Candidates in El Paso City Council runoff election share priorities
by: Susy Castillo
Posted: Nov 28, 2018 / 03:30 PM MST / Updated: Nov 28, 2018 / 03:30 PM MST
Early voting begins for the El Paso runoff elections for District 1 and District 8 city council seats. Each of the candidates has something different to offer.
Both races have incumbents fighting to keep their seat as none received more than 50 percent of the votes during the general election.
District 1 represents Northwest El Paso and most of the Westside. Veronica "Roni" Frescas is trying to unseat incumbent Peter Svarzbein.
During the general election, Svarzbein received more than 30 percent of the votes and Frescas received 28. Candidates said there are a few things they'll focus on including road work.
"We've made it a priority to focus on our parks, to focus on our streets and public safety," said Svarzbein.
"Halting that debt, fixing those roads, and putting more officers out on the streets," said Frescas.
District 8 represents part of the Upper Valley and South Central El Paso.
Nicholas Anthony Vasquez is facing incumbent Cissy Lizarraga. In the general election Lizarraga received more than 43 percent of the votes while Vasquez had more than 15.
One candidate is focusing on road work while the other said using local talent is a priority.
"I'm proud to say I voted for $7 million in increase in street improvements where we will be able to resurface at least 50 streets this year. That's the number one priority," said Lizarraga.
"They're looking at investing into entertainment ventures attracting industry but I'm talking about creating industry. What I'm looking to do is implement a recycle facility with a partnership between the city and UTEP to utilize El Paso's talent," said Vasquez.
Early voting runs through December 11. Election Day is December 15. You can find polling locations in our election guide.
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