This came in from Helen Marshall on June the first:
In today’s EP Times one front page story tells us that the Children’s Hospital is a financial disaster just waiting to blow up. The op-ed by Dr. Papas continues that theme, noting that at the time it was proposed the math simply did not work, and many people said so – but not the wizards at the UMC, who are now working to assume control of the failed project they pushed for. And below the fold we learn that Council will consider tomorrow the possible sites for the $180M Downtown arena – in secret, of course. (What will happen with regard to the Children’s Museum and the Cultural Center is not included.) Mr. Bryan Crowe asserts that the community has been included in ample discussions – translation,wewill make a decision now, not you rubes.
I am waiting to hear what it is that cannot be satisfied now by the available facilities. What high school graduation ceremonies do not take place? What events do not come to El Paso because there is no downtown arena? Is the intention to take some of the business away from UTEP’s Don Haskins Center? Where will the parking be for the 12,500 people expected to fill this arena? Please don’t tell me that they will arrive by Brio bus!
How can we be thinking of spending $180 million (in principal costs, not to mention the interest costs – and let’s note the projections about the impact of the Children’s Hospital bankruptcy on future El Paso bond ratings) while confronting significantly under-estimated costs for the Children’s Museum (undefined) and the Cultural Center (undefined). The current New Mexico magazine has an excellent piece about the struggles of the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, and the costs to date. Someone in the City should read it and sober up!
The two candidates in the District One run-off both assert that they are determined to see the city complete these three projects without asking the voters for more funds. How?
Oh but now Judge Escobar is s model of prudent business practices. The hospital spent to much. Hmmm… aren’t she and the rest of her merry county footmen responsible for overseeing the EPCH? Didn’t EPCH present audit reports and annual financial statements that showed their expenses and all the hiring of those world-class sub specialist she in hindsight now bemoans and begrudges? Let’s face it. Veronica Escobar and her political faction are ultately fully responsible for these financial disasters. The buck stops with her! And not only are she and her I’ll refusing to take responsibility they continue full steam ahead, intent on throwing us over the cliff!
Absolutely. As I have mentioned previously, Valenti and UMC put together the financial pro forma and forecast for the Children’s Hospital. That is a matter of public record. Valenti even said CH would be profitable, starting in its second year. The UMC board and the County Commissioners blessed Valenti’s numbers when they voted to issue debt to fund his plan.
Now, they are all circling the wagons and putting all the blame on CH. Escobar’s false outrage is disgusting. Valenti still has his job.
Valenti also pushed for $152 million to fund primary care centers across the city a couple of years ago. After getting the money, he decided to use the money for other purposes. In August of last year, Escobar said she was not concerned about the changes.
That’s who we’re dealing with. Anyone who thinks all the blame for the Children’s Hospital mess is the fault of CH is simply wrong. As long as UMC management is not held accountable for its own failures, the problems at both UMC and CH will simply get worse.
Joe Muench is definitely reading this blog. Either that or he is going “crazy”. Today, he decided to write about how so much of the city council business is now being conducted in executive sessions, not in open public meetings. He also questioned why council was unwilling to publicly discuss the sites being considered for the new downtown events center and museums. I’m sure the timing is coincidental.
So far no one has come up with a good rationale for the $180 million entertainment facility/arena…But it’s only money, right?? And at the rate we are going, it will be children and grandchildren who have to pay for it. What’s not to like?
elpasospeak 
Oh but now Judge Escobar is s model of prudent business practices. The hospital spent to much. Hmmm… aren’t she and the rest of her merry county footmen responsible for overseeing the EPCH? Didn’t EPCH present audit reports and annual financial statements that showed their expenses and all the hiring of those world-class sub specialist she in hindsight now bemoans and begrudges? Let’s face it. Veronica Escobar and her political faction are ultately fully responsible for these financial disasters. The buck stops with her! And not only are she and her I’ll refusing to take responsibility they continue full steam ahead, intent on throwing us over the cliff!
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Absolutely. As I have mentioned previously, Valenti and UMC put together the financial pro forma and forecast for the Children’s Hospital. That is a matter of public record. Valenti even said CH would be profitable, starting in its second year. The UMC board and the County Commissioners blessed Valenti’s numbers when they voted to issue debt to fund his plan.
Now, they are all circling the wagons and putting all the blame on CH. Escobar’s false outrage is disgusting. Valenti still has his job.
Valenti also pushed for $152 million to fund primary care centers across the city a couple of years ago. After getting the money, he decided to use the money for other purposes. In August of last year, Escobar said she was not concerned about the changes.
That’s who we’re dealing with. Anyone who thinks all the blame for the Children’s Hospital mess is the fault of CH is simply wrong. As long as UMC management is not held accountable for its own failures, the problems at both UMC and CH will simply get worse.
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Joe Muench is definitely reading this blog. Either that or he is going “crazy”. Today, he decided to write about how so much of the city council business is now being conducted in executive sessions, not in open public meetings. He also questioned why council was unwilling to publicly discuss the sites being considered for the new downtown events center and museums. I’m sure the timing is coincidental.
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So far no one has come up with a good rationale for the $180 million entertainment facility/arena…But it’s only money, right?? And at the rate we are going, it will be children and grandchildren who have to pay for it. What’s not to like?
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