I am happy to see it back on the ballot to gauge community interest on this particular idea of a venue.
Fabiola Campos Lopez: Respecting legal processes and the authority granted to the City Council under the city charter, the decision was made to place the Downtown arena bond revocation on the November ballot. Ultimately, the voters will decide if they believe the MPC is necessary. As someone who decided to serve the public, I will fully respect the will of the voters and trust and respect their decision.
Lily Limón: The Downtown arena was doomed since the beginning. I was on council when the site was selected. When Duranguito was selected I knew that we would have problems with the displacement of residents. The original plan for construction simply did not have enough funds to build. Just like every major project, none were funded properly. At this point in time, I do not believe the venue is needed if it must be in the downtown footprint.
The city has long struggled with how to prioritize and fund street repairs. How would you address this challenge and pay for it?
Alan Serna: I would like to suggest that we actually aggressively look for more state and federal dollars, in addition to placing a 1.75% sales tax or consumption tax on cigarette and alcohol sales. Perhaps even placing a fuel consumption tax of 1.75% on diesel gasoline purchases, since it is in large part, large truck traffic that runs on diesel and does the most damage to the asphalt overlays, than regular cars and trucks.
Chris Hernandez: Voters have heard every politician promise to fix streets, but nothing seems to change. That’s why I was proud to lead the 2022 Community Progress Bond efforts as campaign director, securing voter support for street funding. But we need to do better. Potholes reappear after rain, showing we aren’t using the right materials. If elected, I’ll ensure oversight of Prop A funds and push for recycled concrete and plastics being integrated into the mix to make roads last longer, saving taxpayers money.
Fabiola Campos Lopez: To be able to effectively prioritize and fund street repairs, elected officials and city administrators must collaborate on a strategic plan. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many initiatives were stalled due to increased material and labor costs, staff shortages, and the transition to a new city manager. The new City Council with the new city manager will need to review the budget and explore funding sources to address this issue, without placing additional burden on the taxpayer. Careful planning will be essential.
Lily Limón: Streets, streets and streets are concerns voiced by residents in District 7. I hear complaints about the quality of the asphalt, pot holes and the lack of stripping. I believe that our streets are the most important part of our quality of life. Funding must be expanded after a careful review of the quality of materials used by the streets department. We need to tighten our belts and deliver quality streets which are used by all citizens.
What is the top priority specific to your district and how would you address it?
Alan Serna: This question is twofold for me and complimentary in regards to the two most important issues facing all of us and not just my district. The issue of greatest need is for lower taxes and more basic city services in the form of more asphalt overlays, speed humps and street lighting. I would also use reclaimed water to put thousands of trees in every median and shopping center parking lot. We are now the “third hottest city in America over the last fifty years.” We must address climate change.
Chris Hernandez: As I speak to voters at their doors every day, the top concerns are taxes and streets, and I want to be clear—that’s my priority. District 7 is especially diverse. From the Eastwood High area by Montwood, where there are concerns about integrating commercial development with neighborhoods, to the historic Lower Valley by Speaking Rock, which needs revitalization, I’ll ensure these distinct areas get the focused attention they deserve.
Fabiola Campos Lopez: District 7 faces several challenges, including poor street conditions, inadequate public lighting, faded street signage, under-equipped parks, limited business support for local entrepreneurs, and a lack of grant opportunities for accessible and affordable housing. Addressing these issues requires hard work, responsibility and commitment. A top priority will continue to be our public safety. By supporting the El Paso Police Department, we can continue to foster a safe city and remain El Paso STRONG.
Lily Limón: I hear about two top concerns. Tax Relief and Improved Streets. These two come up in every discussion with residents. Taxes are impacted by the extreme increase in property values. A full review must be done to pinpoint exactly how property values are assigned. There appears to be a very unbalanced way of assessing the value of properties. And streets were addressed above.
The post Q&A: City Council District 7 candidates in Nov. 5 general election appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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