Ascarate Park under siege: Letters to the Editor

Ascarate Park under siege

Ascarate Park is under siege. Not by gangs and vandals, but by the very persons elected to protect it. County Judge Ricardo Samaniego and District 2 Commissioner David Stout have commandeered a portion of the park (as if they owned it) to install a memorial to a friend of theirs, a county employee.

Now, there is a time and a place for everything, but one must question the decision to use a taxpayer owned public park for this. Does this mean that any elected politician can now use Ascarate Park for any vanity project that strikes their fancy? I hope not!

Samaniego and Stout's stewardship of Ascarate Park must be questioned. As must their plans to build a huge amphitheater there and build a high end, upscale, restaurant that will rival anything on the River Walk in San Antonio. All on the taxpayer's dime. It's true! I'm not making it up.

I challenge them to hold a public meeting at the Park Pavilion and explain their plans and actions and listen to the public's comments and opinions on them.

Christopher Falk

South El Paso

Rep. Brian Kennedy power grab concerning

I'm writing after attending a Rotary Club meeting where City Rep. Brian Kennedy was the guest speaker. His remarks have left me deeply concerned about the future of our beloved El Paso.Kennedy's pride in firing our city manager, costing taxpayers a staggering $1 million, and his intent to "kill" the arena project, are alarming. These actions not only demonstrate a disregard for our financial well-being but also hinder our city's potential growth and prosperity.Furthermore, Kennedy's ambition to have the police and fire chief report directly to him in the next charter election is a troubling power grab that could disrupt the balance of our municipal governance.Equally disturbing is his leadership in the campaign to dissolve the El Paso Zoological Society. This move threatens an institution that has been a cornerstone of our community, providing educational and conservation opportunities.I urge my fellow El Pasoans to consider the implications of Kennedy's actions and rhetoric. Our city deserves leaders who are committed to its growth, prosperity, and the well-being of all its residents. We must hold our elected officials to the highest standards and demand accountability.In conclusion, I hope that this letter serves as a call to action for the citizens of El Paso. We must engage in our civic duties, stay informed, and make our voices heard in the upcoming elections. Our city's future depends on it.

Gabrelle Navarrete

Lower Valley

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Way too much taxpayer money sent to Phoenix

City spends money to buy land that EPISD taxpayers had already paid for. Could it not sign a lease for 50 years or more and pay EPISD a buck like it did with the now abandoned land EPISD had to clear out near the airport on Boeing? Better yet, why couldn't the city use that abandoned land on Boeing and not pay anything?

We pray the city of El Paso demands a local architect, local engineering firm, and finally demand only local contractors work and build the new facility for the El Paso Police Department. Way too much money is being sent to Phoenix.

Miguel Sanchez

East El Paso

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Santa Teresa’s incorporation gains renewed momentum

The Provisional Government of Santa Teresa (PGST) has won a major legal battle against the city of Sunland Park regarding annexation. This marks PGST's fourth victory and is hoped to be the final one.

After several legal disputes and appeals, the Court of Appeals sided with PGST and the Doña Ana Board of County Commissioners. This decision stops Sunland Park's annexation attempts and confirms PGST's priority in seeking municipal incorporation.The conflict dates to 2015 when residents of Santa Teresa, organized under the PGST, petitioned the Doña Ana to establish a new municipality. Despite initial setbacks, including a denial of their petition, PGST persisted through legal channels. The Court of Appeal's recent decision marks a turning point in this prolonged legal battle, highlighting the following key points:Priority of PGST's Incorporation Petition: The Court of Appeals upheld PGST's claim under the doctrine of prior jurisdiction, emphasizing that PGST's petition for incorporation should take precedence over Sunland Park's annexation attempts due to the timing of filings.Halting of Annexation Proceedings: As a direct consequence of the court's ruling, Sunland Park's efforts to annex land within Santa Teresa's unincorporated territory have been halted. The district court has been instructed to suspend annexation proceedings until all matters related to PGST's incorporation petition are resolved.Ongoing Municipal Incorporation Efforts: With the legal obstacles posed by Sunland Park's annexation attempt temporarily removed, PGST's pursuit of municipal incorporation gains renewed momentum. The court's decision underscores the validity and significance of PGST's quest to provide efficient municipal services.

Mary Gonzalez

President of the provisional government of Santa Teresa, New Mexico

Prairie dogs causing havoc

I have found all the missing prairie dogs from the El Paso Zoo! They are alive and multiplying at Restlawn Cemetery, burrowing under all the headstones and creating havoc. El Paso Zoo staff, please go pick them up as soon as possible.

Paul Haupt

East El Paso

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Ascarate Park under siege: Letters to the Editor