Supporters Round Up For ‘No Recall’ Rally

Recall efforts continue in El Paso.

A pair of events took place this weekend, both in favor and against the recall petition.

On Saturday afternoon at Memorial Park, Pastor Tom Brown who is pushing to oust Mayor John Cook and city representatives Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega unveiled his new legal team.

Brown is being investigated by El Paso District Attorney, Jaime Esparza.

Supporters of the recall also showed up to sign the petition.

“This isn’t about the health benefits issue anymore this is about an issue of democracy and when you have politicians disturb the will of the voters then you’ve got a lot of people who are very angry,” said Ruben Ochoa, who is for the recall.

Tom Brown wants Mayor Cook, Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega out of office because they voted to reinstate health benefits for gay and unwed partners of city employees– overturning a voter approved ordinance.

Opposing views were heard Sunday afternoon at the same Central El Paso park.

More than a hundred people gathered, wearing t-shirts and holding up signs to support the city leaders at the center of the controversy.

“I’m overwhelmed with the support of the community, I think it goes to show that El Paso is a diverse, tolerant community,”said representative Steve Ortega.

El Paso resident, Jody Casey, organized the rally to stand up for her community.

“I’m very proud of them because they had to make a very tough decision. By way of city charter they are legally able to overturn ordinances for the exact reason they overturned this one, because it was discriminatory,”said Casey.

Byrd, Ortega and Mayor Cook voted for the health benefits because they said the voter-approved ordinance that was written by Brown’s religious group was so vague.

It would have also stripped away the health insurance of about 200 unintended people.