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Below are questions for the Branch Herald’s Voters Guide for the Nov. 4 election for Farmers Branch City Council District. 1. Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot.
Name: Lupe Gonzalez
Occupation: Preschool Educator
Education: High School Diploma
Campaign Phone: 972-261-7734
Website: lupeforfarmersbranch.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579241289679
X (formerly known as Twitter):
BlueSky:
YouTube:
Length of residency in the City of Farmers Branch: 28 years
Why do you want to be a Farmers Branch City Councilmember? I’m running because I believe families like mine deserve a voice on City Council. I’m a working mom raising four kids in public schools, living in a multigenerational home, and serving in the PTA. I want to make sure our neighborhoods are safe, our property taxes stay affordable, and our parks and community spaces reflect the needs of the people who live here. My goal is simple: to represent everyday families and help keep Farmers Branch a place we’re proud to call home.
How many Farmers Branch City Council meetings have you attended or watched online in the last year? Because I decided to run for City Council I have been doing my best to get up to speed on what is going on in our city. I have been watching meetings online over the last 6 weeks to be better informed. I have watched about a dozen meeting so far and am continuing to do so. I will be attending meetings in-person going forward.
Outside of regularly scheduled meetings and work sessions, how many hours per month do you think a Farmers Branch Councilmember should commit to the job? I think being a City Councilmember is more than just attending meetings. Outside of regular meetings and work sessions, a councilmember should be ready to commit extra hours each month to meet with residents, visit neighborhoods, and stay informed about community needs. For me, that would likely be 10–15 hours a month, but I see it as whatever it takes to truly represent and serve the people in my district.
Have you served on any City of Farmers Branch boards or commissions, which ones? I haven’t served on any city boards or commissions yet, but I’ve spent more than a decade serving our community through local schools. I’ve been president of the elementary PTA twice and currently serve on the high school PTSA board. Those experiences have taught me how to listen, bring people together, and get things done; skills I’ll bring to the City Council to represent and support families in District 1.
What other civic responsibilities have you undertaken? What other offices have you run for? When? As previously mentioned, I’ve served over a decade in the PTA. I haven’t run for other public office, but my community experience has prepared me to serve effectively on City Council.
What community organizations do you belong to? We are tightly woven into our school communities, and participate in our Church community at Mary Immaculate.
What city leadership programs have you participated in? I haven’t participated in formal city leadership programs, but as mentioned, I’ve spent over a decade serving our community through the PTA. That experience has taught me how to listen, lead, and get things done.
How has current Farmers Branch City Council leadership influenced your decision to run for city council? My decision to run is inspired by the positive work our City Council has done and the need for strong representation in District 1. I’m grateful for the endorsement of Omar Roman, the current councilmember, whose dedication to the community I admire. I hope to continue building on that work and bring a perspective that reflects everyday families in our district.
Name one specific new project or initiative you would like to see begun during your term. I love seeing the city’s partnership with Builders of Hope expanding affordable housing in District 1. The Porches at Valwood Park is a great start—building homes that families can afford and feel proud of. Alongside that, we need to invest in our parks and community spaces so families have places to gather, play, and connect. By combining affordable housing with vibrant community spaces, we can create a neighborhood where families thrive.
What actions are needed to implement it? To make it happen, the city should plan updates to parks, playgrounds, and community spaces with input from families and neighbors. The goal is to create safe, welcoming spaces where kids can play and neighbors can connect. By coordinating these projects thoughtfully, we can give residents a place to thrive together.
What makes you the most qualified candidate in your race – and why? I’m a working mom raising four kids in public schools and living in a multigenerational home, so I understand the day-to-day challenges families face in District 1. I’ve spent years serving in the PTA, learning how to listen, lead, and get things done for our community. I believe these real-life experiences, not politics, make me the most qualified candidate to represent and support families on City Council.
How successful are the city’s current programs to address its aging infrastructure? What would you change? Please elaborate. Many of the city’s infrastructure programs are helping, but there’s still work to do to meet residents’ needs. Aging pipes affect drinking water, and streets, parks, and public spaces need updates. I’d focus on projects that directly impact daily life, safe streets, clean water, updated neighborhood playgrounds; and listen to neighbors so improvements happen where they matter most.
What is the single biggest challenge facing our city today? The biggest challenge for Farmers Branch today is keeping the city affordable and livable for working folks. Rising property taxes and the cost of living make it harder for families to stay in their homes. I want to focus on smart budgeting, safe neighborhoods, and community spaces that support families so everyone can continue to call our city home.
What are Farmers Branch’s most valuable amenities or benefits that you will work to maintain or expand? Farmers Branch’s most valuable amenities are our parks, playgrounds, and community spaces where residents gather and neighbors connect. I’ll work to maintain and expand these areas so they stay safe, welcoming, and well-kept. I also want to support programs and events that bring people together and make our city feel like home for every resident.
