The Texas border is always a hot topic in state and national politics, but what’s the scoop from the politicians who actually live there? As part of Texas Standard’s 10th birthday celebrations, our crew set up a live show at the University of Texas in El Paso and had a chat with two big shots from the area to get the lowdown on how the city is viewed and what’s shaking locally.
Former Congressman Beto O’Rourke, a Democrat, and former El Paso Mayor Dee Margo, a Republican, both had a bone to pick with the national narrative about their home turf. O’Rourke pointed out that El Paso is one tough cookie to reach from the rest of the state, often leading to the city being overlooked or forgotten by the powers that be. Margo, who served in the Texas House under the Republican banner, emphasized that while he may have political affiliations, his loyalty lies first and foremost with being an El Pasoan.
“I always told people when I was running, I was an El Pasoan first before I was ever a Republican. And that’s the way I approach things,” he said. “But we’re very unique here. We’ve been here since 1659, 100 years before the United States was ever founded.”
O’Rourke chimed in, highlighting the diversity and unity of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, emphasizing how the two communities come together despite being in different countries, cultures, and speaking different languages. He stressed the importance of acknowledging the unique nature of their region and how it can contribute to making America even greater.
However, O’Rourke also didn’t shy away from addressing the national rhetoric against immigration, pointing out the tragic Walmart shooting in 2019 fueled by hateful sentiments. Despite the challenges, he commended the community’s resilience in the face of adversity. When discussing the future of the Democratic Party and potential presidential candidates, O’Rourke stressed the need to learn from past mistakes and confront issues head-on.
As for Margo, he didn’t hold back on his critiques of the past four years, expressing disappointment in the lack of progress and understanding from state lawmakers toward El Paso. He emphasized the city’s unique position as a bi-national, bi-cultural bilingual region and called for more attention and investment to boost the local economy and infrastructure.
“We oughta be the center for immigration reform. Both parties have been culpable in their failure to do something about immigration reform since 1986. It is not all Republican, and it is not all Democrat; it is both. No one has taken the leadership.”
Margo’s vision for El Paso includes a bustling downtown, increased commercial investment, and a focus on educational research to support a thriving economy. He highlighted ongoing efforts in cancer prevention and research grants as part of the city’s commitment to growth and progress.
So, there you have it, folks – straight from the horse’s mouth. The Texas border may be a political battleground, but the voices of those who call it home offer a perspective that goes beyond the usual talking points. Not really sure why this matters, but hey, that’s politics for you.
