Jesus Ruiz, Socorro mayoral candidate

NAME: Jesus Ruiz
OFFICE YOU SEEK; Mayor of Socorro
AGE; 24
OCCUPATION; Case Manager
EDUCATION; B.A in History, NMSU 2010
FAMILY; Single

NUMBER-ONE CAMPAIGN FOCUS

Socorro has been filled with scandals in the past couple of years and the morale of our people is very low. The relationship between our city government and our citizens has become very strained and we need to improve this. Socorro deserves a positive change and we are ready to move forward. I want to be able to provide that change to Socorro and leave behind our troubled past. The Gandara family has embarrassed Socorro enough and we have to end their era in Socorro.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR OPPONENTS?

Socorro needs a leader that has been an advocate for change in our community and understands the issues that we face. I have been actively involved in our community in the last couple of years and I have been working to change Socorro for the better. While my opponents might want to change Socorro, I am the only one who has been actively trying to do so prior to this election.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFIES YOU FOR THE POSITION YOU SEEK:

There is really no degree or job that can qualify you to be an elected official. Throughout my career, I have shown the capacity to learn quickly and to incorporate new ideas and concepts easily. Public service is an important factor in leadership and I have been fortunate to have experience in the non-profit sector where I have seen first-hand the results of complex policy decisions.

IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO REVOKE ONE ORDINANCE IN Socorro IMMEDIATELY UPON TAKING OFFICE, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE?

I would revoke Ordinance No. 299 which relates to the extending of terms of the representatives in Socorro. This specific ordinance has been very criticized not only in Socorro but across the State of Texas because it could potentially violate the Texas Constitution. This Ordinance allowed our representatives to extend their terms and change the voting dates without the consent of the people. Jesse Gandara and the City Council did not give the opportunity to the people of Socorro to vote on this issue and I do not agree with that decision. I believe that the people of Socorro should have been allowed to vote on whether they wanted this to happen or not.

DESCRIBE A MOMENT THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE:

I graduated from NMSU with a BA in History in December of 2010. That day changed my life because I accomplished one of my biggest goals. It was not easy to achieve and at one point I was juggling 3 jobs and 18 credit hours. However, the work paid off and I was able to walk across the stage and make my family proud.

IN WHAT WAYS IS Socorro ON THE RIGHT TRACK AND IN WHAT WAYS DOES IT NEED TO CHANGE COURSE?

It is no secret that Socorro has suffered greatly in the last couple of years. Socorro needs to elect people that will not put their interests firsts and are qualified to hold office. We can not continue to elect people simply because we know them or because they are popular. That system has not worked for Socorro and we cannot afford to continue it.

Socorro is a growing city and we have adapted to this. The people of Socorro are ready to embrace the future and continue to work to improve our city. We are the second largest city in El Paso County and we must continue to improve our relationship with the surrounding communities.

IF ELECTED, HOW WILL YOU BALANCE THE NEEDS OF FAMILY, YOU’RE CAREER AND YOUR OFFICE?

It is always important for elected officials to have the ability to multitask and keep their priorities in order. I have shown throughout my life the ability to do so and this is key in my current occupation. My career is very important to me and I will work hard to make sure that the people of Socorro have a leader that they can reach out to.

WHEN AND WHY DID YOU COME TO Socorro (IF APPLICABLE)?

My family moved to Socorro from El Paso in the year 2000.

PLEASE INDICATE WHETHER YOU HAVE A WEBSITE, TWITTER OR FACEBOOK ACCOUNT: (Editor’s Note: No answer given)

OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION FOR VOTERS:

Phone number 915-760-3861

Email; Ruizalejandrojesus@gmail.com