Sign against local restaurant pops up following restaurant’s sign against Canutillo ISD bond

UPDATE: ABC-7 spoke with one of the owners of Speedy’s Mexican Food. 

Juanita Mora, part owner of Speedy’s, said the sign across the street has been an attack on the restaurant.

“I think that sign across the street was a personal attack. This is a mom and pop restaurant, and it started from the ground up. I don't appreciate that. They could have just put their sign up, but not specifically attack Speedy’s,” said Mora. 

Mora, a retired preschool teacher, told ABC-7 Speedy’s does support students and teachers, unlike the claims made by sign the across the street.

“I believe in our funds and our taxes going towards the right places and being used wisely. And I do care about our teachers. I do care about our students. So that's really untrue,” said Mora.

Despite saying the sign has been an attack on Speedy’s, Mora says the sign has also brought the restaurant good publicity and support from the community.

ABC-7 learned that “Mando,” the person who paid for the sign asking people not to support Speedy’s, is Armando Rodriguez.

Rodriguez is board president for Canutillo ISD.

ABC-7 reached out to Rodriguez for comment on the sign placed across from Speedy’s and provided us with a statement.

STATEMENT:

“Speedy's and other businesses have opted to side with people who want to harm public education and the students they serve. It's time we call out these people for their actions and for the harm they have done to students like the ones we serve in Canutillo ISD. Instead of coming to the table with solutions and ideas, they spread misinformation and play into the hands of the groups hellbent on harming public education. Canutillo families have supported businesses like Speedy's for generations, and now that Canutillo families need their support they have turned their back on our kids. If you are a community member, ask yourself if you are okay with the children in this community learning in schools that are in dire need of basic repairs. The children of Canutillo deserve better.”

When asked why he didn’t use his full name on the sign he paid for, Rodriguez said he didn’t know it would cause much controversy and that he would be using it on the sign going forward.

ABC-7 also spoke to Canutillo ISD, who told us about the proposed bond and the signs put up by Speedy’s and board member Rodriguez.

Canutillo ISD says the $387 million bond would allow the district to repair schools, do upgrades for safety and security, and relocate and rightsize the school district.

Gustavo Reveles, spokesperson for Canutillo ISD, says the proposed bond would cost about $3.17 a month for the average Canutillo home owner.

Despite Canutillo district not paying for the sign asking people not to support Speedy’s, Reveles says the sign on Speedy’s property is misleading since the district cannot deliver on bonds that were not approved. 

“Sometimes signs like the ones in front of this building, at this restaurant, you know, misinterpret the facts and convinces people to vote on ideas that are incorrect,” said Reveles in reference to Speedy’s sign saying the community still owes for the last two bonds.

ABC-7 asked the district if they approved of the behavior of board member Rodriguez with the sign he paid for.

“That is not for the school district to decide. The school board member is free to do as he wishes. He certainly has ideas of what this means. And he's free to express himself, just like Speedy's is as well,” said Reveles.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Dueling signs have been installed in favor and against the proposed Canutillo ISD bond.

Speedy's Mexican Food had a sign outside that asked voters to not support the bond.

Another sign across the street was installed, asking people to not support the restaurant. The sign said it was paid by Mando.

ABC-7 has reached out to the Canutillo ISD for comment. The district told ABC-7 they did not put the sign up.