Here’s a story at ElPasoTimes.com titled State of the County address touts growth through bonds in address.
“On time and on budget” was the rallying cry of El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego’s speech at the 2025 State of the County address.
The annual update to the public and community partners on Thursday, Nov. 6, was held at the County Coliseum and highlighted Fiscal Year 2025 accomplishments. Among them were improvements in El Paso County through a bevy of bonds, reinvestment in emerging industries like aerospace, and the growing list of businesses relocating to the county.
Wow, I thought Judge Samaniego was going to talk about El Paso’s bonds of friendship and family. But no. The bevy of bonds he was touting was the tax bonds that taxpayers pay for.
Samaniego noted attractions like Ascarate Park have undergone renovations, making it yet another possible entertainment venue.
“Work has already started on (improvements) to make Ascarate Park a destination. That’s so important because we want people to come here for a reason. With this funding, it truly will be for visitors. There’s a difference between who we are and who people think we are,” Samaniego said.
I’m not sure what Judge Samaniego is talking about there. He says, “With this funding, it truly will be for visitors.” What visitors? People who come from Fort Stockton who have never seen the ocean? Or people from the west side you only venture past the Spaghetti Bowl if they’re going to the airport?
I used to think that County Government was the good guys. Now I’m not so sure.