Oh What Tangled Webs
by
Jaime O. Perez
2005-2006 had its share of winners and losers and the perennially damned either way:
Winners
Silvestre Reyes
His appointment to the Intelligence Committee gives him a powerful voice and an opportunity to help craft national policy.
Joe Pickett
In front of and behind the scenes, he demonstrates solid leadership and tenacious commitment.
Eddie Holguin Jr.
The real deal of representative leadership, he is a rising star and the hero of the Mission Valley.
Robert 'Beto' O’Rourke
Leader of council majority and backed by $ billions, his ambition may propel him to national office.
Anthony Cobos
He is a persistent and effective deal maker and no nonsense leader.
Luis Sarinana
The new Court’s swing vote, he is a popular leader known for loyalty to his constituents and dedication to teamwork.
Miguel Teran
Veteran politician who respects boundaries and gets what he wants for his district.
Chente Quintanilla
Always working for 'La Gente', he is growing in influence and political maturity.
Norma Chavez
Tough negotiator and deal maker, she plays the game well and dances the two-step with Republicans.
Elliot Shapleigh
Staunch and powerful leader: potential Achille’s heel is his advocacy of a state income tax.
Woody Hunt
Savvy businessman set to acquire El Paso's public land assets for a song courtesy of PSB and City Manager.
Bill Sanders
Billionaire set to acquire downtown courtesy of City of El Paso at the expense of long-time Jewish, Arab and Korean business people and Segundo Barrio residents.
UTEP & EPCC Students
They persevere and succeed despite mediocre instruction.
Losers
Segundo Barrio
Can you spell eminent domain?
Susie Byrd
Pushing hard to criminalize dissent; an educator and supporter boasts illiteracy; gains moniker of 'mentirosita'.
Steve Ortega
Tax and spender with no significant initiatives, plans or programs.
Presi Ortega
Can you spell 'Access'? He can. He’s in hock with IRS for over $300,000
Alexander Lozano
Bought and paid for, he denies. 'Chaquetero', he protests.
Ann Lilly
When awake, she’s still asleep.
EPCC
If grade inflation gets any worse, students will get an A for Attendance.
UTEP
If quality gets any worse, students will receive diploma when they register.
Builders/Developers
They got the Woody vis-a-vis PSB sweet land deals.
Anglo Print Media
Running cover for council majority and billionaire carpetbaggers.
Call It Even
John Cook
Guitar playing, recording musical troubadour, wheels and deals, ho and hum.
Joyce Wilson
The man behind the scenes; magically turns positions of power white.
Melina Castro
Tenacious fighter fends off cheap shots from tax and spenders.
Veronica Escobar
Tax and spender with empty bank account; it’s lonely at the top.
Dan Haggerty
Weak victory, weak mandate, must cozy con Cobos.
Pat Haggerty
Weak victory, weak mandate, must cozy con neocons.
Paul Moreno
Conscience of Congress but marginalized voice.
Quotables
"Some say, I am not brown enough to win."
– Troy Hicks running for district #6
"I am now sure I will win, Bill Sanders said he is behind me 100%"
– Maria 'Mayela' Mejia, Alexander Lozano’s secretary and candidate for district #5
"I prefer to identify with Salma Hayek, than my grandfather."
– Steve Ortega, Dist #7
"No, no, no. No tax increases"
– Eddie Holguin Jr., Dist #6
"Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention."
– Ann Lilly, Dist #8
"This lady (Joyce Wilson) should be fired."
– Aurelia Roque, constituent Dist #3
"If she (Melina Castro) owes money, she should pay."
– Presi Ortega, IRS tax deadbeat Rep. Dist #5
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This perspective first appeared in Border Observer, Jaime O. Perez, Editor