El Paso civic and political boosters started trickling into Austin Monday, laying the groundwork in preparation for El Paso Days, the recurring legislative event that aims to place the city's agenda in front of Capitol decision-makers -- and to show them a good time.
Representatives from the such business institutions as the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce and major public institutions such as Thomason Hospital, Texas Tech and UTEP, as well as the city and county officials, will spend Tuesday and Wednesday in teams. The teams will lobby legislators on such issues as funding for UTEP and the Texas Tech medical school.
Richard Dayoub, president and CEO of the Greater Chamber, said communities can "be noticeable for your absence." In El Paso's case, he said, the surge of community leaders has led to an event noticeable for its attention to detail and in-your-face lobbying.
While the days are scheduled for meetings, Tuesday evening has been designated Margarita Madness, and the every member of the state legislature is being invited. Monday, volunteers from legislator's offices and the chamber were putting together invitations in the form of margarita glasses, with tiny tequila bottles and other goodies inside.
"The significance beyond gifts and gestures of kindness is to ultimately make sure key funding priorities (are met)," Dayoub said.
Besides funding priorities for institutions and infrastructure -- water and sewer, roads and bridges -- El Paso is seeking legislative help to allow the Tigua Speaking Rock Casino, closed in 2002 by then-Texas Attorney General John Cornyn, who now is one of two Republican U.S. senators from Texas.
Since then, El Pasoans have tried to push legislative action to allow the casino to reopen. State Rep. Norma Chavez narrowly missed last session, failing to pass a bill to reopen the casino on a tie vote in the House.
Early this morning Chavez said she was filing a bill to allow the Tiguas to reopen: "The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tigua Indians have been tremendous economic partners, as a community we stand united behind the Tribe's efforts to re-open Speaking Rock Casino."
There's sure to be pushback, as groups such as Texans Against Gambling make fighting efforts such as Chavez's their main priority.
Representatives of the Tiguas will take part in nine meetings with Democratic and Republican committee chairs today, Chavez said Monday.
"We're fired up and ready to shine," she said.
Chavez is sponsoring a barbecue lunch today. The lunch will feature new Transportation Committee Chairman Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, and will kick off with Tuga dancers, she said.
"We just want this to be successful for our community," she said.
Freshman state Rep. Joseph Moody said: "El Paso Days are a great opportunity for our local leaders. It's an excellent chance for them to join us in Austin and put a face to our community's agenda. It's a time for El Pasoans to see their elected officials and highlight our city's importance to Texas."
