Houston City Council At-Large,

Place 4

City council is Houston’s legislative body. Members enact and enforce all ordinances and resolutions; adopt the annual budget; confirm the mayor’s appointments; and are responsible for the appropriation and issuance of bonds, awarding of contracts and approval of expenditures over $50,000. Limited to two 4-year terms.

Candidates

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BACKGROUND: What motivated you to run for City Council, and what

unique skills or experience make you the best candidate for the role?

ISSUES: What are the two most pressing issues you plan to address as

a City Council Member, and what specific strategies will you use to

solve them?

Alejandra Salinas

I came to Houston a decade ago and fell in love with the city. I've built a successful career here. I'm running to make sure every Houstonian has a fair shot. It's in my DNA. My great-grandfather came to this country with nothing, started out as a custodian, and went on to own the company. Together, we can build a Houston where everyone who works hard has that same opportunity to succeed. Like any big city, we have big challenges, but I have a proven record of taking on big fights – and winning.

City of Houston,City Council At- Large Place 4
We need a balanced approach to public safety that keeps violent criminals off the streets, prioritizes mental health treatment over incarceration, and reduces gun violence. We need to pick up the trash on time, fix water leaks and potholes promptly, and protect neighborhoods from illegal dumping, after-hours noise, and car break-ins. We need to deliver affordable and reliable city services and infrastructure that keeps traffic moving, protects pedestrians, and keeps floodwaters out of our homes.

FUTURE: What is your vision for the city in 10 years, and what steps

will you take to achieve it?

I see a city where families can focus more on raising their kids and less on whether the next big storm will flood their homes; where our leaders are investing in our future instead of cutting vital services to fix a budget deficit; and where everyone has real opportunity, no matter who you are, what you look like, or what part of town you live in. I will work closely with the Mayor and City Controller to make sure city government is doing its job efficiently, fairly, and responsibly.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: How will you engage residents in the city’s

decision-making process?

My goal is to make city government accessible, transparent, and trustworthy. I strongly support the new practice of holding public session in the evenings when people can participate without having to miss work or school. I've proposed public report-card style rankings of city services and departments. I pledge to govern with compassion, listen with respect, lead with transparency, prioritize public input, strive for equity, fight for equality, speak with honesty, and serve with integrity.

COMMUNITY: What are your favorite things about your city?

There is so much to love about Houston! Our people are friendly, generous, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Watching Houstonians rally and support each other in times of need, like during Hurricane Harvey and the big freeze, inspires me and fills me with immense pride for our city. We are the most diverse major city in America, and somehow we manage to make that not only work, but thrive. It's why I am excited to raise my family here. And the food, art, and culture – all incredible!