Give taxpayers opportunity to vote on big money projects
Meta agreed to a settlement in August to resolve multi-state lawsuits over youth social media addiction and child safety. Sure, we all are concerned about sites that might harm young minds. Type or ask about any possible subject and within seconds the user will be able to view the answers. We no longer have to depend on having a set of encyclopedias or have to make a trip to the local library, just type or ask.
One thing missing from this discussion is personal responsibility. As parents and adults, we must consider how much freedom we give children when it comes to cell phone use. I have seen children with cell phones glued to their hands before they can walk. Sure, our responsibility is limited once they are away from home. So, what's the solution?
The answer is always found in the middle, but that's the place where few want to adventure.
That responsibility should also apply to our city government when it comes to deciding on certain projects, like the Meta data center. Any huge project that requires a huge amount of funds the citizens should be made aware in the initial phases and not when they decide to move forward. Give the taxpayers the opportunity to vote on it.
Ramon Valenzuela
East El Paso
The job description of a U.S. Representative
The job of a U.S. representative is to speak and vote in Congress on behalf of the people in her district. Yet (U.S. Rep.) Veronica Escobar championed the elimination of commercial traffic at the Bridge of the Americas without an economic-impact study to measure the consequences. When the Hunt Institute at the University of Texas at El Paso subsequently documented a $36.6 billion fallout in foregone trade, Rep. Escobar continues to insist that the decision is final.
Isn’t it time for El Paso to consider electing someone who understands — and respects — the job description of a U.S. Representative?
Adair Margo
West El Paso
Help me find Miss Lujan
I was an Army soldier who was medevaced from Vietnam after an arm amputation and was hospitalized at William Beaumont Army Hospital in El Paso, Texas from September 1968 to February 1969. While I was a patient there, I decided to get my GED, which helped me greatly in life in finding a good job and to go on to earn a college degree.
I remember Miss Lujan who worked at the William Beaumont Army Education Center or perhaps the Fort Bliss Army Education Center. Miss Lujan was very helpful to me with her nurturing, encouragement, kindness, and thoughtfulness. She worked as a secretary at the education center in late 1968 to early 1969. If anyone could connect me to her after all these years to thank her it would greatly appreciated!
Peter Cullen
Clifton, New Jersey
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: LETTERS: Give taxpayers opportunity to vote on big money projects
