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Pasadena City Council District F Candidate:
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Michael "Mike" Hinojosa
Phone: 281-624-6448
Email: mike@mikeforpasadena.com
Facebook: Mike for Pasadena City Council District F
Instagram: mikeforpasadena
Website: www.mikeforpasadena.com -
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Candidate Questionnaire​:1. What inspired you to seek this position?
I have dedicated my career to public service—first as a law enforcement officer protecting communities and now as an attorney advocating for people’s rights. As a councilman for Pasadena District F, I want to continue that service on a larger scale, ensuring our city thrives.I love this city and proud to have established roots in this city. Pasadena deserves leadership that listens, unites, and takes action to improve and develop our city further. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our city faces, from public safety to economic growth, and I want to bring real solutions that benefit residents. Pasadena has immense potential, and I am committed to bringing a fresh approach to leadership—one that puts citizens first and works toward a stronger, more unified future.
2. What qualifications, experience, and leadership skills prepare you for this role, including crisis response, crime prevention, financial literacy, and public communication?
With over 18 years in law enforcement with the Houston Police Department as an officer and supervisor, I’ve conducted in depth investigations, led major crime prevention initiatives, supervised crisis events, and managed disaster relief efforts, ensuring public safety under high-pressure situations. My experience in crime prevention and emergency response is crucial in addressing Pasadena’s safety concerns.As the founding owner and attorney of a Pasadena law firm, I understand the financial challenge and burdens local businesses face. As an attorney advocating for injured clients, I know how to communicate effectively, allocate resources, and fight for fair outcomes. Additionally, establishing my law firm here has given me firsthand insight into the struggles running a business in our community.
Public communication has been at the heart of my career—whether engaging with clients, managing emergency situations, or solving community issues. Listening, assessing, and working effectively with others are skills I utilize to lead and guide others. With my background in law enforcement, legal advocacy, and business ownership, I am prepared to lead with experience, accountability, and real solutions for Pasadena.
3. What are your top priorities for the first 100 days if elected, and which city policies or initiatives will you continue or change?
In the first 100 days, my priorities will focus on public safety, economic growth and government transparency.Public Safety
Ensuring our citizens safety is key. I will support our first responders by securing the resources they need to enhance crime prevention and emergency response. Prioritizing funding and staffing for emergency services will help maintain adequate manpower, ensuring timely responses and thorough investigations.Support for Local and Economic Business Growth
I will focus on attracting new businesses while creating opportunities for small businesses to thrive. Improving and streamlining the Pasadena permitting process will help encourage local business growth and make it easier for businesses to get started. Providing clear guidance and support will ensure that both new and existing businesses have the resources they need to succeed to contribute to the city and provide future opportunities for Pasadena citizens.Government Transparency
Pasadena residents deserve open communication and accountability. I will hold regular meetings with constituents to listen to concerns and ensure transparency in decision-making. Advocating for responsible use of city resources will help build trust and ensure Pasadena operates efficiently for its residents.I am committed to delivering real solutions that make Pasadena safer, stronger, and more unified.
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?
My platform is built on uniting Pasadena. Effective leadership requires teamwork and a shared goal. I will work to bring City Council members together through open discussions, collaboration, and a focus on solutions that benefit all of Pasadena. Instead of dwelling on problems, let’s focus on what works and build from there.Community engagement is key to understanding and addressing the needs of Pasadena residents. I will attend community events, hold open discussions, and ensure residents have a voice in city decisions. My leadership will always be guided by the concerns and betterment of our people.
Transparency and accountability are essential to building trust in local government. I will advocate for the responsible use of city resources, ensuring Pasadena operates efficiently and effectively. By keeping residents informed and clearly explaining council decisions, we can create a government that is truly for the people and by the people.
5. What actions will you take to increase the number of city projects awarded to small and local businesses?
Supporting small and local businesses in city projects will strengthen Pasadena’s economy and create more opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Providing Resources & Support
Many small businesses are unaware of the process for obtaining government contracts. I will work to establish local programs and workshops to educate and train business owners on the bidding process, ensuring they have the tools to compete successfully.
Creating a Pasadena Business Database
I will push for a modernized database of Pasadena-based businesses and vendors, making it easier for the public and city departments to find and work with local companies. Vendors will be vetted and required to maintain credentials yearly, ensuring quality and reliability.
Diversifying Bidding Contracts
I will advocate for breaking down large city projects into smaller, more manageable contracts, allowing small and niche businesses to participate in major Pasadena projects rather than only large corporations securing bid.
By implementing these actions, we can boost local business growth, and create more opportunities for our community.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 vision for economic development includes plans for a multitude of public-centered events and improving infrastructure to attract business investors and promote local growth.Convention Center
With Pasadena Convention Center revitalization project complete in the upcoming months, I believe we need to aggressively promote quality year-round events such as business expos, cultural festivals, live concerts, and trade shows to increase visitor traffic, promote spending, and increase Pasadena’s exposure. Partnering with local businesses and organizations will help create a sustainable event calendar that benefits the economy and community engagement.Infrastructure Improvements
Being directly off the Beltway, District F is the main corridor for shopping and access to the convention center. I will evaluate and prioritize future road improvements on high-traffic corridors like Spencer Highway and Fairmont Parkway to improve accessibility for businesses and residents. Upgrading utilities and high-speed internet access in key commercial zones will make Pasadena more attractive for new businesses.City-Owned Land Development
I will make a push for small business and mixed-use developments for underutilized city-owned land. To attract investors, I will advocate for incentives like tax breaks and reduced permit fees for businesses that bring jobs and long-term economic benefits to Pasadena7. 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?In order to streamline permits and improve business ordinances we need to embrace technology, increase efficiency and reduce barriers for new and existing businesses.Streamline Permit Process
I will advocate for a centralized online permit system where businesses and residents can submit, track, and modify permits electronically, while also making payments online. This modernization would speed up approvals, increase permit applications, reduce paperwork, and generate additional city revenue. I also support a fast-track permit option for small businesses and priority projects, allowing expedited applications for an additional fee that benefits city resources. Additionally, I will expand Pasadena’s permit assistance program and increase awareness of pre-development meetings with city staff to help business owners navigate the process efficiently.Improve Ordinances
Pasadena needs to evaluate and modernize current ordinances to encourage growth while aligning with community interests. I will push for updating restrictive building codes that make renovations and business expansions costly and time-consuming. I will also encourage the use of mixed zoning in new development areas to make it easier for various businesses to operate. By removing unnecessary hurdles and embracing smart policies, we can create a more business-friendly Pasadena that attracts investment and supports local growth.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?To support growth and improve quality of life, Pasadena must modernize, update, and maintain essential infrastructure for residents and businesses.
Road Traffic Improvement
Protect and prioritize our main roads for repaving, repair and traffic flow improvements. These roads serve as a lifeline to the city and provide access to vital connections for businesses, residents and the Pasadena Convention Center. I will work with TXDOT to improve traffic signal efficiency and reduce traffic congestion. Addressing pothole repairs—one of the most common citizen complaints—should be a priority, with city accountability promoted through social media updates.
Sewer, Water, and Drainage
With increased storm activity, I will push for expanded drainage projects in flood-prone areas to protect homes and businesses. Aging sewer lines should be assessed and upgraded to prevent leaks and contamination. Additionally, investing in pipeline and water treatment improvements will ensure clean, reliable water access for the future.
Internet and Grid
With growing demand for online business and resident services, I will advocate for expanding high-speed and fiber-optic internet in underserved areas. Additionally, implementing smart grid technology will reduce power outages, lower energy costs, and improve energy efficiency, making Pasadena’s infrastructure more resilient and future-ready.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?In order to streamline city operations to improve efficiency and growth, we need to adopt and include modern technology solutions that benefit the public and economic development.
Digital Services
Adopt a public online service portal for permit processing. Residents and businesses should be able to apply for permits, pay fees, submit complaints, and track city projects online. Inclusion would reduce wait times, reduce waste, and promote business development for future growth.
I will push for a modernized database of Pasadena-based businesses and vendors, making it easier for the public and city departments to find and work with local companies. Vendors will be vetted and required to maintain credentials yearly, ensuring quality and reliability.
Infrastructure
I will advocate for expanding high-speed and fiber-optic internet in underserved areas. This will provide internet services to underutilized areas promoting growth. Additionally, implementing smart grid technology will reduce power outages, lower energy costs, and improve energy efficiency, making Pasadena’s infrastructure more resilient and future-ready.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?For over 18 years, I have served with the Houston Police Department holding the titles of officer, detective, and sergeant. I understand firsthand the challenges in public safety and how to effectively respond and combat crimes and nuisances. I would push to create safe environments to deter crime, seek public interactions and support first responders.Improving street lighting in neighborhoods and business districts will deter criminal activity and enhance visibility. Additionally, I will advocate for expanding security camera coverage in high-traffic areas with real-time monitoring by first responders. Implementing FLOCK plate readers, which have proven effective in solving crimes, would be a major asset to Pasadena. I also propose partnering with private residents to create an opt-in security camera database, giving law enforcement more tools to solve crimes.
To promote transparency and community trust, I will encourage regular meetings between police officials, neighborhood associations, and community leaders to address crime trends and safety concerns.
Finally, supporting first responders is essential. I will prioritize funding and staffing for law enforcement, ensuring adequate manpower for timely emergency responses. Investing in officer retention and recruitment will prevent staffing shortages and enhance Pasadena’s ability to keep residents and businesses safe.
11. How can the city ensure adequate healthcare infrastructure, including mental health care, hospitals, doctors, and accountability in healthcare services?
With a population of over 120,000, Pasadena must expand healthcare and mental health services to meet residents' needs. Many citizens travel to Houston for care, but local government should invest in bringing medical and mental health resources closer to home. I will advocate for additional healthcare facilities in underserved areas, prioritizing permit approvals and mixed-use development incentives to accelerate construction. Pasadena can also partner with local hospitals to attract more medical professionals through tax incentives and recruitment programs.I will push for Pasadena to work closely with Harris County Mental Health officials to expand services and evaluate the need for a dedicated mental health facility in the city. Consistent collaboration can help develop community-based programs and increase mental health awareness and crisis response resources. Expanding these services will provide much-needed support for individuals facing mental health challenges while reducing the burden on law enforcement and emergency rooms.
To ensure healthcare quality and efficiency, I will advocate for regular evaluations of city-funded programs and services. Pasadena must also actively pursue state and federal funding to improve healthcare infrastructure without burdening taxpayers. By expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring accountability, Pasadena can provide better healthcare 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?The government should play an active role in workforce development by investing in training, creating advocacy programs for citizens, and making skilled workers available to the businesses of Pasadena. This will provide long term prosperity for Pasadena in the long term and satisfy the local demand.I will be a proponent for the growth of workforce training programs in high-need fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, and the skilled trades. Working with local colleges, vocational schools, Pasadena ISD, and the business community, we can develop vocational training, apprenticeships, and certification programs that equip students and workers for their future.
While these programs benefit students entering the workforce, we must also provide opportunities for older adults and career changers. I will advocate and promote local job fairs, retraining programs, and employer partnerships that connect experienced workers with new career opportunities. Additionally, the city should work to secure grants and funding for skills development programs, ensuring that all residents have access to the training they need to succeed.
By prioritizing education, training, and strong collaborations, Pasadena can build a sustainable workforce pipeline, helping businesses thrive, improving job opportunities, and ensuring long-term economic stability for our community.
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