Dear Editor,
Last week, we let our staff at El Cosmico know that the current property will be closing on July 1st. Since we began preparing for the next leg of El Cosmico’s journey, we’ve known this day was coming, and as it arrives, I’m filled with a mix of emotions. I have a tremendous amount of nostalgia about the extraordinary times we’ve had in this place over the past eighteen years. Coming to the end of an era fills me with the sadness that comes with losing something one loves dearly, and I will carry the memories made with all of you in Marfa, and with guests from near and far, in my heart for the rest of my life. At the same time, I am enormously excited to begin building the new El Cosmico, and for what’s ahead at the new location. I can’t wait to bring it to life with a team of talented people, and to share it with all of you in the community.
Most of all, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for everyone who has had a hand in making El Cosmico what it has become, to everyone who swung a hammer, worked the front desk, tended bar at a festival, graced our stage with your musical talent, danced along in the dirt or contributed in some other way to our grand experiment in the high desert.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Liz Lambert
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In response to the letter and news brief regarding the financial issues with Mobile Comunidad, a nonprofit organization I (along with two others) founded in Fort Davis, I vehemently resent the implication that I played any role in causing the organization’s financial difficulties. Without an executive director, I oversaw the organization’s operations. A board of three directors (not nearly enough) had ultimate accountability for Mobile Comunidad’s health.
Board President Todd Jagger had complete and real-time access to every bank transaction in two bank accounts as well as constant phone, email and messaging updates for months, dating back through 2024. I provided full transparency via emails on the management of the organization’s finances to the board on a regular, sometimes daily, basis and repeatedly requested board guidance as the financial situation worsened but was met with silence.
I personally spoke with and received encouragement from funders for nearly $300,000 in grants for April and May. I understand Mobile Comunidad did not receive the monies, although they were all but assured to me. Did those funders lose confidence in the organization’s future under board management?
Those grants, which included general operating funding, would have MORE than cleared up the financial setback. At no time did the board attempt to assist with any fundraising projects, an essential and expected duty of any nonprofit board member.
The landlord said she would have kept working with me on deferred rent. However, she stated that when the board adopted an unfortunate tone and attitude toward her regarding their approach to addressing the situation, she locked the organization out of the Mountain View Lodge and Café. These entities were part of the organization’s planned hospitality academy, intended to offer training and internship opportunities. This happened in mid-March, just as tourism income was generated. The facility also housed the organization’s office and contained all of its assets. At that time, staff members, who had understood the need to defer some of their pay, were within two weeks of being caught up on back pay. I am still owed more than $22,000 in deferred wages.
Amid a very stressful spring break, the board sent an email to me, indicating the intent to take control of the organization, despite having demonstrated disinterest for months. I continued for two more weeks to ensure they had access to everything, finalized all grant applications to be received in April and May, and retired in early April, leaving them to their newfound interest in running the organization. At no time did any board member reach out to speak to me.
Staff members and the landlord were aware of my operational management approach and supported my actions as I worked to overcome the difficulties. The situation is heartbreaking, especially to me as a founder of Mobile Comunidad.
Until the information published last week, I had made no public comments on the situation, as I did not wish to harm the organization or imply any fault on the part of the board. However, I have now been compelled to provide more details about the situation. I do not intend to engage in any future he said/she said exchanges about it.
A nonprofit board has the final responsibility for organizational management. A strong working relationship with open and effective communication between the board and operational manager (me) would have put the organization in a better position and kept it moving forward. Without their takeover of operations, I am confident I would have restored Mobile Comunidad to a strong and healthy status by now, assisting more residents with additional programs tailored to their diverse needs.
Jeanine Southerland
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I am H. A. Cowan, generally known about town simply as “H,” or “Mr. H,” as you may choose. I represent no one other than myself. I am operating on the subject at hand strictly as an individual citizen.
The subject at hand is Presidio County’s attempt to have the owner of our free bridge (TxDOT) give the bridge to Presidio County. Joe Portillo, who I and most of you voted for, would have us believe that all of us would be better off with the county’s bridge ownership. I believe that Joe, an otherwise honorable man, is making a big mistake. The lure of big money will, many times, cloud judgment. He and a wealthy businessman Thomas Lacy, together with extremely expensive lobbyists (HILLCO), are lobbying TxDOT to give over the bridge. (HILLCO has stated it is doing its work pro bono, but who is paying HILLCO –– is Thomas Lacy? Who do we really believe stands to profit more from the proposed takeover of the bridge?)
There has been a lot of flowery talk about how many wonderful things will be created that we all would love if only the county could collect TOLLS at the bridge. Those stories are without merit. I believe Judge Portillo could actually believe some of those ambitions, but they are “dreams” not based on any realistic forecasts of realities of a toll bridge with “crumbs” to the county.
Our free bridge is an asset for all citizens of the county, especially for residents of the City of Presidio. Tolls will seriously dampen trade. The City of Presidio is seriously dependent on sales tax revenue. A significant source of sales which generate sales tax result from huge numbers of shoppers from Ojinaga and other parts of northern Mexico. Having to pay a toll to return to Mexico will absolutely diminish the numbers of shoppers. One only needs to hear from retail store managers to understand the likely impact of tolls.
The City of Presidio is populated by individuals and families, most all of which have friends, relatives, favorite restaurants and other popular shopping outlets in Ojinaga. A high percentage of these residents live on very low incomes. To suddenly charge them a toll to cross the bridge would be a detriment to their very simple, but important, lifestyles.
The proponents of Presidio County owning the bridge have reportedly said that they would either exempt local citizens and businesses from tolls, or at least levy moderate tolls for them. That sort of loose talk is convenient when the proponents are attempting to stifle dissent. We don’t know what the final “deal” or “arrangement” will be. They don’t want us to know until it’s too late to object.” Joe Portillo says that getting ownership of the bridge is “the first step” in the takeover. Should not that be the last step, after all of us understand the “deal” and how we will be affected?
I sent a Texas Public Information Request to County Judge Portillo. I have had some responses from County Attorney Park. Reviewing the responses, I can see that the bridge takeover plan is being crafted by Thomas Lacy, HILLCO lobbyists, and Judge Portillo. It is this trio that should explain to the public exactly what their plans are.
I welcome comments or questions. I work many hours every day, but I will respond to your thoughtful responses as best I can. (Not asking for money now or later.)
HERE’S TO OUR FREE BRIDGE—–A FREEDOM NONE OF US SHOULD WANT TO LOSEH. A. (“H”) Cowan
PO Box 2734, Presidio, TX 79845
(817) 201 6474 h@hcowan.com