Commissioner Precinct 3

El Paso County Commissioner Pct. 3
Willie Gandara

Biograply
El Pasoan & Mission Valley Son:
I was born and raised in the Mission Valley and have lived here my entire life. I ran for this office because I’m a native son and product of this county. My calling to serve you strives from the passion, love, and dedication to make this community better. For me public service is a calling that came when I was only a boy to make my community a prosperous place.
I’m no stranger to hard work and facing economic financial hardship. I am proud to come from a family with humble beginnings. Humble beginnings that lead me to work hard and appreciate the every opportunity God gave me. I thank my parents for showing my siblings and me to always be involved to help our neighbors and generate support to give back to our community. Therefore, I have decided to establish the Mercedes Grace Foundation and contribute 90% of my county commissioner salary to this foundation. The Mercedes Grace Foundation will concentrate in helping residents in my precinct in the areas of education, veterans, and elderly issues.
Thirteen years ago I married my wife Claudia Elizalde. We are the proud parents of a 9 year old daughter and pregnant with our second child. Though busy, I always find time to balance my life and be a husband, father, businessman, and public servant.
Public Service Calling:
I bring to the office of County Commissioner my business skills, education, civic leadership and public service experience. I don’t have to take a tour through El Paso County Pct. 3 to learn the needs of the residents that live in our community.
As a child I grew up in a colonia without potable water or sewage connections, parks, infrastructure and other basic needs every child should not go without. My parents taught me several ideals that I still adhere to today. Family comes first, never forget where you came from and always give back to our community. Shortly after I completed my academic goals – B.A. in Sociology from McMurray University and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Sul Ross State University – I returned to Socorrro, where I began to live out the values my parents taught me. I opened my own business and continue to operate and grow my business in our community.
I am no stranger to public service. During my tenure as Mayor of the City of Socorro I prioritized projects and strived to obtain funding. One in particular is the Horizon and I-10 interchange that was ranked 12th on the MPO list. I was determined and successfully advocated to move the project up to #2 on the MPO; which resulted in the funding and commencement of the project. I was also able to keep a tight lid on taxes (did not increase taxes during my term in office), furnished our senior citizen center, bought pavement equipment, purchased recreational equipment for our parks (swing-sets etc…).
As your public servant I encourage you to contact me or my staff and share your concerns, ideas, and solutions. Our county belongs to everyone and together everything is possible!