Get ready for a good snooze... here's the scoop on First Transit straight from the horse's website.
First Transit is part of First Group, the world's leading transport operator. They won the 2009 National Safety Council Green Cross for Safety Medal. Delta Airlines won the award in 2008... more on that later.
First Group trades on the London stock exchange under FGP, serving 2.5 billion passengers p/yr in the UK and North America, with a total of 137,000 employees.
First Group America is based in Cincinatti, OH.
They also operate First Student, the leading provider of student transportation in the US and Canada (they bought out Laidlaw).
First Services is also the largest private sector provider of fleet maintenance services.
They also own Greyhound bus lines.
First Transit is the leading provider of transit management/contracting services. Thay have 235 locations in 41 states, with over 51 years of fixed-route. paratransit, and shuttle service.
First Transit revenues are at 760 million dollars p/yr. First Group America has 5 billion dollars in revenue, and First Group has 10 billion dollars in revenue p/yr overall.
First Transit took over management of Sun Metro 10/29/2006.
Now for the good stuff... lol.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Congrats Jaime!
Just got done watching the premier of EPTV and it has alot going for it.
Had a few moments that were hard to hear and some questionable camera angles with the interviews with Marquez and Perez (didn't care for seeing the back of their heads while they were speaking at times)- the interviews with Escobar and Byrd were better with angles, but didn't get to hear much when Susie Byrd spoke due to audio problems. But overall liked the questions and seemed a relaxed atmosphere and hope this segment gets fine-tuned as was very interesting.
Note to Susie Byrd- you have nice legs but you might want to wear something a little longer next time.
Almost looked as though Jaime was going to mix a coctail behind the bar- would rather see him and the guests behind the bar together and speak to the camera/audience.
Yeah- everyone's an armchair quarterback- I'm still stuck trying to figure out how to enbed pics off the web onto my blog:D- Jaime's more 'techie' so I'm sure they'll smooth out the bumps.
Enjoyed the videos and man-on-the-street interviews. Next time, tho, if someone wants to borrow my Riv just ask, but you brought her home in one piece so it's all good.
Congratulations, Jaime, you worked your ass off.
Look forward to the next show!
yes... I spied a red shirt Jaime was sportin at the taco festival- everybody pay up!!!
Had a few moments that were hard to hear and some questionable camera angles with the interviews with Marquez and Perez (didn't care for seeing the back of their heads while they were speaking at times)- the interviews with Escobar and Byrd were better with angles, but didn't get to hear much when Susie Byrd spoke due to audio problems. But overall liked the questions and seemed a relaxed atmosphere and hope this segment gets fine-tuned as was very interesting.
Note to Susie Byrd- you have nice legs but you might want to wear something a little longer next time.
Almost looked as though Jaime was going to mix a coctail behind the bar- would rather see him and the guests behind the bar together and speak to the camera/audience.
Yeah- everyone's an armchair quarterback- I'm still stuck trying to figure out how to enbed pics off the web onto my blog:D- Jaime's more 'techie' so I'm sure they'll smooth out the bumps.
Enjoyed the videos and man-on-the-street interviews. Next time, tho, if someone wants to borrow my Riv just ask, but you brought her home in one piece so it's all good.
Congratulations, Jaime, you worked your ass off.
Look forward to the next show!
yes... I spied a red shirt Jaime was sportin at the taco festival- everybody pay up!!!
Friday, June 26, 2009
CAC 101/ Pt 1
I HAVE to start off this series with the Meltdown of 2006.
I came down to El Paso in 2004- from Chicago- a transportation dream for the riders. You can't really compare El Paso and Chicago in some ways because Chicago is surrounded by heavily-populated suburbs for 50 miles north, south, and west (not east- there's Lake Michigan in the way!). But when I left Chicago there were around 2 million people and El Paso has now grown to almost 700,000- pretty big.
Anyway, I was quite surprised to be in such a vast area land-wise and not have decent transportation. In 2004!
It was as if the people in El Paso had given up. Meaning, I don't know HOW many years they were probably beating a dead horse trying to get decent transportation and customer service, that they finally resigned the thought of ever being treated decently and have their voice heard.
It was what it was and there were no other choices.
To get a taxi in the NE in the daytime, say from Walmart, was next to impossible, or with 1-2 hour wait times. Kinda defeated the purpose.
That left the bus.
A typical day in summer 2004 was waiting in the blistering heat and wondering if the bus would show at all. Remember, there's only like 136 bus shelters for something like 3,000+ bus stops!
In a desert!
In 2004!
Where was our city governments' head at?
As a health care aide I accompany my client to the grocery store and doctor's appointments etc. On the bus. More times than not the lift ramp on the bus never worked, it was the accordion-type back then. Sometimes the bus drivers wouldn't even attempt to put the lift down, as is required. Many times my client and I were left on the side of the road, probably 4 out of 10 rides. Wasn't really equal access for disabled riders, was it?
The trolleys downtown were a nightmare, not only for the drivers with the heat, but for disabled riders with a narrow entrance, small passenger capacity, and a helluva bumpy ride! My client suffered many a day on these when he had to go to his doctor. Sometimes we were relegated to riding an old old Blue Bird bus that had a backdoor conversion for a wheelchair- now THAT was bumpy!!! The back of the bus is always a harder ride.
Not to mention the lack of air conditioning! Nothing like a sick person on a bus and there being no air- it was NOT fun.
I remember the pivotal day in the Meltdown of 2006. I was in it, I was there!
My client and I were on the buses all day just to go to the doctor for a 15 minute visit. Roundtrip from the NE with 2 missed rides due to the ramps not working. No air conditioning on the 42 on the way down. Now we were trying to get back to the NE. Remember, we were at the 1st temporary bus stops for many routes due to the transition away from San Jacinto Plaza. NO shelters, NO benches! Sidewalks almost inaccessible for wheelchairs and people waiting in line and walking the sidewalks. Not to mention the cracks and craters in the sidewalks.
The first 42 rolled up, we all got in what almost resembled a line, it was pretty much dog-eat-dog as far as that goes, and then it pulled off further down the line. We all scrambled after it- pretty hard for my client in the wheelchair to maneuver through the people. We got to the 42 and then the driver put on his "OUT OF SERVICE" sign! So it was time to hurry up and wait again.
This was an unbearably hot day, if anyone remembers. We all waited about 40 more minutes for the next 42 to come along. He pulls up- we run to get in line and what happens? The bus driver jumps out of the bus literally crying and ranting and raving!!! He had not had a break all day, no air conditioning, no water (remember we were promised water bottles in coolers free to all the passengers and drivers when it was hot and there was no air?). The driver had literally HAD IT! He was saying over and over he quit! He ran through the crowd and disappeared! Now we had a bus but no driver! Couldn't blame him, tho.
A supervisor came by and tried to calm us down, but this was just too much! You can't treat people like animals and not expect to get bitten!
Eventually a driver was called in and we got to make it 2/3 of the way home. Remember, we're going to the NE- we have to catch yet another bus at the Northgate Terminal! We had spent almost 2 1/2 hours downtown just trying to get to this point from one bus.
We did get home, obviously. I'm surprised the City didn't get more lawsuits from that debacle. It was time for change or mass upheaval and I think our elected officials finally heard the people, or got scared enough to do something about this situation.
Meltdown 2006 was a shame for our city and I blame ALL the city reps and mayors of past who did nothing to upgrade this most-needed and important service (next to water, nothing else was more important besides maybe feeding the poor). I blame everyone at Sun Metro who didn't do anything, they were all aware of what was going on yet for whatever reason they didn't see it necessary to do anything- they might lose their job and heaven forbid then they might be stuck having to take the bus!
Meltdown 2006 was a classic example of the haves and have-nots.
Newer buses and regular maintenance for the buses was one of the keys to changing this shamelessness around. We HAD to buy new buses and I will never regret having to pay taxes to be treated as a human being. But this is just one key ingredient to a successful turnaround. Yes, it was the most important and immediate at the time.
Enter First Transit.........
I came down to El Paso in 2004- from Chicago- a transportation dream for the riders. You can't really compare El Paso and Chicago in some ways because Chicago is surrounded by heavily-populated suburbs for 50 miles north, south, and west (not east- there's Lake Michigan in the way!). But when I left Chicago there were around 2 million people and El Paso has now grown to almost 700,000- pretty big.
Anyway, I was quite surprised to be in such a vast area land-wise and not have decent transportation. In 2004!
It was as if the people in El Paso had given up. Meaning, I don't know HOW many years they were probably beating a dead horse trying to get decent transportation and customer service, that they finally resigned the thought of ever being treated decently and have their voice heard.
It was what it was and there were no other choices.
To get a taxi in the NE in the daytime, say from Walmart, was next to impossible, or with 1-2 hour wait times. Kinda defeated the purpose.
That left the bus.
A typical day in summer 2004 was waiting in the blistering heat and wondering if the bus would show at all. Remember, there's only like 136 bus shelters for something like 3,000+ bus stops!
In a desert!
In 2004!
Where was our city governments' head at?
As a health care aide I accompany my client to the grocery store and doctor's appointments etc. On the bus. More times than not the lift ramp on the bus never worked, it was the accordion-type back then. Sometimes the bus drivers wouldn't even attempt to put the lift down, as is required. Many times my client and I were left on the side of the road, probably 4 out of 10 rides. Wasn't really equal access for disabled riders, was it?
The trolleys downtown were a nightmare, not only for the drivers with the heat, but for disabled riders with a narrow entrance, small passenger capacity, and a helluva bumpy ride! My client suffered many a day on these when he had to go to his doctor. Sometimes we were relegated to riding an old old Blue Bird bus that had a backdoor conversion for a wheelchair- now THAT was bumpy!!! The back of the bus is always a harder ride.
Not to mention the lack of air conditioning! Nothing like a sick person on a bus and there being no air- it was NOT fun.
I remember the pivotal day in the Meltdown of 2006. I was in it, I was there!
My client and I were on the buses all day just to go to the doctor for a 15 minute visit. Roundtrip from the NE with 2 missed rides due to the ramps not working. No air conditioning on the 42 on the way down. Now we were trying to get back to the NE. Remember, we were at the 1st temporary bus stops for many routes due to the transition away from San Jacinto Plaza. NO shelters, NO benches! Sidewalks almost inaccessible for wheelchairs and people waiting in line and walking the sidewalks. Not to mention the cracks and craters in the sidewalks.
The first 42 rolled up, we all got in what almost resembled a line, it was pretty much dog-eat-dog as far as that goes, and then it pulled off further down the line. We all scrambled after it- pretty hard for my client in the wheelchair to maneuver through the people. We got to the 42 and then the driver put on his "OUT OF SERVICE" sign! So it was time to hurry up and wait again.
This was an unbearably hot day, if anyone remembers. We all waited about 40 more minutes for the next 42 to come along. He pulls up- we run to get in line and what happens? The bus driver jumps out of the bus literally crying and ranting and raving!!! He had not had a break all day, no air conditioning, no water (remember we were promised water bottles in coolers free to all the passengers and drivers when it was hot and there was no air?). The driver had literally HAD IT! He was saying over and over he quit! He ran through the crowd and disappeared! Now we had a bus but no driver! Couldn't blame him, tho.
A supervisor came by and tried to calm us down, but this was just too much! You can't treat people like animals and not expect to get bitten!
Eventually a driver was called in and we got to make it 2/3 of the way home. Remember, we're going to the NE- we have to catch yet another bus at the Northgate Terminal! We had spent almost 2 1/2 hours downtown just trying to get to this point from one bus.
We did get home, obviously. I'm surprised the City didn't get more lawsuits from that debacle. It was time for change or mass upheaval and I think our elected officials finally heard the people, or got scared enough to do something about this situation.
Meltdown 2006 was a shame for our city and I blame ALL the city reps and mayors of past who did nothing to upgrade this most-needed and important service (next to water, nothing else was more important besides maybe feeding the poor). I blame everyone at Sun Metro who didn't do anything, they were all aware of what was going on yet for whatever reason they didn't see it necessary to do anything- they might lose their job and heaven forbid then they might be stuck having to take the bus!
Meltdown 2006 was a classic example of the haves and have-nots.
Newer buses and regular maintenance for the buses was one of the keys to changing this shamelessness around. We HAD to buy new buses and I will never regret having to pay taxes to be treated as a human being. But this is just one key ingredient to a successful turnaround. Yes, it was the most important and immediate at the time.
Enter First Transit.........
I Want My EPTV!!!
OK- it's almost here, just a couple more days!
'Bout time we get some intelligent and possibly controversial cable show by locals on our City15 channel. That's what it's there for.
I had tried to get the Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Mass Transit Board/Sun Metro meetings taped and run on City15 but was told it would be very difficult to coordinate and would probably have to be taped in City Council chambers (no biggie)- but when I brought it to the committee they were not as responsive as I had hoped. One committee member was holding out on the hope that we could bring people TO the open meetings without having to video tape it. Great idea in a perfect world. I say we have the technology so let's take advantage of it.
Mr. Jaime Abeytia will be hosting the show and from what I've read he is planning to gear it towards getting more younger people involved and excited about politics and also focusing on different community hot goings-on. I'm sure he'll be doing some cool stuff- music, videos, "live" meanderings to interesting places et al. Can't wait to see the first show this Sunday at 11:00a.m.
For those that live under a rock, Jaime Abeytia has his own blog called the Lionstar blog (http://thelionstarblog.com) that is well-known to many in El Paso who care about how our elected officials conduct themselves, among other topics of interest. Jaime also writes for the Newspaper Tree, El Paso's on-line news source. under the politics tab.
One thing I do hope his show does, too, is try and light a fire under OLDER people's behinds on issues such as VOTING!!! Us 10% that do vote need some back-up!
The one burning question I have is... will Jaime be wearing a red shirt (or tie) in his first airing? I'm just poking fun at him, seems he's always in red and yes it does look good on him- if he is, I'm sure "Newsie girl" will be ecstatic! She's probably even planning a "The hottie's on tv" party with all her girlfriends.
'Bout time we get some intelligent and possibly controversial cable show by locals on our City15 channel. That's what it's there for.
I had tried to get the Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Mass Transit Board/Sun Metro meetings taped and run on City15 but was told it would be very difficult to coordinate and would probably have to be taped in City Council chambers (no biggie)- but when I brought it to the committee they were not as responsive as I had hoped. One committee member was holding out on the hope that we could bring people TO the open meetings without having to video tape it. Great idea in a perfect world. I say we have the technology so let's take advantage of it.
Mr. Jaime Abeytia will be hosting the show and from what I've read he is planning to gear it towards getting more younger people involved and excited about politics and also focusing on different community hot goings-on. I'm sure he'll be doing some cool stuff- music, videos, "live" meanderings to interesting places et al. Can't wait to see the first show this Sunday at 11:00a.m.
For those that live under a rock, Jaime Abeytia has his own blog called the Lionstar blog (http://thelionstarblog.com) that is well-known to many in El Paso who care about how our elected officials conduct themselves, among other topics of interest. Jaime also writes for the Newspaper Tree, El Paso's on-line news source. under the politics tab.
One thing I do hope his show does, too, is try and light a fire under OLDER people's behinds on issues such as VOTING!!! Us 10% that do vote need some back-up!
The one burning question I have is... will Jaime be wearing a red shirt (or tie) in his first airing? I'm just poking fun at him, seems he's always in red and yes it does look good on him- if he is, I'm sure "Newsie girl" will be ecstatic! She's probably even planning a "The hottie's on tv" party with all her girlfriends.
CAC 101
Being on the Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Mass Transit Board/Sun Metro is one of the most interesting and frustrating ways I know to spend my 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Lemme just say- I did not get nominated to that board because I have relatives in town. Nor did any friends owe me a favor. And I'm definitely not running for any office nor do I ever plan to run (I know- famous last words of so many here). I'm truly interested in improving our transportation woes, especially for the disabled.
That said- I want to write about my experiences of being on this committee. I want "the people" to see just what one goes through in the push for progress and transparency.
Anyone that knows me knows I'm not a public speaker- lol- I'll be the first to admit that- I HATE IT! Thank goodness for writing. When I do speak I call it like I see it. I hate the game-playing and mincing of words that goes on in government.
I want to write about past meetings that are already of public record. But I want to tell you what you WON'T read in the heavily condensed minutes. That's where the true story lies.
I want to give you background of struggles I've experienced, so it will take quite a few posts to get everyone up to speed. Bear with me, it's important to see the whole picture and it will take some time.
That said, I'm glad I took a couple days off before posting about my recent frustrations. It gave me time to cool down and hopefully now I can get the whole story out clearly and calmly.
Hang on, we're in for a bumpy ride.....
Thursday, June 25, 2009
ZEN pool
Had to take a day or two off to run around like a chicken with its head cut off and finally for a bit of r&r. The latter consisted of shopping and cooking and attending our private end-of-season party for our pool team.
Talk about fun! I learned how to play 9-ball. Alot faster than 8-ball, obviously, and a whole different kinda game. Hey, I'm new to this so I'm still excited by the concept.
One thing I did during one game of 9-ball that my friend couldn't understand was me taking a risk.
I had semi-easy shots that were more plausible to make and run up the numbers to get to the 9 ball. I did that the first couple games. This time, tho, I had the chance to shoot my next in sequence ball and combo into the 9 ball and into the pocket- winning the game. I had an open and close shot to shoot the other ball into a corner pocket but I like to stretch my learning skills (and luck) and go for it all. I missed, barely. If I had made it the bar would have erupted in applause. But I didn't, and that's the chance I took.
My friend didn't understand why I didn't go for the safe shot. I tried to explain to her it's not all about winning and losing- it's about HOW you play the game and the fun you have. Sounds cheesy but it's my strong feeling/take on things.
I was not playing for a $10,000 jackpot nor the league championship. I was playing to have fun, to practice the "duck shots" that even the best of the best miss at times, and to push the envelope. If I had alot more experience I would say I may have had a 50/50 chance of making that shot. But I don't have that experience, and that's why it was more fun! The risk was higher and the reward would have been bigger.
But there still was a reward. I almost made it. Eventually I WILL be able to make that shot. It was fun and I wouldn't change it for anything.
I just hope that when I get to the point that alot of people are at in our league in skill level that I don't stop taking risks.
I'm not dumb, tho, there IS a difference between taking a risk and taking a calculated risk. But there's a time and place for both kinds, and since I have the "rookie" label I can get away with more- lol!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Our Beloved City Government
Got some J-U-I-C-Y tidbits to share of my wrangles of late with our city, but you're gonna have to wait as it's 3a.m. n I need some sleep! (awwwwwww)
I'm pissed off n the gloves are coming off. I'm so tired of the game-playing and time-wasting tactics of our city government. And don't get me started on the incompetency!!! WOOHOOO that's a mouthful! But today (Tues) took the cake!
Everybody makes mistakes, I'm the first in line on that one. But sometimes one's mistakes have really bad consequences for others, and just sometimes someone needs not only to try and make it better and right, but apologize! Takes a big person to do that, especially without cameras around. We'll see how this plays out...
I'm pissed off n the gloves are coming off. I'm so tired of the game-playing and time-wasting tactics of our city government. And don't get me started on the incompetency!!! WOOHOOO that's a mouthful! But today (Tues) took the cake!
Everybody makes mistakes, I'm the first in line on that one. But sometimes one's mistakes have really bad consequences for others, and just sometimes someone needs not only to try and make it better and right, but apologize! Takes a big person to do that, especially without cameras around. We'll see how this plays out...
NE Fun League (Pool)
Last season I subbed on a pool league a few times for a friend of mine. Didn't do too hot but had a few moments I wasn't TOO embarrassed about.
This season I went all out and joined the NE Fun League Pool league for Allen's Lounge, a small neighborhood bar off Sun Valley and McCombs. Have to say, I finally started having fun because I started improving!
Our team took 5th out of 8 teams. I'm happy about that. Lotta these people been playing for 20- 30 years!
I was "Most Improved Player" on our team- yayyy!!!! Didn't play in the Women's Tournament last week for 2 reasons. One- I don't think I'm quite ready for prime-time. And 2- it was a $10 buy-in and money is tight right now - didn't feel like throwing money out the window!
So this ol' lady CAN still learn a few new tricks!
This season I went all out and joined the NE Fun League Pool league for Allen's Lounge, a small neighborhood bar off Sun Valley and McCombs. Have to say, I finally started having fun because I started improving!
Our team took 5th out of 8 teams. I'm happy about that. Lotta these people been playing for 20- 30 years!
I was "Most Improved Player" on our team- yayyy!!!! Didn't play in the Women's Tournament last week for 2 reasons. One- I don't think I'm quite ready for prime-time. And 2- it was a $10 buy-in and money is tight right now - didn't feel like throwing money out the window!
So this ol' lady CAN still learn a few new tricks!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
"Welcome to Walmart"
On-going problem, among many others, at the Walmart on Trans Mountain/Woodrow Bean in the NE.
Accessibility issues are important to people in wheelchairs, people using walkers and canes, mothers with baby strollers, even people with those collapsible grocery carts they use to go shopping. Let alone the everyday joe. We all have a stake in accessibility, but some don't think about it until inconvenienced themselves.
I have made several calls to this Walmart when there were too many carts in the way to access the Sun Metro bus stop safely and properly. Every single time no one ever came out to clear the carts, even after the manager on duty promised he'd get someone up there pronto. One time I even waited 40 minutes, with no results. It was left to me to move the carts so that us mass transit riders could board. So that us Walmart shoppers could board.
I've had to clear the carts on average, let's be conservative, oh 20x per/year for the last 5 years. Let's say those 100x I've cleared them I spent 10 minutes per job. At 5 years of employment I'd make about $10 an hour at Walmart, give or take 50 to 75 cents. So I figure Walmart owes me about $166.66 minus taxes.
I'll take it in a Kmart gift card, thank you very much.
Your customer service skills are lacking, Walmart, and I'm not feeling like a valued customer. I'm still waiting on the truly accessible pathway you promised us last year- you know, the one that goes from the sidewalk up by the road ALLLL the way to your crosswalk, the safe one that will go between the cars and will allow people in wheelchairs, walkers, baby strollers etc to be able to walk up and down like a 2-lane highway back up to the intersection to safely cross the street to the bus stop. You were kind enough to do the minimum when you re-built the ramp and cut curbs to go up to the bus stop up by the gas station; after some genius took them out and made us cut through the gas station to go to Walmart- taking our life into our hands with the crazy drivers going 20mph thru a gas station and on their cellphones.
Now can we get a cart caddy up by the bus stop to park the carts that your valued cutomers use? Too expensive? Well, I'd be happy to clear the carts for you every half-hour 5 days a week for only $12 an hour- remember, I have experience.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Twitter Me This
Was just wondering.......
We're in the "information age" now. Everything runs at the speed of light thanks to the internet. Iran is keeping their concerns in the world spotlight thanks to Twitter, Facebook, cellphones....
So why are the minutes of city council NOT on the city website?
Let me clarify. Why are the minutes from RECENT city council meetings not on their website? If one delves deep into the recesses of the site they come upon minutes from 1873-1910 in the archives. Pretty interesting stuff, too, if you can read the authors handwritings. (in Nov 1873 there was an ordinance passed taxing real estate at 1/4 of 1% for the benefit of all in the city for city projects).
To receive minutes from the city council meetings one must file an open records request.
Why is that necessary in this time of superhighway- speed information?
It can't be that big of a money-maker for copies and staff time, could it? It seems an unecessary step.
Haven't ever checked, but I will tomorrow when I spend a day with my city government- but are the minutes posted on the city's bulletin board at the back of city hall? Still doesn't make sense to me if that's the only form of immediate record.
Yes, we hear some of the juicier stuff on the news and in the next day's edition of the paper. That's not the point. I want to view the minutes in its entirety and on the web or on my cellphone at my convenience.
Am I just twittering up the wrong tree, or does anyone else find this to be useful?
BTW- yes, City15 is a useful and needed tool, one of many we have available to us now. But that, too, has its flaws as I don't always have 3-8 hour blocks of time to devote to viewing its rebroadcast.
We're in the "information age" now. Everything runs at the speed of light thanks to the internet. Iran is keeping their concerns in the world spotlight thanks to Twitter, Facebook, cellphones....
So why are the minutes of city council NOT on the city website?
Let me clarify. Why are the minutes from RECENT city council meetings not on their website? If one delves deep into the recesses of the site they come upon minutes from 1873-1910 in the archives. Pretty interesting stuff, too, if you can read the authors handwritings. (in Nov 1873 there was an ordinance passed taxing real estate at 1/4 of 1% for the benefit of all in the city for city projects).
To receive minutes from the city council meetings one must file an open records request.
Why is that necessary in this time of superhighway- speed information?
It can't be that big of a money-maker for copies and staff time, could it? It seems an unecessary step.
Haven't ever checked, but I will tomorrow when I spend a day with my city government- but are the minutes posted on the city's bulletin board at the back of city hall? Still doesn't make sense to me if that's the only form of immediate record.
Yes, we hear some of the juicier stuff on the news and in the next day's edition of the paper. That's not the point. I want to view the minutes in its entirety and on the web or on my cellphone at my convenience.
Am I just twittering up the wrong tree, or does anyone else find this to be useful?
BTW- yes, City15 is a useful and needed tool, one of many we have available to us now. But that, too, has its flaws as I don't always have 3-8 hour blocks of time to devote to viewing its rebroadcast.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Committee Seats and the Art of Running for Office
Every city needs advisory, policy-making and oversight committees/boards. They help to inform the public, keep government transparent, and make invaluable suggestions in public relations and good business practices.
This is usually a voluntary position nominated by other board members or members of City Council (or Mass Transit Board, etc). A non-paid position, usually. The volunteers are basically concerned citizens with a stake in their city/district.
Some use boards as a stepping-stone to publicly-elected offices. Nothing inherently wrong with that- it's good to learn the ins-n-outs of city departments. BUT BUTT BUTTTT- I do have a problem when that seat is then vacated when such publicly-elected position is not attained- IF YOU DIDN'T WIN! You could have just "sat in" at the publicly held meetings- you didn't need to be a voting member that was just using the committee to pad a resume!
I also have a problem with someone holding that position as a voting board member and then bringing nothing to the agenda. For the whole time they were on the board. Then dropping the board when it was of no further interest or use to them. My bad, Alfrank Catucci DID bring stuff up on the Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Mass Transit Board/Sun Metro. He wanted to change the date/time of the meeting to better coincide with his father/daughter duties. I can't say anything bad about that, especially it being Father's Day! But I'm talking about business-at-hand. He was happy to be a "sitting member" in every sense of the phrase. For being such an entrepeneur I expected more creative thinking/problem solving from him. From what I understand, some boards may require that you step down when officially running for a public office. Walt Phillips, our friend of the NE, is on that same board and I didn't see him step down so I don't believe it was a requirement.
Every board member is different. Some are concerned citizens and DO have a stake in the board but don't bring much up to discuss or take action on. They are happy to vote on whatever the city department or other board members bring up. Fine. That's the minimum required of them and it still serves a purpose.
Me, I guess I'm different. I like to do my best in whatever I do. When I see a wrong I try and make it right. When I see obvious problems I try and give not-so-obvious suggestions- think outside of the box. I am on the same board as Walt is and Alfrank was. I started attending the open meetings around the time of the Meltdown of 2006. Besides being in the health care field and obviously having interest in people's physical and mental well-being- I became extremely interested and had a fire lit under my backside when I met Ernesto Dominguez, also a member and past chair. Ernesto was MADE for this board, at times I am amazed at his energy in his pursuit on transportation issues, let alone in keeping Sun Metro transparent (or as transparent as possible!) and with disability access issues. He is a great example of a citizen stakeholder with honest interest in his voting status on a board. He takes it seriously and puts in the time.
Some people just use boards and take a slot that other concerned citizens could use to really make a difference. Instead, truly interested board members have to work harder to make a difference and when you add that to all the usual sop government red tape involved it makes for an uphill climb at best.
I also have a beef with some City Council members who take up valuable time in their selection of board members. I understand they want a good representation in whomever they choose, but it shouldn't take 2 months or more to make that decision. Especially now, when the budget hearings are starting and alot of committees' other projects are put on hold for a month or two to accomodate and wade through the whole process. We need every interested body nominated and seated at this time to make sure we have a quorom. But more on this issue later....
This is usually a voluntary position nominated by other board members or members of City Council (or Mass Transit Board, etc). A non-paid position, usually. The volunteers are basically concerned citizens with a stake in their city/district.
Some use boards as a stepping-stone to publicly-elected offices. Nothing inherently wrong with that- it's good to learn the ins-n-outs of city departments. BUT BUTT BUTTTT- I do have a problem when that seat is then vacated when such publicly-elected position is not attained- IF YOU DIDN'T WIN! You could have just "sat in" at the publicly held meetings- you didn't need to be a voting member that was just using the committee to pad a resume!
I also have a problem with someone holding that position as a voting board member and then bringing nothing to the agenda. For the whole time they were on the board. Then dropping the board when it was of no further interest or use to them. My bad, Alfrank Catucci DID bring stuff up on the Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Mass Transit Board/Sun Metro. He wanted to change the date/time of the meeting to better coincide with his father/daughter duties. I can't say anything bad about that, especially it being Father's Day! But I'm talking about business-at-hand. He was happy to be a "sitting member" in every sense of the phrase. For being such an entrepeneur I expected more creative thinking/problem solving from him. From what I understand, some boards may require that you step down when officially running for a public office. Walt Phillips, our friend of the NE, is on that same board and I didn't see him step down so I don't believe it was a requirement.
Every board member is different. Some are concerned citizens and DO have a stake in the board but don't bring much up to discuss or take action on. They are happy to vote on whatever the city department or other board members bring up. Fine. That's the minimum required of them and it still serves a purpose.
Me, I guess I'm different. I like to do my best in whatever I do. When I see a wrong I try and make it right. When I see obvious problems I try and give not-so-obvious suggestions- think outside of the box. I am on the same board as Walt is and Alfrank was. I started attending the open meetings around the time of the Meltdown of 2006. Besides being in the health care field and obviously having interest in people's physical and mental well-being- I became extremely interested and had a fire lit under my backside when I met Ernesto Dominguez, also a member and past chair. Ernesto was MADE for this board, at times I am amazed at his energy in his pursuit on transportation issues, let alone in keeping Sun Metro transparent (or as transparent as possible!) and with disability access issues. He is a great example of a citizen stakeholder with honest interest in his voting status on a board. He takes it seriously and puts in the time.
Some people just use boards and take a slot that other concerned citizens could use to really make a difference. Instead, truly interested board members have to work harder to make a difference and when you add that to all the usual sop government red tape involved it makes for an uphill climb at best.
I also have a beef with some City Council members who take up valuable time in their selection of board members. I understand they want a good representation in whomever they choose, but it shouldn't take 2 months or more to make that decision. Especially now, when the budget hearings are starting and alot of committees' other projects are put on hold for a month or two to accomodate and wade through the whole process. We need every interested body nominated and seated at this time to make sure we have a quorom. But more on this issue later....
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Father's Day
"Thank you, Father, for welcoming me back home."
"Sit down, son, I've been waiting a long time to see you, I've missed you."
The son sat down nervously at the table his father had prepared. On the table was every kind of food imaginable, every cool drink imaginable, everything he had ever liked- his father never forgot!
"Tell me son, about your life and travels."
His son coughed to clear his throat. He stared at the candles on the table. They were the kind that had that special glow, the kind you only find in churches, and he wondered where and how his Father came upon them.
"As you know, Father, I was lost for many years"
"Yes, son, tell me..."
The son sighed. He had come so far to speak to his Father and had rehearsed every line over and over in his head. Now that it was time to say his peace he could only swallow hard, cough and hold back the tears that wanted to escape. He sat there as the clock ticked, torn up inside, head bowed for what seemed like eternity.
Finally he blurted out "Father forgive me!!!"
His Father put his hands on his son's shoulders. He kept them there, and soon his son was able to continue. "Father. You gave me everything I needed in life and I turned my back on you. I turned my back on my family..." Then his son's unrehearsed story came flowing out like a river, in between sobs and sniffles and at times gut-wrenching guilt-ridden cries that only the mad can understand. Or a Father.
"Father, I had a family that loved me and worshipped the ground I walked on. For years I worked and came home and was welcomed home by them, just as you welcomed me now. I did love them, Father, I really did. I used to play with my children, taught my boy and his younger sister how to play ball, how to run and do high jump etc. The two younger ones were more into girly-stuff at that age but I still loved them. My eldest daughter wanted to be just like me. She wanted to go to Drake University and run the marathons and even go on to the Olympics. So I spent extra time with her, teaching her all I knew." The son laughed a little, thinking back in time when he would try and teach his daughter how to pole-vault, using the brick wall at the back of the house to bounce back from. She was all legs and elbows at that age and it was funny to watch her- but she kept on trying. "I even used to help my kids with their school work so that they could go on to college and live their dreams. My wife was right there helping, too. I had it all! GEEZ! I had it all.... but I got bored at times and had to sneak out and have some fun, relax with a few drinks and be with the guys, you know? Even used to drink with Father Dorney- remember him? Soon it bacame a routine, tho. But I managed. I maintained everything just enough so that everyone got a little of my time, of me. Then I messed up, Father- big time! I met another woman. She was young and fun and soon we started hanging out together at the bars after work and I wanted to just escape with her! She made me feel like a man, not just a husband or father or someone that had thousands of expectations thrust upon them. I left my wife and kids, Father. I was no longer the man I once was. I drowned out the pain by drinking, as I had done for years, but now it was different. Now one or two or three drinks wasn't enough. I had to have more. That was the real beginning of the end, Father. I did unspeakable things to my family."
The son was now in a contorted heap on the floor, having slowly slid off the chair as he was describing the details of his life. Crying and beating his hands across his body, the son cried until almost an hour later.
When the son finally was able to raise his head he saw his Father sitting next to him still. His Father said, "Son, I know. Continue, son, for the story must get better as you are here in my house right now."
"Yes, Father.... for years I struggled with the guilt of what I had done, met and married other women, talked to my two oldest children every few years but kept on drinking. The drinking turned me into a horrible person and I wasted so much of what everyone had given to me. But I knew I was still loved by my children, even though they were so angry at me, as was deserved. And THAT was the hard part, Father, I knew they still loved me. It racked me with guilt, so much so that I was too afraid and ashamed to keep a realtionship with them. I could never feel like a father again to them as I had when they were younger- they knew I was fallible and I felt less-than. How does a man rise above that, Father?"
"I'm here son, continue...."
"Then one day I was in the hospital with a blood infection after having surgery for a burst appendix and they called my son as they didn't know if I would make it. My son called his sister and she came and cleaned my house. I was thankful for their help. But I continued on with my same life after I got out. I went back to work, went back to drinking- my life was in a routine that I didn't want to change nor did I know how to change, even tho it made me sad alot. But it was hard, Father, standing guard outside at the steel mill. It was -30 degrees at times! I had to stand there for 12 hours and my wounds weren't healing from being in the hospital. So one day my daughter offered to have me come live with her. I was amazed! After all I had put her through! But I was scared, I wanted to continue the way my life was going and not answer to anyone. But soon I realized I HAD to take a break or I would never heal. So I moved in with my daughter and she cooked for me and didn't charge me anything to live there- she just wanted me to get better! A few months later I was ready to start working again and my daughter and I were moving to a place closer to work. My daughter took every penny she had for the deposit and I sold my old place and we moved. Then I denied her, Father, once again. I had $10 to my name for a few days until she got paid. We were struggling and all we had in the house to eat were a couple eggs and some bread- that was it, Father! She asked me if I could buy some food until she got paid and I told her I didn't have any money. But I did, Father, and I took that $10 and went out and bought a case of beer for myself. She didn't say anything, but her silence said everything.
Eventually I moved out, I didn't even tell her I was moving! I talked to her a couple more times since then and promised we'd get together, but I never showed. I couldn't, Father. I proved to everyone and myself that I was not worth it. Please forgive me daughter!"
The candles on the table were half-burnt by now. The daylight was slipping into shadow, but the glow from both still made the room feel as if it were daytime. The Father approached his son with his arms wide open. His Father asked, "Son, do you believe everything I have taught you? Do you believe I sent my only son I had to die for all your sins? Tell me, son, I have been waiting to hear the words."
"Yes" the son said with resignation. Immediately the son felt complete. He felt forgiven and loved like he had waited for all his life. Now he could be the man he always hoped to be. He took his last breath and was home to stay.
George Raymond Hartnett was found in his apartment dead of an apparent heart attack. He was alone and the coroner concluded he had been in that state for about a week. RIP Dad, I will always love you.
"Sit down, son, I've been waiting a long time to see you, I've missed you."
The son sat down nervously at the table his father had prepared. On the table was every kind of food imaginable, every cool drink imaginable, everything he had ever liked- his father never forgot!
"Tell me son, about your life and travels."
His son coughed to clear his throat. He stared at the candles on the table. They were the kind that had that special glow, the kind you only find in churches, and he wondered where and how his Father came upon them.
"As you know, Father, I was lost for many years"
"Yes, son, tell me..."
The son sighed. He had come so far to speak to his Father and had rehearsed every line over and over in his head. Now that it was time to say his peace he could only swallow hard, cough and hold back the tears that wanted to escape. He sat there as the clock ticked, torn up inside, head bowed for what seemed like eternity.
Finally he blurted out "Father forgive me!!!"
His Father put his hands on his son's shoulders. He kept them there, and soon his son was able to continue. "Father. You gave me everything I needed in life and I turned my back on you. I turned my back on my family..." Then his son's unrehearsed story came flowing out like a river, in between sobs and sniffles and at times gut-wrenching guilt-ridden cries that only the mad can understand. Or a Father.
"Father, I had a family that loved me and worshipped the ground I walked on. For years I worked and came home and was welcomed home by them, just as you welcomed me now. I did love them, Father, I really did. I used to play with my children, taught my boy and his younger sister how to play ball, how to run and do high jump etc. The two younger ones were more into girly-stuff at that age but I still loved them. My eldest daughter wanted to be just like me. She wanted to go to Drake University and run the marathons and even go on to the Olympics. So I spent extra time with her, teaching her all I knew." The son laughed a little, thinking back in time when he would try and teach his daughter how to pole-vault, using the brick wall at the back of the house to bounce back from. She was all legs and elbows at that age and it was funny to watch her- but she kept on trying. "I even used to help my kids with their school work so that they could go on to college and live their dreams. My wife was right there helping, too. I had it all! GEEZ! I had it all.... but I got bored at times and had to sneak out and have some fun, relax with a few drinks and be with the guys, you know? Even used to drink with Father Dorney- remember him? Soon it bacame a routine, tho. But I managed. I maintained everything just enough so that everyone got a little of my time, of me. Then I messed up, Father- big time! I met another woman. She was young and fun and soon we started hanging out together at the bars after work and I wanted to just escape with her! She made me feel like a man, not just a husband or father or someone that had thousands of expectations thrust upon them. I left my wife and kids, Father. I was no longer the man I once was. I drowned out the pain by drinking, as I had done for years, but now it was different. Now one or two or three drinks wasn't enough. I had to have more. That was the real beginning of the end, Father. I did unspeakable things to my family."
The son was now in a contorted heap on the floor, having slowly slid off the chair as he was describing the details of his life. Crying and beating his hands across his body, the son cried until almost an hour later.
When the son finally was able to raise his head he saw his Father sitting next to him still. His Father said, "Son, I know. Continue, son, for the story must get better as you are here in my house right now."
"Yes, Father.... for years I struggled with the guilt of what I had done, met and married other women, talked to my two oldest children every few years but kept on drinking. The drinking turned me into a horrible person and I wasted so much of what everyone had given to me. But I knew I was still loved by my children, even though they were so angry at me, as was deserved. And THAT was the hard part, Father, I knew they still loved me. It racked me with guilt, so much so that I was too afraid and ashamed to keep a realtionship with them. I could never feel like a father again to them as I had when they were younger- they knew I was fallible and I felt less-than. How does a man rise above that, Father?"
"I'm here son, continue...."
"Then one day I was in the hospital with a blood infection after having surgery for a burst appendix and they called my son as they didn't know if I would make it. My son called his sister and she came and cleaned my house. I was thankful for their help. But I continued on with my same life after I got out. I went back to work, went back to drinking- my life was in a routine that I didn't want to change nor did I know how to change, even tho it made me sad alot. But it was hard, Father, standing guard outside at the steel mill. It was -30 degrees at times! I had to stand there for 12 hours and my wounds weren't healing from being in the hospital. So one day my daughter offered to have me come live with her. I was amazed! After all I had put her through! But I was scared, I wanted to continue the way my life was going and not answer to anyone. But soon I realized I HAD to take a break or I would never heal. So I moved in with my daughter and she cooked for me and didn't charge me anything to live there- she just wanted me to get better! A few months later I was ready to start working again and my daughter and I were moving to a place closer to work. My daughter took every penny she had for the deposit and I sold my old place and we moved. Then I denied her, Father, once again. I had $10 to my name for a few days until she got paid. We were struggling and all we had in the house to eat were a couple eggs and some bread- that was it, Father! She asked me if I could buy some food until she got paid and I told her I didn't have any money. But I did, Father, and I took that $10 and went out and bought a case of beer for myself. She didn't say anything, but her silence said everything.
Eventually I moved out, I didn't even tell her I was moving! I talked to her a couple more times since then and promised we'd get together, but I never showed. I couldn't, Father. I proved to everyone and myself that I was not worth it. Please forgive me daughter!"
The candles on the table were half-burnt by now. The daylight was slipping into shadow, but the glow from both still made the room feel as if it were daytime. The Father approached his son with his arms wide open. His Father asked, "Son, do you believe everything I have taught you? Do you believe I sent my only son I had to die for all your sins? Tell me, son, I have been waiting to hear the words."
"Yes" the son said with resignation. Immediately the son felt complete. He felt forgiven and loved like he had waited for all his life. Now he could be the man he always hoped to be. He took his last breath and was home to stay.
George Raymond Hartnett was found in his apartment dead of an apparent heart attack. He was alone and the coroner concluded he had been in that state for about a week. RIP Dad, I will always love you.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Mass Transit Board/Sun Metro
Tuesday June 23rd at 2:00pm
700 A San Francisco
Union Depot
(Sun Metro offices and Amtrak station)
Main floor conference room
This coming Tuesday will be a special date for the monthly Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Mass Transit Board/Sun Metro. The committee usually meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month.
The public is more than welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings. Public comment concerning issues not on the agenda will be taken at the beginning of the meeting. Public comment regarding an agenda item will be taken after discussion of that item- please arrive early to sign up if you wish to speak.
The CAC agenda for an upcoming meeting can be viewed on the bulletin board in back of City Hall or viewed on the city's website by the Friday before the meeting at www.ci.el-paso.tx.us/ Click on the Meetings tab at the top of the page, click on Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Mass Transit Board/Sun Metro from the list, scroll down on their page and click on agenda or minutes.
700 A San Francisco
Union Depot
(Sun Metro offices and Amtrak station)
Main floor conference room
This coming Tuesday will be a special date for the monthly Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Mass Transit Board/Sun Metro. The committee usually meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month.
The public is more than welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings. Public comment concerning issues not on the agenda will be taken at the beginning of the meeting. Public comment regarding an agenda item will be taken after discussion of that item- please arrive early to sign up if you wish to speak.
The CAC agenda for an upcoming meeting can be viewed on the bulletin board in back of City Hall or viewed on the city's website by the Friday before the meeting at www.ci.el-paso.tx.us/ Click on the Meetings tab at the top of the page, click on Citizen's Advisory Committee to the Mass Transit Board/Sun Metro from the list, scroll down on their page and click on agenda or minutes.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Sisters of the same mother?
OK- so I told you there'd be some glitches- lol. Click on the 2 posts below for pics of (ex- Chicago mayor) Jane Byrne and El Paso city manager Joyce Wilson- the 2 could be sisters!
( ok quit laughin'- you know who you are!)
( ok quit laughin'- you know who you are!)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
CAD being a cad?
OK- just checked out www.realtor.com and today they have 4,312 listings for sale in the El Paso area. So, these figures are close to the high count during the real estate boom that we were supposedly somewhat insulated from. And since the experts say we are somewhat insulated from the failing economy and job loss- why do we have so many properties for sale?
Compared to the rest of the country, 6 or 7 years ago we were definitely below the average median cost of a home. But the cost of living sort of matched- not alot of good or high-paying jobs, so maybe we were closer to where we should have been.
Now many homes here have increased in value up to and over 50% from just a few years back- quite an increase in the tax base! But the jobs haven't followed. Hmmm?
How did these prices get so over-inflated? Who was it that jumped on the bandwagon, and also convinced other industries here that we were a booming town and could absorb such an increase? And just what have we gotten for the money?
Which came first- CAD or real estate speculation? They both feed off each other, so it was win/win for them on paper.
So what exactly HAVE we gotten with all the extra money we paid out in taxes? My roads are no better off, mark my words- I bet within 3 years my street will be on the news because of a sinkhole occuring- the potholes are getting THAT bad! Well, we have a city manager now that's paid a pretty penny (over $200,000), deputy city managers in the good $100,000s, management at Sun Metro in the $100,000s and on and on. We have been progressing from where we were just a couple years back, but were we ready to leap so far so fast? We have so many COs coming up the next couple years for payment it's mind-boggling.
I suggest we El Pasoans that own property all protest with the CAD- every year until we are taken seriously! I also suggest that our city and county government not only keep the hiring freeze but freeze salary increases until they can balance the budget and prove that they can maintain its balance for at least 2 years consecutively. In the meantime can we see a solid plan for bringing business to the border?
Compared to the rest of the country, 6 or 7 years ago we were definitely below the average median cost of a home. But the cost of living sort of matched- not alot of good or high-paying jobs, so maybe we were closer to where we should have been.
Now many homes here have increased in value up to and over 50% from just a few years back- quite an increase in the tax base! But the jobs haven't followed. Hmmm?
How did these prices get so over-inflated? Who was it that jumped on the bandwagon, and also convinced other industries here that we were a booming town and could absorb such an increase? And just what have we gotten for the money?
Which came first- CAD or real estate speculation? They both feed off each other, so it was win/win for them on paper.
So what exactly HAVE we gotten with all the extra money we paid out in taxes? My roads are no better off, mark my words- I bet within 3 years my street will be on the news because of a sinkhole occuring- the potholes are getting THAT bad! Well, we have a city manager now that's paid a pretty penny (over $200,000), deputy city managers in the good $100,000s, management at Sun Metro in the $100,000s and on and on. We have been progressing from where we were just a couple years back, but were we ready to leap so far so fast? We have so many COs coming up the next couple years for payment it's mind-boggling.
I suggest we El Pasoans that own property all protest with the CAD- every year until we are taken seriously! I also suggest that our city and county government not only keep the hiring freeze but freeze salary increases until they can balance the budget and prove that they can maintain its balance for at least 2 years consecutively. In the meantime can we see a solid plan for bringing business to the border?
Chicago/El Paso connection
You're going to hear this line alot from me, sorry, but it's a part of me and it's not like a coat I can take on and off.
Being from Chicago...
Being from Chicago is alot like being from El Paso (especially the NE). There's a certain rough-and-tumble attitude we carry here and a good amount of pride. Anyone can see that pride when they pass by EPCC Trans Mountain campus and the HUGE flag whipping in the wind. Nothing brings a smile to our face quite like when the poppies are in bloom for a few short weeks in the spring... only in the NE. We didn't plant those poppies per se, but we sure take credit for their decided boundaries- they picked us to live by!
In Chicago you see people huddled at bus stops in the winter, battling the wind and cold, yet smiling and laughing and chatting with their fellow survivors. In El Paso you see the same survivors doing the same things. Only they're battling the winds and extreme heat
In Chicago there's a cool rivalry of Northside vs Southside. Northside Cubs. Southside White Sox. Northside Irish neighborhood pubs vs the Southside ones. There's even 2 St Patrick 's Day parades. El Paso has it's separate 4th of July parades, and the NE is proud to host one of them.
In Chicago you can get great Mexican food, even though menudo and caldo de res are usually served with corn tortillas. El Paso has GREAT Mexican food, too, of course, though the above are usually served with delicious francesitos. I prefer the latter.
Chicago had Jane Byrne as mayor, a real tough-as-nails broad. El Paso has Joyce Wilson, city manager- don't think I'd want to meet her in a dark alley unless she was on my side. I have seen her giggle (almost) like a schoolgirl one time, though, when paid a compliment on her outfit one day by a citizen of the male persuasion. It was quite refreshing and unexpected to see.
Chicago has Blagojevic, Ryan, Walker (all past governors with sticky fingers) and Fast Eddie (city councilman) -who reminds me of Cobos in tactics and drama. El paso has (Cobos- lol) Ketner, Jones etc. Guess the FBI is really racking up the frequent flyer miles between our two cities!
So when I go on and on about Chicago please don't be offended. Our cities are more alike than not. Chicago has the stigma of being the Second City (compared to NY) but they turned that around into a positive- the biggest little city, the city that works, the city with big shoulders etc. So I hope El Paso can finally come together and be proud of what she has to offer- great food, great weather, great everyday people with true grit, great music and history..............
Being from Chicago...
Being from Chicago is alot like being from El Paso (especially the NE). There's a certain rough-and-tumble attitude we carry here and a good amount of pride. Anyone can see that pride when they pass by EPCC Trans Mountain campus and the HUGE flag whipping in the wind. Nothing brings a smile to our face quite like when the poppies are in bloom for a few short weeks in the spring... only in the NE. We didn't plant those poppies per se, but we sure take credit for their decided boundaries- they picked us to live by!
In Chicago you see people huddled at bus stops in the winter, battling the wind and cold, yet smiling and laughing and chatting with their fellow survivors. In El Paso you see the same survivors doing the same things. Only they're battling the winds and extreme heat
In Chicago there's a cool rivalry of Northside vs Southside. Northside Cubs. Southside White Sox. Northside Irish neighborhood pubs vs the Southside ones. There's even 2 St Patrick 's Day parades. El Paso has it's separate 4th of July parades, and the NE is proud to host one of them.
In Chicago you can get great Mexican food, even though menudo and caldo de res are usually served with corn tortillas. El Paso has GREAT Mexican food, too, of course, though the above are usually served with delicious francesitos. I prefer the latter.
Chicago had Jane Byrne as mayor, a real tough-as-nails broad. El Paso has Joyce Wilson, city manager- don't think I'd want to meet her in a dark alley unless she was on my side. I have seen her giggle (almost) like a schoolgirl one time, though, when paid a compliment on her outfit one day by a citizen of the male persuasion. It was quite refreshing and unexpected to see.
Chicago has Blagojevic, Ryan, Walker (all past governors with sticky fingers) and Fast Eddie (city councilman) -who reminds me of Cobos in tactics and drama. El paso has (Cobos- lol) Ketner, Jones etc. Guess the FBI is really racking up the frequent flyer miles between our two cities!
So when I go on and on about Chicago please don't be offended. Our cities are more alike than not. Chicago has the stigma of being the Second City (compared to NY) but they turned that around into a positive- the biggest little city, the city that works, the city with big shoulders etc. So I hope El Paso can finally come together and be proud of what she has to offer- great food, great weather, great everyday people with true grit, great music and history..............
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Welcome
Welcome to my little blog spot! This blog is going to run the gamut from rants about our city and leaders to things that make me go hmmmm. Some days it'll be lite fare, other days stuff to sink your teeth into. May even drift off into a short story or two! Bear with me as I am no techie-geek and I'm sure I'll have lots of glitches to work out.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
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