City council signs resolution supporting Tigua entertainment centers

The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo is getting a head start, racking up support from El Paso government officials.

Tuesday, city council representatives approved a resolution to support all activities at Speaking Rock and the new Socorro Entertainment Center.

Lt. Gov. Carlos Hisa would not talk to ABC-7 on camera, but did say that getting support from El Paso Mayor John Cook and city representatives could help the tribe as they go before the state legislature next year.

The tribe is pushing to reinstate gambling at Speaking Rock.

Speaking Rock Casino was shut down 2002 by then-State Attorney General John Cornyn, whosued the tribe for violating Texas anti-gambling laws.

All members of City Council, with the exception of Ann Morgan Lilly, who was not present, voted in favor of the resolution.

“They came to me last week and asked for my assistance and I told them I’d be more than happy,” Cook saidTuesday.

The resolution stated that city representatives agree that the Tigua tribe has brought “a valuable asset to the community through the operation of Speaking Rock.”

The resolution added Speaking Rock has created economic stability by creating jobs, supporting small businesses and bringing more entertainment to the community.

Lt. Hisa said they are simply “preparing for legislation.”