Light Rail in El Paso? Let’s Do it!!!

El Paso Mayor John Cook and City Representative Susie Byrd would like to see light rail systems come to El Paso for mass transit. I think a light rail system in town would be a great addition to El Paso’s public transit system.

I’ve actually used public transit fairly regularly throughout my time here in the Sun City. I know a lot of people complain about it, but I’ve seen much worse. Buses break down in the heat all the time in Phoenix. The Valley of the Sun is now moving to light rail (something they’ve talked about for YEARS!) and many of the rail stops are already being built and some are completed.

The difference is this is one of the first times, in a long time, that El Paso is moving ahead. Phoenix is a giant metropolis with a well-developed business community, attractions, resorts, stadiums, malls, and a massive freeway system. Phoenix’s Achille’s Heal has always been its mass transit system. Only now is the light rail system becoming reality there.

I’m glad to see a progressive move like that being done here in El Paso. A rail system, if it’s done right, will go a long way to easing traffic, encouraging mass transit as a viable option, and help out our air quality.

But be prepared for the headaches. It’s not going to please everyone. The traffic will get worse before the benefit is seen. Be patient folks and give it a chance to work.

Mayor Cook summed up the requirements of a good rapid transit system by saying it had to be three things, fast, clean, and comfortable. I would add two other adjectives to his list. Reliable & tech-friendly.

If you want more people to use the system, you have to give them a reason. Internet connectivity will encourage working people and young people to hop on the rail and get out of their one-occupant pick-up truck.

Barbara Perez Leaves KHRO 1650am

Barbara Perez, sometimes controversial host of Me Against the World had her last show yesterday. She said she was leaving of her own will because she wanted to do some other things in her life. Perez also pointed to contentious relationships with old friends due to the Obama-Clinton battle and a negative campaign season for local officials.

Perez was a person that you either loved or hated. She was a fervent Hillary supporter and was the only radio personality to land an interview with Hillary on Election Day.

Perez also gained notarity for raising some controversial issues during the election season including the sexuality of sheriff candidate Richard Wiles and Barack Obama’s race.

It was a tearful good-bye as Perez broke down a couple of times when her supporters and even some of her detracktors (including yours truly) called to say that she would be missed.

On a personal level, I rarely (if ever) agreed with her. I’ve had some fun with her on my blog about some of her stances on issues or statements she’s made. I don’t back down from them, but I will genuinely miss her on the radio.

I used to be an amateur boxer when I was in the Army. When you are in the ring, you fight. The point is to hurt your opponent and win. Alot like politics. Perez was never afraid to mix it up with the best of them.

But just like politics, at the end of a great fight, your opponent would often earn your respect. The best compliment I can pay her is to say that..

She was always a worthy adversary. She’ll be missed.