Pasadena City Council District E Candidate:

 

I have lived in Pasadena my whole life. I first ran for office in 2021 because I believe that Pasadena has the potential to be even greater. I love Pasadena, and it means everything to me.

 

I have spent 10 years working for the City of Houston, where I gained a strong understanding of municipal operations and rose to the position of Senior Plan Analyst in the Permitting Department. I also have experience in the private sector with a minority-owned land development enterprise. Currently, I work in the Asset Management division of the Harris County Flood Control District. I graduated from Pasadena ISD (Sparks Elementary, San Jacinto Intermediate, and Sam Rayburn. I hold an Associate of Arts in General Studies from San Jacinto College and a Bachelor of Science in Public Service Leadership from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

 

My top priorities in the first 100 days are to develop specific plans with the new Mayor and administration for District E. I am actively going door-to-door to gather feedback from constituents so that we can translate their input into actionable steps. It’s essential that we continue to create opportunities to improve District E by collaborating with our partners across all sectors. I look forward to addressing key issues such as infrastructure, economic development, and innovative city services.

 

One of the many key elements I emphasize is the ability to collaborate with others, regardless of our differences. It is essential to build positive relationships in order to achieve long-lasting results for the city. I value having a strong partnership with the mayor and his team to deliver actionable outcomes for our community. I will continue to work closely with the mayor and his team to enhance transparency concerning our specific plans, actions, and initiatives.

 

I propose that we allocate a percentage of city contracts to Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) to increase opportunities within our community and workforce. Additionally, we should enhance collaboration with academic institutions to better prepare future generations for employment in Pasadena. For instance, establishing an Office of Business Opportunity or a similar program could provide valuable opportunities and certifications. While we have made significant progress, we need to continue working to streamline, facilitate, and improve the permitting process to offer world-class service.

 

We need to revise our city ordinances that impact permitting, land development regulations, planning, and infrastructure. In some cases, we should enhance these guidelines to meet the current demands of development and business needs. I propose creating a task force that includes business owners, developers, planners, and other professionals who can provide valuable feedback to drive transformational change.

 

Many business owners and developers are aware that our journey has presented its share of challenges. Nonetheless, there exists a valuable opportunity to advance the city in a more appealing development direction. Accomplishing this goal will necessitate collaborative efforts and a commitment to creating innovative policies and guidelines that remain aligned with compliance standards.

 

We need to review our current budget, future plans, and fund balance to assess available opportunities. Additionally, we should evaluate our capital improvement plans to identify priorities and determine how we can fund these projects. It is also important to continue seeking partnerships with local entities, including the county, state, and federal agencies.

 

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?
Innovation is essential for future growth and sustainability. We must continuously improve our operations and systems to prepare for what lies ahead.
Additionally, it is important to evaluate city services, systems, policies, and guidelines to identify any duplication or waste. By doing so, we can develop practical solutions.

 

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?
Public safety is my top priority. I am the only candidate endorsed by the Pasadena Police Officers Union running for this district, and I am committed to ensuring that our officers have the necessary tools to keep our community safe.
The Pasadena Police Officers have carefully vetted all candidates running for District E and have chosen to support me because they trust my ability to lead during both good and challenging times. I have a proven track record of supporting the department by providing the resources, training, and opportunities for growth that they need to perform their jobs safely.

 

We are at a crucial point where we must prepare for future generations. It is essential to foster collaboration and create opportunities with our partners in the private sector and academic institutions. By doing so, we can work with the county to establish larger-scale facilities and attract more medical care institutions to Pasadena.

 

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?
It is essential to take actionable steps to create a lasting positive impact on our workforce and community partnerships. While it is important for our academic institutions to educate future generations, we must also implement additional measures to address the needs and demands of the workforce.
Collaborating with chambers of commerce and other organizations can help us better understand these needs and demands.