In an effort to inform our readers for the upcoming May 4 election, we asked all candidates running for the District 2 City Council seat how they feel about some of the East Side’s most pressing issues, including gentrification, housing incentives, and the controversial property next to the Hays Street Bridge.
Below are the responses we received from the candidates, the order of which was randomly chosen. The answers have been edited for punctuation, style and egregious grammatical errors.
As a reminder, early voting begins April 22, Monday, and ends April 30, Tuesday. Visit the city’s election page for more info.
Jada Andrews-Sullivan | Denise Gutierrez-Homer
Ruben Arciniega
What is your job, or how do you earn a living?
I am a program coordinator in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
What is your age?
37
Where were you born?
Chicago, Illinois
Do you live in the district? If so, what neighborhood?
Yes, I live in Denver Heights.
What qualifies you to hold this position?
As a homeowner and proud citizen of District 2, I have a strong belief that our community can lead San Antonio into the future. I have been educated at Texas Lutheran University and the University of Texas at San Antonio but my upbringing in the East Side has proven to be transformative. Those life lessons have impacted my life, while also preparing me to lead this community. As a business owner and educator, I have long understood that the people of D2 demand a leader who will listen, create action, and serve its community. I have recognized that issues like the Hayes Street Bridge, neighborhood displacement, and rising property taxes are very difficult and will require a strong presence. In my view the foundation of this campaign is to provide stability and a strong commitment to renewing our communities.
What is your background in politics?
I’ve been a Democrat my entire life and have been an advocate for social change since my days as an undergrad at Texas Lutheran University. I do not have any formal experience in government office but I’m excited to gain experience and use my skills in the role of city councilman.
What is the biggest issue facing San Antonio, and how do you plan to address it? What’s one issue you feel San Antonio City Council isn’t paying attention to?
The concept of development is both a challenging issue and one that has not been fully addressed. City leaders have proclaimed that the Era of Downtown will transition San Antonio into a global city. They argue that it will help introduce new jobs, attract vibrant companies, and revitalize urban San Antonio. However, many residents would counter this by saying this has led to neighborhood displacement, higher property taxes, and a general sense of uneasiness. I would address these issues by bringing a stable voice to District 2 and more importantly the vision that we can lead San Antonio. Another important skill is to use the trust of District 2 to build a strong consensus within City Hall for policies that can benefit our entire community.
What do you think of the Alamo master plan that was approved in October 2018? What parts of the plan to you agree with? What parts of the plan to you disagree with?
I understand that the agenda was to elevate the Alamo mystique for the purpose of generating tourism dollars. The importance of increasing its walkability and enhancing its landscape were also strong portions of the plan. However, I had three critiques of the plan. 1). The partial closing of Houston and Alamo streets. 2). The creation of a roof-top restaurant.* 3). The call for the demolition of the Woolworth building** were all portions I disagreed with.
What is your opinion of the Center City Housing Incentive Policy and its impact on the neighborhoods around downtown? What role do you believe San Antonio should play in incentivizing affordable housing?
The Center City policies are supposed to transition San Antonio into a global city and attract businesses and development. It has provided millions of dollars in tax abatements and financing for developers who have introduced luxury condos and housing to urban San Antonio. This type of funding requires more oversight at the community level as City Council has not enough to regulate it. I understand the realities of modern-day San Antonio; however, this is not a license to displace communities and serve the agendas of private investors.
What do you think of the city’s current regulations on scooters?
I support a portion of the ordinances that the City voted on most notably clearing them from rights of way and sidewalks. I do grow concerned with how these scooters are not properly docked which has led to many issues. However, San Antonio’s youth are using these scooters which has enhanced the vibrancy of metro S.A. In addition, they are helpful in regards to lowering our carbon footprint and reducing our need for more parking structures. More importantly as a candidate who frequently walks, I have noticed that many of our lower income residents who leave jobs at night from the service industry are using them. We need to find common sense solutions which maintain the safety of these scooter riders while proactively making San Antonio streets more scooter friendly.
What do you think of the City Council’s decision to not bid for the 2020 Republican National Convention?
I strongly believe that we need a diverse portfolio of clients that want to showcase their conventions in San Antonio. However, I do not believe that the RNC Convention aligned with the core values of many San Antonio residents. So, in short, I was relieved that we did not pursue the RNC Convention and have no compelling reason to do so.
What is one thing the city can do to increase transparency in local government or to better engage its citizens?
The city has discussed the use of web portals to increase transparency for bond issues and other civic items. We can provide web portal classes at our public libraries and other forms of outreach on platforms, i.e. monthly newsletter, social media posts, and visiting community centers. What we need to realize is that of many of our older D2 residents do not use technology and our youth have limited access to the internet. In addition, I also propose a resolution that City Hall and other civic referendums perform selected hearings, awarding of contracts, and cast their votes after 5 p.m. when many residents get out of work. In many instances these actions are being decided in the afternoon which leaves the hard working community out of the decision process. This needs to stop.
What is your opinion of the city’s decision in 2012 to sell the land at 803 N. Cherry St., next to the Hays Street Bridge, to a developer? Should it have remained city property? What do you think is the best use for the land?
To be specific the Hayes Street Bridge has a historical significance to many East Side residents. In the most recent version, the bridge and land were donated to the City for public use. Certain developers along with some city officials had planned to privatize it for commercial use. This was a blatant abuse of power that has really energized our D2 community. However, what is tragic is that the city had circumvented our trust and used funds to allow the developer to purchase the property. We definitely were blessed to have the state court step in and prohibit this sale.*** I suspect there will be more attempts to seize the property and other San Antonio landmarks in the near future.
What’s the best way for San Antonio to balance maintaining the character of East Side neighborhoods while encouraging private investment?
Our best approach is to invest in existing D2 businesses in order to maintain the integrity of the East Side. My view is that residents who live in the area will provide an investment that goes beyond monetary values. If we are going to continue using entities like TIRZ (tax increment reinvestment zone) funding and the CCHIP infill program, then we will need a more thorough vetting process as well. The city has allowed too many developers whose origins are outside of San Antonio to dictate the future of our neighborhoods.
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Joseph Allen Powell
(No photo submitted)
What is your job, or how do you earn a living?
Contract labor. I was charging scooters, but have taken a break to focus on the campaign. I still do odd jobs for neighborhood residents and contractors.
What is your age?
32
Where were you born?
At home, in an apartment off of Blanco Road to a single mother here in San Antonio.
Do you live in the district? If so, what neighborhood?
Yes. Dignowity Hill.
What qualifies you to hold this position?
I will be here to stay. Sadly a council member that completes their term is the bare minimum people are asking for. On my honor as an Eagle Scout, I promise to complete my term if elected.
What is your background in politics?
I am a lifelong activist, including the Occupy movement. I worked for the DCCC (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) in the 2014 midterms and was totally disgusted at the work ethic and best practices of the Democratic Party. I knew we would be doomed to a Trump/Cruz presidency early on. I started a non-profit called “And Justice For Real” to prevent further voter registration manipulation. I am a radical progressive, and I am disgusted at the ineffectiveness of the Democratic party.
What is the biggest issue facing San Antonio, and how do you plan to address it? What’s one issue you feel San Antonio City Council isn’t paying attention to?
Economic segregation as a root cause of crime. Current policies and proposals only scratch the surface. We need radical wealth distribution in the form of moving the increasing property tax burden from homeowners to businesses. Those who own capital benefit from public works and a publicly educated workforce, they should pay.
What do you think of the Alamo master plan that was approved in October 2018? What parts of the plan to you agree with? What parts of the plan to you disagree with?
I like the idea of closing the street and restoring the historic structures. The propaganda used was absolutely appalling however, including the demonization of PETA and religious activists who use the area for freedom of speech in public space. Get rid of the Ripley’s, that’s keeping San Antonio way behind. But the restoration committee should have left the “Man Rides Stick Pony, Swings Rubber Chicken in His Underwear” and other shock photos out of the process.
What is your opinion of the Center City Housing Incentive Policy and its impact on the neighborhoods around downtown? What role do you believe San Antonio should play in incentivizing affordable housing?
Property taxes make the housing unaffordable. The city should shift increasing property tax burden from citizens to business. San Antonio businesses are thriving. We are growing at an alarming rate. This has created what economists would call a “price shock.” We need immediate policy to provide tax relief and recession-proof business growth.
What do you think of the city’s current regulations on scooters?
We should keep the scooters and shutdown a few blocks downtown for pedestrian, bicycle, and scooter use only. This has been a successful model in Mexico City and San Cristobal de las Casas.
What do you think of the City Council’s decision to not bid for the 2020 Republican National Convention?
I just think the Republicans today are such a joke. Donald Trump is a total chump, Pence is a clown, the media became the message and half the city is tuned into the circus. Ted Cruz just comes off as incredibly sleazy. For everyone’s safety I say send the freak show to the next town. I support the decision not to bid 100 percent.
What is one thing the city can do to increase transparency in local government or to better engage its citizens?
The current Zoning Commission meeting time does not allow for working homeowners to attend. Change the time to 6:30 p.m. so all can attend. I’m still unsure if it’s systemic, but it is certainly systematic in keeping ordinary citizens out of the process, and the implications are a very undemocratic land grab.
What is your opinion of the city’s decision in 2012 to sell the land at 803 N. Cherry St., next to the Hays Street Bridge, to a developer? Should it have remained city property? What do you think is the best use for the land?
It should have remained city property. The city will repeal its current appeal, and then the real fight begins. Whether by eminent domain or a previous judicial ruling on the use of the space, it will be made public space. My daughter is 8 years old, and she was 6 months old when I went to my first event in support of the land to be used as public space. We haven’t spent seven years fighting this thing to give up. There is an unspoken agreement within the developer community to control the neighborhood association and have certain a councilman in office. It is criminal in nature on a few levels in my opinion. This goes way beyond the bridge. It speaks to the way the East Side is being developed. Anyways, a visitor’s center would be a nice use of the space.
What’s the best way for San Antonio to balance maintaining the character of East Side neighborhoods while encouraging private investment?
Developers should subsidize the basic human rights of sanitation, health, water, education, and nutrition. The only viable option is to shift the increasing property tax burdens from individuals to businesses.
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Richard Ramey
What is your job, or how do you earn a living?
I am currently enrolled in the marriage and family therapy counseling program at Texas A&M University—San Antonio. I also work part-time at the YMCA, as a group leader in the after-school Challenge program.
What is your age?
I’m 31 years old.
Where were you born?
I was born here in San Antonio, Texas.
Do you live in the district? If so, what neighborhood?
Yes, I live here in District 2. As for the neighborhood, I live on the borders of Denver Heights.
What qualifies you to hold this position?
I believe I meet all the requirements needed to run/hold office in my district. As for what qualifies me to hold this position, I believe caring enough to want change in my district should be enough. I genuinely want to see my district move in a forward direction, where the district is put first!
What is your background in politics?
This is my first time running for office.
What is the biggest issue facing San Antonio, and how do you plan to address it? What’s one issue you feel San Antonio City Council isn’t paying attention to?
Throughout my campaign I’ve had the privilege to ask residents what’s something they want changed. The answer is the same, they want to be safe. So, according to the residents I’ve spoken with, public safety is the biggest issue. As for something the City Council isn’t paying attention to, I will have to say the neighborhood associations, and the unions.
What do you think of the Alamo master plan that was approved in October 2018? What parts of the plan to you agree with? What parts of the plan to you disagree with?
I like the idea of preserving the Alamo. The Alamo was the first field trip in school I remember going on. As for changes, perhaps removing the entertainment attractions.
What is your opinion of the Center City Housing Incentive Policy and its impact on the neighborhoods around downtown? What role do you believe San Antonio should play in incentivizing affordable housing?
The policy would potentially put more families downtown. The role that San Antonio should play, of course, should be keeping the cost down so residents can afford it.
What do you think of the city’s current regulations on scooters?
I’m not against the idea of people riding scooters. I personally would vote against banning scooters. I like seeing people all around the city enjoying themselves riding scooters. To me it seems like something that gets the residents out of their houses and trying something new. Safety is my only issue with the scooters.
What do you think of the City Council’s decision to not bid for the 2020 Republican National Convention?
It would’ve cost the city a great deal of money.
What is one thing the city can do to increase transparency in local government or to better engage its citizens?
The city needs to pay attention to the residents. Stop letting voices go unheard and remember that it’s those residents that vote candidates into office. We need to put them first!
What is your opinion of the city’s decision in 2012 to sell the land at 803 N. Cherry St., next to the Hays Street Bridge, to a developer? Should it have remained city property? What do you think is the best use for the land?
This is a tough question but looking at the communities and seeing how unhappy this made them, it shouldn’t have happened. The residents living in that area seem left out and frustrated.
What’s the best way for San Antonio to balance maintaining the character of East Side neighborhoods while encouraging private investment?
Both sides need to sit down together and find common ground!
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Jada Andrews-Sullivan
What is your job or how do you earn a living?
I am a 100 percent service-connected disabled veteran with two small businesses (a motivational and inspirational speaking company, Majestic Royalty Inspirational Speaking; and a specialty cake company, Jada’s Lic-Quor Cakes).
What is your age?
I am 43 years old.
Where were you born?
I was born here in San Antonio, Texas, at Wilford Hall Medical Center.
Do you live in the district? If so, what neighborhood?
I live here in District 2, in Coliseum Park/Willow Wood.
What qualifies you to hold this position?
My community qualifies me. It’s not about me but all about ensuring our community has someone who is willing to square up, speak up and speak out for the betterment of our district. It’s about servitude and stepping into the mission at hand. Ensuring that our community has a seat at the table and is heard.
What is your background in politics?
(No response)
What is the biggest issue facing San Antonio, and how do you plan to address it? What’s one issue you feel San Antonio City Council isn’t paying attention to?
The city of San Antonio’s biggest issue is that of economic segregation. We must begin to walk the walk that we speak of. If the rhetoric is all inclusive, we must begin to truly have our economic growth, economic mix and the structure of that within our city employment and contracting. My plan is to build our Economic Development Board and Commission with every form of business owner that can pour back into building the system of economic growth and development in each area and district of San Antonio.
Community displacement. We must start building our communities in a full cohesive fashion and never exclude anyone. Ensuring that we have a complete homestead exemption in place to help ensure our legacy homeowners our secure in knowing they will not be displaced as we undergo transformation/transition of our communities is desperately needed. Having the homestead exemption in place will bring a peace of mind to our communities ensuring them that they have a city that is protecting them.
What do you think of the Alamo master plan that was approved in October 2018? What parts of the plan to you agree with? What parts of the plan to you disagree with?
It is controversial in some portions, but we need to revitalize the history of the Alamo and bring back the beauty that it holds within our San Antonio history. The museum is a must to ensure we are preserving the history of that foundation of the Alamo. The uprooting of Cenotaph is one of the most important aspects of this plan.
What is your opinion of the Center City Housing Incentive Policy and its impact on the neighborhoods around downtown? What role do you believe San Antonio should play in incentivizing affordable housing?
The Center City Housing Incentive Policy can have a positive impact, but it must be implemented in a strategic manner that no one is displaced. We must define the exact definition of affordable housing. As this relates to downtown, we know our demographics are changing but we still have homeowners who have been here since the early 40’s and need our leaders to protect them during the time of transitioning. Will the tax incentives provided breathe life back into our community?
What do you think of the city’s current regulations on scooters?
The regulations of scooters are suitable but can be better developed to protect those that use our sidewalks, roadways and our River Walk. They are a great source of alternative transportation, but we need to strengthen our policies.
What do you think of the City Council’s decision to not bid for the 2020 Republican National Convention?
We speak of being an all-inclusive city but then we turn around and cause division in whom we allow to host a convention. Our city has always been a sanctuary city to protect those that come to our country for a better life and we must protect them too. Knowing that we can not appease everyone, we still cannot speak one way and lead by another.
What is one thing the city can do to increase transparency in local government or to better engage its citizens?
As we speak of full transparency when it comes to our city government, putting steps in place to make this happen is a priority to our communities. Have website access is great but we must get back to the face to face interaction with our community. Meet them where they are and break it down on a level everyone can understand. Full access, accountability, and put those into action with mobile based services that can be taken to the churches, community parks and through the community centers.
What is your opinion of the city’s decision in 2012 to sell the land at 803 N. Cherry St., next to the Hays Street Bridge, to a developer? Should it have remained city property? What do you think is the best use for the land?
The Hays Street Bridge is one the hottest topics up for debate within our community, ending all the litigation and fully listening to everyone that has a part of this decision; there can be a win, win for everyone if we stop fighting and start working together. The community wants a public space where it can be used for a park, parking lot and facilities that give back to the neighborhood, but it truly takes working with developers to come up with a precise plan that will give those things and then some. Bridging the gap brings about that trust and bond of full cohesiveness. Many worked hard to have the bridge restored and that is a really big thing to ensure everyone is excited about the many positive things that can be brought to this area by working hand and hand.
What’s the best way for San Antonio to balance maintaining the character of East Side neighborhoods while encouraging private investment?
We are the Sierra Leone of San Antonio, a diamond that has been discovered in the richness of our soil. Our proximity to downtown makes District 2 prime to investment. It takes a complete unit of our residents, leaders, developers, businesses, public servants and everyone having a seat at the table to address the matters of private investments. It’s time for a united front to build on our history of rich foundation and make it a prospering, revitalized and flourishing place. We must build into our future generations and leave a strong platform they will be proud of.
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Denise Gutierrez-Homer
What is your job, or how do you earn a living?
Retired from design/restoration building contractor business. Now a full-time artist. Husband is a DVM (doctor of veterinary medicine). We own an animal hospital, real estate.
What is your age?
54
Where were you born?
Brownsville, Texas, Rio Grande Valley
Do you live in the district? If so, what neighborhood?
Yes, Government Hill historic neighborhood
What qualifies you to hold this position?
My commitment, passion, education—UTSA political science, business owner, investor, community activist, fundraiser, such as Brackenridge Park and the missions.
What is your background in politics?
Political science degree. Involved with hometown campaigns supporting family and friends for local positions. Former S.A. precinct chair.
What is the biggest issue facing San Antonio, and how do you plan to address it? What’s one issue you feel San Antonio City Council isn’t paying attention to?
Current city developers in downtown do not meet the needs of the working class. S.A. is creating economic segregation within our downtown. Historic neighborhoods. S.A. has created homelessness.
What do you think of the Alamo master plan that was approved in October 2018? What parts of the plan to you agree with? What parts of the plan to you disagree with?
(Disappointment) The direction S.A. is going is not correct. History can’t be re-written nor structures be removed, altered, without a citizen vote. The Alamo belongs to S.A. to Texas and voters. The Woolworth needs to be saved.
What is your opinion of the Center City Housing Incentive Policy and its impact on the neighborhoods around downtown? What role do you believe San Antonio should play in incentivizing affordable housing?
Multimillion dollar developers don’t need added dollars to get projects done. As they have researched, they know costed gains. Results will be a win. Either way, but not for S.A.’s “real” housing needs.
What do you think of the city’s current regulations on scooters?
There is no teeth to such regulations. Private companies need to pay to use our infrastructure, maintain, fix and, if needed, lanes, help fund their creation. Not at the taxpayers’ expense.
What do you think of the City Council’s decision to not bid for the 2020 Republican National Convention?
S.A is a tourist city. My neighbors feed, pay taxes from the dollar’s that tourist who visit our city spend. This was a political move. It ignored our city, and its people.
What is one thing the city can do to increase transparency in local government or to better engage its citizens?
The city of San Antonio needs to provide all the facts—details on dollars to implement (CAAP) has not been shard nor a vote given to voters as their right. Having forums is just optics, not inclusive by those who have to live and financially support it.
What is your opinion of the city’s decision in 2012 to sell the land at 803 N. Cherry St., next to the Hays Street Bridge, to a developer? Should it have remained city property? What do you think is the best use for the land?
The property did not belong to S.A. It was in “trust” for Dignowity Hill while they prepared to create their neighborhood park. S.A. gave the property away when you add incentives. The land became free to develop.
What’s the best way for San Antonio to balance maintaining the character of East Side neighborhoods while encouraging private investment?
Invest in current homeowners. Generations or legacy homeowners are the “real” investors in downtown neighborhoods. As soon as any repairs or upkeep is made to the individual’s property appraisals, BCAD (Bexar County Appraisal District) penalizes them. Landlords are also penalized when they have to increase “affordable” rents to meet the tax increases. Incentives should be offered to keep rents affordable and families living in their community.
— There is no mention of a roof-top restaurant in the Alamo master plan. [ Back to Arciniega’s responses ]
— The Alamo master plan doesn’t say whether or not the Woolworth building will be demolished. [ Back to Arciniega’s responses ]
— The Texas Supreme Court in March did not rule on the sale of the land. The court waived the City of San Antonio’s governmental immunity, which sends the case back to the 4th Court of Appeals, and it also denied the city’s motion to dismiss the case. [ Back to Arciniega’s responses ]
Editor’s note: District 2 candidates Keith A. Toney, Salena Santibanez Guipzot, and Walter E. Perry Sr. did not respond to our questionnaire.
I’ve been hearing a lot lately about ties between Jada Andrews-Sullivan and the developer of the Hays Street Bridge area. What is true and what isn’t? I hope the San Antonio Heron can provide some context on that in the coming weeks.