The county commissioner is one of five members of the El Paso County Commissioners Court, which sets a tax rate, adopts a budget and makes policy decisions for the county government. The commissioners serve four-year terms and are paid $133,466 a year.
Who’s running for this seat?
Thomas M. Matt Sistrunk, 67, a Republican, is an Army veteran and crypto miner
Miguel “Mike” Teran, 61, a Democrat and construction project management CEO, did not respond
Candidate Questionnaires
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been lightly edited for grammar.
El Paso County faces growing costs for public safety, courts, jails and employee compensation. If revenues don’t keep pace with those costs, what services would you protect first, and where would you look for savings?
Thomas M. Matt Sistrunk: I would protect essential public safety, courts and other core county services first. Before asking taxpayers for more money, I would review departments with recurring budget overruns, use audits and performance data to identify inefficiencies, and examine administrative duplication, unnecessary contracts and avoidable overtime. The goal should be to make existing dollars work better while maintaining essential services.
Miguel “Mike” Teran: Did not respond.
The Sheriff’s Office, including the county jail, represents one of the county’s largest areas of spending. How would you balance requests for additional deputies, equipment and other resources with the need to control rising jail costs and maintain safe and humane conditions for people in custody?
Thomas M. Matt Sistrunk: Public safety must remain a priority, but additional spending should be supported by demonstrated need and measurable results. I would review staffing levels, overtime, equipment needs and jail operations carefully before approving additional resources. At the same time, the county has a responsibility to maintain safe, secure and humane conditions for both employees and people in custody. Strong oversight and responsible budgeting should accomplish both.
Miguel “Mike” Teran: Did not respond.
What kind of growth should El Paso County actively pursue, and what should the county do to ensure new development produces jobs, tax revenue and other benefits without creating disproportionate costs for existing residents?
Thomas M. Matt Sistrunk: El Paso County should pursue growth that creates sustainable jobs and strengthens the local economy, including small and local businesses, manufacturing, logistics, trade and responsible development. New development should be evaluated for its long-term impact on infrastructure and county services so that existing taxpayers are not left carrying disproportionate costs. Growth should expand the tax base and create opportunity without increasing the burden on current residents.
Miguel “Mike” Teran: Did not respond.
What are the top three issues facing your precinct specifically and how would you address them?
Thomas M. Matt Sistrunk: My three priorities for Precinct 2 are property tax pressure, government accountability and transparency, and economic development and jobs. I would focus on controlling county spending before considering additional burdens on taxpayers, strengthening oversight of departmental budgets and performance, and supporting responsible economic development that attracts employers while helping local businesses grow.
Miguel “Mike” Teran: Did not respond.
How should elected officials work with the county judge, county administrator and other professional staff to set priorities and move the county forward, and where should elected officials’ oversight begin and end?
Thomas M. Matt Sistrunk: Elected officials should establish policy, priorities and the budget while working professionally with the county judge, county administrator and staff who manage day-to-day operations. Commissioners should ask questions, review performance and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly, but they should not micromanage professional staff. Oversight means setting expectations, measuring results and holding departments accountable while respecting appropriate administrative roles.
Miguel “Mike” Teran: Did not respond.
The post Q&A: Precinct 2 El Paso county commissioner candidates in Nov. 3 midterm election appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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