District 2 was once a vibrant business area. It has been a goal of mine to bring improved amenities back into commercial areas that are so important to our residents. The upcoming enhancements to the Fort Blvd. and Five Points areas to accompany the successes and efforts put in by business owners, will augment the community pride in commercial areas throughout our district. It will also increase access and walkability of our neighborhoods.
Reinvestment back into the core of our community has been long overdue and we have made huge strides in the right direction. The upcoming Five Points Sun City Lights project will highlight the importance of Central El Paso, while adding great aesthetics and safety to the neighborhood.
I do not believe in economic development that works solely to give handouts to big companies that offer low-paying jobs. That is why I have stood against frivolous spending of your tax dollars consistently throughout my time in office even if I am the only person to advocate against.
I have continued to fight for historic preservation despite opposition from my colleagues. I still firmly believe a strong economic development strategy should also include investment in our history and culture, with a focus specifically on historic preservation and heritage tourism. It is estimated that El Paso only captures about two percent of heritage tourism dollars spent in the state, despite being the sixth largest city in Texas and the 19th largest city in the United States.
We should collaborate with stakeholders throughout the region to advance efforts to preserve our natural and historic resources and treasures. I also believe that our community should be working towards saving and rehabilitating our historic neighborhoods and buildings, not tearing them down.