In an effort to keep our readers as informed as possible for the May 1 election, we asked all candidates running for the District 5 City Council seat how they feel about some of the West Side’s most pressing issues, and specific items on the ballot.
Eleven candidates are competing for the District 5 council seat, which is being vacated by Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales, who’s term is ending after serving eight years, or four consecutive two-year terms.
As a reminder, early voting begins April 19, Monday, and ends April 27, Tuesday. Voting on election day—May 1, Saturday—takes place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit the city’s election page for more info.
» David Yañez
» Ricardo Moreno
» Teri Castillo
» Marie Crabb
» Jason Mata
» Rudy Lopez
» Ray Garza
» Anthony Gres
[ Note: The order of the candidate responses was chosen randomly. ]
The answers have been edited for punctuation, style and egregious grammatical errors.
David Yañez
What is your job, or how do you earn a living?
I am an immigration and tax attorney. I have been doing this work for 10 years.
What is your age?
53
Where were you born?
In San Antonio, Texas.
Do you live in the district? If so, what neighborhood?
Yes, the Palm Heights neighborhood.
What qualifies you to hold this position?
I have lived in the community for my whole life, except for attending college out of state. I attended all the public schools from Graebner Elementary to Burbank High School and understand the challenges of earning a living in the district. I have educated myself with bachelor’s in political science from St. Mary’s University, a master’s in city planning from the University of Pennsylvania, and a law degree from St. Mary’s School of Law that helps me to identify the issues and create solutions for District 5. I have elderly parents who live in the district and they feel the pressure of gentrification from the monthly mail asking them to sell their home. We can have goals and rights to our community history and longevity but we must reinforce and protect it if we wish it to continue and overcome with economic development plans and strategy. I recognize these concerns and am ready to make improvements on City Council and as a member of the American Planning Association.
What is your background in politics?
I began my career in public service as legislative assistant to state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte in the Texas Senate (District 26) for five years. I also performed constituent service duties and special project assignments in Austin and San Antonio for her office. Also, I did serve as a city employee for four months, when hired to be a trainer for the new incoming staff of city councilman of District 5 David Medina. From August 2009 to November 2009, I provided governance training to the new councilman, his staff and provided temporary transition support to get the office on the right path to serve my community and to follow the same successful formula as was used for Senator Van de Puttes’ office in providing service. I also prepared an economic development strength and weakness assessment plan of District 5 for review, before beginning my new attorney position at Catholic Charities of San Antonio, Inc. in January 2010. I am vice president of Labor Council for the Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) chapter in San Antonio. I am also a member of the Palm Heights Neighborhood Association and a parishioner of St. James.
What is the biggest issue facing San Antonio, and how do you plan to address it?
The biggest issue is the coronavirus pandemic and its related problems. The most important part to get the economy back on track is to get our community healthy, including the student population to return to school.
What’s one issue you feel San Antonio City Council isn’t paying attention to?
Water and water conservation and the need to make sure we are preparing for our future water options as the population continues to grow at a rapid pace.
How do you think the Alamo master planning process should proceed?
We should come up with a new comprehensive plan with a new representative committee from all areas of San Antonio. The Alamo Cenotaph should remain in place.
What do you think of the proposed charter amendment that would broaden how voter-approved bond dollars can be spent? Do you support or oppose the amendment? Explain your position.
I am for it, because it creates new possibilities to solve some affordable housing problems now. I support it.
Do you support or oppose Proposition B, the measure that would repeal police officers’ collective bargaining power and thus the right to negotiate contracts with the city? Explain your position.
I support a responsible police department that follows policy and procedure to the benefit of the community and also oppose Proposition B. I am from a union family and I understand the collective bargaining concern, but I do feel that once an officer is terminated, after proper due process, they should not be rehired.
What is your opinion of the city’s role in incentivizing large-scale apartment developments in the downtown area and in the regional centers identified in the SA Tomorrow plan? What role do you believe San Antonio should play in incentivizing affordable housing?
To be a world class city we must have world class solutions. For example, Port SA is only utilizing 40% of the land, and can still grow to its full potential as a revenue generator. I would provide a tax incentive for business to come build and use office space along with dynamic housing planning with a vision from a world class architect to create a new orientation that identifies with the mission of Port S.A. that of building futures, but any incentive should not last longer than five years.
What is one thing the city can do to increase transparency in local government or to better engage its citizens?
Allow more participation by extending time in citizens to be heard, to give the constituent option to have more time. Perhaps, to have a city wide advisory board committee, that can discuss any and all concerns on the mind of the registered voter, so that the voter feels they have been heard and not just have one option to only present at City Council. To feel they have a voice in the process and to put their concern on the record with an advisory board committee (a catch-all topic committee) for discussion and evaluation.
What is the best way for San Antonio to balance maintaining the character of West Side neighborhoods while encouraging private investment?
Respect the generational knowledge and ownership of what has been instead of trying to demolish and start again. To speak to a partnership of investors to allow tax credits who want to develop with a respectful approach to neighborhood development needs, however to maintain the integrity of the neighborhoods cultural character. To design with the West Side character and nature in mind.
What do you think of the San Antonio Housing Authority’s shift in strategy for the redevelopment of the Alazan Courts: to still demolish the courts, but to maintain 100% public housing with the new development.
I don’t like communities to be displaced without a community plan to maintain their social construct and place in the neighborhood. We need to keep tightly knit communities together and build with them for their future use and their involvement.
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Ricardo Moreno
What is your job, or how do you earn a living?
I have been an educator for over 10 years. Currently I am an assistant principal at Losoya Middle School.
What is your age?
I am 35 years old.
Where were you born?
I was born in Eagle Pass, Texas, while my parents were visiting family. I have always lived in San Antonio.
Do you live in the district? If so, what neighborhood?
I do live in the district, within the Harlandale ISD community. The neighborhood is known as Tierra Linda.
What qualifies you to hold this position?
I am a proud community member of District 5. I have a bachelor’s in public administration, master’s in special education, and a principalship certification. Currently, I am an assistant principal at Losoya Middle School in Southside ISD and I have held my current position as a Harlandale ISD school board member for six years. This has afforded me the ability in having a rapport with my community, which allows me to be in a position to help in ensuring we provide the best in accessibility and resources for my constituents. Not many of my peers in this election can state that they can see every point of view or layer when it comes to being an elected official and the pressures that come with making decisions that are best for all not based on a few. Ultimately, my experience, my education, and my commitment to serve provides me the skillset to leave my community in a better position than I found it.
What is your background in politics?
My political background stems to my undergraduate years at Texas State University where I majored in public administration. During my graduate study at Texas A&M-San Antonio, I was elected student government vice president. In 2015, I earned the privilege in being elected as a school board trustee at my home district of Harlandale. I was re-elected in 2019 to my trustee position. I have held various roles as board secretary, board vice-president, and school board president. I have also been a member of the Tejano Democrats SD-19.
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?
I run on a platform that encourages education, emphasizes the need to provide relief for our local businesses and help those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and create trust among our stakeholders based on tolerance and equity. Local businesses should have access to PPE and other Covid relief initiatives that have been provided to the city from the federal and state level. We need to create a plan to streamline the process that is online and a physical version to reach more business owners. It is important to make sure we make Covid-19 relief resources accessible to all. I firmly view education as the backbone to any prospering or affluent society. I have a sense of civic duty to help my community through education. I feel that we can leverage the resources that are already offered through wraparound services from our local ISDs. I would welcome the opportunity to leverage some of these resources and work collectively with local ISDs to address issues, in particular with food banks, mental health support for our community members, and access to support for affordable housing. I feel we must create a needs assessment and to see how effectively, efficiently, and equitably all areas of District 5 are being funded. Additionally, let us also look at the resources and groups that already provide services and outreach to our District 5 community members so that we may enhance their effectiveness. It is vital to invest in our neighborhoods where our younger generation can return to find a community moving upward. For that to occur we must have infrastructure in place, a feeling of safety and awareness, and businesses that are developed to align with the careers they seek. I believe with new leadership we can create a District 5 that is not known as an area of problems, but rather an area of solutions.
How do you think the Alamo master planning process should proceed?
We must move forward. It seems that many issues have occurred since the project was first discussed in 2015. It is imperative that we find a way to address the concerns related to the Cenotaph that seems to have stalled progress. Ideally, I envision that a museum and visitor center is needed to allow for more context and understanding for visitors of our beloved Alamo. We must create an element of history tied with engagement for visitors to engross themselves in learning the history of the battle and the role it played in shaping Texas and the eventual expansion of the United States. We must address the concerns of local tourist shops and stores currently housed across from the Alamo. Discussion should be had to find ways to allow those local businesses to benefit from the Alamo project. The Alamo project should go forward so that we can enhance the strength and vitality of our downtown area.
What do you think of the proposed charter amendment that would broaden how voter-approved bond dollars can be spent? Do you support or oppose the amendment? Explain your position.
I support the measure since it would allow the city to provide relief and funds to areas that have long been unrepresented. This would be another tool to refine and jump start growth that has been stagnant, helping homes being rehabilitated, encouraging business development, and restoring opportunities especially within our District 5 community.
Do you support or oppose Proposition B, the measure that would repeal police officers’ collective bargaining power and thus the right to negotiate contracts with the city? Explain your position.
No, I do not support Proposition B. As an educator in a state that does not allow teachers to collectively bargain, I understand the importance in doing what is right for personnel. This has a large impact on the overall compensation package of the SAPD, in particular insurance and pension benefits. This can adversely affect the quality of personnel that will be handling emergencies throughout our communities. Ultimately, we would want to have the most qualified and adept personnel to handle such emergencies, we would not want to deter stellar candidates from applying.
I have always worked with unions. I have always been a part of the union within my education setting with AFT and TSTA. In doing so, I will work well with unions in providing the best results that will be fair and equitable, and in the best interests of our District 5 community. I strongly feel and would advocate for the right of all workers to collectively bargain with their employers.
What is your opinion of the city’s role in incentivizing large-scale apartment developments in the downtown area and in the regional centers identified in the SA Tomorrow plan? What role do you believe San Antonio should play in incentivizing affordable housing?
I feel that developers should always pay their fair share of taxes. It is difficult to comprehend how so many are struggling with increases in property taxes and huge apartments companies shoulder minimal cost. These potential taxes can easily give a larger influx of revenue for local ISDs and city projects. There should be balance in creating any type of incentive in building these large-scale apartments. Conversations between committees, council people, city staff, and developers should center on how this will have a significant impact on the growth of the areas. Within District 5, the only area identified is Port S.A., which, if done correctly, could potentially provide a huge windfall for our communities throughout. Our District 5 communities want innovation and they also do not just want jobs, but rather careers. I would much rather find ways to help develop more affordable housing for our current and future residents. I would be open to having genuine and honest conversations with developers, but it would need to be based on what is in the best interest of District 5.
What is one thing the city can do to increase transparency in local government or to better engage its citizens?
Transparency is a vital component in gaining trust and support from your community. We have technology available today, but in District 5 it is still considered a luxury. We must provide more access to reliable internet and that would be a good first step to allow for email, text messages, newsletters, virtual forums and meetings, etc.
What’s the best way for San Antonio to balance maintaining the character of West Side neighborhoods while encouraging private investment?
We must include all stakeholders that are invested in sharing their thoughts and ideas. Many of our neighbors want to see our West Side communities refined and thriving. They want a balance of development that takes what they have to say seriously. The idea is not to sell our communities out and build cookie-cutter homes, but rather allow for progress that encourages best practices and affordability for our residents. Our communities do not want to be left behind in a state of stagnation. Rather, we want to honor our traditions and merge them with forward-thinking development. I intend to do what is best for all areas of District 5 and not allow for one area to be neglected.
What do you think of the San Antonio Housing Authority’s shift in strategy for the redevelopment of the Alazan Courts: to still demolish the courts, but to maintain 100% public housing with the new development?
I grew up on Monterey Street and attended De Zavala Elementary, so I am certainly familiar with the community. I understand the premise behind the Alazan Courts is in creating an avenue to support our residents to eventually fulfill the goal of home ownership. There are concerns related with the fear of being priced out of their neighborhoods and also losing the social networks of their communities. I believe we all are in agreement that the Alazan Courts need to be modernized in order to fit the needs of our residents. If the project goes forward we must have protections in place for residents who still wish to reside in the new development. Also, to find ways to not have any of our 500 families displaced and for those wishing to relocate to allow flexibility in deciding their future residency. Additionally, it should be done in phases to allow residents opportunities to get situated.
It has been noted that SAHA has gone away from working with a private developer. SAHA seems to have a preliminary plan in addressing ways to provide a fair and equitable situation for our families residing in the Alazan Courts. I would envision that our families will have access to the resources they need in order to assist their ability to grow and invest in our District 5 community. I feel this shift was done for the security and reassurance of the current residents and preserving the uniqueness associated with Alazan Courts.
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Teri Castillo
What is your job, or how do you earn a living?
I work in education at the secondary level.
What is your age?
29
Where were you born?
San Antonio
Do you live in the district? If so, what neighborhood?
I am a lifelong and generational resident of District 5. I live in the historic Westside.
What qualifies you to hold this position?
For the last several years I have advocated on behalf of the community at Building and Standards Board meetings, San Antonio Housing Authority board meetings, and San Antonio Housing Commission meetings (among many others), and have a proven record of working for the people of District 5. As the only candidate who has fought alongside public housing residents to challenge predatory landlord practices and mass community displacement, I know what it takes to secure victories for the people—in spite of the powers that be and well-meaning individuals characterizing our goals as impossible to attain. Through my experience as an active member of the Historic Westside Residents Association, I know the power of the collective, and recognize that decisions should not be made about neighborhoods without neighborhood voice and consensus. Moreover, as a member of the Texas Organizing Project’s Healthcare Committee, I understand the importance of organizing elected colleagues at every level. Too often, city leadership passes the buck on the issues, claiming that certain things are simply beyond the purview of the city and then walking away. I am committed to ensuring that community needs are addressed at every possible level, which takes strong coordination with sympathetic actors in the state and federal government. As a trained historian, I am experienced in the ways in which predatory policies and practices continue to be refashioned under the guise of progress and at the cost of our working families.
What is your background in politics?
My experience is grounded in community organizing and working toward structural change that meets the material needs of District 5’s working people. I am a firm believer that community should shape city policy and practices, and my role has been to amplify the voices and demands of District 5 residents. I am ready to continue the work as the next councilwoman from District 5.
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?
We are in the midst of multiple crises—housing, environmental, the Covid-19 pandemic, and an economic turndown—and the current city leadership is failing to boldly connect the intersections on these to move forward on much-needed policy and relief. Our existing housing stock is our most affordable and yet, as District 5 experiences investment that ignores and outpaces stagnant wages, our working families, whether homeowners, renters, or legacy business owners, often become victims of predatory real estate practices. The cost of rehabbing one’s home, rental or business, drastically exceeds earned wages.
In the city as a whole, but in District 5 overwhelmingly, we are experiencing an increase of involuntary housing demolitions. We must shift our public money priorities to finally reflect the needs of working families in District 5, rather than towards the displacement of our residents via unaffordable housing schemes financed in large part by our public money. These ill-begotten schemes, leading to displacement and social chaos as they do, ultimately shift the tax burden onto our working families.
How do you think the Alamo master planning process should proceed?
Though the Alamo is connected to travel and tourism, important sources of income as a city, District 5 (and several other districts) should not be concerned at this time with the Alamo master plan. This is a concern brought up by past councils which only highlights the disconnect between city officials and community. We must go forward focusing on what the residents of District 5 urgently need. They are struggling to live safely in the face of a pandemic, they are losing the battle for economic independence, they are in danger of eviction and home demolition—there are too many issues directly affecting our District 5 residents. It would be irresponsible to ask any future District 5 council member to readjust focus away from these crises.
What do you think of the proposed charter amendment that would broaden how voter-approved bond dollars can be spent? Do you support or oppose the amendment? Explain your position.
City leadership has yet to prove itself successful in mitigating housing displacement and houselessness, so some of their talk may be premature, lacking that full and necessary context from their constituents.
When we examine the city’s current affordable housing crisis, we learn that our public money and tax incentives are being used to construct housing that is unaffordable to the working people of San Antonio. Though city leadership claims bond dollars would broaden housing initiatives, the current San Antonio housing pipeline is failing to meet the need for deeply affordable housing. Indeed, the infrastructure needs throughout District 5 are substantial, and we must ensure the needs of our families do not get pushed back additional decades for the sake of luxury development. Ultimately, I support the decision of voters and will ensure that, if changes are passed, our public dollars are used to meet the needs of working residents, rather than to fatten the pockets of for-profit developers.
Do you support or oppose Proposition B, the measure that would repeal police officers’ collective bargaining power and thus the right to negotiate contracts with the city? Explain your position.
I support Fix SAPD and their work to pass Prop B. The San Antonio Police Department contract affects all constituents in our city, and the voice of the people must be heard in that regard. When the police department identifies an officer who is unfit for the position, but then SAPOA forces the department to retain that officer, it is clearly not just the police department that is impacted by the decision. Constituents are also now subjected to an unfit and likely dangerous individual who has abrogated their duty to protect the community. This is why I believe it is important for our city government to explore alternative measures that provide accountability on officers that abuse their positions. The passage of Prop B would mark a necessary change for the better for the welfare of our citizens.
What is your opinion of the city’s role in incentivizing large-scale apartment developments in the downtown area and in the regional centers identified in the SA Tomorrow plan? What role do you believe San Antonio should play in incentivizing affordable housing?
When we look at the city’s current housing pipeline, we can quickly determine that the city has been incentivizing the development of unaffordable housing for our already cost-burdened working people of San Antonio. We must shift our public money towards the public good and construct housing where San Antonio needs it the most, particularly for those who earn less than $22,580 a year. Moreover, in a city with severely underfunded public schools, a high uninsured rate, and too many neglected streets, sidewalks, speed bumps, and lighting, we must ensure that developers are paying their fair share in taxes. The City of San Antonio has a responsibility to incentivize deeply affordable housing. Our public money should serve the city’s people, and we must end the passing of the tax burden onto our working families while developers make out like bandits.
What is one thing the city can do to increase transparency in local government or to better engage its citizens?
The city needs to implement processes that increase involvement from citizens in government decisions. Participatory budgeting has already been adopted in two San Antonio City Council districts, although in a piecemeal fashion with mixed results; it is time for this process, shown to be successful in several other neighborhoods and districts across the world, to be implemented meaningfully, on more than just minor cosmetic changes.
We can also allow and encourage citizens to take part in fundamental decisions through processes not unlike that of the Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform in British Columbia or the Citizens’ Reference Panels in Ontario. Between 2004 and 2006, those governments asked citizens to submit their names for possible participation in a fact-finding mission for future policy. From among these names of interested citizens from all walks of life, 161 were randomly chosen to work together over a series of meetings to create and submit recommendations to government officials. The process was successful in invigorating public participation outside of just wealthy donors and business executives. District 5 could benefit strongly from similar processes on certain policy topics.
What’s the best way for San Antonio to balance maintaining the character of West Side neighborhoods while encouraging private investment?
Despite the creation of community plans, we often hear the powers that be dismissing years of work and collaborative community input. We must amend the Unified Development Codes that have so far provided developers with generous room for interpretation, leading to outcomes favorable to them and noxious to the community. We must ensure community voice is reflected in SA Tomorrow plans and that community is provided with necessary notes and updates periodically and when requested. As a city, we must encourage the preservation of cultural murals, implementing protective measures against whitewashing murals as well as exploring more robust care and maintenance for extant mural panels. Ultimately, my role is to advocate on behalf of neighborhoods, not outside interests seeking to maximize profits.
What do you think of the San Antonio Housing Authority’s shift in strategy for the redevelopment of the Alazan Courts: to still demolish the courts, but to maintain 100% public housing with the new development?
The shift in strategy to maintain 100% public housing was the result of years of community organizing and coalition-building. As the only candidate who fought alongside the community to challenge the mass displacement of our community members, I know what it takes to win in spite of the lack of political will from some elected officials. That is why we must organize our elected officials to support a Green New Deal for public housing. The San Antonio Housing Authority and the city have the opportunity and duty to lead in the nation by decarbonizing and retrofitting our public housing units, which would bring existing units beyond current federal standards.
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Marie Crabb
What is your job, or how do you earn a living?
Realtor, small business owner of a real estate business
What is your age?
34 years old
Where were you born?
San Antonio
Do you live in the district? If so, what neighborhood?
I live in District 5. My neighborhood association is Lonestar.
What qualifies you to hold this position?
I’ve grown up in San Antonio and have earned both my bachelor and master’s degrees from St. Mary’s University. I chose to start my small business here and have learned through experience what businesses need, and have spent time actively listening to what our community members want to see from their council member.
What is your background in politics?
I worked for the State Department in Washington, D.C., in the Office of Civil Rights and became a certified Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Counselor as well as a trained mediator. I also serve as a board member and animal rescue advocate with P.A.W.S., and board member of the American Indian Movement of Central Texas.
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?
I feel that the City Council has been ignoring the basics needed in the city. We aren’t taking care of our infrastructure and it’s truly heartbreaking to hear people say they’ve paid taxes for 50 years and will probably get sidewalks “when they die.” This shows me that not only are people being ignored, but the idea of focusing on basic needs has been forgotten and foregone to focus on topics that are more appealing for headlines and rankings.
How do you think the Alamo master planning process should proceed?
All groups’ histories should be told, not just the 1836 battle. I feel that should be non-negotiable.
What do you think of the proposed charter amendment that would broaden how voter-approved bond dollars can be spent? Do you support or oppose the amendment? Explain your position.
I support the amendment. I feel that it could be a tool to eliminate poverty in the district and help our city thrive in a positive way.
Do you support or oppose Proposition B, the measure that would repeal police officers’ collective bargaining power and thus the right to negotiate contracts with the city? Explain your position.
I oppose Proposition B. I do, however, firmly believe that both the police association and the city should take our citizens into account and reach the best deal for both sides. Zero-sum negotiations are not healthy when we’re discussing the safety and perceived representation of justice for our communities. Removing collective bargaining does not alter policies under which bad or malicious behavior is punished, so this is not an effective way to renegotiate change.
What is your opinion of the city’s role in incentivizing large-scale apartment developments in the downtown area and in the regional centers identified in the SA Tomorrow plan? What role do you believe San Antonio should play in incentivizing affordable housing?
The growth of our affordable housing needs to be commensurate with the growth of any new housing development, not massively outpaced by it. The city needs to be a lot more proactive in regards to implementing plans of action that create more affordable housing as well as continuing to preserve our existing housing stock. This means creating equal incentive opportunities for builders committed to partnering in providing housing options (both rental and purchase) appropriate for the median income bracket of the location in which they are building. The question should be: “How can we incentivize those that contribute to true, localized, area-specific affordable housing and affordable housing programs”?
What is one thing the city can do to increase transparency in local government or to better engage its citizens?
I feel that going back to block walking (as a city official and after election) to reach out regarding key issues is something that needs to occur and will increase transparency and the feeling of inclusion for many of our constituents.
What’s the best way for San Antonio to balance maintaining the character of West Side neighborhoods while encouraging private investment?
Listening to our neighborhoods and acknowledging all of the various unique cultures that are celebrated and recognized in District 5 is necessary. By listening to what our community says, I feel that we will be able to achieve a solid balance and see the district develop in a culturally appropriate way.
What do you think of the San Antonio Housing Authority’s shift in strategy for the redevelopment of the Alazan Courts: to still demolish the courts, but to maintain 100% public housing with the new development?
I don’t support SAHA’s decision. Protesting the redevelopment of the Alazan Courts ultimately meant opposing the repair of the current public housing. The focus then shifted to using federal funds versus private funds to make the rehab happen, but there is no guarantee that more federal funds will be available for this use. Essentially, this decision told those that are living in the courts that the current living conditions are what they deserve. I believe the anti-SAHA protestors may have had good intentions, but at the end of the day what it resulted in was the current residents’ housing not being upgraded and many continuing to live without insulation, heating, cooling and updated structural systems with no definitive plan for that change. There is a fine line between advocating for improved living conditions and objectifying poverty and sub-standard housing. This is an example of zero-sum negotiations that resulted in no positive movement, and the ones who ultimately lose are the SAHA residents. I feel that the SAHA board members took a quick way out to avoid bad publicity, which meant continued hurt to those they are supposed to protect.
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Jason Mata
Q: What is your job, or how do you earn a living?
For about 25 years I have worked for The Advocates Social Services. And for about 22 years I have been working with both the Advocates Boxing Youth Program and Prospect Hill Neighborhood Association.
I also have a small home renovation company that I have owned for about five years.
What is your age?
I am 48 years old.
Where were you born?
I was born in San Antonio, Texas.
Do you live in the district? If so, what neighborhood?
I live in District 5 and in the Prospect Hill area.
What qualifies you to hold this position?
I have over 25 years of experience in the field of social work, working with neighborhood issues, and with youth development services. I am very proactive and have worked closely with numerous city departments on several city issues including zoning, security prevention, and intervention measures.
What is your background in politics?
I have served as a Democratic precinct 2007 chairperson from 2002 to 2012. I am also an originator of the Westside Democrats in year 2009.
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 biggest issue I see is economic equity. I feel that the city as a whole is ignoring the fact that (the district) has a high poverty rate of 33% and a high school diploma rage of only 36.6%. The city as a whole needs to keep this in mind as we budget and prioritize programming.
How do you think the Alamo master planning process should proceed?
The Alamo master should proceed as available resources dictate.
What do you think of the proposed charter amendment that would broaden how voter-approved bond dollars can be spent? Do you support or oppose the amendment? Explain your position.
Yes, I support the charter change. However, I would like to minimize any possibility of gentrification. The words “acquire” may sometime lead to gentrification. I believe that when it comes to acquiring or purchasing property that we need to deal with this through committee and community participation.
Do you support or oppose Proposition B, the measure that would repeal police officers’ collective bargaining power and thus the right to negotiate contracts with the city? Explain your position.
No, I do not support Proposition B. I feel that we can make changes to policy or procedures if we need to address any reform issues.
What is your opinion of the city’s role in incentivizing large-scale apartment developments in the downtown area and in the regional centers identified in the SA Tomorrow plan? What role do you believe San Antonio should play in incentivizing affordable housing?
I feel that San Antonio should prioritize homelessness and affordable housing first. Further, I would like to see more income-based rental units available. We can accomplish this by working with landlords and existing apartment complexes, both SAHA and non-SAHA related.
What is one thing the city can do to increase transparency in local government or to better engage its citizens?
The city must do a better job of relaying prudent information to city residents through email or text. The city could have an information system in place whereas any citizens can sign up for text and email alerts. Working through community organizations and neighborhood associations is also an option. However, not all areas have a registered association or not all citizens participate in associations.
What’s the best way for San Antonio to balance maintaining the character of West Side neighborhoods while encouraging private investment?
Transparency and accountablility of all projected investments and community engagement are the best ways to deal with this.
What do you think of the San Antonio Housing Authority’s shift in strategy for the redevelopment of the Alazan Courts: to still demolish the courts, but to maintain 100% public housing with the new development?
I believe that no Alazan resident should be relocated and that the new development should be 100% for those projected residents. I fear that families could be broken and that the relocation communities including school districts may be overwhelmed.
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Rudy Lopez
What is your job, or how do you earn a living?
I am retired after working for the City of San Antonio for 25 years. I spent most of those years working as a civilian employee for the San Antonio Police Department.
What is your age?
51 years old
Where were you born?
I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas.
Do you live in the district? If so, what neighborhood?
I am a lifelong resident of District 5. I live in the Thompson community, a Southside community located between Highway 90 to the north and Port San Antonio to the south—formerly Kelly AFB.
What qualifies you to hold this position?
I’ve been a proven leader in my community, serving as both vice-president and president of the Thompson Neighborhood Association for a combined eight years. In that time, I’ve successfully established a scholarship fund for Kennedy High School students, worked with developers to bring affordable quality housing to our neighborhood, worked with a non-profit organization to build a new playground in our local park, and helped to establish a Baptist Emergency Hospital in our neighborhood to serve the many seniors in and around my community.
I have a long history of working effectively with elected officials at the state and local levels to help with various community projects as well as to make improvements to my community. Finally, I’ve worked with other neighborhood organizations to teach them about the dangers of incompatible zoning and how they can better protect their communities.
I feel there is no other candidate in the race who currently has my level of experience when it comes to working closely with communities and neighborhood associations to provide a voice to the people of District 5.
What is your background in politics?
Most of my political experience has been leading my neighborhood association for the last eight years and sitting on several boards and committees, such as the Port San Antonio Regional Center Committee, the Citizens Bond Oversight Commission, and the Kelly Field Expansion Technical Advisory Commission.
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?
In the last few years, we’ve seen a massive migration of companies, especially in the tech sector, flood Texas looking for a new place to call home. In return for bringing their businesses here, the City of San Antonio offers massive tax breaks and incentives in order to attract those businesses.
However, as working closely with Port San Antonio has taught me it’s that the talent pool in San Antonio for these 21st century jobs is very limited. This does not prevent those same companies from taking those lucrative incentives in order to build structures such as Amazon’s massive distribution warehouses.
The City of San Antonio is failing to do its part to work with these companies to provide educational opportunities, especially for those living in District 5, to train for these 21st century jobs. As part of the deal in these massive tax incentives, the city must also make agreements with companies that they will also invest into the education and training of a local workforce where so that young people and those already in the workforce can have the opportunity to move away from service-based jobs and work in these newer, higher paying jobs of the future.
Instead of companies bringing their talent from out of state, San Antonio should be doing its best to establish all the talent these companies need locally.
How do you think the Alamo master planning process should proceed?
In my opinion, the planning process should be left up to the voters and all options should be considered, including not making any changes to the area at all.
What do you think of the proposed charter amendment that would broaden how voter-approved bond dollars can be spent? Do you support or oppose the amendment? Explain your position.
I support the amendment that broadens how bond dollars are spent. Giving the council the ability to use bond funds on projects that were not traditionally available will give citizens more options on how and where to spend those tax dollars. Of course, any of those decisions should be left to the voters.
Do you support or oppose Proposition B, the measure that would repeal police officers’ collective bargaining power and thus the right to negotiate contracts with the city? Explain your position.
I oppose Proposition B. I was a proud member of the SEIU for many years and I am a proud supporter of unions and strongly support collective bargaining.
Collective bargaining allows SAPOA and the city to sit down and create a deal works best for the citizens of San Antonio as well as our police officers. If we strip them of this ability, we run the risk of losing many great offers who have proudly served our city for years, which would leave many of communities in danger.
And as these two organizations sit down, it provides both sides to come to an agreement about how best to address accountability for those officers who clearly exhibit conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
What is your opinion of the city’s role in incentivizing large-scale apartment developments in the downtown area and in the regional centers identified in the SA Tomorrow plan? What role do you believe San Antonio should play in incentivizing affordable housing?
As a member of the Port San Antonio Regional Center Committee, I know first-hand the dangers that can come with incentivizing the creation of large-scale apartments anywhere in our city.
If we are going to allow developers to create these apartment developments, we must first make they are also providing amenities to the people who will ultimately live in them. For example, providing free wi-fi for those families with school-aged children or who are living at 30% below AMI (area median income). They can provide after-school activities or even opportunities to take classes in trades not offered by the local school district.
But before the first brick is ever laid, we must ensure these complexes will be built in appropriate areas and avoid ruining the culture and heritage of the community. The residents, and especially established neighborhood associations, should work hand-in-hand with the city and developers to make sure these complexes are welcomed in the community.
What is one thing the city can do to increase transparency in local government or to better engage its citizens?
Because each council district is different, solutions for increasing transparency and creating more community engagement will vary. In District 5, there is a massive technological divide among our residents. Many people either don’t know how to use computers or smartphones, don’t have access to technology, or simply cannot afford to pay for internet service.
In order for the people of District 5 to better engage with the city, we must close the technology gap that is hindering communication. We can do this by creating more technology hubs like the Biblio-Tech libraries already in place in a few areas of District 5. We can encourage establish city hotspots where students and families can access the internet for free.
But beyond technology, we must encourage the establishment of neighborhood associations in more communities. By providing a unified voice for our residents, council members can better address issues being faced by their constituents. With my extensive experience with leading a neighborhood association, I intend to make this one of my top priorities when I am elected.
What’s the best way for San Antonio to balance maintaining the character of West Side neighborhoods while encouraging private investment?
Giving communities the ability to have a seat at table and also having the final word in how they would like to see their neighborhood improved is the best way to balance economic growth and protecting the cultural heritage of a community.
We should be working to incentivize businesses to move into our communities, while also making sure these businesses are doing so responsibly. And while we are incentivizing new businesses, we need to protect legacy homeowners and legacy business owners who have been the lifeblood of our communities for decades. We can do this by offering low-interest loans and other incentives to make sure established businesses have a chance to compete with newer businesses.
What do you think of the San Antonio Housing Authority’s shift in strategy for the redevelopment of the Alazan Courts: to still demolish the courts, but to maintain 100% public housing with the new development?
I have always been a firm believer that SAHA should be the soul agency responsible for public housing. While I am fine with the demolition of the courts, we must not replace them with another apartment complex. Instead, SAHA should provide low-income and affordable quality housing. We should not allow third party entities to have control over our public housing. Coming from a neighborhood with over a dozen apartment complexes, I have witnessed first hand when a management company uses a hands-off approach to managing their properties. SAHA should maintain 100% public housing with any new developments they create in order to protect those most vulnerable.
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Ray Garza
What is your job, or how do you earn a living?
Retired
What is your age?
73
Where were you born?
San Antonio, Texas
Do you live in the district? If so, what neighborhood?
Yes, I live in the district, in the Thompson St. Neighborhood Association area.
What qualifies you to hold this position?
Education and experience and the intense desire to fix this deprived, neglected, and “third world-like” District 5 that has suffered through hard times because nobody cares for the constituents.
What is your background in politics?
I have stood in the sidelines and concentrated on taking care of my family and friends. However, District 5 is in dire need of leadership and action to be resuscitated from a total lack attention from the politicians. Politically my background is light but my strength is in taking action.
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 biggest issue facing San Antonio is a question for the mayoral candidates to answer. District 5 needs affordable housing and home rehabilitations and a police substation on Guadalupe Street between Zarzamora and Brazos streets to provide safety for the constituents and draw business development into the area. San Antonio City Council isn’t paying attention to the constituents of its respective districts. District 5 is oppressed by unreasonable property taxes due to more homes being built in the northside. I will get property taxes frozen for two years, they are sky high already. I will put a police substation on Guadalupe Street and the safety afforded by that action will create a new “Mayan Market Square” where tourists from around the world will come to experience the true feeling of a historic district in San Antonio.
How do you think the Alamo master planning process should proceed?
The Alamo planning process should stop as soon as possible. The only thing needed is the maintenance required. It should reflect the past as originally as possible, not as a manicured, modernized, anesthetized building with massacre mementos and souvenirs.
What do you think of the proposed charter amendment that would broaden how voter-approved bond dollars can be spent? Do you support or oppose the amendment? Explain your position.
I support the amendment because I will do an assessment to identify where the need is the greatest in District 5 and direct those bond funds there. This includes home rehabilitations, sidewalks, streetlights and repairs of streets as needed. Especially the area considered the “historic district.” The priority is always the constituent that calls in with a need. Many people in District 5 have told me that they call and nobody responds to their call and nobody is in the field office to listen to their legitimate need. I will respond because I’m retired and I will turn down committee appointments that take time away from my constituents’ service time.
Do you support or oppose Proposition B, the measure that would repeal police officers’ collective bargaining power and thus the right to negotiate contracts with the city? Explain your position.
I am studying the issue very carefully and will make my decision with the very latest information available at the time of voting. We have to consider the transparency needed at the police department and the necessary negotiations needed to find a fair and equitable solution. It would not be good for San Antonio to outsource the police function of the City of San Antonio. However, be assured that whatever my constituents vote for, I will represent them to the best of my ability.
What is your opinion of the city’s role in incentivizing large-scale apartment developments in the downtown area and in the regional centers identified in the SA Tomorrow plan? What role do you believe San Antonio should play in incentivizing affordable housing?
My opinion of the city’s role in incentivizing large-scale apartment developments is that it is a good thing because it provides housing for people that cannot afford a house and high mortgage payments. However, lower income families should be allotted at least 20% of the available apartments not in District 5. Apartment developments in District 5 should be allotted 85% for lower income people and the rest at a modified rate adjustable to current statistics. I do propose rent control by the city as a key component of apartment development strategy in District 5. The City of San Antonio should play a key role in the apartment development because the San Antonio Housing Authority has become very political and continues to oppress low-income families.
What is one thing the city can do to increase transparency in local government or to better engage its citizens?
Listen to the constituents cry for help and assistance at the district levels. In District 5, I will answer every call from my constituents and keep a detail record of every call and the solution accomplished.
What’s the best way for San Antonio to balance maintaining the character of West Side neighborhoods while encouraging private investment?
Gentrification must not be allowed in District 5. The West Side neighborhood homes must be rehabilitated and remodeled not torn down and sold to the highest bidder.
What do you think of the San Antonio Housing Authority’s shift in strategy for the redevelopment of the Alazan Courts: to still demolish the courts, but to maintain 100% public housing with the new development?
My plan for the San Antonio Housing Authority’s redevelopment of the Alazan Courts is this: as the Alazan Lofts, apartments that are currently being built now are being completed as four levels of apartments. Residents from two apartment units with two floors would be moved into the new apartments and the apartments that they vacated would be demolished and replaced with the modern four-story apartments. As this process unfolds, none of the current residents would be displaced and the occupancy would double for the lower income (100%) of the residents. Therefore, the people that were displaced before would have first option to move back to the Alazan Courts. This plan would relieve most of the “institutional neglect and oppression” that our people have suffered through in District 5.
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Anthony Gres
What is your job, or how do you earn a living?
I am president and CEO of A&A Concepts, LLC located at 750 Merida St.
What is your age?
47 years old
Where were you born?
San Antonio
Do you live in the district? If so, what neighborhood?
I live in District 5. My neighborhood association is El Charro.
What qualifies you to hold this position?
I have long ties to the community in many different ways. First, I have lived in the district my entire life. My small business is in this district and I am the neighborhood association president. I have served on boards of nonprofits that are in District 5. All of these avenues have helped me learn what exactly is needed to help move the district forward.
What is your background in politics?
I am president of the El Charro Neighborhood Association, board member of LULAC, and past board member of YMCA.
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?
Poverty is the biggest issue facing San Antonio. In a broad sense, all other issues fall under it. Affordable housing, digital divide, health disparities, infrastructure, trauma, policing—all of these issues start with poverty and the lack of access it provides.
I don’t think the city is giving as much attention to poverty as it should. We have an equity budget but we need equitable projects, equitable timelines, equitable priorities.
How do you think the Alamo master planning process should proceed?
I feel that I can’t give a complete answer because I don’t know what the current council has been briefed on. I feel that the agreement between the state and city should be honored. However, I do not agree with keeping the story just to the 1836 battle. Limiting it removes the history of a lot of San Antonians, and that is not acceptable.
What do you think of the proposed charter amendment that would broaden how voter-approved bond dollars can be spent? Do you support or oppose the amendment? Explain your position.
I support the amendment. By expanding what public works can mean allows for District 5 additional tools to combat years of inequality and generational poverty.
Do you support or oppose Proposition B, the measure that would repeal police officers’ collective bargaining power and thus the right to negotiate contracts with the city? Explain your position.
I oppose proposition B. Contract negotiations for large cities are important because if police were to go on strike, then the threat of not having first responders is far too great for the cities. Now, I do believe that both sides should take citizens into account and reach the best deal for both sides.
What is your opinion of the city’s role in incentivizing large-scale apartment developments in the downtown area and in the regional centers identified in the SA Tomorrow plan? What role do you believe San Antonio should play in incentivizing affordable housing?
I believe that if the city is going to provide incentives to large-scale developers, then there is room to give incentives to small businesses within these areas to improve the education and training of their employees. If the city is going to continue to incentivize then there needs to be an investment in different programs by developers, mainly the relocation and emergency rent assistance program.
What is one thing the city can do to increase transparency in local government or to better engage its citizens?
New communication plans need to return to a more one-on-one basis. Currently, in a city with an extreme digital divide for two of its districts (2 and 5) the communications plans should strongly focus on internet/social media connections. We also lack communication with our disabled community. This can also be improved. Going back to block walking, reaching out for key issues is something that needs to occur.
What’s the best way for San Antonio to balance maintaining the character of West Side neighborhoods while encouraging private investment?
By listening to the neighborhoods. When you listen, most of the neighborhood association presidents are asking for some modifications, and mainly to preserve cultural and neighborhood heritage. I believe that if we listen to the neighborhoods while showing good faith by increasing animal control presence, fixing streets and sidewalks, and fulfilling other requests, private investment will be welcomed.
What do you think of the San Antonio Housing Authority’s shift in strategy for the redevelopment of the Alazan Courts: to still demolish the courts, but to maintain 100% public housing with the new development?
I don’t support SAHA’s decision. Let’s be clear on what happened. People protesting the redevelopment of the Alazan Courts were fighting fixing up current public housing. They told the people that live in the courts that they deserve to continue living in substandard conditions, that they cannot choose where they want to live, that they need to stay at the courts and live in these conditions until federal funding is available. Let’s be clear on that too, there is speculation that more federal funding will be available to fix public housing, but there is no guarantee of that nor is there a guarantee that SAHA will receive the funding. Meanwhile, the Alazan Lofts, a mixed-income property, will still go up. That property has less public housing options than what would be present for the Alazan Courts. The only commitment that happened was a commitment to telling people they deserve to live in conditions most of the protesters, SAHA staff and board members do not or would not currently choose to live in.
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Irma G. Barron, Norberto “Geremy” Landin, and Jesse “Jay” Alaniz did not respond to our questionnaire.
Compiled by Jolie Francis, a Heron intern this spring; and Ben Olivo, Heron editor.
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