City Rep Larry Romero holds news conference
Last Sunday City representative Larry Romero broke his silence with Maria Garcia on ABC-7 X-tra.
Thursday, Romero opened up to the rest of the media.
He was bombarded with questions ranging from his involvement with the search for a new financial adviser to his personal finances.
The city rep held a news conference saying he welcomed the independent investigation approved by council this past Monday.
Romero himself called the meeting to answer any questions the media might have related to what’s been reported in the media and discussed in city council although there were some questions he didn’t answer.
The news conference started off fairly quaint and quiet but it quickly turned to questions about Romero paving roads that weren’t on city street plans.
“We were told by Joyce Wilson and Jane Shang that when it came to the capital street improvements that we could make changes as long as we stayed in the financial parameters,” Romero said.
Adding that what he did other reps have done before.
It moved quickly the next barrage of questions about the revelation he pushed for a new city financial adviser he failed to disclose his ties to.
He stuck to his guns saying he did nothing unethical.
“I guess the best way I could put it is my involvement with the financial adviser was to meet with the city manager, the previous and the current and just let them know my feelings and introduce them to the second largest financial firm in Texas,” Romero said.
The financial firm he’s talking about is Estrada Hinjosa and Company.
Which Romero admits he also tried to introduce to El Paso Water Utility officials.
“Same thing, I introduced them to Estrada Hinojosa, these are who they are, they are the second largest in Texas. I just want to make sure you know who they are,” said Romero.
The one question the city rep didn’t answer was when he was asked about finances for obtaining a recent mortgage loan.
“I think that’s personal. I don’t think I need to be talking about my personal finances,” Romero said.
Romero did have one regret:
“If I had to do some things over again, yeah I would I’d be more vocal,” said Romero.
Romero told the media the independent investigation ordered by city council on Monday will prove he did nothing wrong.
