Name Change Causes Controversy
By: Jackie Smith
Updated: January 10, 2011
ODESSA -- Ector County commissioners decided to keep with the status quo. The decision to rename the Southside Senior Center to honor an old WWII vet will remain.
Even after 50 Southside Residents complained this morning at Commissioners Court.
Residents felt that they weren't properly informed about this measure to rename this old center in Ector County.
Some residents told me that they feel discouraged and that this is all a mistake they want fixed.
Most mornings you can find Dorothy Hall sitting at the center, shuffling through her morning paper.
"We identify with it, the Southside, I think we have been dealt a hand that wasn't pleasing," said Dorothy Hall Jenkins.
She's upset that commissioner Armando Rodriguez,
"Didn't want to undo an unjust thing," said Hall.
She feels that was a huge mistake.
"It was like pouring salt on an old wound, you know what I'm saying," said Hall.
But the daughter of Salvadore Guerrero, the man who's name will replace Southside, says she doesn't understand the problem.
"He was the person who went to the courts and asked for the building to be made, I thought what an honor, never thought there would be an opposition to that," said Rachel Guerrero.
And after hearing testimony from 50 Southside residents, Guerrero feels, "like somoene pulled out the rug from under me."
As these residents pound their dominos on the table, they can't help but feel cheated.
"I think it was all wrong, it should represent all of us," said Lola Williams.
Don't get them wrong. they're thankful for Guerrero's contribution to the center,
"We appreciate it what anyone did to make this happen," said Hall.
But say, he may not have been the only one who wanted this honor.
"What he wanted, well my lord, but what about the other people that worked with him, suppose they wanted the same thing," said Hall.
"He just felt a part of that building, and wanted to I guess have his name there, I would say for his family to have a legacy of what he did," said Guerrero.
Dorothy also told me that she feels misrepresented by Commissioner Rodriguez. Commissioners say that in the future, they will make sure to do surveys and consult the community before making any decision like this one.
Jackie Smith can be reached by email at jsmith@kmid.tv.
