2019 San Antonio Runoff Election Guide

What past experiences make you qualified to be mayor of San Antonio?

I bring years of business and policy experience to the mayor's office. As mayor, I have fostered unprecedented job creation and economic growth while reversing the rising tide of violence to bring crime rates to a 30 year low.

I bring a governing style and perspective unique among America's big city mayors. I come from a multicultural, interfaith family, hold a master's degree from Penn, served as a program director for the Annenberg Public Policy Center, managed Trinity University's KRTU-FM and founded two small businesses.

What problems/issues would you prioritize and how would you work to fix/mitigate them?

My focus on mayor is on 3 crucial issues - jobs, transportation and public safety. San Antonio is thriving and we are the fastest growing city in America. We are at near full employment and creating jobs as quickly as people can move here. I will continue my policies of fostering economic development (particularly in target industries), developing a 21st century workforce through cooperation with the educational community and the private sector, and ensuring we grow in a way that is beneficial and sustainable.

On transportation, I formed Connect SA, which recently introduced a framework for comprehensive, multimodal transportation solutions to get San Antonians out of gridlock and back on the move. We will continue to seek and incorporate citizen input to improve the plan. Once this framework is finalized, we will ask voters to approve the plan.

We have achieved great success in the war against violent crime. Two years ago, violent crime in San Antonio was at a 25-year high, reminiscent of the days when we were considered the drive-by capital of America. Since I've been mayor, we've brought our local crime rates to a 30-year low, making San Antonio one of the safest big cities in America. Safe streets and neighborhoods will always be a top priority.

I mentioned San Antonio is the fastest growing city in America. To avoid the crises we see in San Francisco, Seattle and other growing cities, we have to also address critical issues like generational poverty, affordable housing, and reinvestment in underserved communities, so we can foster opportunity for all residents, no matter who or where they are in our city.

I have done all of these things in my first term as mayor and I will continue to work hard every single day to make San Antonio the City You Deserve.

What past experiences make you qualified to be mayor of San Antonio?

I am uniquely qualified as a lifelong resident of San Antonio. I am a veteran of the Air Force, small business owner, and a former banking executive. I have been actively involved in local politics and governance for over 10 years. I have seen all aspects of public service work at City Hall, having been a Council aide, chief of staff and now a sitting Council member. I have led large and small organizations, small businesses and have the cut payrolls and managed the needs of hundreds of employees. I bring a resume unparalleled by any other candidate for mayor.

What problems/issues would you prioritize and how would you work to fix/mitigate them?

I believe San Antonio is headed down the wrong path and needs a back-to-basics approach to local governance. That includes a respect for taxpayer money and a focus on neighborhoods and community building. I will bring a stark contrast to the incumbent mayor and my candidacy offers a clear choice for voters. I will prioritize and focus on the following: wage inequality and job creation, public safety, lower property taxes, neighborhood building, and total transparency at City Hall.

Top items my team will focus on when I am elected mayor:

1. Job Creation and wage inequality: Solving wage issues cures nearly all problems for our residents. More money for residents means a better quality of life, better housing and better transportation options. We must chase every job possible and bring them to San Antonio. We must heavily invest in workforce education to help our residents be prepared for all levels of employment opportunities.

2. Lower property tax rates and fee reductions: City Hall must return money to taxpayers. Skyrocketing property values demand property tax rate reductions. Additionally, the City charges far too many fees that need to be reduced. I will examine all fees and taxes the City charges to ensure they are necessary and properly utilized.

3. We must fully fund the police and fire departments. Public safety is job one at City Hall and we must repair our relationships with our first responders and fully staff both departments.

4. Be a neighborhoods-first mayor. I will spend my time in the community, building neighborhoods. That means focusing on infrastructure and neighborhood specific plans by Council district.

5. Full and total transparency: I will end backroom deals and the abuses of executive sessions. All decisions and policymaking will be in front of the public.

What past experiences make you qualified to be a member of the San Antonio City Council?

Because I believe my experience as a former councilperson combined with having the time and ability to focus solely on D2 will give our council seat the professional consistency we so badly need. I do not believe City Council can be a part-time job. Neither should it be seen as a “stepping stone” . D2 is, and shall remain, my singular political destination. I call it the “shining city on the hill” for me. I have no other political aspirations.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

Youth employment and training ; Economic development; Infrastructure improvements

What problems/issues would you prioritize and how would you work to fix/mitigate them?

I am a former Councilman so there is no learning curve. I have an excellent working relationship with the new city manager as well as the Police Chief and several current councilpeesons. I know municipal policies and procedures and will be ready to hit-the-ground running on day one. I have twice been appointed to a board or commission (San Antonio Housing Trust and Keep San Antonio Beautiful). My 15 years as a school board member (10 consecutive as President) helped prepare me for city council. EXPERIENCE MATTERS!

What past experiences make you qualified to be a member of the San Antonio City Council?

I was born and raised on the east side of San Antonio, the only home I've ever known. It's where I went to school, it's where I started a family, it's where I opened a business, and it's where I developed my passion for public service. I am a proud product of this community. As San Antonio continues to grow, it is crucial that we have a seat at the table. This has been my call to service. I truly love and believe in my city and in my district. I know District 2 can and will be a leader of change in a progressive direction. But for too long, a shadow has been cast over our district and it is time for us to revive the pride in D2. For years, we have dreamed of an inclusive, safe, welcoming community where we all have an opportunity to thrive. Together, we will make it happen. Our dream is now.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

Bridge the gap in economic segregation for small business owners, education/skilled training development and contracting. Ensure that our Legacy Homeowners are protected during this growing time of transition/transformation of our communities. To regain safety and security for our future generations to have the openness of being children to enjoy the beautification of the parks and streets in which they play and grow. To improve our infrastructure of the roads in which we travel to and from work, school and daily activities of life's travels. Bring forth amenities such as: hospitals, entertainment facilities and those development structures that improve the quality of life for our community and not take from it.

What problems/issues would you prioritize and how would you work to fix/mitigate them?

I am not a politician but a concerned community member. I will stand up and speak out for my community. This is our time, we must advocate for ourselves and that's just what I will do. My heart is for the betterment and servitude of my community. It takes a cohesive body,a sound of unity and that is where I set myself apart from others. It's not about me, it's not about the name; it's about bringing that which must be done for those whom have been elected to serve.

What past experiences make you qualified to be a member of the San Antonio City Council?

I’ve called District 4 home for the past 35 years, and ten years ago, when it was time to buy my first home, I chose to stay in District 4. My vision for District 4 is to continue its momentum, showcase the community, and maximize our opportunities. I am qualified and willing to invest the time and energy that our community needs to build public/private and public/public partnerships to bring much-needed attention and resources to this district. I know that working together with one another, we can set a great direction for District 4, and further develop its great potential. There are many opportunities in District 4 and my knowledge and experience serving my community in various capacities over the past few years will help build a spirit of collaboration with representatives of the entire district and folks willing to work with District 4 on its future growth.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

Continuing the momentum of our district, through its sidewalks, parks and streets improvement plans, which were all developed with community input is important to me. A focus on services to seniors, an increase in the district's access to a healthy and equitable quality of life, and the creation of an overall growth strategy is imperative to our district as well. I want to work together with business and community leaders to make District 4 a place to showcase San Antonio’s rich culture through honoring our rich culture, our military history, and planning for our growth. We will have another million people in San Antonio soon, and I will work with the community to plan for that next million, and will always advocate for the residents of District 4 to have a rightful place in that planning.

What problems/issues would you prioritize and how would you work to fix/mitigate them?

I am a lifelong resident of San Antonio and have called District 4 my home for the past 35 years. I have raised my son in District 4 as a single mom, and even while doing so, I made it a point to still be involved, having him work by my side these past few years to improve our community. I have held numerous positions of leadership. Most recently, I served as co-chair of the successful SWISD 2018 bond, which helped bring $75M worth of improvements to the district's schools and facilities. As Chair of the Ethics Review Board for the City of San Antonio, I successfully spearheaded a comprehensive ethics reform package that City Council adopted in June of 2018. These reforms greatly strengthened transparency and accountability in our city government. I am running because I see tremendous potential for District 4 to become an economic driver for San Antonio, and by extension bringing much needed services and prosperity to the residents of San Antonio. With strong leadership and a focus on leveraging District 4 assets such as Port San Antonio, Toyota Manufacturing, Lackland AFB, Palo Alto College, and others, there is an opportunity to bring transformative development and job creation to District 4. My knowledge of the community, extensive involvement in education and workforce development, and strong background in business and local government uniquely position me to serve as an effective leader for the residents of District 4 and San Antonio.

What past experiences make you qualified to be a member of the San Antonio City Council?

I’m reminded of something that happened when I was a little kid. I went on a walk with my grandfather in his older neighborhood and I noticed that my grandfather walked in the street while I walked in the grass. I remember kicking at the grass and then looking up at him to ask “Why don’t you have any sidewalks here?” My grandfather, a hard-working man, looked down at me and said “porque no les importa.” They don’t care about us. I remember even as a little kid being incensed by the fact that no one would help my grandfather make the neighborhood safer for his family. That day a spark was ignited in me. It lead me to become an attorney to fight for people's access to justice and it lead me to run for City Council.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

I was born and raised in our beautiful city and I share many of our hopes and challenges for a better future. My top priorities fall under 6 topics.

1. Strong Schools - wages and incomes must keep up with inflation and growth. For local residents, educational attainment with the skills for these future jobs is absolute.

2. Housing Choices - since 2012 San Antonio housing prices are out pacing household incomes. This means fewer choices for families. Quality housing should be a choice for anyone working a full-time job.

3. Safe Places - when you need rescue, Police, Fire or EMT services, response time must never be delayed. I will work with each department to provide the resources they need to serve our community.

4. Healthy living - including active parks, leisure choices, social servies, and dietary options in every neighborhood.

5. SMART Connections - better sidewalks, streets, trails, drainage and internet connections in all parts of the district for a better-connected community.

6. ALL neighborhoods deserve to be places where our children and grandchildren want to MOVE BACK. We have to offer them the best schools; quality housing varieties; safe and healthy living; all while surrounded by open connectivity.

What problems/issues would you prioritize and how would you work to fix/mitigate them?

I am a graduate of both the Latina Leadership Institute and Leadership San Antonio. I am a small business owner. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 21 years and we are raising three children. I was raised to help those in need by arming myself with knowledge to find creative solutions. I’ve been knocking on hundreds of doors, asking you what you want to see in your neighborhood. The most important role as a council person is to listen and guarantee the neighborhoods have what they need. I will continue to ensure that District 6 has a seat at the table and will be a strong voice to advocate and fight for our community. I offer visionary leadership and community results.

What past experiences make you qualified to be a member of the San Antonio City Council?

I am running for City Council because my experience with City Hall makes me able to be an effective voice for all residents of District 6. I will continue the progress that has been made over the last 10 years while working for and advising two Council members from this District. I have been intimately involved with Policy and Budget decisions and have an extensive knowledge of the needs of District 6 neighborhoods, along with district and city wide issues regarding the District’s infrastructure needs.

If elected, what would be your top priorities?

I will work to make our tax dollars go further by ensuring that street maintenance and repairs are prioritized to the greatest need in District 6. Strategic investments in our roads will improve the quality of all streets and create savings that can be used on projects to help reduce traffic congestion and increase mobility in our community. I know we can make our neighborhoods safer by developing a plan that ultimately includes an additional police substation in the expanding northwest area of District 6. Shorter response times, community-oriented policing, and ensuring a coordinated effort in fighting crime will help secure all our District 6 neighborhoods. I understand the need to safeguard our tax dollars while the public and private sector work together to attract new businesses and create new jobs in our community. I also recognize that we must promote already existing businesses in San Antonio to maximize positive, responsible growth. Helping small businesses strengthens the backbone of our District and our City’s economy.

What problems/issues would you prioritize and how would you work to fix/mitigate them?

I am a practicing Certified Public Accountant and own a small firm. At City Council, I worked as a senior advisor and staff member to both former Councilman Ray Lopez and current Councilman, Greg Brockhouse. I have been involved in policy to build critical infrastructure projects and I understand the needs of our District 6 community. For over two decades I have given my time to Northside Independent School District. As a member of both the Citizen Bond Committee and the Citizen Bond Advisory Committee for every bond issue since 1998, I was chairperson of the Advisory committee 3 times. I participated in the development of NISD’s priorities for efficiently growing the school system and ensured multiple, voter-approved Bond Plans were delivered on time and on budget. I also served on the Gifted/Talented and Enrichment Advisory Council and in several positions of the Taft High School Band Boosters. I have served in my neighborhood (Great Northwest) of over thirty years including being elected to the Board of Directors. I continue to work to improve my neighborhood safety as part of GNWatch, and am still a member of the Government Relations Committee and the A-Team where I am a former leader.