Staying Focused in a Shifting Political Landscape
Given the current political climate—in our city, our state, and across the country—it’s more important than ever that we, the people, stay focused on the various actors and events shaping our reality. By staying informed and prepared, we can vote with intention on the issues that truly impact our community.
Project Marvel: Public Forums and Neighborhood Voices
The City of San Antonio, along with architectural firm Able City, began holding a series of public forums, in each council district, focused on obtaining residents views on Project Marvel.
In District 2, I attended the second session of the two scheduled, where many questions, from various areas of the district were brought by residents, concerning parking, open spaces, noise mitigation, transportation, effects on housing, mixed use development and more. City representatives explained the areas, of the project, adjacent to Hemisfair, that will be impacted, via renovation, reconstruction and additions to present city owned spaces. Residents have the opportunity to attend forums, in other districts, to see how other neighborhoods are responding to the proposed development. Visit HERE for upcoming Project Marvel Workshops.
Democrats Rally Ahead of the Midterms
It’s fast approaching: congressional midterm elections, with seats in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, coming into play. In light of this, the Bexar County Democratic Party conducted a huge Town Hall, on Friday, June 27th, at the Stable Hall of the Pearl. The new party chairwoman – Melissa Lowe Solis – made quite an impressive debut, in my opinion, and displayed a great picture of the potential for success, by potential democratic candidates, in state and national elections.
On hand, for the town hall, were former Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Precinct 4 County Commissioner Tommy Calvert, State Representative James Talerico, U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro and former Candidate Beto O’Rourke.
Although no announcements, of anyone running for office were made, the gist of the presenters was easy to detect: “We’re ready to fight for democracy!”
The former mayor expressed his love for San Antonio and his thanks for the support he received during his tenure.
The Commissioner expressed his gratitude for the time he’s been in office.
Rep. Talerico greeted the audience, with a bit of his childhood days, in East Austin and of his early time in San Antonio, where he taught junior high school, “at Rhodes Middle School – on the Westside!”
Rep Castro, received a rousing welcome, from the audience, to whom he thanked for their support. He related some of his family history, including what his grandmother had written, in the application to visit the U.S. years ago – “ to live!”
Former Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke came to this event, with a determination to highlight what Texas Democrats are capable of and what their responses will be to the current administration and their attempts “to turn us against each other!”
The audience responded enthusiastically to the speakers, breaking into chants and applause at mentions of Ann Richards, Barbara Jordan, John and Bobby Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson—Democrats who left a lasting legacy in both Texas and national politics.
Eyes on the Ballot: What’s Coming in November
On the horizon, there’s been a number of proposed changes to the Texas Constitution, passed by the Legislature, which will appear on the November ballot, for voters to approve. Among the seventeen amendments is an increase to the homestead exemption, from $100,000 to $140,000.
We will be explaining the amendments, as we move ahead towards the November election.
Remember: to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Your Vote Is Your Voice!
