WHITHER GOEST EPISD?
Often our best programs come from within. This month’s program is certainly no exception. Our own member and EPISD Trustee, Dr. Jack Loveridge, who also happens to be the EPISD Board Vice President, will answer the above question. You may remember that Dr. Loveridge participated in our candidate forum for the Trustee election. The result of the election was a change in the composition and philosophy of the Board followed by the resignation of the Superintendent. Obviously, much has happened and more is to come. We look forward to hearing about the “new direction” of EPISD.
Please see the impressive biography from the EPISD website.
I-10 EXPANSION — UPDATE
The majority effort of FPDA and the El Paso Streets Coalition of which we are a part, over the last month or so has been to craft a response to TXDOT’S DEIS and to educate as many as we can about why we have determined that widening I10 from Executive Center to Copia is not a good idea for El Paso, the region and certainly not for our neighborhood. After all, it killed business in the 1960’s and there is no reason to think a booster shot of the same medicine will improve things now. In fact, it likely would be detrimental.
The response document is impressive. The Coalition contracted with a respected consultant in the field who in turn hired an environmental expert. The report raises a number of technical issues with the TXDOT process and its perceived shortcomings with respect to federal requirements. It also addresses the things we are all concerned about: increased noise and pollution, inaccessibility during a 5+ year construction period, failure to consider the effects of the Borderland Express (northeast bypass), removal of commercial traffic from BOTA and the potential of an effective mass transit system among many other areas of concern. We will make the document available for you to review soon.
Your President spoke at a public educational meeting last Saturday to address the reasons against widening, possible detrimental effects, and the specific effects on local businesses.
NEARING YEAR’S END – YES! IT’S TRUE
This month’s meeting we’ll have the nominating committee report of their candidates for the Board of Directors election to be held at the November meeting. Nominations from the floor will be taken at the November meeting. If you nominate, please be certain your choice is qualified and willing to serve. Our Secretary. Tony Labrado can answer questions you might have.
The election at the November meeting will be open to members in good standing who are present–no proxies or absentees. The top 8 vote getters will be elected. Winners will be announced at the meeting and be sworn in at the December Christmas party. The new board will select the President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer from among themselves.
Did I mention the Christmas Party? Board Member Kristin has already made arrangements with Su Casa to hold last year’s price. As has been our custom, FPDA will cover the cost of one member and a guest. Additional guests will be charged $25 each. More information will be forthcoming as the time grows closer. It should be another enjoyable evening.
Fred Evans, president