2 New Commissioners Named To County Emergency Services District No. 2

Two new commissioners were approved for the Emergency Services District No. 2 during Monday’s Commissioners Court meeting.

Dr. Pamela Padilla and Jerry Knotts, who were two of the first four applicants hired to be reviewed by the entire county commissioners, will begin their terms effective immediately. Previously, candidates were reviewed and approved by a single member of the court.

El Paso County Judge Veronica Escobar said it was an important step for the entire court to interview those applicants because of issues that have arisen within the Emergency Services District No. 2.

Just last week Escobar voiced an opinion that ESD No. 2 had issues that she believed would be outlined when they turn in an audit next month. That same day, a closed-door meeting was held with the district’s Board President Carlos Sandoval.

Escobar has been adamant that during her time as county judge changes would be made to ensure transparency within the Emergency Services Districts.

“Right now, we’re seeing the fruits of our lack of engagement previously,” said Escobar.

Knotts, a businessman, said he was looking forward to being part of the solution.

“I see the news stories about somebody being investigated, and I truly feel that transparency is key to this position,” said Knotts.

Asked if he knew of the alleged current issues going on within ESD No. 2, Knotts said he wasn’t, but added he was looking forward to getting involved in the process of making sure things are running properly.

Both Padilla and Knotts have told the County Commissioners Court members that they would be open to joint meetings in the future to ensure transparency.

Escobar compared those potential meetings, and the new appointees, to the recent remake of MHMR which underwent several changes including management before becoming Emergence Health Network.

Escobar said there is a hope things will change as she said things have for that medical group, “This administration changed the way things took place previously.”

Following Monday’s meeting Escobar said she planned on calling the new members to bring them up to speed on her concerns with ESD No. 2.