City Rep. Lozano To Seek Commissioner Teran’s Seat

By Darren Hunt

EL PASO –City RepresentativeAlexandro Lozanoannounced Wednesday that he will seek Commissioner Miguel Teran’sCountyCommissioner seat. Teran announced last week he would not run for another term.

“I was going to do it four years from now, but the time is here. I’m almost 60 years old and I don’t have time to waste,” Lozano said.

Lozano’s precinctwith the cityextends from El Paso’s Lower Valley up towards Montana Vista and eastward to the county line.

He has served five-and-a-half years as the city representative for the district and still had a year-and-a-half left on his term. During his tenure on the city council, Lozano often provided the swing vote on many issues.

Following Wednesday City Council meeting, all current city representatives bid their colleague farewell. Lozano’s family — including his wife, son and daughter — were also present for the announcement.

Lozano will face three other candidates for Teran’s seat on the Commissioners Court. They are Irene Sanchez, Willie Gandara and Attorney Frank Lopez.

Lopez thinks Commissioners Court could use some new blood. “The politics of old don’t work, the politicians of old don’t work. They haven’t solved the problems that are out there. What we really need are some new solutions,” he said.

IfLozano wins the seat, his area will not only cover parts of far east El Paso, but Socorro, Clint, Fabens and San Elizario. Lozano said its an area he hopes will flourish in the future.

“I’ve always dreamed about making the Mission Valley the tourist mecca ofEl Paso. It has a tremendous history and it needs more attention and care,” he said. “San Elizario could be better than Mesilla and better than anything you have seen in this region.”

The city will have to hold a special election within 120 days after Lozano leaves his seat with the city to findsomeone who will serve out his term.