Dwindling Times

September 13, 2014

Talking with M. T. Cicero the other day we discussed a view about what some of the Times’ problem is.

With the ready availability of national and international news on an instant basis through electronic sources, local newspapers have lost part of what made them desirable to their readers.  By the time the daily newspaper comes out many of us have already heard about the out of town issues.

That leaves the Times with the ability to publish local content in a more in-depth manner than the television and radio stations, thus offering their readers something that they cannot get elsewhere.

Unfortunately the Times has chosen to literally sell itself to our local governments and the power group behind the scenes.  No wonder they have nothing to fill their newspaper.

All we get is coverage of publicity pieces prepared by their masters with little to no investigative reporting.

We deserve better

Brutus

4 Comments | City government, County Government, El Paso Independent School District, El Paso Times | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

What was the hurry?

September 2, 2014

We got news the other day that a rating agency has lowered their credit rating of our county hospital.

That means that we will have to pay higher interest rates on future bonds and the current bond holders have less value than they bargained for.

The hospital chief executive was reported to have said that there would be no problem since they are not planning to sell any more bonds soon.

Already sold

He has already sold the $130 million of bonds that the county commissioners authorized to build three new clinics and remodel part of the hospital.

However he has stated that the hospital may have to “repurpose” the money for the clinics since his plans have changed.

In fact ground has not been broken on any of the three clinics.  They are still being thought through.  We have not been given a date when they will start construction.

Why did he sell the bonds and start our obligation to pay interest when he was not ready for the money?

Could it be that he knew of financial problems at the hospital that the bond companies did not know of and that he sold the bonds early before the rating companies would learn of the difficulties and thus reduce our credit rating?

Why else would he have sold the bonds when he was not ready to use the money?

This may be worth looking into.

We deserve better

Brutus

4 Comments | County Government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

Taking their shirt off my back

September 1, 2014

The Monday, August 25, 2014 county commissioners meeting agenda had an item on it seeking to allow the purchase of uniforms for their information technology employees.

The backup material offered the following:

The appearance of employees reflects the professional image of our department. Uniforms have significant impact on the way our staff are viewed by other departments and the general public.  ITD aims to provide its employees with comfortable and professional uniforms that project a good professional image and comply with Occupational Health and Safety guidelines.

With uniforms, ITD staff can be quickly identified, while performing service in County departments. The uniforms also create a consistent and professional appearance. The uniforms meet health and safety guidelines.

ITD is requesting the Court to consider transferring funds within the ITD operating budget and allow ITD to program those funds for the purchase of uniforms.

Thirteen (13) staff members will be issued uniforms. Each uniform set will cost 269.00. ITD has created internal policies that detail the maintenance and use of County issued uniforms.

The county has not posted the minutes of the meeting so I don’t know how the vote went on this.  I suspect that it passed since it was on the consent portion of the agenda.  The total to be spent was $3,497.00.

According to the county web site these people are paid between $31 thousand and $107 thousand per year.

The documentation did not mention buying shoes for the employees.  Maybe that will be next.

Too much

The county must have too much money if they can spend it on things like this.

We deserve better

Brutus

7 Comments | County Government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

Mystery solved

August 29, 2014

El Diario and some local radio stations have reported that a dead human was found hanged near the library at UTEP last week.  At this point we don’t know the circumstances or details about the dead soul.

According to a local radio station it is the policy of the Times to not report suicides.  The explanation given is that the Times does not want to publicize these events for fear that the news may spur additional cases.

Now clear

Maybe this can help us understand why the Times does not publicize the corruption that goes on at the city.  They must think that if they do so they might encourage more corruption.  Could it be that we owe them our gratitude?

This could also help explain why our local district attorney will not reveal the results of his investigation into the case where the city representative allegedly assaulted a city employee.  Could it be that he is trying to help the public by not revealing the truth?  If she did assault the city employee and he did let that be known might we have city representatives attacking citizens regularly?

We deserve better

Brutus

6 Comments | City government, County Government, El Paso Times, State Government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

Nada In The Times

August 26, 2014

It doesn’t take long to realize that the local blogs are the only place to find out what’s happening in our local government. Several blogs do a good job with some first rate investigative reporting which explains to the “crazies” not only what is going on in El Paso but why.

 

A brief summary of the articles of the blogs will be provided followed by a clickable link for your convenience.

On 8/25/14. Max Powers takes on the Convention Center Hotel situation and discusses options. While on 8/21/2014 he he discusses the N.E. Water-park and the Hawaii Falls proposal along with problems encountered in Dallas with their park.

David K on 8/26/2014 suggests the city is proposing to hire a lobbyist to make up the Budget deficit with Washington money. He looks at the firm and its clients and our position with the firm. Nice twist.

Martin Paredes on 8/26/2014 discusses the D.I.M.S.(D.A. Information Management System). which will come up again today at City Council. This is an old issue that is operative and if you don’t remember, Martin will give you the take on what it is and where it could go wrong. Interesting read.

We deserve good Government.  Knowledge is the Vehicle

 

M. T.  Cicero

1 Comment | City government, County Government, El Paso Times | Permalink
Posted by M.T. Cicero

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