Giving Back to El Paso

I have started a new program for 2009, designed to give back to the people of El Paso. I call it "Move With A Purpose." I believe very strongly in giving back to the community. There are many ways to do it, donations, volunteer your time, etc... Anything you can do to make a difference.

In 2009 I am going to donate 20% of every real estate commission earned to a local charity. In order to participate and help make a difference just go to my website http://www.ricksnowsellselpasohomes.com/ and click on Move With A Purpose. If you are buying or selling a home, register here and help make a difference in El Paso.

I am looking for additional charities to add to my partner list, so if you know of a good cause let me know and we'll get it added to the list. My goal is to give away as much money as I can in 2009. Help me out.

It's Good to be the Chief

Congratulations to Greg Allen on his appointment as the Chief of the El Paso Police department. Chief Allen has been running the department since Dec 2007 while the appointment process was under way. An El Paso native, Chief Allen has been with the EPPD since 1978.

Jim Valenti for President

Okay, maybe not president, however congratulations are in order for Jim and his staff at Thomason Hospital. Thomason Hospital was named one of the top 100 hospitals in the US. One of only 7 in the great state of Texas and one of only four public hospitals in the nation. These awards are based on studies of clinical processes and outcomes, patient safety, operational efficiency and financial stability. Our hospital is a great asset for El Paso and we are fortunate to have Jim running it.

You can read about what is going on at Thomason Hospital at www.ElPasoConnected.com/thomason.htm

My Video Debut

New Laws Affect Soldiers

Did you see the artyicle in Monday's El Paso Times about new laws that affect our soldiers?

Now don't get me wrong. I'm a retired soldier myself and I believe we should help our military in everyway possible, but let's take a look at these new laws:

1. Providing cheaper or free registration for concealed handgun permits? I fail to see the benefit here. Perhaps I'm wrong.

2.Waiving fees for for copies of birth certificates, marriage licenses, etc... That one I'll buy.

3. Expedited enrollment in Medicaid for military families? Aren't they covered under Tricare?

4. Allowing absentee ballots to be sent electronically. Okay, but do we actually have the technology in place to let them vote electronically?

5. One new measure requires the Texas adjutant general to set up referral programs for physical and mental health assistance for soldiers returning from battle. Do they get this before or after they get their concealed weapons permit?

How about if the Texas legislature concentrates on providing some real assistance to soldiers and their families instead of this BS?

What a waste of time even standing up and saying, "Hey, let's make it easier for soldiers fresh from battle to carry guns around in the community."

Tell your legislators to stop blowing smoke up your, you know what, and to get busy on some real issues.

Website for Soldier Spouses

A new website is up and running to assist the spouses of soldiers in their search for jobs. www.elpasojobregister.com is free to spouses and employers alike. A partnership of Fort Bliss and the El Paso Chamber of Commerce, the site is designed to put military spouses and employers together to form a network that will benefit both groups. For more information job seekers should contact Shannon Branson at 568-1132 and employers can contact the Greater El Paso Chamber of commerce at 534-0543.

Driver Responsibilty Law

Senator Eliot Shapleigh wants to review the Driver Responsibility Law that was implemented in 2003 because so many people face large surcharges for their moving violations. The story in the El Paso Times quotes a young lady saying she has 11 warrants that total over $5000 in fines and surcharges for charges that include driving without insurance, invalid registration and speeding. She says she can't pay the fines because, in part, she has to pay to have her car fixed since someone hit her. Well she doesn't need to get her car fixed until she can afford to be a responsible driver.

I guess Senator Shapleigh thinks the fact that people don't have the money to pay their fines and surcharges is a valid excuse to just ignore them and continue to drive unlicensed and uninsured.

Well Senator, perhaps you would prefer that we just eliminate the traffic laws altogether? That will kill two birds with one stone. No more unreasonable fines for license or insurance scoflaws and drunk drivers and we will be able to stop paying law enforcement personnel to issue traffic citations.

How about if we don't worry about whether they have the money to pay and hope they get caught and thrown in jail? It may just drive home the point that they shouldn't be driving if they can't afford the insurance or don't have "time" to get a drivers license.

I propose that if you get pulled over and can't show proof of insurance your car be impounded on the spot. Give them 30 days to get their car out of impound after paying the fees and showing proof of insurance or sell it at auction.

Drunk driving should result in loss of driving rights for a long time, if not forever. Prison should not be out of the question.

Senator Shapliegh, quit trying to give people an out for not being responsible and quit wasting our tax dollars having your staff research how to help them be irresponsible.