El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser still opposes city manager’s contract extension

EL PASO, Texas -- Following the city council's vote to extend City Manager Tommy Gonzalez's contract and override the mayor's veto, Mayor Oscar Leeser reaffirmed his opposition.

But Mayor Leeser says he supports City Manager Tommy Gonzalez.

Leeser said he thinks a contract extension is premature.

He said the council will continue to move forward despite his veto being overridden.

"We continue to move forward and I did say that I have had quite a few meetings with Mr. Gonzalez and he and I have been working very professionally and we will continue to be very professional. We will continue to move the city forward and represent and respect the constituents," Leeser said.

Today's action prevents the mayor from filing another veto.

Represenative Alexsandra Anello who voted against the measure said, "The community needs to be aware of what is happening, they need to remember the actions that the council has taken. They need to speak out if you are upset about this, call your council member and remember this."

Representative Annello said that this council has a history of not listening to residents.

"I think community members should be concerned about what council members are doing. There is a lot of focus on the city manager's goals, the city manager's outcomes throughout the years and that shouldn't be the conversation. My concern is not the city manager, my concern is council and the actions they are taking," said Annello.