• Pasadena City Council District C Candidate:

  • Erik Munoz

    Phone: Not Provided
    Email: 
    voteerikmunoz@gmail.com
    Facebook: Vote Erik Munoz
    Instagram: voteerikmunoz
      Website:
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  • Candidate Questionnaire​:
     
    1. What inspired you to seek this position? 
    I want real change for District C. Our roads are neglected, and flooding is a constant issue. As a lifelong resident, I'm committed to improving infrastructure and ensuring better flood control.
     
    2. What qualifications, experience, and leadership skills prepare you for this role, including crisis response, crime prevention, financial literacy, and public communication?
    I have a highly analytical mindset, allowing me to identify issues others may overlook and develop strategic solutions before they escalate. My strong attention to detail and foresight help me anticipate challenges and proactively address them, ensuring long term success. As a leader, I have successfully transformed low performing teams into nationally recognized powerhouses through a combination of strategic leadership, hands-on involvement, and effective crisis management. I have experience navigating high pressure situations, making data driven decisions, and managing budgets efficiently to maximize resources.
     
    3. What are your top priorities for the first 100 days if elected, and which city policies or initiatives will you continue or change?
    I will support our police and advocate for hiring initiatives that enhance public safety, ensuring we prevent crime before it happens and keep our community secure.
     
    4. How do you plan to embrace the city of Pasadena, including uniting City Council, foster collaboration, and ensure transparency in your leadership while effectively representing all Pasadena constituents?
    I believe in transparency and accountability. I’ll keep residents informed with regular social media updates on policy changes and key decisions. Every year, I’ll release a State of the District video, breaking down progress, challenges, and any roadblocks from the mayor or City Council. People deserve to know what’s really happening—not just the sugar-coated version.

    I’m here to get results, not play politics. I’ll work with the mayor and City Council on initiatives that actually benefit our district, but I won’t hesitate to push back when something doesn’t serve our community. Fixing our roads, preventing crime, and improving flood control are my priorities, and I’ll fight to make sure we see real change.

    5. What actions will you take to increase the number of city projects awarded to small and local businesses? 
    I’ll fight to remove unnecessary bureaucratic red tape that makes it harder for everyday citizens to start and grow businesses in Pasadena. The city should support local entrepreneurs, not hold them back. I will push for a streamlined permit process to make it faster and easier for small businesses to get up and running without unnecessary delays.
     
    6. What is your vision for Pasadena’s economic development, including plans for the convention center, city-owned land, and infrastructure improvements to encourage business investment?
    My priority is economic growth in North Pasadena. The Strawberry Festival and Pasadena Rodeo don’t provide enough entertainment value to justify completely tearing down and rebuilding the convention center. If we rebuild, we must also invest in making it a more valuable attraction that actually drives business and tourism. Right now, I don’t believe the value is there. Instead, I will focus on developing North Pasadena, improving infrastructure, and making NORTH PASADENA more attractive for businesses and investors.
     
    7. Business-friendly policies rank as the number one priority for chamber members. What are your plans to streamline the permitting process and improve ordinances to attract and support new businesses while also improving flexibility for development in Pasadena?
    We must make it extremely simple and user friendly to open a business in Pasadena. I want to see an explosion of small businesses during my first term. For too long, the current power structure has treated North Pasadena and Fairmont as if one must succeed at the expense of the other. I reject that mindset—BOTH can thrive. A stronger North Pasadena means a stronger local economy, benefiting the entire city. By cutting red tape, streamlining the permitting process, and modernizing business regulations, we can create an environment where businesses flourish. This growth will generate the revenue needed for better Strawberry Festival entertainment and rides, while also ensuring long term economic success for Pasadena.
     
    8. What are your plans for improving and maintaining Pasadena’s infrastructure, including roads, sewage, drainage, water supply, high speed internet, and the power grid?
    We must invest in better drainage and not rely on the county for assistance. Pasadena has grown to the point where we can take control of our own infrastructure instead of waiting on others. Our roads are in terrible shape, and it’s time we fix them quickly. A one month construction project is already too long, and taking years to build the Beltway 8 feeder is downright incompetence. The fact that the current power structure accepts these delays is absurd. I won’t. I also want impeccable water quality in Pasadena without fluoride. Clean drinking water is essential, and we must do better. Infrastructure is the foundation of a thriving city, and I will push for efficient, high quality improvements that will actually serve the people.
     
    9. How will you leverage modern technology to streamline city operations, improve efficiency, and prioritize long-term growth? What specific innovations or technology solutions will you implement to enhance public services, economic development, and infrastructure management in Pasadena?
    I believe modern technology should be used to make city operations more efficient, transparent, and accessible both for city employees and residents. While I don’t have full insight into Pasadena’s current technological capabilities, I know we can do better. I will push for digital solutions that make it easier for citizens to report issues, file complaints, and track responses in real time. Too often, people feel unheard when they bring concerns to the city; technology should bridge that gap. Whether it’s a user friendly online portal for service requests, a mobile app for real time reporting, or automated updates on infrastructure projects, my goal is to make city government more responsive and accessible. For city employees, I will advocate for modernized systems that reduce paperwork, streamline workflows, and improve response times for essential services. A more efficient government means less wasted time and better results for Pasadena residents. Additionally, I support smart infrastructure, such as traffic flow optimization, digital mapping for flood prevention, and real time data tracking for city projects. By investing in technology driven solutions, we can enhance economic development, improve public services, and build a Pasadena that’s ready for the future.
     
    10. Business and citizens alike require a secure city in which to work and live.  What is your experience and plan for public safety for Pasadena?
    I will support strong, effective policing in Pasadena while ensuring that both officers and firefighters are paid competitively to attract the best candidates for public safety roles. A well trained, well compensated force leads to better protection for our city. However, accountability is just as important as safety. We must not be lenient when officers make serious mistakes on the job. Citizens should always feel safe in the presence of police officers, not intimidated. I want to build a community oriented police force; one that engages with residents, builds trust, and actively works to prevent crime, not just react to it. Public safety should be proactive, not just reactive. That means investing in crime prevention strategies, modern policing techniques, and community outreach programs to keep Pasadena one of the safest cities in Texas. A safer city means a stronger city for businesses, families, and every resident.
     
    11. How can the city ensure adequate healthcare infrastructure, including mental health care, hospitals, doctors, and accountability in healthcare services?
    I strongly support expanding access to mental health resources, as mental health is often overlooked but plays a critical role in public safety and community well being. While large scale city funded healthcare initiatives may be financially unfeasible, Pasadena can still take steps to connect residents with existing resources, advocate for better services, and partner with private and nonprofit organizations to improve access. I would support initiatives that help first responders, police, and city employees receive proper mental health training to handle crisis situations effectively. Accountability in healthcare is also important, and I believe the city should ensure transparency in any partnerships or healthcare related programs it supports. While the city may not be directly responsible for hospitals or clinics, it can still play a role in fostering a healthier, safer Pasadena for all residents.
     
    12. Access to talent and workforce is the number one challenge facing Pasadena businesses. What role should the government play in workforce development, including investment in training programs and partnerships with colleges and the ISDs?
    We must invest in better education to ensure Pasadena’s workforce is prepared for the future. ISDs need to focus on a curriculum that promotes critical thinking, problem solving, and real world skills not just memorization. A strong educational foundation leads to a stronger workforce. Beyond K-12 education, the city should help create partnerships with local businesses, trade schools, and colleges to connect residents with job training, apprenticeships, and career development programs. Pasadena should be a place where our own citizens have the tools and opportunities to succeed without needing to leave the city for better jobs. By investing in workforce development, vocational training, and STEM education, we can attract high quality employers and build a skilled, competitive workforce that benefits both businesses and residents. A stronger workforce means a stronger Pasadena.
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