Candidate Michael Huerta’s Answers To KVIA Mayoral Forum Questionnaire

ABC-7’s mayoral forum will air in its entirety Sunday, Nov. 6 in the 8 a.m. hour of Good Morning El Paso Weekend, and will be posted on our website. We will also use clips from it during our newscasts throughout the week to drive voters to watch ahead of the broadcast.

Here’s the format, which will be rapid fire-style:

? Candidates have 30 seconds to deliver an opening statement

? There will be three or four rounds of questions. Every candidate will get 30 seconds to respond

? Each candidate will have an opportunity to ask one opponent. The questions will not be revealed to the candidates.

? Opportunities for rebuttal will be provided as warranted.

Name: Michael Ray Huerta

Age: 25

Occupation: Small business owner with family businesses

Education: Mayfield High School, George Washington University

Family: Single, no children

1. Number One campaign focus:

We must focus to bring good-paying jobs to Las Cruces.

2. What sets you apart from your opponents?

While my opponents are both career politicians, I am not. Additionally, I have the youth, energy and experience to effectively lobby on behalf of Las Crucens. I am also best qualified to communicate the needs, opportunities and resources of our city.

3. Relevant experience that qualifies you for Mayor of Las Cruces:

Having worked for various high-level officials, including Rep. Harry Teague and Sec. of State Hillary Clinton, I know what it takes to get the job done. Having worked for various non-profits across the country, I understand how to operate in difficult economic climates, while streamlining and innovating to tackle 21st Century challenges. And now working with my families small businesses, I know what it means to have to work hard and play by the rules, expecting government to not get in the way.

4. If you had the chance to revoke an ordinance in Las Cruces immediately upon taking office, which one would it be?

First, we need to repeal the Red-Light Cameras. They don?t work, they send hard-working Las Cruces money overseas, and they are a clear violation of due process. Second, we need to repeal the ordinance that allowed my opponents to give themselves a 15% pay increase during these difficult times. Not only would I repeal that, but I would then cut all salaries of city politicians an additional 50%. And finally, as other cities have done, Las Cruces needs to divest itself of our public gas utility, let the private sector lead on it, then use the $45 million on necessary city projects.

5. Describe a moment that changed your life:

On September 11, 2001, I was 15 years old and on my way to marching band rehearsal at Mayfield High School. When I learned that the towers had been struck, I rushed home. It was then, after seeing the towers fall and learning of the Pentagon, that my eyes were opened to the realities of this world and the direction of my life had been set. The next day, I began volunteering for political campaigns and now, 10 years later, I am running to make my hometown a fairer, stronger and more prosperous community.

6. In what ways is Las Cruces on the right track, and in what ways does it need to change course?

We?ve done a good job in Las Cruces of increasing our reserves and improving the quality of life for the top 10% of Las Crucens. But my opponents have done little to help the vast majority of Las Cruces families who are struggling to get by. 35% of Las Cruces children live in poverty, over 12% of families can?t find a job, and most neighborhoods in Las Cruces haven?t seen significant improvements in infrastructure. We need to refocus on the vast majority of Las Crucens.

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

The benefit of being young and single is my ability to dedicate myself fully to this position. Unlike the current mayor, I will make this a full-time job with office hours while revoking the salary increase my opponents gave themselves, and then cutting the salary an addition 50%.

8. Where did you grow up?

Born and raised in Las Cruces.

9. When and why did you come to Las Cruces?

While I was born in Las Cruces, my grandfather moved here because he knew if he could work hard and play by the rules, he could get ahead in Las Cruces. He started up a barber?s shop and years later, my family is a testimony to his hard work. I want to return Las Cruces to a place where anyone can get ahead, regardless of who they may or may not know at city hall.

10. Please indicate whether you have a website, Twitter or Facebook account:

Michael Huerta has a website: michaelrayhuerta.com Facebook: facebook.com/michaelformayor