In our family, public service is the highest calling. Way back in 1846, on Christmas Day, our great, great grandfather fought here near the Rio Grande so that Texas might join the Union, not secede from America. His dreams then are yours and mine now—a more just society for all Texans; great public schools to educate all our children; strong Texas universities to make us proud; super highways to move commerce and create jobs; and fundamentally, government of the people, by the people and for the people, not just the privileged few.

During each day of the last decade, we have endeavored to do our very best for the people of our great community and state. In public life, doing what’s right, not what’s expedient is what matters.  I am grateful to the people who elected me for the opportunity to serve. While other public service may lie ahead, I will not be in the Texas Senate next session. Here in God’s Country, good, honest, hardworking leaders will be elected and will rise to the challenge.  

Let’s help them with the work ahead. Let’s finish the job on cleaning up public corruption here. Let’s craft real solutions on violence, drugs and criminal cartels in our three state region. Let’s work hard to put UTEP on top in Tier One. Let’s help in the public schools—they need it, now!  

In Austin, let’s get some real leaders. Our state desperately needs new vision, new leadership and new energy dedicated to public service not private gain. Failed leaders in service to special interests have created a structural deficit of $8b session after session. Call it what it is—budget malpractice. Our highway fund is broke—by 2012, TXDOT will have no money for new roads. At UTEP, tuition is up over 72%. Hundreds of public school districts are on the verge of bankruptcy. Predatory lenders charge 1100% interest all across the state. Texas’ skies once bright with promise are now the most polluted in America.  

Government is us working together to make tomorrow better than today; government is not an enemy to use for the next election. Texans deserve better—and with your help—Texas will get better.  For now, this is our last E News. Since 1996, we have proudly pioneered a new E News era to bring state government to you. In our office, from Day One, the sign said—‘this office belongs to the people of El Paso.’ We will keep this website online for you to get up to date information, but soon new leaders will take over. Good work will go on—and the dreams of our fathers and grandfathers will never die.

From me, Joyce and our great staff who have worked so hard to serve you---un abrazo fuerte! Here in the heart of Texas, our children, our community and our future are always worth the fight! 

Siempre, adelante con ganas! 

Senator Eliot Shapleigh