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 El Paso City Representative, Eddie Holguin. Mr. Holguin is a dynamic and caring city representative for the citizens of District 6.



We the People of El Paso: What are your thoughts on the current property tax appraisal increases?

Representative Holguin: "Taxes in general are out of control in this city - taxes continue to rise, property values continue to rise. This tax and spend council has managed to create new fees, not just raise every fee conceivable but also create new fees as we go along."

"Those fees are what I consider hidden taxes, such as the red light cameras, those are hidden taxes, we've raised the garbage fees, that's a hidden tax. Taxes and fees continue to rise and go up."

We the People of El Paso: What can we the people do about that?

Representative Holguin: "We can protest our valuations. Most people took a big hike in their valuations, twenty or thirty thousand dollar increase to their value which, in turn, means we will pay higher taxes. One step would be to protest that. The second thing would be that when elections come up for city representatives, obviously choose people who are fiscal conservatives, not so much fiscally liberal like this council turned out to be. "

We the People of El Paso: What do you foresee as the ultimate outcome of the current Downtown Plan?

Representative Holguin: "It's obvious we need to do something with downtown but I don't think the current plan is going to work. The reason I feel it's not going work is because most people don't believe in eminent domain, especially when you are the one that's going to be losing your property."

"Of course, those people don't believe in eminent domain. Most people in general don't believe in eminent domain because it is the taking of property. Who believes in the taking of property?"

We the People of El Paso: Do you know when the red light cameras will be functional?

Representative Holguin: "No, I don't that."

We the People of El Paso: It is our understanding that their will be an acclimation period. Is it set in stone that we will have red light cameras from now on?

Representative Holguin: "We set it up as a one year test. Once the city starts receiving revenue from the red light cameras the, obviously, they aren't going to let it go. So, I don't think they will be coming down anytime soon. Who wants to let go of free money?" We the People of El Paso: What would be your remedy to the fiscal problems of El Paso?

Representative Holguin: "Well for one, I believe the city doesn't live within its means. What I mean by that is obviously when you and I get a paycheck, we have to live within that. We can't spend more than what we make. "

"The city, on the other hand, can spend and spend and spend and if the city can't afford it, it doesn't matter. They keep on spending because they have an endless supply of money, meaning the taxpayers. The taxpayers will always pick up the bill for whatever the city is going to do, so it doesn't matter how much the city spends or how much the city gets into debt. It has an open checkbook."

"As long as that's there and the citizens of El Paso don't put their foot down and say enough is enough, the city will continue to spend."

We the People of El Paso: There is a growing movement whereby the citizens will be putting their foot down Mr. Holguin. How can we help you?

Representative Holguin: "People can help me when I put certain items on the agenda people can come up and speaking in favor of freezing taxes for the elderly and disabled or increasing the exemption for them as well. That's always very helpful - people coming up to speak."

We the People of El Paso: These will be coming up again at the budget hearings later this Summer. What can people do to provide adequate input?

Representative Holguin: "Well, they can come to the meetings, stay informed, and obviously speak in favor when the time comes up again. My tax and spend colleagues said the other day that they wanted to provide tax relief which I find pretty astonishing since they are the ones that have rejected my proposal three or four times. However many times I have proposed it, they have managed to kill my proposals to provide tax relief for the elderly and disabled. So, I find it pretty hypocritical of them to say that they want to provide tax relief when they are the ones spending it away from protecting our seniors and our disabled in our community."

We the People of El Paso: There has been mention made of late that El Paso needs a new City Hall. Do you think we need a new City Hall?

Representative Holguin: "I think the one we have is perfectly okay. Whether it meets the taste or standards of some representatives, well that's their own opinion. But, it certainly meets mine and I think it meets the standards of most taxpayer's out there who would have to foot the bill for a new building."

We the People of El Paso: How much would we the people have to pony up for a new City Hall?

Representative Holguin: "I have no idea - around here nothing is cheap so I would venture to say millions of dollars."

We the People of El Paso: Anything other comments for our readers?

Representative Holguin: "I'm really happy that we were able to get Cheryl Ladd cleaned up on the East Side - a project that people in that area waited over fifteen years for. I'm very happy that I was able to get that cleaned up with their help, as well as the help of all the other taxing entities that were very cooperative."

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

Representative Holguin: "Thank you."