Margo declines to participate in forums with Saucedo headed towards runoff election

There will be no candidate forums between mayoral candidates Dee Margo and David Saucedo headed towards the June 10 runoff election. That’s because Margo has declined to participate in any more forums with Saucedo.

Margo failed to receive 50-percent of the vote after the May 6 election and will face newcomer Saucedo in the runoff.

Turnout for the regular election was abysmal. Just less than 33,000 people voted. As of May 16, there were 425,973 registered voters in the county.

If efforts to raise awareness, KVIA joined with other news outlets to plan a mayoral debate to be aired and published across our platforms. Other outlets included the El Paso Times, El Paso Inc., KDBC/KFOX, KINT, KTDO, and KTSM.

While Saucedo accepted the invitation, Margo declined, stating he already participated in more than 30 forums.

In a statement emailed to KVIA, the businessman and former state representative stated he has chosen to focus efforts on engaging with voters in person, rather than participate in more forums with Saucedo.

It stated, “Our platform of holding the line on taxes, on time and on budget bond projects, repairing our streets, and bringing new jobs to El Paso, resonated with the community. Mr. Saucedo’s recent accusations do not provide any productive solutions to our city’s issues.”

When asked for reaction about Margo’s decision, Saucedo solely emailed a tongue-in-cheek photo portraying a missing persons photo of Margo on a milk carton.

Saucedo first made the controversial accusations on ABC-7’s “Sunday Xtra” show during a debate with Margo following the election. Saucedo’s statements included allegations of bribes, kickbacks and preferential treatment happening at City Hall.

When asked to clarify, Saucedo stated the culture of “Pay to Play” has been a reoccurring theme as he campaigned. “They voiced these concerns to me, and fearful of coming forward and speaking out,” he added.

But when asked to provide names or proof, Saucedo said his sources want to remain anonymous fearing retribution.

Saucedo also took aim at Mayor Leeser and Rep. Svarzbein.

The Texas Rangers are currently investigating the two along with reps. Cortney Niland, Jim Tolbert and Lily Limon for allegedly taking part in a walking quorum while discussing a proposed location for the downtown arena.

Not long after the statements were made, Margo received seven endorsements from Mayor Oscar Leeser and six city representatives.

Saucedo said Margo can keep his endorsements because they represent the political status quo. That is something he vows to change if elected.

Early voting begins May 30.