tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.comments2012-07-09T21:27:36.140-06:00Notes from District 2Susie Byrdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17194975260527443806noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-37184158257658651292012-01-21T14:59:42.702-07:002012-01-21T14:59:42.702-07:00Nuts. You should've insisted on El Paso's ...Nuts. You should've insisted on El Paso's homegrown version of the cumbia. This is what constitutes regional pride—when one's way of doing something is advanced and affirmed. (I also grew up dancing cumbias at Bowie High School, the greatest high school in the United States.)<br /><br />I'm curious about the photo accompanying this posting of yours. El Paso? What was the occasion?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-20165897381615235822011-08-14T19:03:50.922-06:002011-08-14T19:03:50.922-06:00Where are you getting these "latest and great...Where are you getting these "latest and greatest numbers" that say that vehicle volume will only increase to 18,000 vehicles by 2020? I'm curious to know where that number came from and how it was calculated. Just because a statistic supports your point of view doesn't necessarily make it the most credible.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-79798389905938626062011-03-28T16:02:33.379-06:002011-03-28T16:02:33.379-06:00I would love the boulevard alternative, it will gi...I would love the boulevard alternative, it will give this area a fresh look, create safer roadways and allow people to feel comfortable walking/cycling along transmountain. It pleases everyone! And, we can also make sure that the land close to the mountain is still preserved, no need for development up there. Those for the growth, and widening of the road are also made happy that they are offered safer driving space and relieves congestion at rush hours. It will provide a pleasant feel to the neighborhood, whereas the freeway option looks horrible, unsafe and scary! Thank you Susie!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-50517709832887033482011-03-28T12:05:32.049-06:002011-03-28T12:05:32.049-06:00I believe in traditional families, respect and dig...I believe in traditional families, respect and dignity for others aswell. You should listen to us to as you listened to that one young man in La Fe. If we do not stand for something we will fall for everything respect traditional families.Jose Luisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-9863762872112228002011-03-21T23:07:42.700-06:002011-03-21T23:07:42.700-06:00I would imagine that TXDOT can do whatever it want...I would imagine that TXDOT can do whatever it wants to do with its money. Your premise is that you know better than TXDOT when it comes to Texas highways. If that's the case then resign from city council and become head of TXDOT. What, exactly, is it that you propose? I don't see anything but some vague reference to building a boulevard. Why don't you put it to a vote and see if El Paso wants to pay for your boulevard?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-74161899973139451102011-03-21T20:52:22.229-06:002011-03-21T20:52:22.229-06:00A boulevard will only contribute to driver fustrat...A boulevard will only contribute to driver fustration with added traffic lights and the real possibility of more pedestrian accidents. As it stands now, very few of our traffic lights work to make it pleasant experience to drive down Montana or Mesa or any of the other boulevards in our city. Do we really have a traffic engineer?Charlesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-4124463798254143602011-03-20T10:58:37.321-06:002011-03-20T10:58:37.321-06:00WE are paying for the boulevard, landscaping, all ...WE are paying for the boulevard, landscaping, all of it; WE are the ultimate funding source! I endorse the boulevard. I also know that we MUST conserve our mountains against untrammeled commercial/residential development and believe that the Western Boundary of Tom Mays/Franklin Mountains State Park should be extended North to the state line and beyond; that the boundary on the East side should be similarly extended. Additionally, the entire region, between Organ PassNM and Murchison ParkTX should become a project of the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, National Park Service [kathryn_nichols@nps.gov; marta_newkirk_de_la_garza<br />@nps.gov; kathy_faz@nps.gov; attila_bality@nps.gov]. Such designation will help with funding, management, and national/international recognition, making our "Hidden Gem of the World" less hidden and more attractive!--John Eyberg aka Juanito Hayburg aka BIKERJOHNAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12401167885525882182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-48687500777637298732011-03-18T20:24:15.423-06:002011-03-18T20:24:15.423-06:00Who's paying for the boulevard and all those t...Who's paying for the boulevard and all those trees? What's your proposed funding source? How much will it cost? What's the timeline for completion?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-35763128615512821352010-12-10T22:32:23.993-07:002010-12-10T22:32:23.993-07:00I am thankful that your are someone who believes i...I am thankful that your are someone who believes in your views, yes you are elected but the voters must know that they also vote for person and their values. I am so glad that you are fighting for these benefits, if every official went by what everyone wanted, we would still be living in segregated cities. Although i knew el paso would take away these benefits, which is another reason i plan to leave this city following my graduation, but i am happy we have some progress. Although i am to young to vote, i will help to fight for rights of everyone. Thank you for the hope!<br />here is a great quote “All men are created equal. No matter how hard you try, you can never erase those words.” Harvey MilkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-85167767556647215422010-11-28T13:37:26.033-07:002010-11-28T13:37:26.033-07:00Mrs. Bird, I just want to tell you that I agree wi...Mrs. Bird, I just want to tell you that I agree with you. I also feel that as citizen living in the 21st century, we should treat everybody equally.<br />I rather have my tax money going to the spouse of a worker that is doing something to earn it, whether it is gay or straight. than going to so many people that chooses not to do anything because if they do, they will loose their benefits (wellfare from the government).<br /><br />But some people choose to call them inmoral and live in the 1800 hundreds and cover their ignorance behind a book called bible that as time goes on more and more people is finding to be a fiction.<br />One day they will see that we live in a areal world, not one made up by a bookAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-5950139581351552112010-11-22T19:14:57.246-07:002010-11-22T19:14:57.246-07:00Suzie, the voters have spoken - what's the iss...Suzie, the voters have spoken - what's the issue here? And I agree with Jim - why are we paying health premiums for spouses anyway? How much would the city be saving if we didn't pay for spouses and families? But again, No means No. Of the people, by the people, for the people - you are not your own person any longer. You work for us.Jaymenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-91026620558248791482010-11-19T21:10:40.814-07:002010-11-19T21:10:40.814-07:00The people didn't ask you to "change your...The people didn't ask you to "change your mind". They voted on a specific issue. For you to "decide" that they are horrible people and do not deserve a say in society is byond vanity. You deserve to be recalled. That was a long diatribe just to say that thrity-nine thousand El Pasoans are hateful and/or stupid and that you think you know better than everyone else.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-13447373249046192142010-11-19T18:35:06.970-07:002010-11-19T18:35:06.970-07:00Thank you for your tireless commitment to doing wh...Thank you for your tireless commitment to doing what is simply right. You will always have my support. <br /><br />I would counter what "Jim" said, but I've come to terms that some people will never get it. <br /><br />Thankfully, you do.Kirstinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-65500102334795117542010-11-19T17:28:20.095-07:002010-11-19T17:28:20.095-07:00What makes you think that people who voted to oppo...What makes you think that people who voted to oppose domestic partner benefits were not also voting on, as you put it, "...a matter of conscience, a basic principle, a fundamental of who you are that guides the way you live your life and treat other people, a value that you work hard everyday to instill in your own children." You may not agree with their "matter of conscience" but at least don't pretend that it wasn't precisely that. Don't belittle it by calling it hate and fear and hysteria. As you yourself hold, part of civil society is accepting and finding a place for those whose views differ from your own, showing them a welcome place. Is it that you feel your conscience is superior to the inferior consciences of the voters, or just that you may overrule theirs because you occupy a position of power that they do not? If that's the case you may not be clear on another fundamental principle, that of Democracy. You might in that case be more familiar with the principles of Oligarchy. Is it that you are more Enlightened that the Judeo-Christian tradition? Would you believe, as would one of your commentators, that two millennium of Catholic teaching constitutes ignorance? Is that what you wish to tell your constituents? You would so blithely ask them to repeal their convictions?Adriannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-85761030562204603232010-11-19T10:02:22.685-07:002010-11-19T10:02:22.685-07:00True leadership means going against the popular wi...True leadership means going against the popular will sometimes. I hope you and council find a way to show that El Pasoans really are the nicest and kindest people in the world - I know they are. I am a gay woman living in Austin but remember my days at Ysleta High school when it was really really tough to be different. These votes say a lot about the city we love. El Paso forged me and I will always love it. Thanks for your leadership Ms. Byrd. Keep on finding a way to make positive change.Celianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-50577068411240826022010-11-18T22:08:54.607-07:002010-11-18T22:08:54.607-07:00A thousand thanks and unqualified support. Get rea...A thousand thanks and unqualified support. Get ready for action to commence in court.Bill Ellisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-10429801690795750612010-11-18T21:46:25.435-07:002010-11-18T21:46:25.435-07:00"But I can't say with certainty what the ..."But I can't say with certainty what the intent of the 39,016 people who voted in favor of the measure was"<br /><br />So that made you feel it was necessary to go against the will of the people. No offense but who are you to have to be certain about a vote to accept it? Do we have to make sure that every election pleases you? Elections are not meant to please those who represent us, they are meant to tell those who represent us what we expect to get done by them.<br /><br />I think your little publicity stunt backfired when you put this measure up for vote. It could have been taken care of in house. But now the taxpayers have to pay for you to be able to parade your agenda.<br /><br />A little food for thought. Some of the best leaders have been those who do things for the people when the cameras aren't even on. Stop using city council as a stage to bring attention to yourselves. <br /><br />My name might be Samuel but I am not a judge or a prophet. I don't thump on bibles or hate people who are not like me. What I do dislike is when our government thinks they have the right to go against what we the people say. The people have spoken, elected officials must listen!SammyChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09217656257885643598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-26172713893608367682010-11-18T19:15:16.934-07:002010-11-18T19:15:16.934-07:00Way to go Susie. I can frankly say I am proud to l...Way to go Susie. I can frankly say I am proud to live in this city, where we have principled leaders like you. The humanity and intelligence you have demonstrated on this issue will certainly continue to resound among the people who supported the side of equality in this issue, and I am sure we will use every drop of strength to stand behind you when you need it. <br /><br />Ultimately, I trust that the people of El Paso are loving and hopeful enough that if only we had had the right climate, the right message flowing, most people could not oppose recognizing the dignity of their fellow El Pasoans. I am certain that this is even more true for my generation. <br /><br />Stay strong, Susie. You have given courage to many, and when this council is remembered in the future, I am sure you will be remembered as being a strong voice for the side that ultimately won, which is the side of the more perfect union this country was supposed to strive for.Isaac Perez Boladonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-31502068407752163542010-11-18T16:10:22.825-07:002010-11-18T16:10:22.825-07:00What a hero you are for equality!!! I graduated f...What a hero you are for equality!!! I graduated from Coronado High School over 15 years ago and, though I spend most of my time in New York City, I return to El Paso several times a year. You -- together with the citizens who voted for tolerance and equality -- make me proud to say I grew up in El Paso! Thank you for making the tough decisions that refuse discrimination and extend a welcome to ALL El Pasoans.Jacob Milesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-69071226820058366782010-11-18T15:27:27.396-07:002010-11-18T15:27:27.396-07:00Why should taxpayers be paying spouse premiums any...Why should taxpayers be paying spouse premiums anyway? <br /><br />Why can't you just let the employees pay 100% of the premium for their spouse or significant other? That would end the problem right there.<br /><br />And as to your question Ms. Byrd, the people elect you to represent them. No means No and your constituents said "No".Jimnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-74342057078823789682010-11-18T14:51:49.354-07:002010-11-18T14:51:49.354-07:00Although I disagree that I should be in your distr...Although I disagree that I should be in your district at all, I am in support of your vote 100%. People are ignorant.Marcus Greenhttp://vagary.tvnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-14602971305435667322010-09-24T18:27:39.533-06:002010-09-24T18:27:39.533-06:00I wonder how many people that are opposed to this ...I wonder how many people that are opposed to this project: A) Live in Canutillo where it will affect the most people B) Have to drive to work every morning on TM and get stuck behind a semi going 25 miles an hour uphill.<br /><br />Does the community of Canutillo support it? i bet they do. It will mean more jobs, more income for the school district, and a higher tax base.<br /><br />This seems to be another example of the rich trying to keep the poor down. Let those Canutillo people live in squalor. We got our nice house near Franklin High School.<br /><br />Hey Susie, how about moving down to Anthony Street in Canutillo for a year, and THEN be against the project.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-77492683823662201102010-09-20T15:38:30.882-06:002010-09-20T15:38:30.882-06:00Personally I think that widening the last stretch ...Personally I think that widening the last stretch of TM Road Hwy 375on the west side is badly needed. That it will be one of the last two sections of loop 375(the other side of 375 at northeast from Walmart to RR Drive being the other) left to be completed is just more of a reason why I am in favor of widening the road. Its ridiculous driving to the East side with the current congestion nightmare. The city does need a bypass to help alliviate the problem. It is also a fact that driving across the mountain on the weekends after 9:00pm is like playing Russian roulette with your life. The later at night it is the more drivers there are that drive carelessly, aggressively, and perhaps intoxicated. I have come close on a number of times from drivers heading in the opposite direction and brazingly cutting in front of me or passing when they shouldn't, despite there being constant traffic flowing. One catastrophic fatality and widening the lanes will become a no brainer and get done without any opposition. My problem with the loop is that it may bring infrastructure that is not needed to the mountains that will bring with it the usual increase in smog, noise and light pollution, trash, etc. I would not be surprised if the usual car delearships, mall developers, gas stations, and fast food facilities are already licking their chops and shopping for cash registers. Lets take a page from the way the Eskimos in the Arctic are handling the oil companies drilling on their land. They know that if they oppose the drilling, the companines will find a way through the system (which includes politicians)to still do the drilling, but also keep them (Eskimos) from having any input on the process. Same thing here. Transmountain Road is going to get widened one way or another sooner or later. So I am hoping that TransMountain Raod is built according to what's best for the city's taxpayers and its future generations. I have to add that sadly, my confidence on many of our local polititicians doing whats best for its constituents is on par with that of moral values of the cartels.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00843244637049091375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-34851205167374970172010-09-20T15:22:31.643-06:002010-09-20T15:22:31.643-06:00Personally I think that widening the last stretch ...Personally I think that widening the last stretch of TM Road Hwy 375on the west side is badly needed. That it will be one of the last two sections of loop 375(the other side of 375 at northeast from Walmart to RR Drive being the other) left to be completed is just more of a reason why I am in favor of widening the road. Its ridiculous driving to the East side with the current congestion nightmare. The city does need a bypass to help alliviate the problem. It is also a fact that driving across the mountain on the weekends after 9:00pm is like playing Russian roulette with your life. The later at night it is the more drivers there are that drive carelessly, aggressively, and perhaps intoxicated. I have come close on a number of times from drivers heading in the opposite direction and brazingly cutting in front of me or passing when they shouldn't, despite there being constant traffic flowing. One catastrophic fatality and widening the lanes will become a no brainer and get done without any opposition. My problem with the loop is that it may bring infrastructure that is not needed to the mountains that will bring with it the usual increase in smog, noise and light pollution, trash, etc. I would not be surprised if the usual car delearships, mall developers, gas stations, and fast food facilities are already licking their chops and shopping for cash registers. Lets take a page from the way the Eskimos in the Arctic are handling the oil companies drilling on their land. They know that if they oppose the drilling, the companines will find a way through the system (which includes politicians)to still do the drilling, but also keep them (Eskimos) from having any input on the process. Same thing here. Transmountain Road is going to get widened one way or another sooner or later. So lets just make sure that its built according to what's best for the city's taxpayers and its future generations. Not what's best for greedy investors and corruput egomanical politicians.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00843244637049091375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641562331022306.post-15920907656453083922010-09-19T21:53:46.248-06:002010-09-19T21:53:46.248-06:00Susie,
It's tragic, yet inevitable that this ...Susie,<br /><br />It's tragic, yet inevitable that this development, or something like it will occur.<br /><br />What are our options as citizens to contest this proposal? Is there good reason to say no to the money being thrown our way?<br /><br />Lastly, Ted Houghton is the Transportation Comm. What role does he play in all of this?<br /><br />Ps - long time no see. keep up the good work!<br /><br />Dave CortezUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10991777318520975510noreply@blogger.com