Here’s another email that disgraced former City Manager Joyce Wilson sent to Mayor Oscar Leeser:
Since the 2012 Quality of Life Bond passed, the mayor and city council has routinely expanded the scope of many projects, added new projects not initially funded, and raised taxes and issued debt to pay for them. But now, after 10 years, with the most economically significant and impactful project outstanding, Council refuses to explore options other than a major downsizing and redirection of the original project, which completely violates the spirit and intent of the bond language.
The hybrid amphitheater is not a multipurpose center. It’s a limited, seasonal music venue only. It achieves nothing that cannot be accommodated with existing venues. More important it hamstrings the opportunity for future councils to build a more significant project in the near future, as this bright idea will saddle the community with over $150M in unnecessary debt for years to come — for a bad project, in a bad location, that no one wants. It’s a boondoggle and is not a fiscally responsible use of tax dollars. This is definitely not a legacy project. And it will end up being a legacy you don’t want to be remembered for.
Our community has no major, modern venue to support events and attractions. Almost every city in America of El Paso’s size has a modern arena that is indoor, with at least 10,000 seats and good technology. Our venues are nearly 50 years old or older. One was built during World War II. It is embarrassing and frustrating that our political leaders are not willing to step back, collaborate, and strategically rethink how to deliver this project for our community. This is why good political leadership is important.
You can put lipstick on a pig and call her Peggy Sue but she’s still a pig. That’s what this project is.
Joyce Wilson
The Long Game
Here it is, right here: “More important it hamstrings the opportunity for future councils to build a more significant project in the near future . . . .”
You thought Duranguito was safe? No, the fat cats are just waiting to take control of City Council again.
A future City Council might be persuaded to reanimate the original bad idea.
A couple of candidates have already thrown their hats in the ring, and I can guess where they’re headed.
Stay tuned.
Read: Read More