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?
Leonard Arcos, a Republican and military veteran, did not respond
Annette Griego, 50, a Democrat, is a nurse practitioner
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?
Leonard Arcos: Did not respond.
Annette Griego: My priority is protecting essential services: public safety, emergency response, courts and responsible jail operations — while retaining qualified employees. Before raising taxes or cutting services, I would scrutinize spending, contracts, overtime, vacancies and administrative duplication, while pursuing outside funding. Every decision should protect taxpayers, improve efficiency and preserve long-term financial stability.
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?
Leonard Arcos: Did not respond.
Annette Griego: Public safety and fiscal responsibility must go hand in hand. I would evaluate requests for deputies and equipment based on demonstrated needs, outcomes, and taxpayer impact. At the jail, I would prioritize safety, adequate staffing, efficient operations and humane conditions while identifying ways to reduce unnecessary costs. Every dollar should be accountable, transparent and focused on protecting both the public and those in county custody.
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?
Leonard Arcos: Did not respond.
Annette Griego: El Paso County should pursue responsible growth that creates quality jobs, strengthens our tax base, and supports local businesses. New development should help pay for the infrastructure and services it requires, not shift those costs to existing taxpayers. I would support transparent, performance-based incentives, responsible infrastructure planning, and partnerships that attract employers while protecting taxpayers and ensuring growth delivers lasting benefits for our community.
What are the top three issues facing your precinct specifically and how would you address them?
Leonard Arcos: Did not respond.
Annette Griego: Precinct 4’s top priorities are infrastructure, public safety and responsible growth. I would push for better roads, drainage, and expanded water and wastewater access; ensure law enforcement has necessary resources while demanding fiscal accountability; and support growth that creates jobs and strengthens our tax base. I will pursue state and federal funding, protect taxpayer dollars and make sure Precinct 4 receives its fair share of county investment.
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?
Leonard Arcos: Did not respond.
Annette Griego: Elected officials should set clear priorities, approve responsible budgets, and hold county government accountable while respecting the expertise and daily responsibilities of professional staff. Oversight should focus on policy, performance, transparency and taxpayer dollars — not micromanagement. I would work collaboratively with the county judge, administrator, and staff while asking tough questions and ensuring decisions serve residents efficiently and responsibly.
The post Q&A: Precinct 4 El Paso county commissioner candidates in Nov. 3 midterm election appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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