In the Third installment of the 2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Moe Rivera, candidate for Houston City Council, At Large position 2.
Please note: Responses are directly from the candidate, and have been posted ver batim from the email received. This is done out of fairness to all candidates. Publishing these responses does not constitute an endorsement, but may be considered during the endorsement process.
TL: What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot?
MR: Moe Rivera
TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?
MR: Negative, this is the second time I have run for office.
TL: As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?
MR: Government is extremely important since it represents it’s citizens and has the power to enact and enforce laws. Government is necessary to manage its people’s affairs, offers rights and protection and certain services without City chaos would exist. We need to elect officials that look out for everyone’s interest.
TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.
MR: Promote a balanced budget and insure that expenses do not exceed its collected revenue (Tax, services and other revenues). I plan to do this by influencing other members of Council of our responsibility not to be in debt. I plan to offer solutions to the city pension issue by offering the 777 contributory plan. I will only approve responsible and reputable construction projects and service contracts that will not over burden our citizens or debt structure.
TL: After decades of deferred maintenance and neglect, Houston’s infrastructure is in a critical state of disrepair. Ask any driver, cyclist or pedestrian, and they can readily tell you that city streets and sidewalks are crumbling… some to the extent that they pose significant danger to those that would traverse them. The Parker Administration has attempted to address the problem by the voter-approved ReBuild Houstonprogram. Knowing that the next Mayor has no choice but to invest in city infrastructure, do you support the continuation of ReBuild Houston? If yes, please explain why. If no, please explain how you would address our copious infrastructure needs differently.
MR: Rebuild Houston plan prioritizes worst first let’s continue since the administration has promised certain neighborhoods that are next in line the allocation of those funds and it would be unfair to start over again.
TL: At present the city of Houston has one of the strongest forms of “strong-Mayor governance” in the state of Texas, to the point that the Mayor alone decides what business comes before City Council. If elected, would you support an amendment to the City Charter that would allow any coalition of 6 Council Members to place items on the Council Agenda without prior approval from the Mayor? Whether yes or no, please explain your answer.
MR: Agree with coalition of six Council Members to place Council agenda without prior consent from the Mayor. This way we place the interests of all districts rather than the next mayor’s home district.
TL: If elected, would you support and seek to continue the current administration’s Complete Streets policy, which establishes that any new or significant re-build of city streets will work to prioritize and incorporate safe access for all road users, including pedestrians, persons with disabilities and cyclists?
MR: Agree we owe it to disabled citizens and cyclists.
TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office?
MR: Education; I have three degrees, Trilingual, I have lived here in Houston since 1984 and have a feel for its needs and have a passion to serve this city.
TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?
MR: Free time is spent exercising (biking, swimming, racquetball playing) assisting church, family events and attending local sports events.
Thanks to Mr. Rivera for the responses.
