Lyda Ness-Garcia, City Council Candidate District 1

NAME: Lyda Ness-Garcia

OFFICE YOU SEEK: City Council District 1

AGE: 39 (40 before election)

OCCUPATION: Attorney and Counselor at Law

EDUCATION: BA in English Literature and JD Law from UT Law.

FAMILY: 2 daughters

1. NUMBER-ONE CAMPAIGN FOCUS: I am running a balanced and multifaceted campaign and talking to as many people from the business and neighborhood communities about their concerns. I don?t have lots of money like the incumbent to send you a postcard a week but I want to talk about the issues. I am committed to restoring a business friendly culture to City Hall so that our city can prosper and grow and our children don?t have to leave El Paso to look for opportunity

2. WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR OPPONENTS? I understand and have educated myself on most of the issues facing our City and welcome discussion about specific ideas rather than empty rhetoric. I have the energy to lead.

3. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFIES YOU FOR THE POSITION YOU SEEK: I have the ability to look at any issue with an open mind and no preconceived agenda. I ask the right questions to come to a logical conclusion about any given issue. I don?t take the short road just because it is easy. I have been involved in giving back to my community from the time I could vote and will continue to do so.

4. IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO REVOKE ONE ORDINANCE IN EL PASO IMMEDIATELY UPON TAKING OFFICE, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE? The City implemented a four-day week through an ?administrative process.? I disagree with any approach that does not ensure accountability and transparency. I would vote to ensure the City returned to a five-day schedule. In regards to specific ordinances, I would stay the criminal penalty provisions for violation of the Smart Code. The City has the ability to file civil remedies to get injunctive relief and fine companies who violate the provisions. However, since the Code is a work in progress we need to encourage buy-in and not impose until we fully understand the implementation and how it will specifically affect El Paso.

5. DESCRIBE A MOMENT THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE: Without a doubt it was the birth of my daughters. You cannot be prepared for the selfless and all encompassing love and desire to protect that motherhood gives you. It may be corny but its true.

6. IN WHAT WAYS IS EL PASO ON THE RIGHT TRACK, AND IN WHAT WAYS DOES IT NEED TO CHANGE COURSE? El Paso wants to move forward but it is doing so without input from it?s constituents. If you want a policy to succeed you have to have buy-in from stakeholders. We have to restore customer service and a business friendly culture to City Hall to promote responsible growth.

7. IF ELECTED, HOW WILL YOU BALANCE THE NEEDS OF FAMILY, YOUR CAREER AND YOUR OFFICE? As I do always, with the support of my family and friends. I think as women we have a unique ability to multitask and rise to the occasion. I hope to be a role model for my daughters and show them that we can serve our community, support our families and be a wonderful mother. To quote a notable Texas leader, “If you give us the chance, we can perform. After all, Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels.”

8. WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I was born in North Carolina and raised in Athens, Greece. I came back to attend High School and College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I have been living in Texas ever since and have lived in El Paso longer than anywhere else.

9. WHEN AND WHY DID YOU COME TO EL PASO? I came in 1998 to work for then County Attorney Jose Rodriguez as an assistant county attorney, prosecuting child abuse cases.

10. DO YOU HAVE A WEBSITE, TWITTER OR FACEBOOK ACCOUNT? www.lydanessgarcia.com; Facebook: Lyda A. Ness-Garcia for District Representative District 1

11. OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION FOR VOTERS: lydanessgarcia@gmail.com; 915-261-5609.