Two Thomason Board Member Appointed; Duran Out

EL PASO– It camewithout debate or a discussion. With a unanimous vote, El Paso Commissioners Court approved reappointing Thomason Board Member Ron Acton and replacing Board Member Arturo Duran with Tracy Yellen.

The two items were in the consent agenda and were not pulled for discussion, a departurefrom last year, when almost every Commissioner’s proposed appointment was met with scrutiny, debate, and a divided court.

Arturo Duran represents Precinct 2 on the board, which is the seat that Commissioner Veronica Escobar appoints. Duran was appointed by Former Commissioner Betti Flores in April of 2006. FFlores has pleaded guilty to mail fraud and misuse of her office. In his guilty plea, Travis Ketner, former Chief of Staff for County Judge Anthony Cobos implicated Duran in the on-going federal public corruption probe.

Commissioner Veronica Escobar has been vocal since the beginning of her term last year that she intended to replace Duran with someone of her choosing. Duran told ABC-7 in a phone interview this weekend that he felt the board would benefit from having someone who could dedicate him or herself to the court.

Today, Commissioner Escobar said she felt Yellen – who she called a very close friend – is dedicated and selfless, and she is honored to have Yellen represent her on the board. Yellen, who works with MJD & Associates, told the court she is looking forward to working for the hospital district.

Duran’s term on the board will expire at the end of March. Yellen will take her spot on the board of managers April 1st.