People

By Guy D. Garcia

A politician promises to cut back taxes or cut back the budget. Sure, you say. But a mayor who promises to cut back neckties, him you had better take seriously. El Paso Mayor Jonathan Rogers, 57, means it. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, he has banned the wearing of coats and ties because of the city's frequent 100 degrees days. Moreover, he intones, "the mayor or any member of the council may enforce this proclamation by cutting off any and all ties, worn at any and all occasions." Quick to the cut himself, Rogers has personally slashed some 220 cravats during the past four summers. Most victims, like Local Banker Sam Young, take it with at least a forced grin. The shear effrontery of Rogers is not limited to men. "If (Houston Mayor) Kathy Whitmire shows up," he pledges, "I will cut off that thing she wears that looks like a tie."