Our City Fathers would have you believe that El Paso is a modern, dynamic city, but really we’re just a hick, backwater little town, existing for the benefit of our patrones.
Look at that arena, for instance. You think that arena is for the benefit of anyone but the hacendados who bought up the real estate in that neighborhood?
Look at the lack of public corruption investigations emanating from the County Attorney’s office. No, señor. There’s no public corruption here.
Look at our Economic Development. We handed it over to the Borderplex Alliance, the same band of hacendados who have been squeezing every last drop of vitality from the El Paso economy for the last twelve years. They’re the only ones getting richer around here, and they’re doing it from the sweat of the taxpayers.
Look at this quote from District 5 Representative Dr. Michiel Noe, regarding a public referendum to make Duranguito a historic district (from the El Paso Inc.):
“We’re moving forward with [the arena],” Noe said. “It’s full steam ahead on that site. If someone can come up with a better one, we’re all ears.”
He said creation of a historic district wouldn’t have to stand in the city’s way. He recalled what happened after the 2011 referendum election in which 55 percent of voters approved a ban on city health benefits for the domestic partners of city employees.
. . .
“That’s what City Councils do,” Noe said. “We kill ordinances. We put them in and we take them out. That’s what government does.”
“We don’t care what the campesinos want. El Paso is ours.”
Welcome to Rancho El Paso. You can do whatever you want, as long as you don’t want too much.
Yeah. Dr. Noe has a perfect name, a Bond villain. If I remember correctly, the original ordinance would fund medical care for everyone down to grandchildren of police and fire fighters. It was a major boondoggle and was voted down by the taxpayers. Seriously, it was NOT about paying for medical of same sex partners, it was about all the freeloaders. The city, in its infinite wisdom, said voters were too stupid to decide for themselves and repealed the ordinance. El Pasoans of all strata are tired of being an open checkbook for the insane ideas of our elected officials. This election has been very low key so far but, with 57 days until the election, you’re going to see some shit flying shortly. I know that Saucedo is running for mayor with at least two things he’s vitally interested in; fiscal responsibility and historical preservation. I think we should do away with districts and go for at large representatives because, right now, it’s “what can I do for a specific part of town”, not “what’s good for the city”.
I doubt if “at large” could work any better in this town, where it is all about “What’s in it for me?” We can make Districts work, but maybe some find tuning needs to be done. One weird thing I don’t understand is why have representatives from parts of the City to County Commissioners’ Court who are afraid to speak out on issues that involve the City? And, vice versa? Why isn’t there a smoother function between City and County, since the City’s population pretty much makes up most of the County’s? I am still in favor of getting all the money out of politics. Instead of paid advertising, allow air time or print space to candidates on an equal basis, and let them hold campaign rallies in public places, at public expense. Outlaw all campaign contributions other than personal and small amounts. Things like that?