Bio info

-- Name: Guillermo ÒWillieÓ Gandara, Jr.

-- Age: 33

-- Occupation: Owner, Socorro Iron & Metals and Gandara Recycling

-- Website: (email) willie.gandara@yahoo.com

-- Residence : Socorro, TX  - Mission Valley

 

Relevant Experience (for print, will be edited 100 words max):

Willie Gandara, Jr. is a native son and proud product of our Mission Valley.  Raised in our community of Socorro, TX, Willie grew up in a very humble setting and is no stranger to needs of that community.  He earned a Masters of Public Administration from Sul Ross University and Sociology degree from McMurray University.  Willie is owner of  Socorro Iron & Metals and Gandara Recycling.  His successful business entrepreneurial traits enabled to him to serve as Mayor in the City of Socorro, TX and to achieve quality of life projects for his community.  He prides himself with being a positive role model for his daughter and strives to give El PasoÕs children greater opportunities.  He believes in a tight reign on taxes.

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 Issues (for print, will be edited to 200 words or less)

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

The ongoing FBI investigation is probably the biggest problem facing El PasoanÕs today.  It has created mistrust from the public towards all the elected officials and future leaders.  We have a difficult task ahead of us to renew the publicÕs trust.   

 

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

$10 million has been committed for this project.  Yes I do support the funding if the plan secures for a return of investment and the revenue alleviates taxpayers burden to repay the certificates of obligation.  To include any additional revenue can also be allocated to the general fund to help with future tax burden.

 

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

The next step is to select a professional managerial board to have oversight on the formation of the nonprofit status of the ChildrenÕs Hospital. 

 

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

 

The county has to consider privatization or consolidation with the city. We need to consider strong park initiatives that will not cause taxpayer burden. 

 

 

How does the FBI public corruption investigation impact the county?

This investigation impacts our constituentÕs trust in our public officials and government entities.  It affects us at a local, state and national level regarding border politics and voter apathy. In addition it could affect the future bonding status for the county of El Paso.

 

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

Initially, the City of El Paso neglected to invite and integrate the county in their initial Downtown Plans.  However, the county must consider participation due to the problems that may arise regarding any home displacement for residents in that area.  If there is home displacement, Pct. 3 will be affected by an influx of South El Paso residents relocating to our countyÕs east and lower valley communities.  The county must be informed when and if residents in that area will be at risk of relocating and/or any adverse issues will affect our tax base.

 

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

According to state statute trustees canÕt be elected. The board today is professional and knowledgeable and is operating at its highest level in the history of El Paso. 

 

 

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?

 

I support consolidation if there is a plan, timeline, and cost justification for consolidation to work.  Consolidation may work for small departments.  However, other departments may require a phase plan before full consolidation is accomplished.  Commissioners can work to begin by consolidating an economic development department, parks, nutrition centers, libraries and human resources. All consolidation efforts must have a complete review to ensure it is not an additional burden on taxpayers. Consolidating any programs must be a method of savings taxpayersÕ dollars.

 

Should the county go to a manager system?   This has to be enacted by the state legislature and the city taxpayers have to agree to inherit any future debt – for example infrastructure needs, population growth issues, and public safety.

 

 

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?

 

The only way for the county to regulate development is to obtain ordinance-making authority.  With out ordinance making authority we canÕt enforce building codes, permits, etcÉ  This has to be enacted by our Texas Legislature.  As a former Mayor I have the experience and opportunity to work with state and federal officials to ensure proper growth in our county. I posses this experience and bring it to county government.