Seven residents in San Antonio City Council District 10 are vying to succeed three-term incumbent Clayton Perry in the May 6 election.
Perry was charged with driving while intoxicated and for failure to stop and give information following a vehicular hit and run Nov. 6.
Following a rebuke from the council, Perry took a two-month leave of absence over the recent holiday season and then returned to his council duties in mid-January.
But toward the end of the May 6 election filing period, Perry announced he would not seek a fourth and final term in office.
Per city code, the two candidates who receive the most votes but fail to collect 50% or more of the total voter turnout on May 6 will go to a June runoff.
Read Q&A's with each candidate below. Candidates were asked to keep responses under 100 words, answer three provided questions, and avoid attacking their opponent. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Early voting will be held April 24-May 2. Election day is May 6.
Robert Flores
Experience:
public policy adviser for 20-plus years for corporate, business, and governmental entities at the state and federal levels.
Occupation:
planning and development
Candidate Website:
https://www.electrobertflores.com
Contact Information:
[email protected]
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
Increase safe communities with stakeholders through technology and processes that work to enhance neighborhood safety including to manage risks better. Build up working communities as our small businesses, sole proprietors and skilled workforce need priority in allocation of resources, financing options and schooling. Also, our most vulnerable citizens are far too long been overlooked. I will collaborate more with our churches in District 10 those who offer services that will help our homeless, drug addicted and the elderly.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the city?
Police confidence. Safety confidence. These seem to come up over and over in neighborhoods I walk in. We must have more and better dialogues to rebuild that trust and confidence so this basic core service is fully restored.
What or who prompted you to run for election?
My desire to serve.
Madison Gutierrez
More Information:
The candidate did not respond as of press time.
Bryan Robert Martin
Experience:
small-business owner, experience advocating for important issues in Washington, D.C.
Occupation:
small-business owner
Candidate Website:
https://www.votebryanmartin.com/
Contact Information:
[email protected]
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
As a parent, homeowner and small-business owner in District 10, I'm running because it is time for someone who will listen to you and support working families. Together, we can address property tax relief, public safety and pedestrian-safe infrastructure, housing insecurity, economic opportunities, and so much more. Our neighbors are not our enemy, and everyone deserves a seat at the table. On this campaign, you have a seat.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the city?
As the fastest-growing city in the fastest-growing corridor in the nation, we must tackle the big issues, and economy is key. As your council member, I will prioritize supporting small businesses, startups and innovative economic growth for District 10 and the whole city. I will also focus time spent on curbing the rate of housing insecurity, building pedestrian-safe infrastructure, and ensuring public safety by decreasing response times by our neighbors in [San Antonio Police Department] and [San Antonio Fire Department].
What or who prompted you to run for election?
I believe it’s time for someone in District 10 who will bring representation to all of us in District 10—not the status quo. I will support policies that support working families. As the father of a ten year old son, I want to do my part—working with our community—to build a better quality of life here in District 10.
Rick Otley
More Information:
The candidate did not respond as of press time.
Margaret Sherwood
More Information:
The candidate did not respond as of press time.
Joel G. Solis
Experience:
I'm a native San Antonian with over 40 years of residency. I started my professional career as a quality engineer at Friedrich Air Conditioning, then a manufacturing engineer with KCI. I moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, responsible for providing leadership, vision and coordination of NEMA's national and international activities to standardize product safety requirements. I also served on multiple national and international committees with the goal of advancing the U.S. electrical industry’s products across the globe. I returned home and represented District 10 on the city’s building standards board.
Occupation:
retired
Candidate Website:
https://www.joelsolis.org
Contact Information:
[email protected]
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
Emergency services, infrastructure, and drainage —these are the most fundamental services that a city provides. Prioritizing street repairs —11% of District 10 streets have been rated as “failing.” I will actively work to raise the priority of street repairs in D10, and I will regularly communicate status and progress. District 10 renewal —Since the 1970s, District 10 residents have been waiting for the revitalization of San Antonio’s northeast corridor. I’ll seek out economic and community development opportunities to renew D10 while ensuring our existing businesses thrive.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the city?
I plan to seek out economic and community development opportunities to renew District 10 while ensuring our existing businesses thrive. I will also work to mitigate further decline of our district by raising the priority to repair our failing streets, keep our alleyways clear and push for trailways to link our neighborhoods to amenities. The next pressing issue is the desirability of our district as a place to live, work and raise a family. A criterion for new homeowners starting a family is the performance level of its public schools. They are the backbone of our neighborhoods and communities.
What or who prompted you to run for election?
San Antonio is undergoing renewal. With our proximity to the airport and access to major highways, renewal in District 10 should be a given. Instead, our major thoroughfares have vacant commercial spaces, and we have a growing homeless problem. SA2020 revealed we lag council District 9 by $13,000 in annual per-capita income. Electing representatives with a conservative, "just-say-no" approach to policy has failed to close the income gap. I will work to change that. Furthermore, District 10 has had majority minority leadership since 2010. I believe it’s time our elective representative reflect the community.
Marc Whyte
Experience:
Northeast Neighborhood Alliance; District 10 appointee to 4 city panels, including of ethics review board, 2022 bond committee, zoning commission, Port San Antonio board of directors; Texas Public Transportation Advisory Committee
Occupation:
mediator, small business owner
Candidate Website:
https://marcwhyte.com/
Contact Information:
[email protected]
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
I’ll be a fiscally responsible voice on City Council. I’ll focus on securing District 10's fair share of city funding, delivering basic services, and cutting wasteful spending. I’m dedicated to ensuring District 10's safety by expanding community policing and equipping our first responders with the necessary tools and training. I’ll also focus on lowering property taxes for homeowners and businesses by increasing San Antonio's homestead exemption and collaborating with state leaders to reform the appraisal system. I’ll also improve our infrastructure by speeding up street maintenance and funding road expansions to reduce traffic congestion for residents and businesses.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the city?
Public safety is undoubtedly the most significant challenge facing San Antonio. The rising crime rate, coupled with the need to provide rapid, life-saving police, fire, and EMS services to our growing population, and the potential negative impact of Proposition A, are all challenges to keeping San Antonio as a great place to live, work, and raise a family. On City Council, I will be committed to addressing our city's public safety concerns by expanding community policing initiatives and supporting our first responders.
What or who prompted you to run for election?
San Antonio is growing by leaps and bounds. We are a city of great, hard-working people who believe in faith, family, and freedom. But instead of having a City Council that focuses on policies that help our residents, homeowners and businesses, our City Council has left us with higher taxes, rising crime, and political theater rather than actual results. I will change this, and it is why I am asking for your vote to serve you as District 10’s representative on San Antonio City Council.
