Student Government Association vice president is running for office, however, not for the EPCC organization, but rather the El Paso City Council District 3 Representative.
John Burch, SGA vice president, has a plan, if elected, to address the issues of street lighting, reinstating a public library, monitoring taxes to a reasonable amount, hosting weekly town hall meetings and more.
“My agenda will consist of serving the citizens of District 3 to the best of my ability, to get in touch with people’s needs and issues until completion and addressing all concerns for the district in a timely fashion.”
He also added, “The bottom line is that I will help build stronger neighborhoods, which will make for a more
cohesive community that will improve the district.”
However, Burch is aware that there will be obstacles along the way.
“Serving the public is a big responsibility and I know I will face challenges. For instance, I don’t speak Spanish, although I am learning. Another challenge that I anticipate will be the balance of my work and education, which I plan to continue for my political science degree.”
To compromise his academic obligations if elected, Burch will resign his position as vice president, but he still intends to participate in EPCC student government organization by becoming a senator.
“SGA has been a stepping stone to encourage me to campaign for student council. As such, I expect that being a city council representative will also be a stepping stone to become the mayor, then to work in the county or state level, then into the federal level.”
But this New York native said he still has higher ambitions by planning to run for the United States’ presidency in 2028.
Burch’s inspiration to run for office is not all attributed to SGA, though.
He credits his love for El Paso, his passion to lead and his family.
“My son Dylan, who is 4, is my motivation for running. I know I can make a positive impact on our city, and he reminds me that I must do whatever I can do, even if it means getting out of my comfort zone to do something I’ve never done before.”
Having lived on his own since he was 16, this wrestling, football and track athlete trained for the Army reserves before graduating high school in 1994.
Burch was stationed at Fort Bliss as a medic in September of 2004.
He served on active duty for two years and then returned to the reserves.
Campaigning officially begins on March 5 which includes forums, debates and other political-related events.
Election day is scheduled for May 10, however, voters may make their selection two weeks beforehand during the early voting period.
