Latina Candidate In TX Running To Give Back, Set An Example

By Arthur D. Soto-Vásquez

Recently, I found myself driving down the dusty and dark stretches of Interstate 10 outside of El Paso heading toward Clint, Texas on a cold December night. I was headed to the campaign launch of State Representative Candidate Mary Gonzalez – D for District 75.

What I encountered at the event, held at the popular Cotton Eyed Joe’s Dinner in Clint, was amazing to me. Alongside the plates of tamales and tacos people were giving a quiet, yet critical, evaluation of a potential community representative.

Gonzalez is an adjunct professor at Southwestern University and a doctoral candidate at the University of Texas in Curriculum and Instruction. Previously, she worked in the Texas State capitol and was an as Assistant Director in the Office of Research and Demonstration at the National Hispanic Institute. I had the chance to interview Gonzalez for NewsTaco a few days after her campaign launch on December 20.

NewsTaco: What are the specific policy proposals for the district?

Mary González: First and foremost, because of the wonderful opportunities I’ve had in education, my policy proposals will be education-based. We need to make sure we are thinking of how to properly fund education. Also, that our teachers are supported and given the tools to make their schools successful. The best opportunities in life come from education, and that is why it is a significant part of my platform.

The next thing is ensuring basic infrastructure, especially concerning unincorporated areas in the district. We need to ensure that these areas have access to basic needs such as water, gas, electricity, and sanitation systems. I remember that some of my high school friends would come to take showers in our locker room because they didn’t have running water in their homes.

I believe that with these basic things, we can continue to elevate the district. It’s a beautiful district; we have the old Spanish Missions. El Paso exists because of this district, but for so long we have been invisible. I want our district to be seen as a district of value.

NT: Why did you want to run? Are there not other things you could be doing as a young person?

MG: There are really three things that motivated me.

First, pride in my district. I think it is one of the treasures of our country. I think what is especially beautiful is that we are still a community. For example my house burned down when I was 10 years old. It was the community that pitched in and took my dad and I in. It was right before Christmas and the farmers made sure we had gifts, clothes, and food. I decided to run for my community.

Second, as a young person, we have to think of our responsibility to our community. Beyond making money, getting a good job, what does it mean to truly give back? I want to be that trailblazer who says “Yes, we have to be ambitious, but lets ensure that ambition serves the community.”

The last reason is love. I love my family; I love my 10 younger brothers and sisters. I want to ensure their home is served in the best possible way. And I believe I have the background to do it. I have the connections in Austin, the policy background and a strong awareness of the issues. Knowing that I am the strongest candidate for the district, my love for them pushed me to run.

NT: So then do you see this race as symbolic? Are you a role model?

MG: I believe every leader should consider their actions symbolic. Those actions are bigger than one person. We have to remember that our actions are always an example for someone. I hope this run is the beginning of a movement young people engaging in community leadership post-graduation.

 Arthur D. Soto-Vásquez is writer and an El Paso, Texas native.