Over 100 residents gathered to support Kasandra Gandara as she announced her candidacy to serve as Las Cruces City Councilor in District 1. A resident of the city for over 20 years, In a release, the campaign said Gandara would work to develop city policy that benefits the diverse needs of residents and businesses in her district, if elected.
The release says Gandara desires to serve District 1 to create pathways of economic opportunity and growth for Las Cruces. It says she is active in public health, education, and other areas that raise the quality of life in our neighborhoods.
The release says Gandara's focus will be to develop economic policies that drive growth and increase jobs, to strengthen public and private partnerships that provide incentives for businesses with a vision of a downtown plaza that serves all residents, and to improve traffic school zones for the safety of our children.
“In my face-to-face conversations with residents in District 1, I am learning that a responsive leader is critical to inclusive policy. I intend on engaging all residents in our community, listening to their needs, and make policy that benefits everyone. I want to be a voice for hardworking families.”
The release says Gandara brings over 25 years of experience to the table, and currently manages an extensive staff in nine counties in southern New Mexico in state government. It says as a supervisor in the field of social work, including certification as a trainer, Gandara has developed a statewide best practices model, organized advisory groups with community partners and youth leaders, and has vast facilitation experience.
The release says Gandara raised her two children in Las Cruces. Her son Bryan is a veteran of the armed forces, and her daughter, Elena, is currently enrolled in the School of Medicine at the University of New Mexico. As a mother, she played an active role in their education serving on the PTO throughout their years in public education.