News

Ortega decides to seek re-election for District 7 council seat
By David Crowder and Sito Negron

“I haven’t formally announced, but I am committed to running. I think the city is moving in the right direction, and I’d like to see through some of the progress that we’ve made in the last several years.” -- District 7 city Rep. Steve Ortega

Posted on February 20, 2009  •  read more »

Mayor's race: Haddad jabs, Cook bobs; 10 candidate melee still to come
by David Crowder

Asked why he would criticize Cook for arriving at the same position on the issue that he himself holds, Haddad said, “We have to have leadership that is leadership and is willing to stand up for something. That leadership has to stand for something, take a position and continue with that position.”

Posted on February 17, 2009  •  read more »

Former EPISD trustee Sal Mena and surprise defendant plead guilty to public corruption charges
by David Crowder

“The El Paso Independent School District is extremely disappointed to learn that Mr. Sal Mena broke laws involving the public trust and the community’s right to honest services while serving as an elected official of the district. Mr. Mena served on the board of trustees for a total of four terms." -- David Dodge, president of the El Paso school board.

Posted on February 18, 2009  •  read more »

Ramos, Compean released from prison, under house confinement till March 20
by David Crowder

“It’s a relief. The conditions under which he was held were inhumane. If you can imagine being in a small room 23 hours a day by yourself with no television, no telephone. It can make you crazy.” -- Mary Stillinger, Ignacio Ramos' former attorney.

Posted on February 17, 2009  •  read more »

Mayor dubs TCEQ 'Texas Commission for the Protection of Polluters;' wants city's $1.4 million back
by David Crowder

"To the contrary, we are proud of our aggressive enforcement program that is leading to a cleaner environment in Texas." -- TCEQ chief spokesman Terry Clawson

Posted on February 16, 2009  •  read more »

Ethics legislation would add power to fine and file criminal charges. Next stop: County commissioners, then Lege.
by NPT Staff

The recommendation would give the county the option of creating a County Ethics Commission with the power to file criminal charges and assess fines.

Posted on February 19, 2009  •  read more »

Green beans, child labor and NAFTA
by Frontera NorteSur

The death of Ismael de los Santos Barrea followed an accident last month near Culiacan, Sinaloa, in which 10-year-old Angela Barraza Lopez lost left her arm to a machine while cleaning green beans.

Posted on February 16, 2009  •  read more »

Police Blotter 2.17-19.09: Half ton of marijuana seized; Police seek suspect in aggravated robbery
Compiled by NPT Staff

News and notes from El Paso-area law enforcement, updated as they come in, with most recent on top. Pictured: Part of the 4,800-pound pot seizure and half ton pot seizure.

Posted on February 19, 2009  •  read more »

Fire Department, Airport have new directors
by NPT Staff

"Since I took office in 2004, I have made 17 executive leadership appointments, all through a national recruitment process," said City Manager Joyce Wilson. Eight have been promotions of city employees; of the other nine, three have been El Pasoans, she said.

Posted on February 20, 2009  •  read more »