This came in from Xavier Miranda:
To be honest with you, many of us are fed up with our elected officials and their impunity, without fear of being held accountable. The time to usurp their power is now. Reading about the approval of the events center in the downtown area is just another boondoggle, with Leeser catering to the money people.
Consideration is being given to organizing a citizens’ forum, wherein these elected officials answer to the public. I had organized a forum at Mujer Obrera a couple of years ago when the Texas State delegation was grilled about education and the budget. Of course, Margo dismissed the invitation, but Marquez, Moody, and Rodriguez showed—but their charm disarmed many of the folks in attendance.
Having spoken to former federal agents, the prospect of even investigating corruption in our city is quite slim. There is ineptitude at the local office, as well as ties to the very officials they are supposed to keep in line.
Just brainstorming here, but with the local bloggers’ help, we can host a forum, with city and county officials at a central venue, have courageous moderators, and an interactive format that would address our concerns. Given the political season, we can have a significant citizen turnout, and reclaim representation. The EPISO accountability sessions are typically well attended, but do not engage the average citizen; the same can be Border Interfaith events.
Just a rant on systemic corruption in our city.
Regards,
Xavier Miranda
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elpasospeak 
Great idea! Put them on the hotseat. As for the downtown arena…here we go again!
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Great idea, but as you stated a lot will be charmed, some will miss the key phrases in the statements, some will be more interested in photos, some will be drone supporters and some won’t show.
But, there is hope with people like Xavier. It is a strong indicator that people have had enough.
My question is will a fierce q&a make a dent in their suit of indifference. Perhaps there should be more like Gurrola(sp?) that are organizing a recall. A recall of city council would send a very strong message to all.
Thank you for the idea to Xavier
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The only people who will attend are pissed off ankle biters like those who post here. Would you show up for that if you were an elected official?
Better to enlist a partner that is not so aligned with the malcontents, e.g., League of Women Voters, Hispanic CoC, and let them host it.
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So easy to put concerned, caring people into a category like ankle biters or crazies. Ankle biters vote too and want accountability from their representatives and elected officials. not a bad idea, tho, on Hispanic CoC or others.
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Ankle bikers are the only people who vote here. Everyone else is at a monster truck rally.
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Better to be an ankle biter than to be complacent and be known as a “licker”.
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Please get the word out
VOTE NO ON ALL CITY CHARTER AMENDMENTS
One of the amendments, I think the second, would allow city representatives to apply for city jobs.
This goes well beyond conflict of interest and institulionalizes sytem abuse.
This is nothing more than a “jobs program” to entrench sleazebag politicians like Steve Ortega into the system.
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Let’s do it ! Then start the recalls based on who doesn’t show and who just mumbles BS answers
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Anyone interested in organizing a forum before March, email me at xmiranda5@gmail.com
We would need a venue person, a contact and confirmation person, a media person, a canvassing team to knock on doors, phone bank folks, and four moderators with well-researched questions that reflect the community’s needs; and then a plan of action that results in authentic democracy.
Commitment is required.
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