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Posted by
Claudia L. Ordaz
on
December 27, 2011
Tomorrow, Congressman Reyes (D-TX) will join Representative Eddie Holguin for a park dedication ceremony and ribbon-cutting at 2:00 p.m. at 520 South Side Rd in honor of Army Specialist Adrian Garcia. “This park represents the unwavering support from the El Paso community for Adrian and his family,” said Congressman Reyes. “We cannot thank Adrian enough for the service and sacrifices he has made protecting and serving our country.” During his first deployment, Spc. Garcia lost his legs during a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack in Ramadi, Iraq in March 2007. Spc. Garcia is now medically retired from the Army. Last month, Congressman Reyes took part in the Home for Our Troops project for Spc. Garcia that provided him with a specially-adapted barrier free home for his commitment and sacrifices to the nation. Spc. Garcia grew up in El Paso's lower valley directly across the street from the new park and after his return from Iraq before the completion of the home built by the Home for Our Troops project. Rep. Eddie Holguin worked with the Ysleta Independent School District (YISD), the City of El Paso, and the El Paso County Water Improvement District to make this park project possible.WHO: Congressman Silvestre Reyes Representative Eddie Holguin WHAT: Park dedication ceremony and ribbon-cutting for Army Specialist Adrian Garcia. WHERE: 520 South Side Rd WHEN: Tomorrow, December 28, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.
Posted by
Diana Washington Valdez
on
July 11, 2011
Gutierrez, an El Paso entrepreneur and communications expert, was part of a handful of Latino leaders and 150 people in total that discussed gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights with President Barack Obama. The event was held June 29 in Washington, D.C. Gutierrez, 33, is a graduate of Princeton University and has a master's degree in public and international affairs. He shared some post-White House meeting impressions with the El Paso Times. Q What expectations did you have after accepting the invitation from the White House? A This invitation was an opportunity to expand on the stories of our communities, from the great work El Paso is undergoing to revitalize Downtown to the importance of fair and inclusive treatment of all communities, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. This awe-inspiring invitation was in many ways an extension of what I do everyday, working to share the stories of real people, to amplify their voices in what we see and hear on television, newspapers and magazines, radio, and now online. What you read or hear about in the news conversations in the office, in restaurants and living rooms. This conversation was no different. I hoped to join with our nation's top leaders to have a frank discussion about what the administration plans in terms of promoting LGBT equality. I wanted to be reinspired and assured that our president remains committed to full equality for all Americans, including LGBT families and their children. Q What was the meeting like? A It was surreal. It likely will be one of the most memorable experiences of my life. From the surprisingly modest decor of the White House to the smells of historical furniture, books and portraits, you could feel its history and the legacies or our nation's greatest presidents and their first families. There is nothing that can prepare you for the firm, quite welcoming handshake of the president. Just having eye contact for a few seconds felt as if time stood still, and for the moment I had the attention of the most important leader in the free world. I am more committed to spend my days with hard-working people and their families to give voice to their message and create opportunities for media to cover their life-changing stories. From community leaders to students helping to combat anti-gay bullying in schools, the room was energized with a firm commitment from President Obama that his work is not done, and that his commitment to the LGBT community is stronger than ever. Q What were you led to believe was the purpose of the gathering? A In celebration of LGBT Pride Month, the administration had invited a snapshot of the members of the LGBT community from across the country to discuss the future of LGBT equality in the U.S. In many ways, it served as a venue for the president to share this blueprint to move forward on LGBT civil rights. This was an opportunity to exchange ideas, and share the lives of our communities with one clear message, one story at a time. It was a forum in many ways to convey the message that our community deserves the same things all Americans do -- that is, to have good jobs, take care of our families, and in the spirit of this country, to find ways to help and serve others. Q What specific things are you hoping that the federal government will do for the LGBT community? A I wanted to hear what steps are being taken to stop enforcing discriminatory policies, such as the Defense of Marriage Act and the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military policy. With the recent decision in New York regarding marriage equality, I would one day like to be afforded the same protections and responsibilities of marriage. It is a civil rights issue, and two, loving, committed people should be able to take care of one another and safeguard their families and children. As millions of Americans see and hear stories about LGBT people, change will happen. It may not be overnight, yet as with all things in history, change requires patience, perseverance and a little faith. There is still much work to be done. Many people can still get fired from their jobs in many states because of whom they love. Children are being bullied and harassed on our playgrounds, and hate-related crimes still occur, even in the safest city in the U.S. In this state, adopting children is almost impossible. When one's partner is in the hospital, if and when they will respect the president's federal mandate to allow one's spouse and partner to be by their side, is still a question. Q Do you think there was a representative cross-section of the LGBT community present? A The administration certainly made every effort to invite a snapshot of deeply caring individuals in our communities. I was perhaps among a handful of Latinos that attended the event out of about 150 people, so it was important to make this experience much more than myself. These are real people, in your neighborhoods and in our communities, making a difference. From what I gathered, there remains great trust and commitment that this administration will stand on the right side of equality. The people that attended the White House gathering came from all walks of life. I am forever humbled that I was able to highlight El Paso as a great city now, and an even better city for all residents in the future. Q What do you think the meeting accomplished? A This was one of many conversations President Obama and the administration will continue to have with the LGBT community. It was a reaffirmation that the president has not given up on reaching full equality for the LGBT community, and in many ways the president is not asking for a leap of faith, but a firm commitment to stand by him as his re-election nears and help him continue to fulfill the promises he has made to the American public and create sustainable, fundamental change for all hard-working Americans. If this was my 15 minutes in the spotlight, then I took every opportunity to talk about our great city, the progress we are making, and the potential that El Paso and our surrounding communities have in terms of improving the overall quality of life in this region. Q Did President Obama make any commitments related to the LGBT community's concerns? A The president certainly had some memorable and interesting comments to share with the group. Here are some memorable quotes from the president: "I would like to be judged not by the promises I made, but the promises I kept. "The idea that everyone ought to be treated equally all across the country calls for standing up against discrimination ... (against) parents, children, partners and spouses. "I delivered on my promise. That doesn't mean our work is done. There will be times you are still frustrated with me. I know there will be times you will be frustrated in the face of change. I understand that. I know I can count on you to let me know. "The bottom line is I am hopeful. I am hopeful because of the changes we have achieved just in these past two years. Think about it. It's astonishing. Progress in just a few years people would have thought impossible." Diana Washington Valdez may be reached at dvaldez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6140.
Posted by
Claudia L. Ordaz
on
July 11, 2011
On Monday July 11th and Tuesday July 12th, the White House will host a Hispanic Policy Conference, bringing community leaders from across the country together with a broad range of White House and Cabinet officials for an in-depth series of interactive workshops and substantive conversations on the Administration’s efforts as they relate to the Hispanic community. Participants, including community leaders and local elected officials, will have the opportunity to interact with federal policy makers on the issues that matter most to Hispanics and all Americans, including creating jobs and strengthening the economy, expanding access to affordable and quality health care, reforming our nation’s education system, protecting civil rights, and fixing the broken immigration system so that it meets our nation’s 21st century economic and security needs. The first day of the policy conference, held at the White House, will consist of plenary sessions and dynamic breakout sessions designed to provide participants with an opportunity to interact with every participating Administration official. The second day of the policy conference, held primarily at the Department of Health & Human Services, will include an innovative open space dialogue, in which individual participants will have the opportunity to define the agenda and shape the format themselves.
Posted by
Claudia L. Ordaz
on
July 08, 2011
Today, Congressman Reyes met with Secretary G. Wayne Clough of the Smithsonian museums. They discussed exciting new projects including a new National Museum of the American Latino and exploring a creating a partnership with El Paso.
Posted by
Vincent M. Perez
on
June 08, 2011
Washington, Jun 8 - Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) released the following statement today on the passing of Col. (Ret.) James “Buster” Hayden. Hayden, a class of 1945 West Point Graduate, Retired Army Officer with 30 years military service, and long time area West Point liaison, served as the Chairman of Congressman Reyes’ Military Academy Advisory Board for 15 years.
"Carolina and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my very good friend, Col. 'Buster' Hayden. We extend our condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones, particularly, his wife 'Sugar' and mourn his loss with them. Our community has lost one of the greatest advocates for El Paso youth wishing to serve in our nation's Armed Forces. "Col. Hayden helped shepherd more cadets into the United States Military Academy at West Point than anyone in the history of the Academy. For 15 years, Col. Hayden devoted countless hours as Chairman of the Military Academy Advisory Board for the 16th congressional district, where he oversaw the annual process of nominating El Paso’s finest young men and women to our nation’s service academies. Since 1976, he helped recruit talented cadets from the El Paso-area to West Point. His love for the Academy and for our Armed Forces will be sorely missed. "After his family, what he loved most was inspiring scores of young El Pasoans every year to never give up on their dreams. He influenced the lives of many service academy graduates, who have pursued successful military careers. It was a privilege to know Buster and to work with him. He leaves a great legacy and will have a lasting impact for many generations to come. Our nation, and our community, are deeply indebted to him for his service.”
Posted by
Vincent M. Perez
on
June 01, 2011
Washington, Jun 1 - Texas Democratic Congressional Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Gene Green (TX-29), Lloyd Doggett (TX-25), Sheila Jackson-Lee (TX-18), Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15), Silvestre Reyes (TX-16), Charlie Gonzalez (TX-20), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), and Al Green (TX-09) released the following statement today on Republican efforts in the Texas state legislature to dilute Hispanic and African-American representation through the redistricting process:
"The congressional redistricting map unveiled yesterday by Republicans in the state legislature is the clearest example of Republicans' deliberate attempts to dilute Hispanic and African-American representation in Texas. Despite the fact that Texas’s minority population has grown substantially over the past decade, becoming the state’s majority population, the Republican proposed map suppresses their influence. "While nearly 90 percent of Texas's growth over the last decade was due to population growth among Hispanics, African-American, and Asians, state Republicans allocate no additional seats where these Texans have the ability to influence the outcome of an election. These efforts by Republicans are nothing more than a concerted attempt to deny every Texan the power of one person one vote over the next decade. This is retrogression, plain and simple. This deliberate attempt to silence the voices of such a large segment of our population is contrary to our American ideals, and should be resoundingly rejected by all Texans. "Texas is a richly diverse state, and the new congressional map should reflect the large influence of Texans of Hispanic, African-American, and Asian descent, not weaken their voices. Our state's gains in congressional seats are the direct result of minority growth, and the new congressional map should reflect this reality."
Posted by
Vincent M. Perez
on
May 28, 2011
Washington, May 27 - Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX-16) released the following statement today on the enactment of state legislation that creates new voting rules that will disproportionately harm minority voters:
"Despite dismal voter turnout, particularly in Texas border counties, today's enactment of new voting rules by Governor Perry creates additional hurdles that will discourage voter participation. This harmful legislation is nothing more than a shameful attempt to silence the growing voice of minorities in our state, particularly Hispanic voters. While similar laws have been passed in other states, Texas is a minority-majority state, and these new voting rules will have a disproportionate impact on poor and minority voters. The fact that mail-in balloting is more susceptible to potential fraud and is not addressed in this legislation, is a clear indication that the Governor's motive to 'secure the integrity of the ballot box' is disingenuous. "With Governor Perry's attempts to use local police to enforce federal immigration laws, his efforts to add more hurdles at the voting booth, his continued fear-mongering attacks on Texas's border communities that harm our ability to attract business and tourism, and his party's efforts to dilute minority representation through redistricting, one thing is certain - he leaves behind the most anti-Hispanic legacy in our state's history."
Posted by
Vincent M. Perez
on
May 25, 2011
Washington, May 25 - Homicides in Austin increase more than 70 percent, yet Governor Perry calls border "a national disgrace"
New FBI data show Texas Capital and cities represented by Boehner, Cantor, McCarthy, and McConnell all have more homicides than Texas border cities combined Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX-16) released the following statement in response to Governor Perry's continued attacks on Texas border communities. New preliminary data released by the FBI this week show that Texas' border cities remain among the safest places to live in the United States: "Instead of pandering to TV cameras to tarnish the image of Texas's border region, Governor Perry should focus on controlling crime in the rest of Texas. While Governor Perry falsely claims that 'drug cartels have operational control of a substantial amount' of the border to incite fear, new data released by the FBI this week confirm that border cities remain among the safest places to live in the United States. In fact, Austin, Texas, where Governor Perry resides in his $10,000-a-month rental mansion at taxpayer expense, reported a 72 percent increase in homicides in 2010. The city of Austin had more homicides last year than El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Brownsville combined. All Texans should resoundly reject the Governor's fear-mongering rhetoric that harms our state's image and our ability to attract tourism and commerce to the border region. The Governor should help create jobs in the region, not scare them away as part of his self-interested quest to bolster his national image." (National Homicide Rate = 5.0 per 100,000 Population)
Congressman Silvestre Reyes is a 26-year veteran and Former Sector Chief of the United States Border Patrol. He is the Chairman of the House Armed Forced Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, and former Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Posted by
Vincent M. Perez
on
May 09, 2011
Congressman Silvestre Reyes released the following statement today in response to Republicans' continued distortions of border violence: "Tomorrow, President Obama will visit the border region when he speaks in El Paso, the largest border city in Texas and the safest large city in America. As Republicans continue to distort the facts and use border violence as an excuse to delay immigration reform and disparage the outstanding work of our local, state, and federal law enforcement professionals, I hope the President's visit will help expose Republicans' distorted rhetoric on border violence, and renew the push for much-needed reforms to our immigration system that are long overdue."
Source: Local Police Departments' Crime Statistics
Rape Rate (National Rate = 28.7 Rapes per 100,000 Population)
Robbery Rate (National Rate = 133.0 Robberies per 100,000 Population)
Aggravated Assault (National Rate = 262.8 Aggravated Assaults per 100,000 Population)
Burglary (National Rate = 716.3 Burglaries per 100,000 Population)
Motor Vehicle Theft (National Rate = 258.8 Motor Vehicle Thefts per 100,000 Population)
Cities Ranked by Highest Rates of Crime (400 total)
Posted by
Vince
on
May 04, 2011
John Brennan, the President's top advisor for counterterrorism was the keynote speaker at the 2009 Border Security Conference at UTEP. On Monday, Brennan provided details about the operation that killed al Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden.
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