San Antonio’s Political Crossroads: COPS Metro Pushes Accountability Before Runoffs
Although national politics continue to remain in the spotlight, San Antonio residents have their own ongoing political battles, in the form of runoffs, which will decide for the mayor’s seat and four City Council seats in Districts 1, 6, 8 and 9. From infrastructure to Project MARVEL, voters demanded clear commitments ahead of the runoff elections.
In an effort to spotlight the priorities of voters across all parts of San Antonio, COPS Metro hosted a major “Citywide Accountability Session” this past Sunday at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Parish on Fair Avenue.
Churches and Community Organizations Show Up in Great Numbers
The session showcased nearly thirty signs representing a wide range of churches, parishes, and community organizations—including Holy Redeemer, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Macedonia Baptist, St. Timothy’s, the Ursuline Sisters, and others. Attendees united in their call to protect funding for human development programs and advocated for greater investment in local infrastructure and community priorities.
The agenda opened with a series of speakers addressing key issues, including:
• Introduction of Candidates
• Education and the Future of San Antonio
• Historical Context of Project MARVEL
• Southside Infrastructure Needs
• Project QUEST and Workforce Development
• Eastside Infrastructure Concerns
• Westside Infrastructure Priorities
COPS Metro focused its candidate questioning on several top priorities, including:
• Continued support for Project QUEST
• The future of the SA Ready to Work initiative
• Plans for the 2027 Bond
• Commitment to transparent and effective local governance
• Addressing the city’s growing budget deficit
• Oversight and impact of Project MARVEL
• Establishing a strong, public working relationship with COPS Metro
Mayoral candidates Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos both expressed support for the majority of these issues. However, Ortiz Jones opposed Project MARVEL, while Pablos voiced his support for it.
One Candidate Shows for D1
For District 1, incumbent Sukh Kaur attended the session alone and voiced her support for the full list of issues. Her opponent, Patty Gibbons, was not present and has publicly stated her opposition to Project MARVEL.
No Backing For Project Marvel in D6
District 6 candidates Kelly Gonzales and Ric Galvan both expressed support for the key issues identified by COPS Metro, but neither backed Project MARVEL.
D8 Brings Different Positions
In District 8, the candidates differed in their positions. Ivalis Meza Gonzalez expressed full support for all the COPS Metro key issues, while Paula McGee opposed the 2027 Bond but supported Project MARVEL, citing its potential to “bring jobs”.
*Candidates for District 9 were not in attendance.
COPS Metro also handed out Commitment Cards, asking attendees “to pledge to vote against Project Marvel and FOR funding programs devoted to Human Development,” while also encouraging each person to bring five others with them to the polls.
The Group is also planning a Leadership Conference for June 20 and 21, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates.
