League of Woman Voters
of the San Antonio Area
VOTERS
EARLY VOTING STARTS APRIL 27, POLLS OPEN 7 AM TO 7 PM ON ELECTION DAYA nonpartisan
GUIDE
This Voters Guide is funded and published by the League of Women Voters of Texas Education Fund. For more than 90 years, helping voters cast an informed vote when they go to the polls has been the primary goal of the League of Women Voters. As a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, the League believes that all of us are stakeholders in Making Democracy Work. Neither the League nor the Education Fund supports or opposes any politi-cal party or candidate. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates in races that are contested. Candidate replies are printed without editing or verification. Due to space restrictions, candidates were given strict word limits. Replies exceeding the word limit are indicated by slashes (///). Candidates were also asked to avoid references to their opponents. Candidates appearing with no photo failed to submit one. This Voters Guide is organized by office. . The names of unopposed candidates are also listed. This voter guide information is also available on “The Voting App” which can be downloaded from the app store and Google play.
An impartial guide to
help voters make informed decisions
in the May 9, 2015 city election
Question for Candidates
Background: Please describe what combination of
education, motivation and experience qualifies you for this office.
Trust and Transparency: What role do you think
trust and transparency in local government will play in your ability to achieve your priority initiatives or objectives within the time frame you’ve set for your-self?
Traffic: What do you think is the best solution to
congested traffic in and around a growing San Anto-nio?
Biggest Problem: What is the biggest problem you
will face and how should it be addressed?
Paul A. Martinez
Did not respond
Douglas S. Emmett
Did not respond
Michael “Commander” Idrogo
Background: Decorated Navy commander foreign
wars veteran; airlines VP staffer; deputized by Federal judge 1989; law school; Naval Postgraduate; Naval War College; resided worldwide including Paris, Tokyo, Venice, Korea, Africa, Greece; will implement leadership experience and world’s best to increase
wealth of citizens, make city eco-nomic powerhouse. michaelformay-or.info
Trust and Transparency: Most
important! Currently courthouse under FBI surveillance with corrup-tion extending to City Hall; cash-filled briefcases; judges running prostitution/burglary rings, judges first pick loot, gold jewelry melted down; burglars paid with drugs. Kleptocracy; slush funds; etc. DA Reed, City Attorney Bernard, Police Chief McManus; gone! Sculley once found $20 million?! Lying every time their lips move. Avoid kleptocracy, vote Michael Idrogo mayor. Leadership experience to///
Traffic: Synchronized traffic lights. Route NAFTA
trucks around 1604. Freeway exits need more atten-tion. Light rail on hold (light rail creates more traffic congestion); instead build cheaper monorail (new 80 mph transport level above streets). Buses off busy roads. Tax incentives for monorail/bus use. 25 cent bus fare = lower road costs/taxes. Buses coordinated with monorail stations. Railroad crossings need be over/underpass (like Europe). Etc. michaelformayor. info
Biggest Problem: Kleptocracy biggest problem:
courthouse judges running prostitution/burglary rings; judges first pick loot; burglars paid drugs. Cash-filled briefcases. Stiffs, shills, etc. Extends to City Hall. Term limits extended because they can’t find enough crooks they can trust. Career politicians; some since 60s. People slaves to small group kleptocracy. Lying every time their lips moving. Corporations avoid city. Avoid kleptocracy, vote Michael Idrogo mayor. Lead-ership experience to increase citizens’ wealth, make city economic powerhouse. michaelformayor.info
Raymond Zavala
Did not respond
Ivy R. Taylor
Did not respond
Mike Villarreal
Background: I earned a bachelor’s in economics
from Texas A&M and a master’s from Harvard. As an investment banker, I helped cities invest in their
infrastructure while protecting their financial health. I served 15 years in the Texas House, championing public education and property tax/ home-owner rights.
Trust and Transparency: The
Mayor’s job is largely to negotiate, persuade, and explain – all of which are impossible if his or her word isn’t good. My word is good, as I demonstrated con-sistently in the House. A Mayor can achieve nothing of substance without the public’s trust. Transparency is the key to winning that trust. I will follow a strict policy of transparency, as will the rest of city admin-istration. Decisions will be made in the open, with///
Traffic: Homebuilders aren’t required to build
streets beyond their developments. The result is we have a number of roads that look like unconnected
peninsulas, crippling traffic flow. The city must take the lead in connecting these peninsulas to major thoroughfares. We will work with builders and HOAs or neighborhood associations to determine the right solution.
Biggest Problem: Currently, the city’s biggest
challenge is the police and fire contract. We have to negotiate a contract that properly compensates our first responders for their difficult work, but that also makes public safety spending financially sustainable. The expenditures must be a predictable portion of the general fund, so we can avoid “crowding out” other basic services. The right strategy includes giving the unions control over health plan administration and reducing the city’s exposure to rising health care costs.
Tommy Adkisson
Background: BBA in Finance, University of Texas
at Austin, 1972; Doctor of Jurisprudence, South Texas College of Law, 1978; State Representative,
District 57 – D (1981 – 1983); District 119 (1985 – 1987); Elected Bexar County Commissioner, Pre-cinct Four on November 3, 1998, Re-elected, November 5, 2002, No-vember 7, 2006, NoNo-vember 2, 2010
Trust and Transparency: These
are at the core of any elected offi-cial’s credibility. My efforts to “be everywhere over the past sixteen years as County Commissioner and four years as State Representative reflect my commitment to be accessible and available to the public. A former Mayor once told me, “Adkis-son, you are ubiquitous”, meaning that I am every-where! I view each of my appearances in the commu-nity to be mini-town halls and look to continue them as Mayor.
Traffic: I believe a variety of approaches to be
essential to our traffic congestion. Neighborhood re-vitalization would diminish the urge to sprawl. Multi-modal transportation, including mass transportation, bicycle, pedestrian and other modes are critical. Also, the Lone Star Rail, supported by all levels of govern-ment is necessary. Work to eliminate diversions of gas taxes, passage of Senator Nichols vehicular sales tax bill, dedicating a portion of such revenues to transportation would be a good start.
Biggest Problem: Crime. Neighborhood
revital-ization is essential to our sustainable---functional and
financially sound future. At present, the vitality of our neighborhoods determines our ability to provide a healthy environment in which to raise our children. A Department of Neighborhoods or public-nonprofit partnership with the Neighborhood Resource Center would go a long way toward the City’s commitment to city-wide strength. Rich, middle income or poor neighborhoods should reflect pride should partner to improve appearance and functionality.
Leticia Van De Putte
Background: Raised in San Antonio, I am keenly
interested in making sure our city grows in a man-ner conducive to raising healthy families and growing sustainable businesses. With 24 years of proven results as a legislator, I am a prac-ticing pharmacist, small business owner, mother of six, and grand-mother of six.
Trust and Transparency:
Trans-parency invites trust, both allowing citizens to feel connected and empowered towards City Hall. As Mayor, I will relate city government ac-tivities to all corners of our community and encour-age residents to engencour-age before the next bond packencour-age process begins, so that together we build the next Great American City, one piece at a time.
Traffic: To solve traffic congestion, we need a
more efficient, integrated transportation system that complements safety goals and multimodal priori-ties. I support multimodal priorities that encourage walkable communities, increase bus rapid transit and usable bike lanes. With our city expected to grow by 1 million people by 2040, we must also maximize federal and state funding to ensure balanced growth.
Biggest Problem: Our biggest problem is the lack
of strong leadership to keep our economy strong and growing. I believe the city should make smart in-vestments addressing needs in infrastructure, pub-lic safety, job creation, parks, and culture. I would utilize every skill, tool, and relationship to maximize federal and state resources for San Antonio.
Rhett Rosenquest Smith
Background: Univ.Texas, Austin ’68-’73, B.A.
degree, Accounting major. Candidate for San Antonio Mayor many times and just completed campaign for Bexar County Judge, November 2014, 1973-77 ,
Au-ditor/accountant Texas Department Public Welfare/ Human Services; 1979-83, U.S. Navy; 1983-present, Registered Private Security officer, AlliedBarton Security
Trust and Transparency: Trust and
transpar-ency are the most crucial in local government. San Antonians know that I ran for mayor two years ago, finishing second to Julian Castro . I am upholding Libertarian traditions in my platform: minimum govern-ment, maximum freedom, which very simply stated is the Declara-tion of Independence together with the Bill of Rights. For me, the ‘First Amendment means that “no King , no Prince, or no Mayor is more important than each and every American citi-zen’s freedom of speech, freedom of religion, free-dom to assemble and freefree-dom///
Traffic: By using internet technology, we can
actu-ally create new computer models to plan and coor-dinate transportation throughout san Antonio/Bexar County on a daily, weekly, monthly, annual basis; by making this initial investment, to create this telecom-munication and coordinated infrastructure we will be years ahead in physical infrastructure planning.
Biggest Problem: Lack of communication
be-tween our citizens and our elected/public officials. We need to improve telecommunication infrastruc-ture so that more San Antonians can participate in city council meetings, using newest technology so that everyone is not forced to travel to public forums and seniors and others can have live interaction. It doesn’t serve our community when city council/ mayor/city manager conduct closed meetings, or when our citizens are ignored during citizens-to-be-heard.
Julie Iris “Mama Bexar” Oldham
Background: I have marketing experience and
have put people to work through my employment agency. I am a visionary who knows how to make government work for us. There is a leadership void in City Hall, with many leaders and lawyers bailing out. I want to hire the top people available.
Trust and Transparency: The
City Charter needs to be followed and we must
maintain the highest ethical standards by limiting the ability for former city employees to be contractors with the city ( including by blood and marriage and including language to include significant others for those not in a traditional marriage relatioship).
Traffic: I oppose toll roads. I am for double-decking
I-35. We are HOV lanes and upgraded buses on ma-jor corridors as Houston has done for over 30 years. VIA needs to change from the hub and spokes sys-tem go across town to and from the Medical Center in less than 1 hour.
Biggest Problem: Being fiscally strong without
annexing the rest of the county as there are no more Stone Oak areas to tax and annex to pay for the public union demands for pay and benefits. I am not a career politician and will bring strong public plan-ners such as those in Williamson County to clean up the crime and corruption where bonds are used for the purpose voted upon.
Cynthia C. Cavazos
Did not respond
Gerard Ponce
Background: In Bexar County, was one of two
people who implemented Juvenile Justice Court Sys-tem; one of three who implemented Domestic Vio-lence Courts and programs. These Domestic courts were used as model throughout Texas and Nation. On Committee to create the D.W.I. task force. Chief Interim Coordinator for the County Courts.
Trust and Transparency: I’d
create a Community Commission where local persons from the area would meet to discuss issues of the community and issues being de-cided by council.
Traffic: First item on agenda is
traffic, there are others. A 281 bus express lane to relieve 2 hour congested traffic; buses would travel from county line to downtown stopping at Evans, 1604 at 281, Hollywood Park, Loop 410, and Olmos Park. This bus lane would reduce traffic gas emissions, save on gasoline expenses. People could work or use social media while traveling on the bus.
Biggest Problem: I feel the biggest problem San
Antonio has is the discrimination of persons with special needs. We need to create an awareness for children and persons with special needs and support
the families, diversity, jobs, and the economy.
Pogo Mochello Reese
Did not respond
Cynthia Brehm
Background: Strong convictions and passionate
beliefs regarding improving San Antonio. Thirty years career experience in marketing and advertis-ing; performed in top 10% of sales for every em-ployer. Executive-level volunteer experience as a military spouse and in all aspects of political cam-paigns. Graduated Magna Cum Laude in my under-graduate studies.
Trust and Transparency: Openly communicate
my priority objectives, conduct periodic review of performance, correct as necessary, and accept re-sponsibility. Lead by example dur-ing the campaign; demonstrate that I am a woman of my word. Instill confidence in the direction that our city government is headed; listen to the voters, encourage increased citizen attendance at city council meetings; demon-strate trust in my government team. Encourage open communications by establishing open door policy and citizen access to the Mayor.
Traffic: Improve our insufficient highway capacity
by reviewing TxDOT state priorities and ensure they match city requirements. Reduce congestion at traf-fic accident sites by adopting a proven technique that London has used for decades: erect incident screens to cover the accident and eliminate rubbernecking. Reduce congestion caused by too many construction zones by prioritizing city street projects, eliminating up-front payment in full for construction companies, and not awarding multiple contracts to the same company.
Biggest Problem: The number one problem
is corruption, including the perception held by many citizens: the frustrating belief that noth-ing can be done about corruption. Be open and accountable every single day I serve as Mayor. Establish “culture of character” to expose and eliminate graft, favoritism, and nepotism in local government. Immediately conduct independent audit of City budget activities. Pillars of preven-tion, detecpreven-tion, and correction. Take swift legal action when corruption is revealed.
District 1
Roger A. Scott
Background: Born and Raised in CC Dist.1, I truly
understand the issues Dist. 1 faces. I graduated from Baylor Univ., and most recently graduated with my MBA, focusing in Project Management. I am a Teach-er, Coach and Business Professional that brings a well-rounded leader/public servant approach to Dist. 1.
Trust and Transparency: Trust and Transparency
are a must. My focus will be the issues of Dist. 1, and not my, objectives, and personal be-liefs. Working with constituents, and public servants such as SAPD, and SAFD promotes trust. Working as a “Team” is the only way to solve, and improve the issues that affect San Antonio. Trust is earned. As the next City Councilman of San Antonio, Dist.1, I will establish trust through my actions, not just words.
Traffic: The solution to the congestion and traffic
around San Antonio is “to be proactive, not reactive”. All aspects of the city, public servants, public ser-vices, and the constituents of the city of San Antonio must work together Listening to constituent issues that are faced every day are part of the solution. As a team, clear objectives, and proper planning are a must. These problems affect us all; one cannot solve these issues alone.
Biggest Problem: The biggest issue of District 1 is
“Education”. District 1 has some of the highest adult illiteracy rates in the nation. Education issues affect the young to the senior citizens. As our city grows, ed-ucation is a must. Eded-ucation creates job opportunities, and lower unemployment. Teaming up and providing company incentives to create learning centers for all ages are a start. It takes a village to help the growth and continual education of all.
Jesus G. Reyes
Did not respond
Robert C. Trevino
Background: I have been an Architect for the
last 20 years and have served on several boards and commissions including the Airport Advisory Board and currently sit on the Board of Directors for the Bexar Appraisal District. I want to help grow the
city thoughtfully, purposefully and responsibly.
Trust and Transparency: Trust
and Transparency are at the heart of the daily operations at my office. On day one we began to construct the first Office Manual to include our Standard Operating procedures. We are currently having events with our constituents in which we are asking for input. When complete the manual will be made available to anyone. We believe in making all the processes transparent.
Traffic: The best solution for traffic issues is a
diverse transportation system along with meaningful planning strategies that allow people to have a real choice. We want to provide people a chance to live and work downtown by providing a real choice.
Biggest Problem: The biggest problem facing San
Antonio is continuity, access and connectivity. We are currently planning and proposing great things for our city but it will only work if we have are able stay focused and look at the bigger picture. We must con-nect people to these hopes and dreams by providing inclusive policies that give them access to officials and the planning process.
Peter Kurzon
Background: I don’t see any method at all in terms
of planning for growth. Organic is good for veg-etables but not necessarily a benefit for urban growth and a rising population tide doesn’t necessarily lift all boats. Our concern should be with a people on the rise.
Trust and Transparency: Trust is vital to any
enterprise. But too often it is a principle only paid lip service by politicians. However, San Antonio doesn’t appear to be effected by trust issues. Rather improvements could be made in terms of imagi-nation and overall philosophy as regards city self-perception.
Traffic: Traffic is probably the
easiest fix for quality of life/infrastructure issues
currently troubling the city. Better co-ordination of signal lights and road improvement projects as well as a totally free rapid transit system to encourage ridership would alleviate congestion. Currently, the perception of citizens with whom I have spoken is that there is no method at play. (What is going on below street level is far more troubling.)
Biggest Problem: Biggest problem facing District
1 seems to be certain residents’ fears of gentrifica-tion. It will be incumbent upon next Council to ensure through innovative programs that all parties, established inhabitants and newcomers benefit from rising property values and improved neighborhoods.
District 2
Keith Toney
Background: I am the immediate past Councilman
for District 2 having been unanimously appointed by City Council to fulfill the term of then Council woman Taylor who became Mayor. I have a MA in Human Resources Management, a BA in Govern-ment and a AA in Speech. I am motivated to bring///
Trust and Transparency: Trust and
transpar-ency are absolutely essential in government but especially in local government where constituents are “closer” to their representatives. As I demon-strated, I am completely open with constituents, as I continue my agenda to be a transformative commu-nity leader, helping District 2 fulfill its mandate to
become the most desired quadrant of this city.
Traffic: We must have a
combina-tion of approaches to alleviate our growing traffic congestion issues. I see an expanded light rail/streetcar system as critical and inevitable. An expanded bus system with en-hanced ridership incentives would also assist in this effort.
Biggest Problem: The biggest problem facing
my district today is a lack of economic prosperity, growth and development. That is why the corner-stone of my administration will be to encourage eco-nomic development, large and small, which will as-sist with the crime problem as well as the issues of lack of density, and adequate housing. The problem of lack of economic prosperity will be best solved by letting developers know that we are friendly to them and the employment opportunities they bring.
Antonio “Tony” Diaz
Background: Graduate of St. Philips College LVN
Nursing Program; practicing LVN 10 years, CBM Business School; Associate’s Degree and Texas A&M Electronic Engineering Ext. Program. Native of San Antonio working class with the deep desire to represent people of ALL walks of life. Representa-tion for all is key to my candidacy.
Trust and Transparency: Transparency is vital
for government to maintain the trust of the people it governs and is therefore of the utmost priority to me to achieve goals representing the people of District 2. My main goal will be to ensure essential services af-fecting the infrastructure of District 2 neighborhoods are in place regardless of the age or economic status of the neighborhoods and to keep communities intact.
The dismantling of older, poorer neighborhoods must stop now.
Traffic: Expanding the public
transit service to more areas of San Antonio with around the clock service, as was supposed to happen with the ⅛ cent tax appropriated for expanded routes and extended hours of service. VIA Bus service is underdeveloped and underutilized. I believe heavier investment in our public transportation system will optimize the use of public transportation therefore decreasing the need to depend on automobiles that create heavy traffic congestion and increase environ-mental pollution.
Biggest Problem: Disenfranchisement of the
poor and lower-income working class people. Urban gentrification of District 2 is hurting older people on fixed incomes and losing their homes. Safety in par-ticular to areas in District 2. Policing has become a nationwide problem and though a tough job, the Civil and constitutional Rights of ALL people must be respected. Violation of voting rights of ex-felons who believe they have none. EQUAL representation is my motivation, goal, and primary driving force.
Alan E. Warrick II
Background: My last 100 days on council where I
have been able to get many things accomplished for being the key force in bringing ShotSpotter technol-ogy to San Antonio are clear evidence of my motiva-tion on Council. My educamotiva-tion as an architect also allows me to see problems in a holistic manner which
helps when serving diverse populations.
Trust and Transparency: Transparency and
out-reach are key in good government. We need to create more transparent processes and also push this
infor-mation out to the residents and not just put online in some hard to find website link. Citizens who want to know should be able to easily find out what is going on with our city government.
Traffic: In the near future we need
to develop HOV lanes to grow carpooling in the city to reduce the numbers of cars on the road during rush hour. We also need to develop more housing and jobs in the city center which doesn’t experience the congestion that occurs in the suburban areas. This could also allow a larger population to bike, walk or use public transportation to get to work.
Biggest Problem: The biggest problem facing my
district is unemployment. In a city with less than 4% overall we have 15% unemployment in the Promise Zone. This is a 22 square mile area in District 2 that needs more attention. I plan on focusing on residents with felony backgrounds and finding more employ-ers, especially contractors for the infill homes needed in the District, that will hire these types of employees which is a significant number of District 2.
District 3
Rebecca Viagran
Background: My degrees include a Bachelor’s of
Science in Geography from Texas State University and a Master’s in Public Administration from St. Mary’s University. I was honored to be presented with the Presidential Award from St. Mary’s upon graduating
in 2007. I’ve served on City Council since 2013.
Trust and Transparency: People
must have faith in their government. Since I was first elected, increasing transparency and providing real op-portunities for public input have been a priority for me. The hardest deci-sions I’ve made on council have been almost entirely informed by interacting with constitu-ents. In politics, sometimes the hardest thing is to take a stand and do what is right, but I make sure to advocate on behalf of the residents of District 3 every day.
Traffic: I do believe that a multi-modal
transporta-tion network will be a key part of San Antonio’s future. Providing transportation options is impor-tant, but we have to think big and plan for the San Antonio of tomorrow. Bus rapid transit, smart traffic management, and rail need to be on the table. One of the many reasons I didn’t support the streetcar project was because it didn’t address the real traffic problems affecting the whole city.
Biggest Problem: In District 3, the biggest
prob-lem we face is infrastructure. While other parts of the city have grown and developed over the past 10-20 years, we still don’t have sidewalks or curbs. A light rain can cause entire neighborhoods to flood. In the areas where we’ve made progress on this issue, property values have gone up, crime has gone down, and economic investment has followed. Infrastructure is the key to revitalizing District 3 neighborhoods.
Paul J. Farias
Background: My name is Paul J. Farias I was born
and raised here in San Antonio. I have a culinary back-ground and attended the Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio. I was born with a disability known as Cerebral Palsy. Although I have not held or ran any political office until now.///
Trust and Transparency: I believe that I must keep
the residents of my district and San Antonio involved in anything that will affect them. But I must also do right by them as well, by listening to their concerns, and voicing their concerns when they fall on deaf ears in other departments around the city. This is the only way I can achieve my objectives. Because my objec-tives are for the residents of my district and my city.
Traffic: After 2017 250,000 people are expected to
move into San Antonio. But we do not have enough road way to accommodate the new or current residents of this city. If elected I will have to meet with other city leaders as well as professionals in the highway field to discuss a solution that will be beneficial for the city of San Antonio.
Biggest Problem: One of the problems in my
dis-trict is streets, sidewalks, and lighting. Many streets are in need of repair as well as sidewalks. Residents need safe ways when the drive and walk around the city. There are too many potholes in our streets, and not enough sidewalks or lighting. We need to add more so residents do not have to walk on the street, and the lighting will help the residents at night.
Roy Aguillon,
Did not respond
District 4
Genevieve Trinidad
Background: I’m a South San High School
gradu-ate 1978, Palo Alto College 2010-2014. Community Leader, Civil Rights Activist, Precinct Chair #1037 for Democrat Party. Community first is my motiva-tion, families before politics. I am committed in serv-ing district 4 with hard work, dictation, and passion for our families in district4.
Trust and Transparency: I strongly believe that
our local government should be transparent in order to achieve trust in order to work in unity with our communities in our city. If there is no transparency there is not trust, I will make every effort to keep our families in district 4 informed and have an open door policy. Trust and transparency is very important in order to achieve our goals for a strong community in
district 4.
Traffic: The best solution for a
congested traffic in my opinion is to finish all current projects in and around our city; to many times I have seen construction work at a stop for month’s even yrs. adding more damages to our roads and our vehicles. In order to keep our families safe on the roads in San Antonio repairing our roads should be a top priority, in order to avoid congested traffic.
Biggest Problem: District 4’s current and biggest
problem are years of neglect are in our current drain-ages full of weeds and used as dumping sites. Chil-dren playing in drainages, and using them as a way to get home after school. In order insure safety through-out our communities in district 4. Placing warning signs, barriers or fences in order to keep our children safe and out of drainages. City should keep drainages maintained and clean at all times.
Manuel R. Lopez
Did not respond
Ray Saldana
Background: As councilman, I will drawn on my
a lifetime living in the district. I have received my Bachelors and Masters degree from Stanford Univer-sity and have taught at both Trinity UniverUniver-sity and Palo Alto Community College.
Trust and Transparency: District 4 deserves
greater responsiveness from the city and meeting our District’s concerns requires a councilmember who listens. Since 2011, I have assembled a strong field staff and sought to implement cost-effective tech-nologies to increase responsiveness and access to services. By going out to meet with residents of our District, I intend to continue to learn firsthand what residents say are our most pressing problems, so that we can prioritize and meet these concerns.
Traffic: As someone who has benefited from living
in city’s throughout the country, I have no doubt that the ultimate long term solution to traffic congestion will be a multi-modal approach that includes en-hanced public transit, a comprehen-sive rail system, and expanded bike lanes. Additionally, it is important that we continue efforts for infill housing in our established neighbor-hood inside of Loop 410.
Biggest Problem: The biggest challenge facing
District 4 is ensuring it remains a place where resi-dents want to live, work, and stay, rather than leave. To address this challenge, I will continue to work to improve livability, by fixing roads, attracting quality housing stock, reducing stray animals, and develop-ing Pearsall Park into a safe space that all residents can enjoy. Therefore, the most important issue is making District 4 an active participant in the city’s growth.
District 5
Shirley Gonzales
Did not respond
Naziite Ruben F. Perez
Background: Elected State Officer, San Antonio
River Authority 2007-2013. Paralegal License, State Bar of Texas. Member of Kelly Restoration Board. AFSCME Union President for San Antonio 2005-2007. San Antonio college, Palo Alto college, St. Mary’s University courses. OSHA course. Moti-vated by experience. Lived in district all my life. voteperez.info
Trust and Transparency: Trust and transparency
is very important and my experience will allow us to get initiatives and objectives accomplished. Need more development; everything goes to north-side. Need sidewalks. Many, many homeless. Many burglaries/robberies. Prostitution and drugs are very high. Vote Nazite Perez in District 5 for trust and transparency.
Traffic: Enlarging main streets. Primo bus service
through Zarzamora. Elderly need better transporta-tion. Need more improvement regarding road
flood-ing. Better timing on traffic lights to mesh with flow of traffic. Trains block a lot of traffic. More and more trains. Vote Nazirite Perez in District 5 to fix traffic!
Biggest Problem: Killings.
Young girls killed. Children killed. Stolen items at pawn shops. Home burglaries. Robberies. Crime. Need for street lamps. Need more lighting at Apache Creek. Kelly contamination is still not resolved; many have apparently died in connection with the contamination. Frio City Road/Zarzamora overpass causes great problems; need redesign. A lot of crime going on around Haven For Hope. Vote for Nazirite Perez to fix the problems. voteperez.info
Allen Townsend
Background: I am a District 5 resident, 26 years;
founding member and president, Palm Heights Neighbor-hood Association and Nogalitos Zarzamora Coalition; founding member, Sidewalks, Inc.; ombudsman, Chan-dler Nursing Home, 8 years; Master’s degrees, Political Science and Education; employee, Palo Alto and San
An-tonio Colleges; passionately involved in community empowerment.
Trust and Transparency: I don’t
play games. All my initiatives will deal with community empowerment. I plan to use
Participatory Budgeting (PB) to shift budget decisions from my office to the residents. I will dedicate all funds specific to District 5 to this process. Residents will pro-pose projects, refine those project proposals with the help of city staff, vote on which projects to implement, and monitor the successful projects to completion. No back-room bargains.
clean, safe, and affordable. Neighborhoods must be walk-able and bicycle friendly. Highly congested areas, such as downtown, must provide public transportation that will lure people out of their cars. Bus rapid transit should be expanded into all major arteries. We should continue to promote synchronized traffic lights on all major streets. Toll roads and more highway capacity are less desirable solutions. Again, bring citizens into the process.
Biggest Problem: As we prosper and grow, we must
preserve and strengthen our beautiful community spirit. Community can be strengthened and nourished by seri-ously involving residents in decisions that affect their lives. Participaatory budgeting is one powerful way to do this. In addition, I will use social media, frequent town meetings, and meetings with specific organizations to keep the conversation moving toward solutions on many fronts.
District 6
Steve Shamblen
Background: My education and experiences in
ar-chitecture, cartography and the public energy sector include many skills and much knowledge that I feel would be good qualifications for city council.
Trust and Transparency: Trust and transparency
in local government play an important role in ac-complishing any goals or objectives that I have set for myself because without voter trust there is no
government transparency.
Traffic: I think that San Antonio
should place a light rail system within the center of our highway system that converges on a central point located downtown.
Biggest Problem: An older
por-tion of our district, mainly the Old Highway 90 corridor, is in great need of infrastructure renovations and improve-ments that include roads, curbs, sidewalks and drainage.
Ray Lopez
Background: I am a proud graduate of Harlandale
High School, served in the U.S. Army for 16 years and retired from AT&T after 34 years of service. I served for nine years on the Northside ISD Board of Trustees and was elected as District 6 Councilman in 2009.
Trust and Transparency: Without public trust,
our local government could not rely on the passage of bonds to complete major infrastructure projects or important policy initiatives such as Pre-K 4 SA. It is the primary responsibility of the Mayor and Council to ensure transparency and trust between the government and its residents. I have worked closely with the City Manager and my Council colleagues to ensure the city operates with the utmost regard for transparency.
Traffic: We must continue to develop a
comprehen-sive multi-modal plan for our entire region and work with our various community stakeholders to identify funding sources to implement our plan. We cannot build our way out of traffic congestion, we must find alternate ways for residents to travel throughout our city. As Chairman of the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) we have worked hard to develop a long-range plan to alleviate traffic congestion.
Biggest Problem: District 6 is one of the fastest
growing areas of San Antonio as more families and businesses continue to locate here. But with all that tremendous growth comes the reality that traffic is a constant nuisance to all residents. I have worked closely with city staff to identify projects we could implement to reduce travel time for residents. This includes roadway expansions and new roadways built to re-route traffic away from congested areas.
District 7
John E. Foddrill, Sr.
Background: As the City’s Telecommunications
Manager I reported the theft of up to $ 5.2 million a year since 1982 when 23.6% of 911 calls were fail-ing and no money was available for repairs. I con-tinue in my efforts to expose the corruption and the impact upon public safety.
Trust and Transparency: To restore trust and
transparency my first act as Councilman will be to call for a full investigation into the City’s “cooked” books published to defraud bond investors, HUD, state/federal agencies and taxpayers in an effort to conceal years of grant fraud, theft, bond fraud, judi-cial malfeasance, 45 months of Texas Open Meeting Act violations, Constitutional violations, contract
fraud and other crimes.
Traffic: I recommend the use of fare lanes for ALL
drivers who will pay a set fare per car. Developers can use existing lanes of roads and do not need to build more lanes or roads. Other improvements such as better transit service, ridesharing programs, traffic signal synchroni-zation, etc. can help relieve traffic congestion as well.
Biggest Problem: Corrupt
of-ficials and special interest groups rule City Hall. Citizen’s voices are ignored and taxpayers are defrauded with fake audits hiding the illegal disbursement of many tens of millions of their tax dollars including 911 funds. I will be their voice. I will restore 911 and other public safety systems to proper functionality. I will provide tax-payers with accurate, transparent reports detailing exactly how their money is being spent.
Cris Medina
Did not respond
Mari Aguirre-Rodriguez
Background: Founding my own company, Opt
In Experts, dedicated to developing a mommy/ woman workforce. Launching GenTX San Antonio and building an open source tool with the nation’s expert in college and career readiness. Founding the Rackspace Foundation as a “Racker” funded initia-tive.Leading Mayor Hardberger’s education and workforce initiatives.
Trust and Transparency: To be an effective
Councilmember, you must earn the trust of your constituents and colleagues which includes
provid-ing transparency to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. I have a long history of success, coalition building and earning trust.
Traffic: Transportation is not a
“sexy” issue but it is one of the biggest issues plaguing our resi-dents today. Most urban planners would agree that better planning decades ago would have helped ease of current transportation woes. We must fully commit to a comprehensive transportation master plan that will serve the current and future needs our city. All modes of transportation must be investigated and
researched. We must be flexible and innovative in our solutions.
Biggest Problem: District 7 has such a powerful
history of producing some of our area’s best politi-cal talent – Castro, Garza and Rodriguez. District 7 deserves a leader who will continue this tradition. Visionary, building consensus and relationships and most importantly someone who will put the Dis-trict’s need and voices first. Residents are looking for a leader who will position the district as a leader in the city’s conversations.
Fred A. Rangel
Background:: Local Memorial High School,
re-ceived academic scholarship to University of Penn-sylvania. Studied Architecture, urban Studies, and business Studies at the famed Wharton School of Business. Small Businessman since 1991, involved
in community service for over 15 years. City council appointments to South Texas Business fund, and member 2012 bond Committee.
Trust and Transparency: Trust
ranks high as a family man, busi-nessman, and community person. Without trust deals are broken, marriages can split, and communi-ties can divide. Trust is an important foundation to agreements both small and large. I come to govern-ment service as a mature and experienced man that has been adversity tested. Transparency is private also. Community should feel that their leader is clear, concise, without ulterior motivations. Public initiatives, objectives can then be accomplished in Excellency.
Traffic: Most compare San Antonio to Dallas,
Houston Los Angeles and other cities. Dallas for ex-ample, has 4.6 million as opposed to 1.3 million in San Antonio. While congestion will grow, we do not have the problems of other cities yet. Growing con-gestion can be relaxed by incentives: HOV lanes, encouraging carpooling with benefits. Bus routes can grow to Primo lines that do not run full, and are limited in town. The main objective: Planning .
Biggest Problem: Crime continues to blossom,
unchecked, without a plan for 4 years as Safety Summits fall short. SA2020 gave us the formula: Dream it, Map it, Do it. We need a plan that in-volves requiring strong leadership to find required resources to initiate Youth alternatives to dead time
after school, weekends and summer months. Docu-menting mysterious vehicles & activity by a grow-ing number of neighbors into a system that can be monitored. Finally activate the plan .
Enrique Valdivia
Background: Currently serving third term on
Ed-wards Aquifer Authority board, representing District 7. Served as environmental law attorney, Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, and on board of Texas Fund for Economic and Environmental Education. My goals are improving infrastructure and services, supporting aquifer protection, clean energy and green spaces, raising wages.
Trust and Transparency: I will overcome distrust
by: Setting realistic goals, fulfilling those goals in a timely fashion, and keeping constituents informed about the progress toward achieving these goals; requiring government operations, plans, and deci-sion-making be vetted by the public before imple-mentation. To foster transparency, I will maintain a real-time, online calendar indicating when, where, and with whom I meet to discuss official business. I support the Sunlight Foundation program of transpar-ency in government.
Traffic: For downtown, I support VIA circulator
routes, including the free evening downtown shuttle service, using smaller battery-powered busses in-stead of the pseudo stage coaches now in use. For
suburb-to-downtown travel, I sup-port expanded express bus service. City spending for streets improve-ment for FY 2015 amounts to over $50,000,000. Large capital trans-portation projects should be paid for with bonds approved by the voters. I oppose tolling to fund transporta-tion infrastructure.
Biggest Problem: Long-term, the biggest problem
facing District 7 is the problem faced by the entire city: insuring San Antonio’s water supply is of high quality, and adequate in quantity to fulfill the needs of a growing population and an expanding business community. Protecting the Edwards Aquifer, along with supporting conservation initiatives by San An-tonio Water system, and upgrading the water service infrastructure are keys to protecting our future water supply.
District 8
Adam I. Goodman
Did not respond
Yvonne Martinez
Background: My experience in helping solve
problems for those in need as I volunteered through-out my husband’s military career taking care of our military families is beneficial. I have experience in addressing their concerns and finding solutions to the issues they face. I have served as a Family Readiness Group Leader.
Trust and Transparency: Trust and Transparency
are going to play a vital role in achieving my goal as a city council person. One of my main objectives is to regain the trust of my constituents who expect transparency. I think we should be innovative like
Shavano Park all meetings should be posted on YOU TUBE unedited as one example.
Traffic: One of the best solutions
is to ensure that contracts for com-panies improving our infrastructure have a reasonable timeline and are held to that timeline. We must look at increasing the efficiency of VIA and allow for safe capitalist solutions like UBER to be allowed to operate.
Biggest Problem: District 8 biggest problem is
that we are not being heard nor listened too which is causing needs to go unmet. Like traffic relief and adequate emergency services. I feel that it is time that we get back to basics and true representation by listening to what my constituents and neighborhoods have to say by giving them back their voice in our city government.
Robert L. Meeks
Background: Service comes naturally to Robert
Meeks, Ph.D. (abd). The retired disabled Army War-rant Officer hails from Baltimore, Maryland. Robert is a proven leader. As a former U.S. Army Officer with a history of successfully leading and directing global operations and programs, and the activities of over 2,200 senior staff personnel, Robert///
Trust and Transparency: No response
Traffic: Institute “Fare Lanes.” These let anyone
use carpool lanes. But charge them a fare per car. Use existing lanes of roads. Do not add more lanes.
Implement employee parking cash-out. This would have an immediate impact of reducing car commut-ing by 25%.
Biggest Problem: Modernizing the infrastructure
of our schools and making sure we’re giving our children the qual-ity education they need to succeed. When it comes to education, it’s about making sure that we are doing everything we can to prepare our children for the future—career and college ready. Right now, we’re failing them. Our failing education system presents a moral problem because when it comes to a child’s education, there are no do-overs. They go///
Ron Nirenberg
Background: In my first term, I delivered nearly
$85 million for important capital improvements in District 8, advanced long term water security, launched critical transportation initiatives, and increased transparency in City Hall. I am a former program director for the Annenberg Public Policy Center and a graduate of Trinity University and the University of Pennsylvania.
Trust and Transparency: Without transparency,
there is no accountability. Without accountability there is no trust. I have alwaysbelieved we need to shine the bright light of public scrutiny on the people’s business and encourage public involve-ment and input. Only then can we effectively tackle
important challenges like transpor-tation, sustainability, fiscal reform and water security.
Traffic: We should continue
ef-forts to create a citizen-driven multi-modal transportation plan, which is foundational to San Antonio’s comprehensive plan. I believe that a future transportation network should be built comprehensively, should be financially sustainable, and deserves explicit public consent through a vote.
Biggest Problem: District 8 is one of the
fast-est growing regions in the country, with population increasing twice as fast as the city as a whole. We must address the associated issues of infrastructure, public safety and cost of living increases associated. Reaffirming our priorities to maintain infrastructure,
protect neighborhoods and residents and maintain our affordable cost of living are key. We must in-vest strategically and efficiently to keep pace with growth and prepare for/manage continued growth.
District 9
Richard Castanon
Background: My experience over the last 20
years includes senior positions in national non-prof-it organizations, bi-national government agencies, national political campaigns and the business sector having worked with elected officials and business clients including foreign presidents and U.S. presi-dential candidates. I hold a Bachelor’s and a
Mas-ter’s in International Relations.
Trust and Transparency:
Transparency should promote ac-countability and acac-countability trust. For my initiatives to prosper as well as those from fellow coun-cil members, transparency will be paramount: Does it benefit my district, another district, the city as a whole or both? Underhanded practices, lack of information and deliberate delays, will only under-mine our success in promoting priority initiatives or objectives and will only hurt the city in general.
Traffic: I doubt that there is but one best solution
out there. There are many which combined could make a big difference: widening of roads such as was done on 281 between downtown and 1604, traffic assistance from officers to move traffic along at exits clogged up by slow traffic lights, roadside assistance for disabled vehicles or those involved in minor accidents and finally, more and wider inter-changes at key highway intersections around the city.
Biggest Problem: : I believe it is community
engagement. District 9 residents are very active in their professional lives, businesses, raising fami-lies or simply enjoying retirement, thus the very low levels of voter participation over the last 10-15 years. Public participation strategies need to be devised that involves our school districts, churches, small business community, the service sector and plan activities that promote civic engagement across district neighborhoods.
Joe Krier
Background: Twenty years as President and CEO
of The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce allowed me to participate in almost every major economic development and civic improvement project. My time on City Council has given me the chance to lead on issues like transportation, water and a back to basics budget.
Trust and Transparency: A more than thirty
year reputation for hard work, leadership and integ-rity have taught me that government must be open, inclusive and transparent in its actions. Citizens have a right to expect that their City government will act openly and understandably in all the actions
it takes. To that end, I implemented a series of neighborhood surveys where District 9 residents can pro-vide me with direct insight into the issues immediately affecting their neighborhoods.
Traffic: The City is engaged in
a Comprehensive Planning effort, which includes transportation. We must be willing to consider all potential options and choose those that are the most efficient and cost ef-fective for the next several decades.
Biggest Problem: As one of the fastest growing,
District 9 continues to be challenged by needs for better streets and drainage maintenance and trans-portation infrastructure, as well as more extensive public safety resources and continuing improve-ments to its parks and libraries. Responses to those needs need to be based on input and feedback from the neighborhoods that are the backbone of the District.
Lori Slusher
Background: I am a businesswoman and community
leader with a desire to work on behalf of my communi-ty. I received an MBA from Incarnate Word, BBA from Texas A&M CC, and have a CPA license. I’ve served on the Ingleside on the Bay City Council and the Com-munity Emergency Response Team.
Trust and Transparency: To have trust in
govern-ment, you must have transparency. Transparency gives the public the information necessary to hold govern-ment officials accountable, which leads to trust. Con-stituents need to be able to trust their elected officials to keep their promises, be good stewards of our tax
dollars, and be fair and honest. I plan to achieve my priorities and objectives with transparency, honesty and in the most efficient way possible, to gain the trust of people.
Traffic: Each congested traffic area will have its own
unique problems and solutions. We will have to gather data in each area, in order to analyze it and work with the appropriate authorities (local or state) to find the optimal solution to solve the traffic problem.
Biggest Problem: The city of San
Antonio needs to be planning for the growth of our fast growing District 9. We need to plan ahead for the proper infrastructure to handle the increase in people in terms of housing, wa-ter, sewer, increase in traffic, recreational areas, access to businesses, etc.
Jeffry Van Slycke
Background: With 25-years of policing and five
years teaching high school, I understand the impor-tance of community involvement. My safety and security expertise in residential communities offer the insights needed for District 9. I hold a BA in English Education, and a Masters in Literacy will be conveyed in October.
Trust and Transparency: My priority initiatives
include getting the community in-volved. To engage our citizens, trust and transparency are paramount. With an honest and sincere organization, our residents will seek to be a part of a healthy, wholesome system. Syner-gy is the combined greater effect than the sum of the separate parts. Nothing less than synergy will take San Antonio from good to great. Only with trust and transparency can we rally the community to achieve our potential.
Traffic: San Antonio is vibrant and creative. We must
work together as a community, identifying long-term goals and strategies for our traffic. It will take more lanes. It will take alternative and creative methods of movement, but it will only happen with a community-developed master plan, not a small committee charting our destiny. We have to come together quickly, gain community participation, identify options, and let the voters decide. It’s a “we” thing
Biggest Problem: Traffic congestion and apathy
must create a community-led task force to look at traf-fic patterns, alternatives, and long-term solutions. On the short-term, District 9 residents can discover traffic nuances if we work together to achieve the best solu-tions—not have outsiders decide what is best for us. District 9’s greatest challenges can become our greatest asset—our solutions are to be found among us. Perse-verance and participation pays.
Bert Cecconi
Did not respond
District 10
Mike Gallagher
Background: Qualifications include currently
serv-ing on City Council followserv-ing selection by unanimous Council vote (January 2014). Have served on numer-ous community boards and committees including Chairman of the San Antonio Board of Adjustment and President of the Northeast Neighborhood Alliance (85 neighborhoods). Retired Air Force Colonel (almost 29 years of service). ///
Trust and Transparency: I strongly believe the
key to trust and transparency in local government is to ensure open communication on all City actions. I have been a strong advocate of announcing and explaining projects and programs and asking our neighborhood and business leaders to assist in this process. Security issues, budget decisions, bond projects, zoning and variance changes, annexation, revitalization efforts, and more all require extensive community involvement.
Traffic: Traffic will always be a challenge as our
city continues to grow. We must carefully identify the problem areas such as congestion and deteriorating infrastructure and carefully design pragmatic solutions. We can design our major highways without toll roads that would identify specific lanes for mass transit and carpools. This has worked very well in other major cities. We must also make sure that gas tax revenues are specifically dedicated to construction and repair of our roads.
Biggest Problem: : Our greatest problem in the
district (and the entire city) is worn streets, sidewalks, bridges and drainage issues. We must get back to the basics in city government and dedicate our resources to repairing these problems. We can do this by
guid-ing our budget and bond programs toward specific infrastructure repairs. Such actions will also assist in protecting the security of our residents by ensuring our police and fire units can rapidly respond to emergen-cies.
Celeste Montez-Tidwell
Background: I believe that through my parents
sacrifices attending parochial schools molded me with morals and values that city council currently is lack-ing, working at the local YMCA is humbling to make sure every person despite economic or educational background you come from has the same opportuni-ties.
Trust and Transparency: Told everyday what an
approachable person I am , while I have no hidden agenda and still believe that city council is a civic duty and a volunteer basis. I wish to transfer what happens at city hall, and taking the issues most important back from the people in my district. I’m a mom which is one of the hard-est jobs to conquer, set with dead-lines and budgets everyday.
Traffic: I believe that the use of public
transporta-tion can be a better optransporta-tion for some should we make it more accessible , this includes and requires more transit hubs in highly populated areas for example , 1604/281. In addition providing more walkable com-munities.
Biggest Problem: There is no reason why district
10 should not be as prosperous as district 8 and 9 were just as big. I feel taking some of the abandoned buildings and strip malls and adding some higher end retail and eateries . This includes larger companies that people in our district can walk to and make a go at life.
Early voting times and places
for the May 9 city election
Early voting hours are:
April 27 - May 1...8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. May 2...8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. May 3 ...Closed May 4 & 5 ... 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Early Voting Places
Bexar County Justice Center ... 300 Dolorosa Brookhollow Library……...…….530 Heimer Road Castle Hills City Hall...…….209 Lemonwood Dr. Claude Black Center ... 2805 East Commerce Cody Library ... 11441 Vance Jackson Collins Garden Library ... 200 North Park Copernicus Community Center ...….. 5003 Lord Rd. Edison High School ...701 Santa Monica Fair Oaks Ranch City Hall ...7 286 Dietz Elkhorn Great Northwest Library ... 9050 Wellwood Henry A. Guerra, Jr. Library ...… 7978 W. Military Drive Hollywood Park City Hall ... 2 Mecca Drive John Igo Library ... 13330 Kyle Seale Parkway Johnston Library ... 6307 Sun Valley Drive Julia Yates Semmes Library ... 15060 Judson Road Kirby City Hall ...112 Bauman Las Palmas Library ... 515 Castroville Road Leon Valley Conference Center ... 6421 Evers Rd. Lions Field ... 2809 Broadway Losoya Intermediate School ...1610 Martines-Losoya Maury Maverick, Jr. Library ... 8700 Mystic Park McCreless Library ……...…...….…… 1023 Ada Street Memorial Library ………...…………. 3222 Culebra Mission Library ... 3134 Roosevelt Ave. Northside Activity Center ...7001 Culebra Olmos Park City Hall …………... 120 West El Prado Drive Parman Library @ Stone Oak ……. 20735 Wilderness Oak Precinct 1 Satellite Office…...…...…...3505 Pleasanton Rd. Shavano Park City Hall ..………...…... 900 Saddletree Ct Sommerset City Hall ... 6360 E. 6th, Somerset South Park Mall ………...…..…...… 2310 S.W. Military Tobin Library @ Okwell ………... 4134 Harry Wurzbach Universal City City Hall ... 2150 Universal City Blvd. UTSA, University Center ... 1 UTSA Circle Windcrest Takas Park Civic Center ...… 9310 Jim Seal Dr. Wonderland of the Americas@Crossroads, 4522 Fredericksburg For more information contact the office of the Bexar County Elections Administrator, Jacquelyn F. Callanen, at (210) 335-VOTE (8683)
Special Sales & Use Tax Election
Proposition No. 1 would authorize the City of San Antonio to protect the quality and quantity
of water in the Edwards Aquifer through the protection of land over the aquifer’s sensitive Recharge and Contributing Zones. The sales tax would raise $100 million: $90 million of which would enable the City to continue its existing conservation easement and land purchase program, which has protected more than 133,000 acres; and $10 million to incorporate new recharge protection projects within urbanized areas of Bexar County for additional safeguard-ing of the City’s primary source of drinksafeguard-ing water.
Proposition No. 2 would authorize the City of San Antonio to continue building the Howard
W. Peak Greenway Trail system by expanding the trail system along San Antonio creekways and providing neighborhood connections on tributaries and would include watershed and wa-ter quality protection efforts when developing parks improvements. The sales tax would raise $80 million that would enable the City – which has completed 46 miles of trail and is cur-rently developing an additional 40 miles of trail – to acquire open space and design and con-struct linear parks along the Leon Creek, Salado Creek, Medina River, San Antonio River and tributaries such as the Apache, Alazan, Culebra, Huesta, Huebner, Lorence, Martinez, Olmos and San Pedro creeks.
Charter Amendment No. 1 would add language to the City Charter that states that no streetcar
or light rail project could be funded or developed without first receiving approval of the voters in an election.
Charter Amendment No. 2 would allow City Council members to be paid an annual salary of
$45,722 – equal to the San Antonio area median household income – and the Mayor to be paid an annual salary of $61,725. City Council members are currently paid $20 per meeting for a total of $1,040 per year, and the Mayor is currently paid up to a total of $4,040 per year. If approved, those individuals elected to the Mayor and City Council at the May 9, 2015 election would be eligible for the salary.
Charter Amendment No. 3 would amend the Charter so vacancies in the office of the Mayor
and City Council would be treated the same. If a vacancy occurs with more than 120 days remaining in the unexpired term of the Mayor or a Council member a special election will be held to fill the vacancy. If less than 120 days remain in the term the City Council appoints an individual to the vacant seat. The proposition would also allow the City Council to appoint a temporary representative until a special election is held.
Charter Amendment No. 4 would eliminate outdated language in the City Charter that is no
longer relevant or has been superseded by state law. For example this amendment will remove outdated references to City departments that have been renamed or no longer exist, update references to the fiscal year to match current practice, and update the process for publication of ordinances. A detailed explanation of these changes is available at www.sanantonio.gov/ Charter.
