Dee Margo running for mayor of El Paso

Former State Representative Dee Margo made it official Wednesday, announcing that he will run for Mayor of El Paso.

About 50 people showed up at Tom Lea Park on Rim Road for Margo’s announcement, where the 64 year-old spoke about what his priorities would be if elected Mayor of El Paso. Margo was quick to point out what he feels a mayor should be.

“Our mayor should be an ambassador for jobs,” he said, indicating education of our workforce is the key. “We are highly capable of going far beyond where we are now. If we get our education component in line, we’ll have the jobs. We’ve got the best workforce anywhere. We just have to have the education component at the same level.”

As the former chair of the EPISD Board of Managers, Margo helped guide the rehabilitation of the city’s scandalized largest school district. But he stopped short of criticizing a divided council for its current delay with the arena project.

ABC-7 pointed out some of the criticism has been that council lacks the ability to make a tough decision, asking Margo why he is the right guy to make those tough decisions?

“Historically, I’ve made tough decisions,” Margo said. “Historically, I’ve done that. We did it at EPISD. I did it at the legislature. We need to complete our bond projects, on time, on budget or under budget. We need a user friendly City government that’s open five days a week to meet our needs on our hours.”

ABC-7 then asked the one-time republican legislator how he can win a mayoral race in a town full of democrats?

“It’s not a republican or democratic race,” Margo said. “It’s a non-partisan race and I’m running as an El Pasoan. When I was in the legislature, I always told people I was an El Pasoan before I was ever a republican. So I don’t think it has any bearing whatsoever.”

In addition to Margo and City Rep. Emma Acosta, Historical Commission member Charlie Stapler has filed paperwork to run for Mayor.

Other possible candidates include David Saucedo, owner of a locksmith business; activist Jorge Artelejo; East El Pasoan Ana Romero Zaidle; Jameel Toombs, a 24 year-old personal trainer; and David Rodriguez, who was chair of a precinct of the Democratic party.

Election day is May 6. Early voting begins April 24.