District 7–No endorsement
After looking at this race and the amount of information, or lack of it, that I have on the candidates I’ve decided to not endorse a candidate in the District 7 race. Endorsements should be taken very seriously, in my mind, and if I haven’t done enough research to truly stand behind a candidate I don’t feel it right to just go on gut feel alone. I do have a favorite in the race but not enough information to share with voters in the form of an endorsement. This is not to say this race is not important. It’s actually the second most competitive race in the council elections and has a strong slate of candidates. The district sits in the near northwest corner of San Antonio and has produced two mayors in recent years, including our current mayor. So it’s definitely a district race to watch.
That being said, I’ll try to provide some information on the race and candidates to help voters make their own decisions. The seat is currently held by Justin Rodriguez who will term out this year, leaving the seat open for anyone. Rodriguez was elected in 2007, defeating Elena Guajardo, one of the current candidates, by 2,718 votes or 29.4%. Guajardo challenged Rodriguez again in 2009 but lost by an even larger margin of 5,163 or over 50%. Guajardo is back in this election but will be limited to a single term since her first term was under the old term limits ordinance.
While Guajardo is a capable candidate, having proved herself on council already, the fact that she would only be serving one term and then term out concerns me regarding being able to really enact progress for the district. I worked on the campaign to extend term limits from two two-year terms to four two-year terms in 2008 and saw the need for councilmembers to have time to put programs and projects in place. Two years is not enough time to really create change for a district. In essence the district would only get incremental change, especially at a time when long-term visions would be necessary after the 2012 bond election. It’s important to note that the Express-News did endorse Guajardo, even with this fact in the mix.
Other challengers in the race include Cris Medina, former chief of staff for Rodriguez, who is making his first entry into politics with the race. Medina is a veteran and has served in Rodriguez’s office for both of his terms. It could be safe to say that Medina would be a continuance of Rodriguez’s policies based on some of his positions on the issues. Take, for example, his statement on drainage. “Continued Focus on Streets and Drainage – I know first hand the needs we have in our district when it comes to streets and drainage. I will fight to ensure that we fund much needed improvements throughout our district in a future bond program and work with neighborhood leaders to ensure all,” according to the website. That, and other statements, seem to indicate District 7 would get more of the same with Medina.
Dr. Gloria Rodriguez, former founder and CEO of Avance, is another challenger in the district. Rodriguez (no relation to current Councilman Rodriguez) has a long list of accomplishments, mostly focused in family and children’s issues. Looking at Rodriguez’s platform it appears she is strong on education but weak in terms of community and economic development. That’s not to say these would be major hindrances to her term on council. In fact, with the mayor’s Brainpower Initiative coming out of SA2020, Rodriguez could help provide leadership in executing that initiative in council.
Other candidates in the race include Fred Rangel and Ruben Cortez. Rangel, a local architect and president of ADCO Master Builders, is making his third run at this seat, coming in fourth in 2005 and second in 2001. Rangel has a good record of community service in the district but doesn’t really bring any new ideas to the table as a councilmember. His lack of experience in council could serve to leave the district challenged after the 2012 bond election where new money will become available for projects.
Cortez is a realtor and broker but doesn’t seem to have a website other than his realty website so it’s difficult to gain insight into his positions. KTSA, in conjunction with Plaza de Armas, conducted a candidate forum for the District 7 candidates. I’ve provided links to the forum video for you to dig into: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
Take the time to explore the candidate’s websites, watch the videos and decide for yourself who you think the best candidate is for the job. I would give you my choice but I don’t think it would be fair to voters or the candidates with the limited information I have.
I have watched the District 7 politics for many years now. There are several candidates that keep on running. One even held the office for a brief time.
Elena Guajardo has served one term in District 7. She was a target of a recall election and was defeated by a new candidate 65/35 percent. There are reasons in this election and since her removal from office she selectively cares to forget. She betrayed the trust of the voters of District 7 and one in particular, George Dickerson.
During her one term in office an aid to Phil Hardbergers election, stated that the SBC Center (now AT&T Center) was built in a ghetto. Shelia McNeal complained to his boss, Zachry Construction. Zachry is a large Construction conglomerate, with extensive City and County Contracts. Shelia McNeal was able to get a generous contribution from Zachry and the also reportedly fired this individual (60 days later his was still at his position).
Elena received a letter from an individual (George Dickerson) in February, stating there was problems with a dance hall/drinking establishment in his neighborhood. This was in response to the HOA requesting the citizens to contact their councilwoman. He made some harsh statements but was firm in his beliefs about the degradation of his neighborhood.
Since George worked for Zachry Corporation and used Zachry email, Elena thought she had a cash cow for a contribution (extortion) from Zachry. Note: Zachry had a very lax email use policy. Corporate policy and enforcement were not enforce. Elena called Zachry to complain about a racist email she had received from a Zachry server. Mr Dickerson was first suspended and eventually fired for sending this email. Two days later Mr. Dickerson placed a pistol to his head and took his own life.
After public outcry of Elena’s handling of this action, she refused to explain herself for approximately 10 days. This is an example of her proactive stance in District 7 management. She was later subject to a recall and became a one term lame duck.
To this day, Elena has totally ignored any responsibility for her actions in this matter. She was able to get the Vice Squad at the Huebner Road Substation to drop their request to have the bars liquor license removed. The homeowners association also dropped it complaints when the vice squad resinded their complaint. The bar was required to change the light fixtures with brighter light bulbs in their parking lot. The agreement was accomplished on city property and was sealed in October of that year.
The calls about the bar patrons went from 300 to zero. TABC required that the bar call their hot line if there was any trouble at this establishment (TABC policy) These calls are not easily available for review and make TABC action look effective. Basically a cover up.
In reading this article, you get a true representation of Elena Guajardo’s actions as a full time city servant. Mr. Dickerson paid the ultimate price: Loss of his 27 year job at Zachry and eventually his life…
It is shameful that a phony individual like Elena Guajardo is in the runoff for District 7. During her one term in the city council she demonstrated repeatedly her low intelligence, her lack of principles, and her vulgar language.
District 7 voters need to look at her record.
I’m not a supporter of her opponent. But I tell you this: Anyone, ANYONE, will be better than Elena.