New East Side rep - approve? (El Paso, Howe: how much, college, salary)

[holmes]

I was reading the el paso times and noticed that the District 5 seat (eastside) for city council was won by Quintana. Apparently she's a strong opponent of eminent domain for the downtown revitalization plan. She also opposes certificates of obligation for fixing all our flood damage from last year and the unified development of 3000 acres in the northeast. I've got to say, I was hoping Suerken would pull it off as his vision for the city closely aligns with the mayor and the majority of city council (and me ). Do you think this will have any effect on the progressive nature of the city as of late? Curious to hear from eastsiders in particular. I mean, come on. Only 4.9% of registered voters actually voted? Wow.

[Chuco]

Originally Posted by holmes

I was reading the el paso times and noticed that the District 5 seat (eastside) for city council was won by Quintana. Apparently she's a strong opponent of eminent domain for the downtown revitalization plan. She also opposes certificates of obligation for fixing all our flood damage from last year and the unified development of 3000 acres in the northeast. I've got to say, I was hoping Suerken would pull it off as his vision for the city closely aligns with the mayor and the majority of city council (and me ). Do you think this will have any effect on the progressive nature of the city as of late? Curious to hear from eastsiders in particular. I mean, come on. Only 4.9% of registered voters actually voted? Wow.

As an ex-Eastsider, I was ticked off to find out that Quintana won that seat. She seems like she will be a part of that Lozano, Holguin, and Castro group of the city council that will look to block anything that is progressive for El Paso. The good thing is that there are 4 other progressive council members: Lilly, Byrd, Ortega and O'Rourke that will probably duke it out with the lame duck 4 council members that will want to hold back El Paso..but the great thing is that Mayor Cook who is very progressive will probably vote in favor of the progressive 4 members whenever there is tie in council votes. Thank God almighty that we have someone like Mayor Cook! Plus our city manager Joyce Wilson is pretty good too.

Maybe people didn't know about the runoff date because I didn't hear anything about it anywhere prior to that day..even nothing on the news..but yup that was sad to see such a low voter turn out.

[holmes]

Yeah, I'm thinking that the momentum of the city will still be able to continue, since the mayor will act as tie-breaker. That small of the eastside population voting makes me wonder if people actually wanted her representing their district, though. I'm sure after May 12, most thought the deal was done. Honestly the only place I ever heard about the runoff election was in the paper. But then again I rarely watch tv..

[lipbalm]

I worked as an intern for the city of El Paso about 9 years ago while going to college. Sometimes I had to go to those lame city council meetings they hold every Tuesday, and the incompetence and stupidity exhibited from these city representatives was incredible. But, you get what you pay for I guess.

[holmes]

Hmm.. 9 yrs ago I wasn't the slightest interested in what was going on in city politics, but I'll take your word on it. Something very wrong happened to this city during the 80s and 90s.. However, I think we do have a pretty good bunch in office right now. As Chuco noted, these would be Mayor Cook, City Mgr Joyce Wilson, and City Reps Lilly, Byrd, Ortega (*replaced by Quintana*) and O'Rourke.

[lipbalm]

I guess what I was trying to say is that these city rep positions don't pay alot of money, so you are limiting the pool of candidates to people that are retired, own some type of business, are independently wealthy, or are just plain dumb.

[holmes]

Originally Posted by lipbalm

I guess what I was trying to say is that these city rep positions don't pay alot of money, so you are limiting the pool of candidates to people that are retired, own some type of business, are independently wealthy, or are just plain dumb.

Yeah, although the next council/mayor terms will get a pretty nice salary increase from the last bond election. Not sure how much of a difference that'll make in not electing incompetents though.

[DOLPH23]

It's very good to have a diverse group on the council to keep check/balance on the city issues. This prevents temptation of corruption, which the US is known for from city level to the federal level. Our city appraisal office is a prime example of this. I truly hope rep. Quintana steps up to the plate to challenge obvious corruption within the city. I've spoken with many on this issue and all feel the appraisal office is a runaway train.

[Chuco]

It looks like Quintana is already ticking people off. She is avoiding all the media and their questions and she has canceled her community meetings. How did this lady become a council person again? Wasn't she a FedEx carrier before she got voted in?

City Rep Cancels Community Meetings In July (broken link)

[holmes]

Yeah, I think she needs to realize she's still green and needs some time to "learn the ropes" before she tries to push her agenda. Definitely I would think the first rule of thumb would be to not **** off your constituents..