2017 Elections
City Council Survey
Name: Jose Plasencia
Occupation:
District: 4
1. What are the three most pressing issues facing your district? In 100 words or less, how
do you propose to address those issues?
Economic Growth, Flooding and Roads, City Investment.
Bringing smart growth in the NorthEast rather than building out.
I support Green Infrastructure that reduces flash flooding, improves air quality, beautifies the
area and slows road deterioration that would save thousands of dollars. I believe we must
repurpose Cohen Stadium in a Local Artisan Green Market/ Amphitheater in order to bring much
needed investments to the area also generating revenue for the city. Offering incentive packages
and reduce permit cost we could grow small businesses in the Northeast to bring about
economic opportunity.
2. Do you support the original location chosen for the arena? Yes or No. In 100 words or
less, explain what will you do to reach a prompt resolution of this issue?
I do not support the demolition of Union Plaza. The cost associated with land acquisition in Union
Plaza takes a large portion money. Second multiple homeowners have stated they would not sell
and eminent domain if used litigation could take over 2 years. I believe that focusing solely on
downtown is not giving fair opportunity to other regions of the city. Finding alternative sites is
priority possibly south of Paisano. I believe we should repurpose Cohen Stadium saving millions
in land acquisition, it makes no sense that we have under utilized facilities yet want more city
owned buildings.
3. In 100 words or less, what is your opinion of the El Paso Police Department’s current
budget and whether it needs to be increased or decreased?
I do not support increasing the Police Budget, my plan includes implementing a Cite & Release
program that could save millions. I believe a portion of those savings should go directly back into
the police budget, too often we increase budgets without looking into ways to save money. If
increasing the Police budget requires more debt, or higher taxes i would not support that idea.
4. In 100 words or less, please explain your plan for improving the City’s ability to attract
and retain companies that will pay a decent living wage for El Pasoans
Pushing for a more walkable bike friendly El Paso, pushing green infrastructure to beautify our
city and protect our roads from deterioration. I believe that our cities beauty not an arena, or
sports team will attract new businesses. I will ensure businesses also who receive tax incentives
will be required to pay a minimum of $10 hour, and require they generate a minimum of 25% of
power thru solar or wind. Working with UTEP to ensure we are tracking degree numbers and
focusing on businesses that work in the field UTEP grads are studying in.
5. In 100 words or less, what is your plan for building an effective, collaborative team
environment on City Council?
Having meetings with other city reps is crucial to creating a successful council, being an independent
party member i know how to work with all people on issues. I like many El Pasoans have seen the division
on council and I will fight to bring transparency and foster a professional envirnoment.
6. Fort Bliss is our largest employer and the largest military installation in the country. In
100 words or less, please explain what will you do to enhance the military value of Fort
Bliss to the Army?
Working with Ft. Bliss to improve entertainment, ensuring that I fight to bring a more educated
workforce to help civilian job recruitment. Also working with our congressmen directly to identify needs
or improvement in the area.