Michiel R. Noe, City Council District 5 Candidate

Name:Michiel ?Mike? Noe

Office Sought: City Representative District 5

Age: 49

Occupation: Physician / Businessman

Education: Bachelor of Science, Angelo State University Doctor of Medicine, Texas Tech School of Medicine

Family:Married. 5 children, 1 grandchild and 1 ?on the way?.

Number one campaign focus?

Demanding more efficient government and holding the line on taxes. Re-establishing a working relationship between the constituents of District 5 and City Hall. In doing so, giving District 5 the voice it deserves in El Paso. District 5 is experiencing unprecedented growth and as such could be impacted more than other districts in regards to Smart Growth and Impact Fees. Our district has accepted less than our share for too long now. Our roads have been neglected too long. The congestion ignored too long. We need a voice at City Hall that will provide strong, unrelenting representation and support for our District. I will be that voice, starting day one.

What sets you apart from your opponents?

I made a commitment at the onset of this campaign and have made it clear with my committee that this campaign will focus on the issues. I do not wish to point out weaknesses in my opponents. The voters are capable of doing that for themselves. I bring to City Council my education as a physician and experience in solving problems in an analytical fashion. In a manner that includes determining the root problem, its possible solutions and the risks, benefits and alternatives to each. I bring my business experience, organizational skills, work ethic and not the least of which, my love for this city. I have the time to give to my constituents and pledge not to be a ?part time? representative. I will have meetings on average every other week. These will be held in the district at various times to assure the constituents have access to me.

Relevant experience that qualifies you for the position you seek.

I have lived in El Paso now for 20 years, almost all of that in District 5. I know the district. I have purchased and improved residential property and paid my taxes. I have improved commercial property, having to deal with the city with permits, plans, inspections and zoning changes. I have been exposed to the inner workings of the city through the Neighborhood Leadership Academy. I have organized and am president of the Montwood Community Alliance, A Neighborhood Association. I attend community meetings, meet with community leaders and attend City Council meetings either in person or streaming on line. I have founded and successfully grown a business on the East Side, employing approximately 25 people. I understand budgets, long term strategic planning, marketing and human resources. Being a successful business owner has proven my ability to work within a budget and operate efficiently. I have been trained professionally in solving problems. This is what a physician does. Becoming a physician proves my ability to comprehend complex and multifaceted issues, analyze the data and formulate a solution to the issue at hand. It proves my ability to work long hours and deal with people of different cultures, personalities and educational levels. I have a business and family in El Paso, and therefore have a very real vested interest in the success of this city. I have a family that supports my desire to do this. It is a commitment that my family and I make to the community.

If you had the chance to revoke one ordinance in El Paso immediately upon taking office, which one would it be?

I would immediately reverse the decision that forces our city?s sanitation trucks to drive from the West Side to the Clint Landfill. By allowing them to use the West Side landfill, our city would save hundreds of thousands of dollars by saving on fuel, and wear and tear on our city?s trucks. This would help relieve congestion on our I-10 and decrease the carbon footprint these trucks leave. This would also significantly increase the productivity of the drivers by having them on their routes instead of driving back and forth across town. This too would save huge amounts in payroll. Run it like a business and cut the overhead, not like a tax subsidized bureaucracy.

Describe a moment that changed your life.

The birth of my twins. I delivered them. Children are without a doubt the greatest gift a man can receive.

In what ways do you think El Paso is on the right track, and in what ways do you think it needs to change course.

Revitalizing Downtown and the development of the Medical Centers of the Americas are two projects with enormous potential for improving the City?s economy, tax base, employment, tourism and image. I would invest the time and energy in seeing that these two projects continue. They will both require significant change in traffic infrastructure and I would see to it that the Bus Rapid Transit plan for these areas is given equal priority. It would be a mistake to spend so much effort in developing these two areas and then have it fall apart in the eyes of our citizens because the congestion created by it was not dealt with as the growth occurred.

I will consistently vote to see that the city works within the budget. The all too common response to budget shortfalls is to raise taxes and fees. Instead we need to take a hard, honest look at the efficiency and productivity of our present city government. Mandated items will be funded. Non-mandated items will be funded based on its priority. Cuts may have to be made in non-mandated items of low priority. These will be tough decisions and will require leadership willing to stand up to special interest groups.

If elected, how will you balance the needs of family, your career and your office.

I have enjoyed a successful career in Medicine. However, having a full time practice would be a disservice to the people in District 5 and the City as a whole. I have understood this from the beginning and started making changes many months ago to transition into the position of Medical Director. It will not have the demands on my time that my prior practice did. I will pledge to the people of District 5 that I will not be a ?Part Time? Representative. A minimum of 40 hours a week will be devoted to El Paso and the citizens of District 5. I still have two school age children at home. Just like any parent on the council, they will require and deserve to have time with me as well. I?ve stated from the beginning that I am a ?Family Man?. I do not plan to neglect my children in any way. However, just like any working parent, time management allows for both a successful career and functional family. I don?t believe the people of El Paso want to require their Representatives to be unemployed and childless. The qualities that make me a successful physician, businessman, husband and father will help me to be a successful and productive City Council Representative.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Odessa, Texas. Between then and the sixth grade I lived in Odessa, El Paso, Corpus Christi, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Spokane, Washington, Great Falls, Montana, and Livingston, Montana. My father quit is job and began a construction company in Odessa when I was in the sixth grade. I lived in Odessa until leaving for college.

When and why did you move to El Paso?

I moved to El Paso the last week of June, 1991. I came here as a medical student at Texas Tech.

Do you have a Website, Twitter or Facebook account?

Yes to all. Facebook: Dr. Noe (Michiel Ray Noe is my personal page) Twitter: MikeNoeMD” Website: www.votemikenoedistrict5.com

Other Contact: 915-255-9205