El Paso Mayoral Run-off Race on December 14
EL PASO MAYORAL RUNOFF ELECTION: JOHNSON AND KENNEDY TALK ABOUT THE NEEDS OF OLDER ADULTS, STREETS AND TRANSPORTATION
El Paso is gearing up for a crucial mayoral run-off election on Saturday, December 14, 2024. The run-off election is between the top two candidates from the November general election, Renard Johnson and Brian Kennedy. Johnson is CEO of METI, Inc., and Kennedy is an attorney and current District 1 City Council representative.
AARP asked the mayoral candidates three questions on issues important to older El Pasoans. Our written questions were provided to each candidate, and both candidates responded in writing. Their unedited answers are presented below, as provided to AARP.
To help you plan your vote, AARP is also providing key election dates and information. Just scroll down, after the candidate responses, for this information.
CANDIDATE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ON MEETING THE NEEDS OF OLDER EL PASOANS
Voters 50+ will decide the next Mayor in El Paso. These same voters believe utility costs like water and electricity, as well as transportation and other economic pressures are top priorities the new mayor should address. How do you plan to ensure the needs of older El Pasoans are met?
JOHNSON: To ensure the needs of older El Pasoans are met, especially given the significant concerns about utility costs, transportation, and economic pressures, I would focus on a comprehensive approach that prioritizes affordability, accessibility, and quality of life for our senior citizens. Here’s how I plan to address these issues:
●Introduce Utility Assistance Programs: For older El Pasoans on fixed incomes, I would push for expanded access to utility assistance programs, such as energy bill subsidies and weatherization programs to help lower monthly water, electricity, and gas bills. El Paso Electric has existing programs that we can partner with to better explain options for customers on a fixed income.
●Senior Discounts: Work with local utility companies to explore the possibility of offering senior-specific discounts or lower-tier pricing for essential utilities, like water and electricity.
●Expand Senior-Friendly Public Transit: Strengthening the city’s public transit system with senior discounts for those 65+. There are currently discounts in place, but we can assess whether those are impactful enough for seniors.
●On-Demand Senior Transportation Programs: Explore more on-demand shuttle services or partnerships with rideshare companies to provide transportation for seniors who may have difficulty accessing traditional public transit. This would improve access to medical appointments, grocery stores, and social activities.
●Increase Support for Local Senior Centers: Ensuring that senior centers are adequately funded, with programs for social engagement, fitness, and access to essential services like nutrition, healthcare, and legal support. Many of our senior centers are reporting heavy use, but are in need of updated programs.
●Create Senior Advisory Councils: Strengthen the senior citizens' advisory council that would meet regularly to discuss ongoing issues and advise the city government on the needs and priorities of the older population. There are currently many vacancies in this council.
●Combat Rising Living Costs: Explore property tax relief options for senior citizens to ensure their ability to remain in their homes.
KENNEDY: All of the utilities are currently working on some form of a senior’s program to help alleviate the cost of fees. The city needs to be an active agent in these initiatives to help bring some relief to our seniors.
I think most of our seniors get the importance of good government. We elect officials to make decisions on our behalf… to exercise good judgment… to manage our resources well, and to forge a path ahead that prepares us years in advance to make the most of all our talents and all our gifts… to make the most of what we hold dear… which for many of us in the El Paso community means the parents, the tias and abuelitas.
It means family.
The best solutions are local. A well-managed local government should be able to continually work toward improved services and innovative solutions. The quality of the community we have tomorrow is affected a thousand tough decisions made today.
ON THE WALKABILITY OF STREETS, TRANSPORTATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
As El Pasoans age, it can be more difficult to get around in their communities and neighborhoods. At the same time, the need to reliably access essential services, healthcare facilities, and community activities increases. What specific actions will you take to make our streets, walkways, and transit safer and more accessible for people of all ages and abilities?
KENNEDY: One of my first concerns is resolving our street problem… and it’s a big problem. We are about $25 million dollars a year away from keeping our streets just as crappy as they are right now. We keep putting a band-aid on major damage and looking the other way. And it’s not for lack of knowledge, we have an excellent streets department, but they are only as good as the resources and direction they are given. I have been working for months on a long-term plan for a sustainable dedicated funding source for street maintenance only. (That can’t be used a slush fund to rob for everybody’s pet project only to be followed by another couple of hundred thousand in bonds on the back of the property tax owner.)
JOHNSON:
●Sidewalks and Ramps: I will prioritize the construction and renovation of sidewalks to ensure they are wide, smooth, and free of obstacles, with ramps at intersections for people with mobility challenges, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.
●Expand Senior-Friendly Public Transit: Strengthening the city’s public transit system with senior discounts for those 65+.
●On-Demand Senior Transportation Programs: Explore more on-demand shuttle services or partnerships with rideshare companies to provide transportation for seniors who may have difficulty accessing traditional public transit. This would improve access to medical appointments, grocery stores, and social activities.
●Traffic Calming Measures: In residential neighborhoods, implement traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, reduced speed limits, and more visible signage to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, especially near schools, parks, and senior living communities.
●Mobile Health Clinics: Partner with healthcare providers to bring mobile health clinics to neighborhoods with high populations of older adults, improving access to routine check-ups, preventive care, and chronic disease management.
●Accessible Information: Ensure that all city transportation and accessibility information is available in formats that are easy for seniors to access—such as large print, audio, or digital formats—so they can make informed decisions about their mobility options.
ON AGING-IN-PLACE
The 65+ population is the fastest growing segment in the state, and by 2050, 1 in 5 Texans will be over the age of 65. As mayor of El Paso, what would you do to support older adults so they can age in their homes and communities?
JOHNSON: As a candidate for Mayor of El Paso, I recognize that the aging population is a vital and growing part of our community. With the 65+ demographic rapidly expanding, it is essential to ensure that older adults can remain in their homes and communities, living with dignity, independence, and the support they need.
●Increase Affordable Senior Housing: I would work with developers to create more affordable, age-friendly housing options, particularly in areas with easy access to transportation, healthcare, and essential services. This could include expanding the availability of subsidized housing and housing vouchers for low-income seniors.
●Mobile Health Clinics & Telemedicine: Expand mobile health clinics and telemedicine services to bring healthcare to seniors who may have difficulty traveling. This would make regular checkups, screenings, and consultations more accessible, particularly in underserved areas.
●Senior-Friendly Transit Services: I would work to expand public transportation options for seniors, including low-cost or free bus passes for those 65+ and improved accessibility for people with disabilities. This includes ensuring that buses are equipped with ramps and lifts, as well as extending transit routes to key services such as hospitals, grocery stores, and senior centers.
●Expand Senior Centers and Activities: I would invest in expanding senior centers and community programs that offer activities such as arts, exercise, and social engagement, helping seniors stay active and connected to their communities. These centers can also provide vital services, including meal programs and health screenings.
●Tax Relief Programs: Work on programs that provide property tax relief for seniors, particularly those on fixed incomes, so they can continue to live in their homes without the fear of being priced out due to rising property taxes.
●Part-Time and Flexible Job Opportunities: Work with our local workforce solution partners to promote and support part-time or flexible job opportunities for older adults who wish to continue working for financial, social, or personal reasons. Many seniors have valuable skills and experience that can benefit the community and the workforce.
KENNEDY: I think aging well at home is the gold standard. While some services are not under the purview of City government, I think economic security weighs heavily into almost all choices for seniors. Which brings us back to the huge property tax burden carried by the residential sector. Brain drain isn’t just young graduates…in fact, if we don’t provide a livable/affordable community our seniors move away as well. The City budget is $1.3 billion dollars. Half of that is debt. Increased debt means increased taxes. I led the charge to hold the line on taxes with no increase on City taxes two years in a row. If we want to control taxes, we have to control spending and we have to fight our way to continue to improve our financial position. Then all things are possible.
IMPORTANT VOTER INFORMATION AND DETAILS
The mayor, and city council play an active and direct role in shaping the future of our community, so AARP is encouraging El Paso residents to make a plan to go vote. Here are some key dates and information to help you plan your vote.
KEY DATES AND DEADLINES
- Nov. 14: Last day to register to vote
- Dec. 2: First day of early voting
- Dec. 3: Last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked)
- Dec. 10: Last day of early voting
- Dec. 14: Last day to receive ballot by mail
- Dec. 14: Election Day
HOW TO VOTE
In-Person Voting:
- Early Voting: You can vote early from December 2 to December 10 at designated early voting locations throughout El Paso.
- Election Day Voting: On December 14, you can vote from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at any Vote Center.
Mail-In Voting:
- Application Deadline: The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot is December 3, 2024.
- Submission Deadline: Mail-in ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day if not postmarked, or by 5:00 PM on December 16, 2024, if postmarked by 7:00 PM on Election Day.
VOTER ELIGIBILITY
All registered voters in El Paso are eligible to vote in the mayoral runoff. However, only residents of the specific districts can vote in their respective City Council races.
OTHER CITY COUNCIL RUN-OFF RACES
Five City Council seats are also up for grabs:
- District 1: Alejandra Chavez vs. Monica Reyes
- District 3: Deanna Maldonado-Rocha vs. Jose Rodriguez
- District 4: Joe Molinar (incumbent) vs. Cynthia Trejo
- District 5: Amanda Cunningham vs. Ivan Niño
- District 7: Chris Hernandez vs. Lily Limón
For more detailed information, visit the El Paso County Elections Department website: https://epcountyvotes.com/voter-information/current-election
Make sure your voice is heard. Vote and be part of El Paso's future!
