Meet the candidate: Richard Genera, City Council District 5
Age: 34
Occupation: I am currently employed by Texas Majority PAC as a Relational Organizing Manager, building networks of people who are committed to creating meaningful political change in their communities. I develop and strengthen relationships with grassroots leaders, volunteers, and supporters, equipping them with the tools and strategies needed to engage their networks and mobilize voters.
Please describe your personal and professional background.
I’m a born and raised El Pasoan, a graduate of El Dorado High School. I have a Bachelors Degree in Multi-Disciplinary studies, with focuses in Education, Political Science, and Computer Science, from UTEP. I previously worked in the administrative office for the District Attorney before transitioning
into full-time community organizing.
Over the last several years, I have also worked as a volunteer community organizer, planning community aid projects, knocking on doors, and listening directly to the concerns of El Pasoans. Through this work, I have not only helped bring people together and encourage greater engagement in local politics, but I have also developed a track record of building strong relationships, organizing volunteers, and turning community concerns into meaningful action.
Describe your political identity.
My political identity is rooted in grassroots democracy, community engagement, and accountable local government. I believe political power should be built through direct relationships with residents, volunteers, and community organizations, and that elected officials have a responsibility to listen to the people they represent.
Affordability is central to how I view government. Every major decision should be considered through the question of whether it improves the quality of life and makes it easier for working families to live and thrive in our community. That also means responsible budgeting and making sure taxpayer dollars are spent effectively.
I believe government accountability requires transparency around votes, budgets, and public decisions, as well as regular opportunities for constituents to engage with their elected officials. Leadership should be accessible throughout the year, not just during election season. My experience in community organizing and Democratic politicalorganizations has taught me the importance of building coalitions, listening to residents, and turning their concerns into meaningful action. Above all, I want to bring a community-centered approach to local government that is focused on listening, transparency, affordability, and delivering results
Questions related to El Paso City Council District 5 race
Do you support the proposed Downtown I-10 Deck Plaza project? Why or why not? If elected, would you support using city funds to help finance the project?
My first priority as a city representative is affordability. When evaluating a project like the Deck Plaza, the fundamental question I have to ask is: how will this investment make life more affordable for my constituents, and what is the return to the city?
At this point, I have not seen a plan that demonstrates a clear and sufficient public benefit to justify the use of public funds. I would, however, be open to exploring partnerships with private entities, including opportunities for naming rights or other forms of private investment, that could reduce the burden on taxpayers and generate a positive return for the city sooner.
We also need to look beyond the initial construction cost. Much of the conversation has focused on how much it will cost to build the Deck Plaza, but we also need to ask who will pay to maintain, operate, repair, and eventually replace it. Those long-term costs could become a significant burden on the city and its taxpayers. I would support exploring public-private partnerships that could help cover ongoing maintenance and operating expenses, so the City isnot left carrying the full cost for decades to come.
For those reasons, I am not currently supportive of using public funds to finance the Deck Plaza. Any future proposal should demonstrate a clear public benefit, responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and a compelling case for how the project improves the lives of District 5 residents.
Property taxes remain a top concern for many El Paso homeowners. What specific actions would you support to slow the growth of property tax bills or reduce services?
Every decision I make, every vote I cast, will be viewed first through the lens of “How is this going to make my constituent’s lives more affordable?” I’m prepared to have a plan that maximizes affordability to maintain a no new tax revenue rate for each budget cycle, but I’m also going to ensure that at times when investments in public safety are needed, or if costs of services will impact the tax base, the constituency is fully involved in that discussion, with weekly community meetings. That’s how we dig ourselves out of this property tax hole.
Road conditions continue to be a major concern for voters. What steps would you take to ensure adequate and sustainable funding for street maintenance and repairs across El Paso?
Every decision I make and every vote I cast will be viewed first through a simple question: How will this affect the affordability and quality of life of my constituents? My goal will be to develop a responsible budget strategy that prioritizes essential services, identifies opportunities for greater efficiency, and works toward maintaining ano-new-tax-revenue approach each budget cycle whenever fiscally responsible. At the same time, I believe fiscal responsibility requires being honest with residents about the costs of maintaining the services our community depends on. When investments in public safety are necessary, or when rising costs of providing city services could affect the taxbase, those decisions should not happen behind closed doors.
What is your assessment of the city's Data Center Policy Framework? Does it strike the right balance between economic development and protecting community resources, or would you propose changes?
Would another data center make my constituent’s lives more affordable? All of the data I’ve seen would indicate, no. I can’t fathom signing off on giving any data center any more than it has, and would only propose changes that would make building data centers in El Paso undesirable to tech companies. We can find business partners who share our community’s values, and value our community, not just our resources.
Our resources are valuable, but our people are more valuable. We should not measure success by how many data centers we can attract or how much infrastructure we can give away. We should measure it by whether the decisions we make actually make life better and more affordable for the people who live here. If another data center cannotdemonstrate that benefit, then I see no reason why we should make it easier for them to build here.
Should the city continue offering tax abatements and other incentives to attract profitable corporations or industries? Under what circumstances, if any, should those incentives be approved?
When I look at the state of current tax abatements and other incentives that have been used in the past, I have to question whether we are negotiating from a position of strength. Too often, it feels like we are giving away too much without demanding enough in return. Look at the Meta agreement. In no way was that structured to make the lives of El Pasoans more affordable.
I believe we can pursue economic development without compromising our community’s interests. Every incentive we offer should come with a clear and measurable benefit to El Pasoans, and every deal should be evaluated by one simple question: does this make life better and more affordable for the people we represent? I have tremendous pride in my city, and I will carry that pride into every meeting, negotiation, and deal. It will drive me to ensure that we negotiate from a position of confidence and that the agreements we make deliver real value for our community.
Public safety remains a core city responsibility. What are your top priorities for police, fire and emergency services, and how would you pay for them?
I want to make sure my constituents can afford to live in El Paso, but affordability means little if people do not feel safe in their own communities. Accountability is the second leg of my campaign, and that starts with building a strong, communicative relationship with our fire and police chiefs.
Our first responders deserve the resources, staffing, and compensation necessary to do their jobs well. With the fire department currently negotiating salaries and the cost of living continuing to rise for everyone, including the men and women who serve our city, we have a responsibility to make sure they are fairly compensated and equipped to protectour community.
My job is to make their jobs easier. That partnership also comes with high expectations. I expect us to work together to identify wasteful spending, eliminate inefficiencies and hold bad actors accountable. We can support our first responders while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. That balance will help us build a safer city while alsomaking life more affordable for the people we represent.
What do you see as El Paso's biggest economic challenge, and what specific policies would you pursue to address it?
I believe El Paso’s biggest economic challenge is making sure economic growth actually translates into a lower cost of living for the people who live here. We have to stop measuring success by how many businesses we attract and start measuring it by whether those investments make life more affordable for El Pasoans.
My focus would be on responsible economic development, better-paying jobs, and negotiating from a position of strength. Every tax incentive or economic development agreement should have a clear benefit for our constituents and a measurable return for the community. We should prioritize businesses that invest in El Paso, create quality jobs, andshare our values rather than simply offering incentives to attract companies that may not provide a meaningful long-term benefit.
At the same time, we need to take a hard look at city spending and eliminate waste and inefficiency wherever we find it. Economic development should not come at the expense of affordability. My goal is to build an economy that works for the people who already call El Paso home.
Have you read the City Charter? What did you learn is the top City Council priority?
Yes. I have read the City Charter, and what stood out to me is the council’s responsibility to oversee the city manager and city attorney, approve and oversee the budget, and ensure that city government is operating effectively and responsibly.
For me, that means taking a hard look at how we spend taxpayer dollars and finding ways to reduce unnecessary spending from the top down. Before we ask our constituents for more, we should make sure we are doing everything possible to operate efficiently with the resources we already have. That means examining every level of city government, identifying waste and inefficiencies, and holding leadership accountable for how taxpayerdollars are being spent.
I see the council’s role as providing strong oversight, asking difficult questions, and making sure the city manager and city attorney are delivering the results our constituents deserve. Responsible budgeting and accountability should start at the top and work its way down through every department.
City leaders often face divisive issues. How would you work with colleagues, stakeholders and residents to find common ground and build consensus on major city decisions?
I will hold weekly community meetings and invite colleagues, stakeholders, and residents to join me in honest conversation and collaboration. We may not always agree, but I believe we can work through divisive issues when we are willing to sit at the same table and listen to one another.
I go into this race without a doubt that the vast majority of people in El Paso want what is best for their neighbors. That is the kind of community El Paso is. It is our leaders’ responsibility to create a path forward and bring people together.
I will build the table and make sure there are enough chairs for everyone. If we are serious about getting our budget under control, eliminating waste, and making life more affordable for our constituents, we have to work together. I believe collaboration and accountability are the only way forward.
What should be the city's next big civic project?
The most important project I see for El Paso is making life more affordable for the people who live here. That is not something a city council member can accomplish in one term, or even two. It is a long-term effort that requires consistent leadership, responsible budgeting, and a willingness to keep pushing for better outcomes. My hope is to start that work and build something that future leaders can continue.
That is a big part of why I am running. I want to rebuild El Pasoans’ trust in their local government and show that their city representative can be accessible, accountable, and willing to take action. I cannot fix the State, and I certainly cannot fix the country, but I can work every day to make sure that here, at the local level, your voice matters and yourparticipation makes a difference.
If I can help restore even a little of that trust and encourage more El Pasoans to take pride in being civically engaged, I will consider that one of the most meaningful things I could accomplish in office.
Learn more about Richard Genera
Do you plan to continue in your current employment if elected?
I do not intend to continue my employment with TMP if elected.
What experiences in leadership do you have that qualify you for this position?
My leadership has been rooted in community organizing, public service, and a commitment to serving El Paso. As a relational organizing manager with Texas Majority PAC, I build relationships with grassroots leaders, volunteers, and community members to mobilize people around the issues that matter most. I previously served as president of the El Paso Young Democrats and currently serve as chief of staff for the Texas Young Democrats and state democratic executive committeeman for Congressional District 16.
My experience also includes working in the District Attorney’s administrative office, where I gained firsthand experience with public-sector operations, administration, and the responsible management of resources and budgets. For years, I have organized in our communities, planned community aid projects, knocked on doors, and listened directly tothe concerns of El Pasoans.
These experiences have taught me how to build coalitions, manage resources responsibly, bring people together, and turn community voices into meaningful action. I believe El Paso deserves city council leadership that listens to residents, understands the responsibility of managing taxpayer dollars, and delivers results for our neighborhoods.
Have you ever been arrested or charged with a crime? Have you ever had a civil judgment against you? Have you ever been in arrears on local, state or federal taxes? If so, please provide an explanation.
No. No. No.
If elected, would you have any potential conflicts of interest that you are aware of that would impair your ability to serve? Please explain what they are and how you would avoid the conflict.
No.
What does transparent government mean to you? Will you be personally accessible to answer questions while in office?
Transparency and accessibility go hand-in-hand. One of the practices my office will implement is weekly community meetings where constituents can directly engage with me and ask questions about the work of city council.
At these meetings, I need to be able to answer: What am I working on this week? Why am I voting the way I’m voting? Where are taxpayer dollars going? Most importantly, how will these decisions make your life more affordable?
Transparent government means making information about votes, budgets, city projects, and spending accessible and easy to understand. Constituents should not have to navigate complicated government processes to know what their elected representative is doing. I want my office to be accountable every week, not just on election day.
What distinguishes you from the other candidates in this race, and why should voters choose you?
The distinction I see between my experience and my opponent’s is the opportunity each of us has had to demonstrate how we would lead. My opponent has had the opportunity to serve in office and establish a public record. I would enter office with a different kind of experience, shaped by years of community organizing, direct engagement with residents, and leadership in community and political organizations.
The key difference in what I am offering is a commitment to active, engaged leadership. I will ask questions and be present. I will not sit silently on the dais. I will ask questions of city staff, seek input from the community, and make sure I understand the potential impact of each decision before casting my vote.
Being elected means more than showing up to meetings and voting. It means doing the work to understand the issues, challenging assumptions when necessary, listening to residents, and making decisions based on the needs of the community. I intend to be an engaged voice on the dais and an accessible representative in the community.
The candidates' responses are being published largely as they were submitted.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Meet the Candidate: Richard Genera seeks City Council, 5 seat
