EPISO and Border Interfaith host accountability session

The El Paso Interreligious Sponsoring Organization and Border Interfaith teamed up for the third year to host an accountability session Sunday afternoon.

Candidates running for county judge, county commissioner and state representatives for three districts were all in attendance.

In its unique format, the most important thing to understand is that the session was not a debate.

Candidates who participated in EPISO and Border Interfaith’s accountability session at All Saints Catholic Church in central El Paso could only answer “yes” or “no” to questions.

After their one word answers, they only had one minute to explain their stance on community issues. For some of the political candidates, like incumbent District 76 State Rep. Naomi Gonzalez, it was their first time at such an event.

“We’re told that we can’t say negative things about our opponents, we have to stick to the issues and I think that’s what makes this absolutely fantastic,” Rep. Gonzalez said.

One of Rep. Gonzalez’s opponents, Cesar Blanco, said he and Rep. Gonzalez agree on a lot of topics, minus education.

“When we don’t fund our public schools out of our tax fund dollars, I have concerns with that,” Blanco said after the session ended.

Leaders from the two organizations shared stories from the community about education, jobs, healthcare, immigration and payday lending.

“One minute is a very short period of time to really talk about all the issues you want to in response to those questions,” District 77 candidate Lyda Ness-Garcia said.

Hundreds of El Pasoans showed up for the event. EPISO co-chair Rev. Ed Roden-Lucero said they’re used to the high turn outs.

“What it always demonstrates is people are interested in the future of their communities,” Rev. Roden-Lucero said.

For the ones on the ballots, they know their answers at the accountability session will resonate for some time.

“We’re held accountable for our answers. So whoever gets in office, we know when we meet with EPISO and Border Interfaith, they’re going to hold us accountable for what we said today,” Rep. Gonzalez said.

Most candidates said they’re grateful for the work the two grassroots organizations do for the people of the community.