Bi-National Mayors Conference
May 2008
Ascencion, Mexico
Summary Notes of Conference
The four Bi-National Sister Cities Mayor’s Conference was held May 24, 2008. The Conference was held in Ascencion, Mexico. The weather was great so there was little need for cool air in the room. The meeting was held at the Municipal Building which had recently been re-modeled. The room for the meeting was well ventilated and easy to hear each speaker.
There were more than 30 participants in the conference. Three mayors from Mexico attended but no US mayors attended. Attending from the US were Keith LeMay, Louis Perez and George Pintar. There was concern about the violence in Palomas by some of the US mayors and US members of MPC. Those attending from the US had no travel problems. The municipal building was well protected by the local law enforcement personnel.
The mayor of Ascencion was in charge of the agenda of the meeting. The first items that was discussed was that of violence along the border and the problems that the violence was causing the tourist trade along the MPC loop. It was estimated that there was at least a 25% decrease in economic activity on the Mexican side of the border. Along with the economic problems was a free flowing concern with the fence being built by the US government. One problem that was aired was the problem of animals being able to migrate from one area to another. There was no solution provided for either problem.
The energy of the meeting was changed by the introduction of the Old West Country magazine that was distributed by Keith LeMay. The question was asked why there was not such magazine for the Mexican side of the loop. There was a committee formed to produce such a document. The energy caused by the magazine discussion continued throughout the rest of the meeting.
A great meal was served at the Miami Restaurant and Hotel.
The next phase of the meeting was a well presented side show about all the various animals and birds that visitors would see if they come to the area. The program was very well received by all attendees. The next slide presentation was made by Chihuahua state department of Tourism. The presentation demonstrated the various tourist attractions that could be seen in the area.
The next Bi-National Sisters Mayors conference will be held in Deming on the first Saturday in November. (November 1st)
For further information, contact George Pintar at ratnip7@msn.com
