Lesley Engle of KVIA ABC-7 News, with the assistance of Andrew J. Polk, just published a journalistic masterpiece that every citizen of El Paso must read. Here is what we learn:
The five members of the El Paso County Commissioners Court spent nearly $234,000 on travel between October 1, 2021 and May 31, 2026.
STOUT’S SPENDING BINGE
David Stout spent more than $126,000 on travel, more than the four other members of the Commissioners combined, and more than four times what was spent by the next-highest spender.
During fiscal year 2024 alone, Stout spent $37,725, including nine trips to Austin, a trip to Yosemite, and a stay at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
During the current fiscal year, Stout spent four days at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, accompanied by a staffer.
Stout admitted to KVIA that family, friends or other non-County personnel had joined him but claimed he covered their expenses. He added that traveling with a significant other is “not uncommon” among commissioners.
SAMANIEGO’S LUXURY TRIP TO TAIWAN
In March 2025, County Judge Ricardo Samaniego flew to Taiwan for the Smart City Summit & Expo at an initial cost of $9,200, including $7,855 for business class airfare. County Chief Administrator Betsy Keller claimed he paid for a portion of the trip himself, which turned out to be false.
Shortly after KVIA confronted Samaniego about the trip, he reimbursed the County $4,024 for the difference between business and economy airfare.
Samaniego had accepted a donation of $2,000 from the Taiwanese Council for his travel but there is no record indicating this funding was approved by the Commissioners Court. KVIA is still waiting for him to explain the whereabouts of the $2,000 and whether it was paid to him directly.
Stout and Samaniego may be in real trouble.