Iris’ responses to Skagit Valley Herald’s candidate questionnaire

Why are you running for office?

• I will bring a new perspective to the City Council, and I will be a voice for all. We need a City Council that includes representation for all Mount Vernon residents. I am a leader in the Latino community, and I am a person who thinks about and cares about the issues and concerns of all people. Our city is growing and changing and the best solutions will be reached if we give everyone a voice. I have worked steadily and passionately for the good of our city and its residents, and I want to continue as a member of the City Council.

What is the single biggest issue?

• Housing! Recent reports show that our city’s economy will grow if we can provide housing for the needed employees. We need affordable housing for those in our city who are struggling and we also need housing for middle income workers. Stable, safe housing is a foundation for the social and economic success of families and children. We know that children living at home do better in school. We know that children without homes have more physical and mental health problems and experience developmental delays. We know that youth who have a home are less vulnerable to being pulled into gang activity. This is a problem we can solve!

How will you address it?

• The Mt Vernon City Council can work in partnership with state and federal agencies that provide assistance. We can work with planners and builders, and the local agencies that provide support. Housing on the major transit routes and near community resources is in the planning stage, and we will also soon be able to build more housing downtown. This will support downtown revitalization.

Why should voters choose you?

• It is time to add a new perspective to the government of Mount Vernon. Our elected officials have worked hard and I appreciate their effort. I want to work within the government to bring us forward with fresh thinking. I have a lot of energy! I will draw in people from all backgrounds to work together. I will inspire hope. I will guide us toward a vibrant, inclusive community.

What sets you apart from your opponents?

• My opponents are also hard-working but they cannot bring diversity to our problem-solving. Solutions are better when many ideas, many voices are part of the process. I am deeply rooted in the Latino community, and I am also, through my work, connected to all our city’s children and youth – our future!

“Very comfy shoes and a sincere smile. That’s what you need when it’s time to go doorbelling. I started on June 17th as a trial run with Katherine and my daughter Alejandra. Since that day I have been knocking on doors with all my vision, passion, and desire to open more and even more. There have been been ups and downs, but mostly ups.

I’ve been doorbelling for 19 days; with a lot of support from the community, friends, family, co-workers and family’s family. Yesterday, I finished in my neighborhood the last walking list that I had. Today, it’s going to be another energetic and fantastic day. Thank you all for the great and hard work that all together we’ve been accomplished.”

“I believe in giving everyone a voice and helping them achieve their potential. As a social worker, a paraprofessional educator, a caregiver, a friend, a spouse and parent, I have worked steadily and passionately for the good of my hometown and its residents. I understand the strengths as well as the needs of Mount Vernon’s Latino residents, especially migrant farmworkers and their families. As city a councilwoman for Ward 1, I will encourage residents to participate more fully in the community and work tirelessly to continue to bridge the gap between the Anglo and Latino communities in our beautiful valley.”

“I was raised by a single mother who was the perfect role model for me. She instilled a strong work ethic and deeply valued her family and the community.

She worked in the cotton, tobacco and coffee fields in my native country of Honduras. When we were at a very young age my siblings and I worked right alongside her in the fields. During the coffee beans picking season we were all out in the fields again.

We did what we had to do to have food on our tables and clothes on our backs. The greatest lesson I learned from this experience and from my mother is that life is not about where you start, but where you’re going.

I was fortunate to come to the United States and become a part of the incredible community of Skagit County.

I hope my candidacy and role on City Council will be an inspiration for other Latino citizens and our youth, who are capable of becoming the next great leaders here in Skagit.”