Ric Schecter, City Representative, District 1 Candidate

Name: Ric Schecter

Office Sought: City Representative, District 1

Age: 62

Occupation: Retired

Education: B.S., Chemistry; M.B.A.

Family: Dr. David and Rose Schecter, Erline Schecter, David and Sue Schecter

Number-one campaign focus?

Preserve your home, family and neighborhood by having the city live within its means! Reduce spending/reduce taxes.

What sets you apart from your opponents?

Masters Degree in Business; Background in finance; Been at City Council Meetings for the past 10 years and understand the problems facing the city and the taxpayers.

Relevant experience that qualifies you for the position:

Grew up in El Paso. Past president of Mountain Arroyos Neighborhood Association (MANA), Leadership El Paso – Class 25. (See also previous answer.)

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

Kill the Redd Road Extension and the Transmountain Road Plan.

Describe a moment that changed your life:

Each weekday morning my uncle would pick up my father and me in the Rayburns van and drop me off at El Paso High on their way to work. As a self-absorbed teen, I rarely said a word during the drive. One day my father said, “You could show a little appreciation, your uncle doesn’t have to drive you to school each day!” Since that day, I have never forgotten to acknowledge people for the things that they do.

In what ways is El Paso on the right track, and in what ways does it need to change course?

In the past 12 years, El Pasoans have developed pride for their city. Having that, GREAT things are possible. Instead of trying to be like other cities, however, we should be developing our own unique identity. Pride comes from the bottom up. El Paso’s renaissance must as well. The current top down approach needs to change. In addition, City Council needs to be consistent in its own actions. The first question asked on any agenda item should be “Does this get us closer to our stated goals?”

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

Easily. Family needs are minimal. I am retired, with time on my hands.

Where did you grow up?

My parents moved to El Paso when I was 11. I went to Putnam Elementary and El Paso High. GO TIGERS!

When and why did you come to El Paso?

See above. I returned to El Paso in 1997 to start a business.

Do you have a website, Twitter or Facebook account?

No

Other contact information for voters: Email: rjs41@alumni.cwru.edu Home Phone: 915-845-2850