Van de Putte, Villarreal looking to be mayor Fresh off her defeat for lieutenant governor, state Senator Leticia Van de Putte has thrown her hat into the ring for San Antonio mayor. The election is in May, 2015, but already there are two candidates: Democrat Van de Putte and Democrat Mike Villarreal. Van de Putte said she heard an outcry from the people of San Antonio and after hearing from them, she has answered the call. Van de Putte is a practicing pharmacist since 1980 and former five-term state representative and has represented Texas Senate District 26 since 1999. According to her bio from the state Senate, Van de Putte “is a strong advocate for children; active duty military, veterans, and their families; quality public education, and the economic development of San Antonio and Texas. She has consistently authored and sponsored bills to assist small businesses in securing opportunities. Multiple civic organizations and community groups have recognized Senator Van de Putte as one of the most effective and influential legislators in Texas. “Senator Van de Putte has served on the Senate Veteran Affairs and Military Installations Committee since 1999 and as Chair since 2003. She is also a member of the Senate Committees on Business and Commerce, State Affairs, and Education.” The governor will now call a special election for her seat in the Texas Senate, District 26. Her competition is state Representative Mike Villarreal. The governor will have to call a special election for him, too, as he was just reelected as Texas House of Representatives from District 123. He made his official announcement Nov. 16 by kicking off his campaign at Maverick Park with a sizable gathering of supporters even in the cold and rain. He plans to build a platform of “SA Strong” on the planks of being “the first San Antonio mayor with an economics background.” At the gathering he said parks and public transit is important, military ties should be strengthened, the city needs better housing, and he wanted to do something about the traffic situation. Villarreal was first elected to the state house in 2000, where he has served since. Hell leave his state post when his current term expires Jan. 13. Of course, current Mayor Ivy Taylor might run for a full-term as mayor. Back in July she said she wouldnt run for election to her own full term for mayor in 2015. “Its a good place to be in,” Taylor said of being unencumbered by the prospect of re-election. “Its one of the strengths I bring to the table.” So maybe she wont run. Taylors agenda as interim mayor of San Antonio includes ensuring that public safety doesnt displace other city services, increasing funding for street and sidewalk maintenance and bolstering social services. The big debate shes going to face is the police and fire union negotiations which could take a lot of her time. City Manager Sheryl Sculley has said shell send a fiscal 2015 budget that summarily puts cops and firefighters on the citys civilian health care plan. City officials have said the only way to control skyrocketing health care costs is to put more of the burden on uniform employees. Other possible contenders are Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Adkinsson, who lost a bid for county judge in the May, 2014 primary, and San Antonio councilmen Rey Saldana and Ron Nirenberg. Army Major Paul Martinez, has announced his interest in the mayors job. Martinez says hes not a politician, but a leader.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 09:43:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015