US Rep. Tony Gonzales opens new district office at Casa Ortiz in Socorro
Casa Ortiz, a historic adobe building in Socorro, welcomed a new resident: Republican U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, who represents a portion of El Paso County.
In a festive affair complete with mariachis and tacos, Gonzales celebrated the opening of his new district office, a small room with a tiled floor and vigas on the ceiling, with pools of sunlight scattered around. His new office at 10167 Socorro Road sits just across a dusty courtyard from a brew pub, Three Missions Brewery.
Gonzales was all smiles Wednesday as he made his way – tacos in hand – through the crowd gathered at Casa Ortiz, which included El Paso city Reps. Henry Rivera and Joe Molinar, Socorro Mayor Ivy Avalos, El Paso County Commissioners Carlos Leon and Iliana Holguin, representatives from the El Paso Chamber and the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, veterans, first responders, judges and other officials.
Many presented Gonzales with plaques and paintings that could adorn the walls of his new office.
Gonzales, who has made a reputation as a vocal politician willing to stand at odds with his party's official positions – often to his own detriment – stayed away from politics during his remarks at Wednesday's ceremony, opting instead to focus on the natural and historic beauty of the area and the path that led him to his position in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Gonzales recalled being abandoned by his father at an early age and being raised in an abusive environment before going to live with his grandparents. He returned home a few years later to the same situation and began living on his own at 15 years old.
Gonzales recalled a downward spiral that began with the death of his grandfather, which led to him dropping out of high school, and then the redemption he achieved by joining the U.S. Navy, earning his diploma and college degrees.
Today, his mother lives with him and helps him raise his children.
"That is who I am," Gonzales said.
The congressman then called on constituents to make themselves at home at Casa Ortiz and consider his office a place where they can go for answers, whether seeking assistance with the IRS or battling Veterans Affairs.
"I work for you, so guess what?" he said. "Put us to work."
"Make sure people know about this place," Gonzales continued. "Don't let this be the last time you're here. Send people out. Whatever you need – mi casa, su casa."
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: US Rep. Tony Gonzales opens district office at Casa Ortiz in Socorro
