"Building a Vision"

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Fellow Paseños--            

National Public Radio had a great story on “ASARCO—the Toxic Century” The best line was now, “El Paso can begin to look to the future.”                   

Last week, along with UTEP’s Student Government Association and key community groups, our office organized a kick-off event to introduce Trustee Robert Puga and to invite our region to ‘Build a Vision.” I know that the City of El Paso and Mr. Puga plan a series of formal community events to gather ideas for clean up, re—development and master plans. Here’s Mr. Puga’s website where you can write you own ideas.          

Each of you has been a strong partner in fighting to make our community better, to clean up our air, and re—brand our region.  All of us have a stake in better jobs with benefits in a bright future. Right now, El Paso is the best place to be, so now let’s all join to build a new vision.  

Below, we invite you to take a virtual visit to very successful ASARCO smelter clean ups in Omaha and Tacoma. We include one in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon as well, as their “Plaza de Los Fundidores’ has been cited as an international model. Finally, we link you to Tempe due to creative use of the Gila River as a design element. Our office will invite the Mayor, Congressman Reyes and the City Council to join us in visiting Omaha and Monterrey soon to learn lessons of how best to clean up a contaminated site—and build a vision of value.           

In Omaha, under Mayor Daub’s leadership, citizens found the resources, gathered grit and determination, cleaned up a major ASARCO mess, and built a community landmark--the QWEST Convention center right along the river.           

Now, in the years ahead, we have an historic opportunity at our true Pass of the North, where two nations and three states meet. There, the Rockies turn into the Sierra Madres, cut only by the Rio. Across the way, some 100 years ago, Francisco Madero launched the Mexican Revolution. UTEP, the Sun Bowl (and parking) are nearby. Strategic light rail opportunities lie on the eastern boundary. I-10 provides instant access. Downtown revitalization and Sunland’s Casino are short miles away in either direction. Along the grassy banks of the Rio Grande, right across from New Mexico, we have the only riverfront property available for quality development.           

In short, the stage is set—all we need is vision, leadership, tenacity and luck! Come join us in “Building a Vision” in our great community!  

Senator Eliot Shapleigh

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