Greeted by family, friends, song and poetry, San Antonio City Council officially began a new two-year term in office with three new members June 22.
What happened?
Mayor Ron Nirenberg, seven incumbent council members and one new council member all were re-elected May 6, but the city had to wait until the June 10 election runoff to determine the victors in council districts 1 and 7.
Sukh Kaur won the District 1 runoff, upsetting one-term incumbent Mario Bravo, while Marina Alderete Gavito claimed the District 7 runoff against Dan Rossiter in a race to succeed former Council Member Ana Sandoval, who resigned in January, and Sandoval’s replacement, Rosie Castro.
With Kaur’s and Gavito’s election, for the second time in six years, women make up a majority of San Antonio City Council at six members.
Nirenberg and all 10 council members took a formal oath of office and offered comments in a June 22 inauguration ceremony at City Hall. The event included the elected leaders’ loved ones and friends and local dignitaries in the audience, artistic performances, prayers and a posting of the colors.
What they’re saying
Starting his fourth and final term as mayor, Nirenberg said he had not envisioned a career in politics, but he is happy to have spent the last 10 years as a local elected official dedicated to helping to improve San Antonio in different ways.
“That foundation quite literally be begins below our feet in the protection of our sacred Edwards Aquifer and the natural resources of this beautiful city. It's built up by ensuring people regardless of their circumstances, having access to safe, affordable housing, modern transportation and the education to pursue good well-paying careers,” Nirenberg said.
Kaur said as the city’s first elected South Asian council member, she appreciated voters voicing their trust in her willingness to address challenging city issues.
“Because of your hard work to show how inclusive and compassionate that our city is, it is the reason why I am able to have been elected,” Kaur said.
Gavito said she is inspired by a legacy of past area community leaders, and while campaigns are about promises, leadership is about delivering.
“As I prepared to lead the District 7 council office, I'm set on working on fulfilling the promises I made on the campaign trail and building a stronger community for all of our residents,” Gavito said.
Beginning his fourth and final term, District 8 Council Member Pelaez said the work he and council colleagues do is designed to raise the quality of life of San Antonio’s residents. He said addressing family violence, economic growth and public safety as well as promoting a healthier community all are priorities.
"I am happy to tell you that the people that I surround myself with have helped us accomplish great, wonderful things, astonishing things,” Pelaez said.
District 9 Council Member John Courage, too, is starting his fourth and final term. He said collaboration with fellow city officials and his District 9 constituents has been key to his success at City Hall.
“I want to tell the mayor and my fellow council members that my door is always open. I want to partner with you to work together to make San Antonio better for everyone,” Courage said.
The new District 10 council member, Marc Whyte, succeeds Clayton Perry, who opted not to seek a fourth term while facing the fallout from an arrest for allegedly driving while intoxicated.
Whyte said while campaigning for council, he enjoyed meeting with residents from various neighborhoods in District 10. He implored residents to keep him and his council colleagues accountable for their words and actions in public office.
“I know I'm the District 10 city councilman, but I want you to know whatever district you live in, that my office and I were there to support you in any way that we can. I want you to watch this council closely over the next two years,” Whyte said.
