Biography

Name: Frank R. Lopez

Age: 46

Occupation: Executive Director, Non Profit Enterprise Center

Website: www.votefranklopez.com

Residence: Lower Valley

Relevant Experience: Over 22 years of business experience; Attorney (licensed in Texas and California), accountant; have helped hundreds of people start their business; over 20 years experience working with community organizations; have helped hundreds of nonprofit organizations; Currently Executive Director of the Nonprofit Enterprise Center; grant writer and community builder.

 

1. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the county?

 

The most important issue facing the county is the need for strong leadership with integrity. Every elected official, candidate and voter should be thinking about ethical leadership in today’s races. Besides strong ethical leadership, El Paso must also reach for new and innovative ideas to bring resources to the El Paso community. El Paso struggles with limited resources and an overtaxed population. This scenario is most prevalent in Precinct 3 where much of the population lives with modest to low income. County Commissioners must re-think how county government works. A new approach should involve maximizing outside funds in the form of grant funds from foundations and other funders to support quality of life projects, such as parks, libraries and other quality of life issues. By using grant funds to improve the quality of life and tax incentives to improve areas, such as the Mission Trail, precinct 3 could build its tax base for greater resources in the future. Based on my experience, it is possible to obtain grants from foundations to enhance the quality of life while keeping taxes down. This would ease the burden of the taxpayer and yet enhance the quality of life.

 

2. Do you support funding for the Sportspark/Field of Dreams?

 

Yes. The Sportspark/Field of Dreams is good for El Paso. However, the county has the challenge of ensuring that the park can be financially sustained without over burdening the taxpayer. With careful management, the Sportspark has the potential of bringing needed revenue and becoming a great venue for El Paso families if it is managed correctly.

 

3. What is the next step for the Thomason Children's Hospital?

 

The Children’s Hospital is in its infant stage. There is still much work to be done to ensure that the hospital is strong, vibrant and capable of serving the whole El Paso population. Once a board has been selected and the hospital has been staffed, we will need to ensure that people who live in remote parts of the county have access to this great institution. The county commissioner in precinct 3 will have a heavy responsibility to ensure that the Children’s Hospital is effective, sustainable and accessible.

 

4. What would you do with Ascarate Park? Should the county be in the parks business at all?

 

Yes, the county should be in the “parks business.” In precinct 3, there is a tremendous need for more parks and more recreational areas. Compared with other cities, El Paso does not have nearly as many parks or recreation venues as it should. Especially in far East El Paso, communities located in San Elizario, Socorro, Clint, Fabens and Montana Vista could use more parks. By seeking funds from foundations and other grant funders, El Paso could have more parks without burdening the taxpayer. With regards to Ascarate Park, I would explore all possible options. In evaluating the Ascarate Park scenario, it is important to consider all aspects, including financial sustainability, stakeholder input (from the people who use the park) to consideration of private investment. In the final analysis, the residents of El Paso must be the winners of what is done with Ascarate Park.

 

5. How does the FBI public corruption investigation impact the county?

 

Corruption and scandal hurts everyone in our community. It hurts the wealthiest person to the poorest person; it hurts both business and the nonprofit sector. Even the perception of corruption affects our own people’s perception of government. As long as the scandal is alive, we all lose. As I walk the streets of the county, people often comment how they are disillusioned with our government leaders. Corruption hurts all of us. It also affects the county’s ability to attract new businesses that would otherwise relocate to El Paso. New businesses are hesitant to invest in El Paso if they believe corruption controls our government. The county cannot afford the corruption scandal to continue. Every elected official must conduct himself/herself with the utmost respect to the position and our community. It is also important for voters to elect new and ethical people.

 

6. Should the county be part of the Downtown Plan in terms of participation in the TIRZ? Why or why not?

 

TIRZ is designed to provide incremental revenues to improve public property downtown. At this point in time, the county is not participating in TIRZ, which means it keeps its share of taxes associated with the TIRZ. In precinct 3, in the area where I will represent, there is so much need – especially outside the city of El Paso – that I believe the county should not participate in TIRZ at this time. In other words, there is so much need in communities such as San Elizario, Socorro, Horizon, Fabens and Montana Vista that I believe the county should spend its resources in areas that have a greater need.

7. Do you think Thomason Hospital board members ought to be elected? Why or why not?

 

Thomason Hospital board members should not be elected. The Thomason Hospital board is vital for an effective strong hospital and politics should not be part of it. Commissioners have the responsibility to find competent and qualified board members; it’s their job. County commissioners are better suited to interview and find well-qualified people to serve as board members. Therefore, we could be doing a tremendous disservice to our community by giving up that role. Thomason board members should be appointed by commissioners court. But the public should hold commissioners court accountable for the people they appoint.

 

8. Would you support complete consolidation? Short of that, how can commissioners work more closely with the city and what specific steps would you commit to?

 

Complete consolidation is not allowed by the Texas Constitution. However, some consolidation is allowed through inter-local agreements. I would support consolidation where it makes sense. It is important to be open to consolidation where both the city and county could save money. In a community like El Paso, it is important that we explore all the possible ways we can save money. This is a complex question; the only way this option can be answered is with a thorough analysis of possible areas of consolidation taking into consideration the financial and economic impact on the taxpayer and the social impact on the residents.

 

9. Should the county go to a manager system?

 

The county is very different than the city. The city has many departments and a myriad of services that it provides its citizenry. A city manager makes sense at the city level. At this point in time, I am not certain that that is the best thing for the county. I believe we need to research the impact before committing to a manager system.

 

10. What role does the county have in regulating development, what more can be done, and how, specifically, would you ensure neighborhoods in the county meet the same standards as neighborhoods in the city?

 

Legally, the county has its hands tied in terms of regulating development because the state does not provide counties with ordinance making authority. However, the county should do all it can do to ensure that people live in safe homes and neighborhoods. Commissioners should work closely with developers to ensure quality neighborhoods. There must be balance between allowing developers to develop property and requirements and/or restrictions imposed to ensure that homes and neighborhoods are safe. This includes homes, roads and all aspects impacting quality of life. In addition, encouragement and development of neighborhood associations also improves neighborhoods and standards.