EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — With Election Day one week away, voters in far East El Paso are getting a closer look at the race for El Paso City Council District 5, where incumbent Ivan Niño is facing community organizer Richard Genera.
Asked about their top issues, both candidates pointed to affordability.
“A big priority for me for district five and something that I have to focus on and continue to focus on is affordability. Quality of life and affordability are extremely important for District 5 residents,” Niño said. “I was happy to support against any utility rate increase that came forward to the El Paso City Council and additionally I did vote against the proposed initial tax rate that came forth.”
Genera said, “Listening to the residents, affordability in District Five is at the top of mind for everyone.”
He pointed to high power bills and El Paso Electric’s profits, saying, “Their electric bill are five hundred, six hundred, seven hundred dollars a month the fact of the matter is is that El Paso Electric made over 130 million dollars in profits last year and” later adding, “So we need a representative who is going to apply as much pressure as possible to make sure that El Paso Electric is making less profit if it means it’s squeezing more of our constituents.”
Niño said he wants a citywide spending review before asking residents for more money. Genera said he would examine department budgets and hold weekly community meetings to explain his decisions.
Early voting ends Friday. Election Day is Nov. 3.
For all the information you need to know ahead of the election, visit this Election Guide.
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