Otero: Castner campaign a success
With precious little time left in the current administration, those of us who support of Castner Range being designated a national monument are on pins and needles. Almost daily, my children ask me, “Will it happen today?” When I talk to family and friends, the question is always, “Have you heard anything?”
The only question I can answer with certainty is: “Did the El Paso community do its part to show President Barack Obama the importance of preserving Castner Range?” The answer is a resounding yes!
The El Paso community has rallied in an unprecedented way to protect this amazing piece of land and its history. To date, more than 35,000 letters of support have been sent to the president.
The community came together for an event in December to demonstrate its support of this designation. Elected officials, local organizations, and businesses have all voiced their support. And more than 3,000 students in the El Paso area have expressed their support through art and words.
Their support is critical, not just for Castner Range, but for future needs identified in our community.
The campaign to have Castner Range designated a national monument has taught El Paso’s young people that a positive collective voice can make a difference.
