Commissioners Vote To Remove Model Display Of Proposed Park Renovations
EL PASO — After some back and forth – and even some bickering – County Commissioners decided on Monday to remove from the county courthouse the display of what one group envisions for the future of Ascarate Park.
Commissioner Veronica Escobar told the court she spoke to former City Representative Alexandro Lozano about removing the display, which sits in the first floor lobby. Lozanoappeared before the court in October 2007 as part of the The Image Group, asking to display a model of Ascarate Park with a resort hotel, IMAX theater, and soccer fields.
Escobar says since the court has now issued a requests for information to renovate and privatize Ascarate, it is inappropriate to display the model because it gives the perception that the court is in favor of that plan in particular. Escobar also said the model could be a safety hazard to the dozens of people who are currently cramming into the lobby for county auctions and to fill out passport applications.
Lozano says he recused himself from any dealings with the group as of two weeks ago. He said the model serves as a reminder that taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for quality of life issues when the private sector is willing to foot the bill. Lozano said he never intended for the model to sway the opinion of the court.
County Judge Anthony Cobos disagreed with Escobar, saying the court isn’t asking for proposals to privatize the park yet and therefore it isn’t inappropriate to display the model. Escobar countered she had received at least two phone calls from people who were under the impression that the model was going to be implemented at the county-owned park.
Cobos asked legal counsel if it would seem less inappropriate if the group donated the display to the County. “I like it,” the judge exclaimed. “It shows vision and progress.”‘
“Then put it in your home!” Escobar retorted. Cobos admonished Escobar, saying that was uncalled for.
An Assistant County Attorney said it would be even more inappropriate if the County owned the display, saying it would definitely give off the perception of backing it.
The court ended up giving the group until 5pm Saturday to remove the display from the courthouse.
