12 years later, money for new upgrades in El Paso sought

The last time the city asked residents to vote on a quality-of-life bond, the voters cooperated, easily passing all four propositions in 2000.

Twelve years later, as the city prepares to ask El Pasoans to vote on a new $655 million to $835 million bond, just about every project listed on the 2000 bond issue -- minus a parking garage at the zoo -- has been completed.

It is because of that success that the mayor and other city officials are willing to go to the voters again. The 2000 bond showed that the city could hold the line on taxes and still achieve its goals, Mayor John Cook said.

The proposed November 2012 bond referendum, while bigger in dollars and projects, is needed to create a longer-lasting economic impact on the community

"The combination of signature projects with neighborhood projects and basic infrastructure is what really makes this strong," Cook said.

Unlike the 2000 bond, which was worth $141 million, this year's bond could carry national implications as it calls for a multipurpose arena and sports stadiums. The 2012 bond proposal also carries money for the zoo, infrastructure and neighborhoods.

But the centerpieces are the stadiums, which won't be built unless there's a commitment from a team to make El Paso home.

"There's no reason that those events and shows that are going to Phoenix or even Las Cruces can't come to El Paso if we have the right facilities," said Rick Horrow, president of Horrow Sports

His national company has been hired to help develop a plan to spur economic development in the region, something that was not done in 2000.

Most of the money from the 2000 bond issue was spread among four city departments: Parks and Recreation, the library, the zoo and history museum. The library bond issue, was the most popular, passing with 77 percent of the vote, according to El Paso Times archives.

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12 years later, money for new upgrades in El Paso sought