El Paso, Texas – A group of neighborhood activists has begun the formal process to recall District 4 City Councilmember Cynthia Boyar Trejo. The effort follows a marathon twelve‑hour council meeting in June that ended with a 5‑3 vote opposing a proposal to renegotiate, and possibly cancel, tax incentives for the Meta‑AI data center currently under construction in northeast El Paso.
Background on the council vote
During the lengthy session, councilmembers debated whether the city should continue offering generous tax breaks to the data‑center developer. Five members, including Councilmember Trejo, voted to halt any renegotiation, effectively keeping the incentives in place. The meeting concluded with chants of “vote them out” from members of the public who remained in the chamber.
Recall petition mechanics
Recall supporters have filed the necessary paperwork with the El Paso County Clerk’s Office and are now gathering signatures to meet the statutory threshold. Under Texas law, a recall petition must be signed by a number of registered voters equal to at least 25 percent of the total votes cast in the most recent election for the office in question.
Organizers say they expect to face legal challenges from the city and from Councilmember Trejo’s legal team, who argue that the recall effort may not satisfy procedural requirements. Nevertheless, the petitioners remain confident, noting that the public’s frustration over the data‑center incentive decision has only grown.
What’s at stake?
The recall drive highlights a broader tension in El Paso over how the city should use its tax‑base to attract high‑tech development. Proponents of the incentive argue that the data center will bring jobs and long‑term economic benefits, while opponents contend that the city is giving away revenue that could fund essential services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure.
For families and faith‑based community groups, the issue touches on parental‑rights to ensure that local resources are directed toward the well‑being of children rather than corporate subsidies. Many residents view the recall as a way to restore accountability and protect the constitutional principle of government serving the people.
Next steps
The petition filing will be reviewed by the county clerk, who will determine whether the signatures meet the legal threshold. If approved, a recall election will be scheduled, giving El Paso voters the chance to decide whether Councilmember Trejo should finish her term.
Local media will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and report on signature‑collection milestones. Community members who wish to participate can attend upcoming public hearings at City Hall or contact the recall organizers through the phone number listed on the petition flyer.
How to stay informed
Residents can follow updates on the recall effort by tuning into KVIA’s ABC‑7 Xtra Sunday program on Sunday nights at 10:35 p.m., or by visiting the station’s website for live streams and additional coverage.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
