On Tuesday, April 22, 2014, Commissioner Carlos Leon held his community meeting at the Pebble Hills Regional Command Center. Guest speaker, Congressman Beto O’Rourke, cordially addressed matters on Veteran Affairs, the U.S-Mexican border and Ft. Bliss.
In regards to Veteran Affairs, Congressman O’Rourke spoke about the ongoing improvement on the veteran health care course of action. Some of these improvements included cutting back on wait time when it comes to the claim process and being able to see a doctor within a two week time period as expected by returning veterans. O’Rourke proceeded to state, “…support those who put themselves on the line for this country.”
On issues related to the U.S-Mexican border, Congressman O’Rourke emphasized how trade, job creation and city development often rely on international bridges. He continued to speak on the importance of having a good relationship between both countries.
Congressman O’Rourke also spoke on the significant growth Ft. Bliss is undergoing and the impact it currently has on El Paso at this time. Ft. Bliss currently holds 29,000 active duty soldiers and 70,000 family members. The congressman expressed how we have a moral purpose to support the military, putting Ft. Bliss first foot forward.
Commissioner Leon and Congressman O’Rourke vocalized how valuable community meetings are, elaborating on the importance of holding such meetings in order to gain knowledge on the opinions and expectations of our constituents. Immediately following the meeting, our precinct 1 constituents had the opportunity to bring up questions and concerns Congressman O’Rourke was able to touch light upon as he answered each question.
During the April 14, 2014 Commissioners Court session, Commissioner Leon presented a resolution, approved by the court, declaring April 14, 2014 as UTEP Women’s Basketball Team Day. Head Coach Keitha Adams and Director of Athletics Bob Stull, along with other UTEP staff members graciously accepted the much deserved recognition made on this eventful occasion.
Under Coach Adams, the 2014 UTEP Women’s Basketball Program has become known as a state and national power with five 20-win seasons, three conference championships and three postseason tournament berths in the last eight years. The 2013-2014 Lady Miner’s team tied the school and Conference USA record with 29 earned victories. These Miner ladies have set several school records this season including points, rebounds, assists and steals.
This year’s UTEP Women’s Basketball team captured the hearts of many El Pasoans with an exhilarating WNIT championship game, bringing entire families, alumni and fans together. The UTEP Miner ladies sold out the Don Haskins Center for the first time in program history with 12, 222 UTEP fans filling the venue for the WNIT games against South Dakota State and Rutgers.
During the presentation, Coach Adams presented the county officials with a basketball signed by the 2013-2014 Lady Miners. Commissioner Leon also presented Coach Adams with a signed ball on behalf of the county officials. Director Stull and Coach Adams genuinely expressed some words over the success they have shared with these ladies, academically and on the court.