Interviews of We the People of El Paso

We are the people - we are democracy - we are society. In order for society to function at sustainable peak efficiency, in order for betterment to become the boon companion for all segments of our society, information and understanding are essential.

We recently spoke with Jaime O. Perez, Editor of the Border Observer. Mr. Perez is an intelligent, articulate El Pasoan with an unshakeable commitment to the people and an abiding passion for the betterment of El Paso.



We the People of El Paso: Could you tell our readers about the genesis of Border Observer?

Jaime O. Perez: "After I left the City in June, I approached Mr. Gerardo Rodriguez, publisher of El Diario de El Paso and suggested pursuing an English publication. I offered to collaborate in such a venture."

"I expressed the view that El Paso needed an alternative view to the El Paso Times/KVIA perspective. Other print and television media seem to simply follow the Times/KVIA bias."

"Mr. Rodriguez's response was that he was strongly considering an English weekly. After a number of subsequent discussions, he offered me a place as editor of the new publication. We settled on the name a week later."

We the People of El Paso: What have been the biggest challenges to date?

Jaime O. Perez: "The biggest challenge for me has been the learning curve. I am a trained political scientist with some background in economics and anthropology. I am a writer by avocation. My book, Traditional Ceremonial Pathways: A Pilgrim's Journey which lays down a few of my spiritual/philosophical musings was published in 2003. Journalism is another animal. What I can say is that it is exciting and I am enjoying working with professional journalists of the caliber of Reyes Mata III. "

We the People of El Paso: In the September 1, 2006 issue, Border Observer undertook what no newspaper in America has, the issue of Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, and what they mean to citizens. In this specific case, the City of El Paso and Public Service Board CAFR. What led to your decision to confront this issue head on?

Jaime O. Perez: "One thing that was very confusing to me was the oft-repeated statement that the budget was $285 million and the total budget was $617 million. I wondered what the other side of the budget was about. I heard some people including you (H. Vanoy Barton) refer to the CAFR and the independent audit of the PSB and decided to look at it with the assistance of an accountant friend of mine."

"I was astonished at the amounts of money in cash and cash equivalents. I asked another business person about this line item given their expertise in investments and budget. His opinion was that there was something definitely wrong with the picture."

"Given these professional opinions, I decided to ask my journalists to look into it. The results of their investigation led to the Sept. 1 publication."

We the People of El Paso: In the same issue you mention: "Some print media have reduced these important debates to a political beauty contest." Could you elaborate, please?

Jaime O. Perez: "My personal perception is the El Paso Times has an agenda and is highly biased. I see the Border Observer as a vehicle to present diverse and balanced viewpoints."

"Editorially, the Border Observer will not have a problem being consistent. Our print competitor seems to not have a problem being completely inconsistent while their news division pushes a single-minded agenda. Again, these are my personal views."

We the People of El Paso: How have your readers reacted to the information you shed light upon in this issue?

Jaime O. Perez: "Border Observer has been very well received. People have been very complementary of my news staff's balance and fairness. As to the content regarding taxes, the information has raised many questions about the fiscal practices of the current City Council majority."

We the People of El Paso: As this issue has never seen the light of day in El Paso, has there been any official government reaction? Have they, accused El Diario or Border Observer of bias, for example?

Jaime O. Perez: "Actually, no. The information is straight out of the audits and the CAFRs. There is no dispute regarding the information. Everyone who reads closely will note the council majority and the manager were given every consideration. They spoke to the issues in their own words."

We the People of El Paso: What can we look forward to in upcoming issues of Border Observer?

Jaime O. Perez: "We will tackle police issues and immigration over the next two weeks."

We the People of El Paso: Are you able to share any long term goals of your publication?

Jaime O. Perez: "Our goal is to give a voice to those that have been denied media access. There is a perception that our print competitors have silenced opposition. We will give voice to those that feel they may have been censored."

We the People of El Paso: Any other comments you would care to share with our readers?

Jaime O. Perez: "In a market economy, the cold reality is that every publication survives on advertising. We hope our product is interesting enough that people will buy it i.e. advertise in it."

"Unless that happens, the opportunity to have an alternative voice will pass us by. It is the law of supply and demand. If there is no demand for quality journalism, the Border Observer will fade away. Conversely, if people advertise in it, the Border Observer will grow."

"Will those that are unhappy with other print media come to Border Observer? I don't know."

We the People of El Paso: Lastly, I think it is important to mention that the Border Observer is an English language publication. Is there a version of the Border Observer for Spanish language residents and how can people obtain this new media voice in El Paso?

Jaime O. Perez: "The Border Observer is published every Friday and is an insert in the Diario De El Paso Friday edition. Articles and editorials appearing in the Friday English edition will appear in Spanish in every Sunday Diario."

We the People of El Paso: Thank you for your time Mr. Perez.

Jaime O. Perez: "Thank you for the opportunity to address the members of We the People of El Paso. I want to thank you personally for your tremendous efforts to shed light on tax issues. Your activism is important because activism, by definition, educates citizens about their government. I respect you for that."

"There is no greater calling."