El Paso Matters – Q&A: El Paso County constable Precinct 4 candidates in Nov. 5 general election

Who’s running for this seat?

Candidate Questionnaires

Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been lightly edited for grammar.

What makes you the best candidate for this office? Please explain.

Ozzie Carrasco: As a seasoned law enforcement officer and regional chaplain, I’ve faced the toughest challenges head-on, including the Uvalde tragedy. My decade of service is rooted in a relentless commitment to public safety and mental health advocacy. I’m not just running to hold office. I’m here to transform how we protect and serve El Paso, ensuring every family and officer has the support they deserve. I am about action, leadership and securing a safer future for our community.

Luis Aguilar: I am the best candidate because I am the only candidate who knows all the duties and responsibilities of this office. I have been the Constable of Precinct 4 for over 15 years and have learned the intricacies of the responsibilities and duties of the office. I am the only candidate who has the experience of managing and supervising employees and a county budget. I have over forty years of full-time law enforcement experience within El Paso County. I hold a master peace officer license.

Please describe your leadership style and how it would help you gain the trust of your community.

Ozzie Carrasco: My leadership is grounded in service, accountability and action. With the rise in youth violent crime, our community needs a leader who will act quickly and responsibly. I’m committed to addressing these issues while ensuring fiscal responsibility, making the best use of our resources. By prioritizing mental health, transparency and integrity, I will earn the trust of the community and deliver real solutions to keep us safe and protect our future.

Luis Aguilar: I try to inspire my personnel to succeed. We routinely hold office meetings where all employees speak openly about what our office’s goals are and how we work together as one to accomplish those goals. I also strive to push my employees to realize their full potential and work outside of their comfort zone, which makes for a better and happier employee. We routinely invite members of the public to meet with us to share their insight and concerns regarding issues that our office can help with.

What is the top challenge facing the constable precinct and how would you address it?

Ozzie Carrasco: One of the biggest challenges is the recent uptick in DWIs in our city. I plan to launch the DWI STEP (Saturated Traffic Enforcement Program). This initiative will involve proactive patrols and increased visibility by the constable’s office, assisting local law enforcement agencies. By focusing on high-risk areas and being more present in our community, including school zones and streets, we can deter impaired driving and enhance overall safety.

Luis Aguilar: The top challenge facing our constable precinct is manpower constraints. The workload, duties and responsibilities of the office and each employee is constantly increasing and changing. Law enforcement has been experiencing a nationwide shortage, and the constable offices within El Paso County are no different. I have sought out and will continue to seek additional grant funding to supplement our budgetary constraints and be able to utilize those funds to cover overtime costs and continue to carry out the duties and responsibilities with the limited funding the county has available.  

What changes, if any, would you ask county leaders to consider implementing when it comes to budget allocations for constable offices? Please explain.

Ozzie Carrasco: I urge county leadership to prioritize funding for the constable offices with a focus on fiscal responsibility. By investing in mental health resources, advanced training and modern equipment, we can elevate public safety and officer support. This approach ensures that every dollar is spent wisely, achieving maximum impact while upholding our commitment to smart, effective budgeting. Let’s strengthen our community’s safety without compromising fiscal integrity.

Luis Aguilar: The biggest change I would ask county leaders to consider implementing would be to increase our personnel manning/staffing tables and increase our budgets to allow for additional vehicles and protective/safety equipment for our deputies. However, we must also be realistic of how county budgets work. Our Commissioners Court has been and continues to be very supportive of our needs, they need to make the difficult decisions of prioritizing expenditures for the overall good of the county.  

How would you foster relationships between the constable’s office and other law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels?

Ozzie Carrasco: Drawing on my experience as a regional chaplain at the West Texas Anti-Gang Center, I’ll transform Constable’s Office Precinct 4 by connecting with local, state, and federal agencies. The current lack of integration misses key opportunities. Leveraging the Anti-Gang Center’s hub, I’ll create a seamless network for intelligence sharing, joint operations and training. This approach will enhance community safety, optimize resources and unify our crime-fighting efforts.

Luis Aguilar: I will, along with my personnel, continue to foster relationships with other law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels. We are continuously working with other agencies to assist in initiatives to combat criminal offenses affecting our communities. We work with the El Paso Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, the various local municipal police departments and school district police departments throughout the county as well as all federal law enforcement agencies.