Life in the Permian Basin is more vibrant and busier than ever, and our community is deeply invested in the future.
Our business meetings, school events and neighborhoods are filled with discussions about the growth and potential of our entire region.
Yet, there’s a clear problem: despite our strong community spirit and engagement, this enthusiasm is not translating where it matters most – at the voting booth. Remarkably, only about 10% of us make it out to vote across the Permian Basin, meaning our collective community’s voice is not being heard in the decisions that shape our present and future.
The vitality of our community, particularly evident in the growing amount of young families, professionals and emerging generations who call the Permian home, is anchored in decisions being made today – decisions that will impact our schools, homes and local businesses for decades to come. The importance of channeling our voice, concerns and visions into our ballots cannot be overstated.
Take, for instance, the upcoming November 7th school bond election in Odessa. The Ector County Independent School District (ECISD), prompted by a compelling blend of a growing population and aging facilities, has presented a substantial $436 million school bond proposal for the community’s consideration. The three propositions seek to build new campuses and renovate existing ones – including a state of the art Career & Technical Education Center – upgrade athletic facilities and address additional elements of our educational infrastructure. However, at its core, this proposal extends beyond infrastructure, financial figures and the impact on property taxes. It is a tangible display of our community’s aspirations, our commitment to superior public education and our collective vision for the future of our children and generations yet to come.
The ECISD bond election is not merely a financial decision. It is an acknowledgment of the additional students expected to enter our schools, an understanding of the deficiency of relying on portable temporary buildings as classrooms, and a response to our aging schools. It is a decision that will impact every resident, either directly or indirectly, and warrants our collective engagement, scrutiny and vote. Our own Odessa Chamber Board of Directors has endorsed this Bond, understanding the impact it will have on our community and workforce. After all, our future employees are students in our local schools today.
Engagement in the electoral process, beginning with voter registration and culminating in the casting of your ballot, is an expression of our civic responsibility and a reflection of our commitment to this community. This is not just in the context of large-scale elections but fundamentally tied to our local elections, school board decisions and bond proposals.
As we stand on the edge of significant community decisions, particularly the upcoming ECISD bond election, let’s take this opportunity to recommit ourselves to be active, informed and consistent participants within our democratic processes. When unified and mobilized through our votes, our collective voice has the substantial power to shape policy, direct community growth, and forge a future that genuinely reflects our shared values and aspirations.
Early voting begins October 23rd and runs through November 3rd. More locations have been added, as well as extended voting hours, offering all of us an opportunity to ensure our voices are heard amidst our very busy daily lives. Election day is November 7th.
As Ector County residents and voters, I encourage you to be informed and make it a priority to vote. There are more than 33,000 students/future employees depending on us.
Renee Earls
President/CEO
Odessa Chamber of Commerce
