News Room

From the Senator's Desk . . .
June 14, 2007

We have all seen the headlines over the past months. These events cause us all great concern. The people of El Paso—law-abiding, tax-paying citizens—deserve better. We vote for and expect ethical and transparent government.

Written by Senator Eliot Shapleigh, www.shapleigh.org

Capitol

“Reforming El Paso—Take Back Your Town”

We have all seen the headlines over the past months.  These events cause us all great concern.  The people of El Paso—law-abiding, tax-paying citizens—deserve better.  We vote for and expect ethical and transparent government. 

With a revitalized downtown, a growing Ft. Bliss and the Medical School a reality, El Paso is ready for its best years.  But ongoing investigations at the National Center for the Employment of the Disabled (NCED) and the “information” contained in the recent guilty plea by Travis Ketner, former Chief of Staff for County Judge Anthony Cobos, require swift action by community leaders. 

To move El Paso forward, to honest, open and transparent government, we must: 

  • Investigate thoroughly and swiftly prosecute those involved with public corruption,
  • Adopt strong ethics policies for the City, County and all School Districts (YISD, SISD, CISD, EPISD),
  • Request an investigation by the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct into allegations of illegal venue-rigging in El Paso County,
  • Adopt contracting guidelines regarding contact with elected officials, bid evaluation, and post contracting information on the internet, and
  • Work with the Greater El Paso and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce to develop a business ethics pledge for every member that contracts with government.

Last week, in eNews, we highlighted the high costs of corruption.  Corruption always costs communities.  According to the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), a non-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, corruption must be rooted out because it drives everything from lower investment to an increase in other crime.  Corruption takes income and jobs away from honest, hard-working people and increases the cost of government through backroom deals.

In El Paso, we need more talented, dedicated, hard-working individuals to run for office and serve their community.  Too often, people talk about the “potential” of our community.  Today, we can start talking about the “success” of our community.

Let’s stay on track, reform El Paso—and take back our town!

Tu Senador,

Senator Eliot Shapleigh

Eliot Shapleigh 

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