Voters Meet Candidates At UTEP Forum

By ABC-7 Reporter Veronique Masterson

El Paso, Texas – The March 2010 elections aren’t too far away. Many candidates took part in an educational forum about the nonprofit sector.

“Elected officials need to know how to work with nonprofit organizations because nonprofit organizations often do what government doesn’t do,” explained Frank Lopez, Executive Director for the Nonprofit Enterprise Center. “So nonprofits fill the gap, if you will, for so many programs.”

At Thursday night’s meeting, organizers explained the event was supposed to create what they called a nonprofit legislative connection.

They say the not for profit sector has a strong economic impact in the borderland as the third largest employer in El Paso.

Folks in the social work and nonprofit sectors spoke about what they need from elected officials. Then candidates explained their stance on nonprofits.

ABC-7 caught up with 3 candidates running for State Senate Seat, District 29. Louis Irwin said, “There are certain sectors that could use more government support. Social workers in particular are insufficient in number, are overloaded with work and are under paid.”

Liza Montelongo told us, “We need to work on a lot of issues regarding Austin and El Paso. But regarding nonprofit, I see working together to help them streamline the process of becoming a nonprofit.”

“I think the nonprofit sector has the expertise because they work with people on a daily basis to provide us in the legislature, should I get elected, with data, with information, with case studies,” said Jose Rodriguez.

Early voting for the March primary begins February 16.

ABC-7 tried contacting El Paso businessman Dan Chavez, also running for District 29, but he did not return our phone calls and was not at Thursday night’s forum.