Senator Eliot Shapleigh - El Paso, Texas

L McKee El Paso

I am a civil engr. and am scared to death that Asarco will be allowed to re-open. Can you or are you fighting this? Sulfur dioxide when it hits your moist lungs creates Sulfuric acid and eats our lungs.

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

Let's celebrate the tremendous community effort over the past four years to shed light on this issue. We have for the first time united to say "yes" to clean air and "no" to contamination To move forward, we need clear opposition to the Asarco air permit. We need to let the people in Austin know that 2.4 million people are against Asarco. Also, we need to finish the clean up. Finally, we need a broad strategy to address Asarco. I'll use Omaha, Nebraska as an example. The mayor in Omaha led a fight against Asarco and transformed a contaminated waterfront into a safer, usable area. Our community cannot move to a 21st century knowledge-based economy with a 19th century polluting relic in the midst of our downtown and right next to our university. What Asarco's study fails to show is what 13.3 million pounds of pollution will cost us in health, high tech and quality of life.

Lori K. Miller El Paso, Texas

Just wanted to congratulate you, your staff and all of the members of our community who are involved in the medical school, finally being funded. Have a wonderful day sir.

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

Thank you so much for your kind words. We have worked fifteen years on our medical school--like you, we are so happy to finally get the last piece of the medical school in place!

Eric El Paso

Why haven't the opponents of ASARCO ever brought up the fact that the sight is an eyesore? Even I would have a little less objection to the opening if they would clean it up. (I would still be against it, but at least it wouldn't be an embarrassment to my friends from out of town) Look at the black rock on the mountains and desert around UTEP. Look at the black piles of ugly slag?? Around the site and along he embankments off I-10. Look at the trash and debris strewn around the site. It is so ugly and pathetic, it sure is embarrassing. Why doesn't anyone ever bring this up in this fight??

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

We agree--but the basic issue is 7,000 tons of new pollution. To move into the 21st century, to compete for the knowledge jobs of the future, we can not have a polluting relic next to our university and near an emerging, revitalized Downtown. ASARCO has resources for media--we do not. So we need to deliver the most important message to our people about why ASARCO must go.

Sarah Palomares El Paso Texas

I am the student council president at Ramona elementary we are going to take a trip to San Antonio we have worked so hard having fundraisers to barely make it. If there is so much money for education. Why did we have to raise the money?

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

So glad to meet you! First, let me say that Texas ranks 46th in state aid per pupil funding, so many might disagree with you that 'there is so much money for education." Education funds cover basic education functions like teachers, facilites, and some technology. I believe that taxpayers will always support our schools if we can show the value to our society. When the money goes for something other than basic, quality education, people want to know why taxpayers have to pay.

Eric Palomares Home

I am asking for your assistance in helping me and fellow students who are enrolled in the Early Medical School Acceptance Program (EMSAP) through the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston to continue our path on becoming doctors. There are currently over 30 students enrolled from El Paso in this program. The budget for the program has been cut which has not allowed the students to attend enrichment programs at the Medical School in the summer. I'm asking you, with experience of getting funding for El Paso's Medical School, to see what you can do to help us. We all plan to return to El Paso and serve our community. Thank you for your time!

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

We'll get to work on it today! Thanks for letting me know.

Jose Medina El Paso, Tx

I heard that you submitted a proposal for upgrading our driver's license as a border-crossing ID, how is that going? My family & I usually commute to JZ for work & school.

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

Under SB 2027, if you apply, and if you pay a fee of $40, then a 'chip' is placed in your driver's license so you need not carry a passport to cross. Washington State just passed such a law to help with thousands who will soon attend the Olympics. Hopefully, the Governor will sign this bill and we can work with DPS to get the program started.

Jim Hondo Central El Paso

How will HB 1355, relating to dog attacks on persons, work to prevent attacks and what is the status of this highly important bill. Thank you for sponsoring it!

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

Basically, the idea is that owners take responsibility for dangerous dogs. One wonderful aspect of serving as your Senator is the opportunity to meet wonderful people. During session, we worked with the family of Lillian Stiles who was attacked by six pit bulls and killed while she was mowing her lawn. As more people learn about HB 1355, we hope that word gets out that owners of dangerous dogs need to make sure that their dogs do not attack people. In El Paso, we have had several horrific attacks in the last two years. Many El Pasoans helped us pass this bill--special thanks to Mary Legoretta who came to Austin to help us pass HB 1355!

Anthony El Paso

Will anything be done by the Texas Senate to lower gas prices?

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

Basically, no. We filed SB 764 to deal with gas gougers. Please let me know what you think of this bill. Sadly, the bill did not even get a hearing. Over time, we will work to reduce dependence on oil, create incentives and markets for renewable energy, incentivize energy conservation and move people to less costly and more efficient mobility choices. For Texas, which has always been the energy capital of the US, these policy goals need to be top priorities.

J Brosien El Paso

Regarding the passed legislative session: When reading the El Paso Times about the personal controversy between the Republican representative (unfortunately I forgot his name) and Ms Chavez I sometimes had the feeling we are not talking about representatives and elected officials but more about kids fighting over a toy. What was your impression and isn't there a way to keep elected officials (of either party) up to a certain level of standard?

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

What happened in the Texas House during the 80th Session, was a very serious matter. Basically, democracy was thwarted by a Speaker who took the flawed position that he was a constitutional officer and thus need not recognize members on a motion to vacate the Speaker's postion to elect new leadership. I know of no legal authority who agrees with either position. So, what is the solution? First, elections matter. Over the last few years, we have witnessed at the state and federal level serious attacks on basic constitutional rights and separation of powers. The legislative branch of our government must assert the role that founders believed was essential to the balance of powers. Second, in Texas, we should have a real debate and legislative reform on salaries, vigorous elections and campaign finance. Too much of what happens in Austin is driven by campaign contributions in a State that has no campaign limits. Certain candidates have received hundreds of thousands of dollars from single donors. We need to return government by and for the people to the people.

Paul DeLa Peña El Paso

What is your position on the TAKS test?

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

Over the last four sessions, Texas has moved to teaching to the test instead of educating the child. To improve education, we need end of course exams to measure progress. We moved in this direction in this session.

Carlos El Paso

Would El Paso taxpayers see a property tax relief any time soon? I understand property values appreciate every year. However, the way it is been figured-out by our local offices is killing some of us. I am very seriously thinking about moving to the New Mexico city limits. I guess I am using this opportunity to vent my frustration considering that my property tax bill for this year is going to be very close to $10,000.

Senator Eliot Shapleigh El Paso, Texas

Carlos, I appreciate your frustration. During the campaign, we heard more about property taxes than nearly any other issue. Soon, your school m/o tax rate will be lowered to $1.00. You will see some relief. Obviously, this does not fix the appraisal side of the property tax issue. As you know, I have long advocated lowering property taxes by 90%. Property taxes are very hard on elderly and middle class because you have to pay the tax every year on a rising apprisal. If you don't, you get your house foreclosed. And for most, income does not go up nearly as fast as the tax. Finally, one thing you should know. NM has an income tax to pay for schools. In fact 43 of the 50 states have an income tax to pay for schools. So, the property tax much lower in New Mexico. For most, the net tax paid is lower in New Mexico than Texas, even with an income tax because the property tax is so much lower.