Q1. DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Mario Bravo - I will work to ensure that city services are inclusive and equitable, and I will listen to people living with disabilities to help guide us in how we can best accomplish this. I will seek your continued input to verify whether our progress is meeting your needs. 

Lauro Bustamante - yes

Matthew Gauna - Under our council term, I see the immediate response of the City of San Antonio government to proactively identify areas in neighborhoods that are hazardous or pose a risk to those with disabilities for improvement and maintenance. Examples of risks include sidewalks not connecting to streets and unpassable conditions of existing sidewalks. We would like to increase safe accessibility to all parts of the city through improved bus routes, so people are not forced to make an expensive Uber or Taxi ride to complete their journey, whether it be for medical, personal, or recreational reasons. Our community should be able to know, wherever they live in the city, they will have reliable public infrastructure that allows full accessibility.

Roberto Treviño - Ensuring public infrastructure through complete sidewalks is necessary. Not only sidewalks, but unobstructed sidewalks that are offset from the street for safety. Accessibility features on all city service websites. ADA compliance for all public buildings and spaces, and incentivizing increased accessibility for all new developments.

Raymond Zavala - The best one that comes to mind is the east entry walkway at council chambers. I did and have brought it too the attention of council members only to be ignored. I suggested that a handrail system be added to prevent a person with a disability from falling. As a partial amputee disabled person, I certainly agree that it is needed. I also see the need for repairing sidewalks, especially in the inner city that pose a danger for disabled person when walking. We need to change the responsibility of the sidewalks from the homeowners to the city. We must also add sidewalks where there aren't any. A wheel chair or a walker is difficult to use on dirt and grass surfaces.

Q1. DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Jada Andrews-Sullivan - There is always room for improvement as it relates to resources, transportation, training and job placement, access to housing, day services, park and recreational areas, food security and delivery, access to medical and pharmacy care services; and placement within our Boards and Commissions.

Carl Booker - I believe awareness and communication is required to identify and a plan of action will help improve the needs in district 2

Dori Brown - There's room for improvement in any area where there is lack. Starting with school and extra curricular activities.

Nneka Cleaver - I would say that first we need better communication with the disAbility community. Although, the district needs better communication overall; we must remember to add the proper outlets to ensure all of our community is fully informed. We also need to make sure we are equipped with changing stations and other necessities at all of our community centers and parks. We need to ensure that individuals do not need to leave events and other city venues because they are not properly equipped. 

Norris Darden - The improvement is limitless and there are many approaches and this is I see room for improvement in out of school time support for children and workforce development and housing support for adults. In regards to identifying needs I don't believe we as a community are collaborating at a high level but instead working in silos of excellence content and complacent with what we are accomplishing under scale. School Districts, state agencies like DARS, non profits with missions to support this population amongst others should all be talking and collaborating to build capacity. 

Chris Dawkins - First, all neighborhoods must have sidewalks and curb cuts so that people can move about in our city. Every building must be ADA equipped.

Michael Good - I see issues with accessibility. There are still business entities without ADA compliant wheelchair ramps, restroom facilities, and parking. 

Walter Perry - Having access to resources and support from the Community.

Andrew Fernandez Vicencio - More Community Events and also when necessary being picked up by Via to take them to their appts at a Clinic near their home.

Kristi Villanueva - The biggest room for improvement in both identifying and meeting the needs of my constituents is data collection and collaborative policy making. We need demographic data that allows those living with disabilities to be identified and to express their priorities in building an inclusive community; we also need to make sure they are invited to the policy table when formulating inclusive policies. We need to center the voices of those with lived experiences of navigating our city with a disability.

Q1. DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Angela Cardona - There is a lack of facilities available in the immediate area to meet the needs for this community. I am unaware of quality day-hab facilities in the are that offer engaging programming that can enhance the social skills for children and adults by promoting active and social activities.

Marcello Martinez - I am an Architect and well versed in the physical benefits and limitations of the ADA act. I have worked extensively with Architectural Barriers and Fair Housing Act. Many existing buildings are out of compliance and I support programs to remedy this. 

Tomas Uresti - Transportation and education are two areas that we are lacking in. More so in the transportation by our school districts. Many children with disabilities spend hours on a bus before reaching their destination. Lots of times the children are unable to tell about these shortcomings because of disabilities in communicating. Via needs to expand on outer parts of the city also. People with disabilities don't always get to choose which part of San Antonio they live in. 

Stephen Valdez - I see the need for improvement in child care, education and integration into classrooms, as well as everyday integration from transportation to redesigning our way of life to be friendlier and more accessible to disabilities. 

Mark Vargas - Currently, I am not aware of how or where residents in District 3 receive updates about the disability community unless they ask. Furthermore, I am not aware of how they are trying to address the problem. For me, that is an issue, especially since that, as an educator, failing to identify a problem can seriously set a student back to a point where it is too late.

In a public health crisis like what we are experiencing, we need to be confident that all residents are getting important information when it becomes available. Once the pandemic ends, I plan to go through a series of town halls to rebuild the trust and relationship between citizens and their public servant. 

Rafael Vela - I believer we need to reach out to individuals personally who have disabilities because they may be restricted from reaching necessary tools to help them. With that I would be able to identify those needs and have a better assistance to help them. 

Phyllis Viagran - One in five people in the U.S. lives with a disability. Some disabilities are visible while others are less apparent. It’s been 30 years since the American Disabilities Act was passed. While the City of San Antonio has made great strides to deeply educate themselves about people living with disabilities, our best work still remains to be done. This is why I’m committed to creating a city that prioritizes people’s well-being. Our public spaces can be great for an 8 year old and an 80 year old if we work together to ensure universal design principles are part of everything we do.

 

Q1. DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Adriana Rocha Garcia - I see room for improvement on many boards and commissions that the City has. Since the beginning of my term, I have advocated for folks with disabilities to be included on our Boards and Commissions. 1 continue to make pushes for any improvements that would benefit this population because they need someone to speak up for them until we make sure that they have their own seat at the table.

Raymond Guzman - San Antonio can improve in several areas. Areas like sidewalks can be widened for wheelchairs and add bumps for the blind. We can improve bus stops to accommodate wheelchairs. We can improve parks with areas that have wider flat trails. Local schools can be improved too. Some of our older schools need a new elevator to accommodate larger wheelchairs. The city also can help with disability inclusion. We need more programs to help with independent living and job training.

Curtis Mueller - I feel that their voice is not actually heard most of the time, just the people advocating for them. We need to hear their experiences and how they feel that we can be supporting them.

Q1. DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Irma Barron -  I see room for improvement in our sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, business accessibility, bus stops, and in our city parks. Many of our sidewalks are in disrepair or non-existent. Disabled people opt to use the street because of the sidewalk issues. Our crosswalks need to be clearly marked, signage needs to be more visible, and lastly they need to be equipped with audible features as well for those that are hearing or vision impaired. Due to age or exemptions Business accessibility needs to be updated and in some cases there is none. Our city parks need playground equipment that allows children with disabilities the same access as those without. Bus stops need adequate access to the disabled in all locations not only in a few areas.

Marie Crabb - I believe that we need to improve our streets and sidewalks for those with disabilities. No one should have a hard time getting around the distinct, but with the current infrastructure we have, that is not possible. I feel that we need to also improve mobility and accessibility for those that are sensory disabled.

Ray Garza - Reaching out to afflicted constituents and keeping up with technology that assists them

Anthony Gres - The first thing we need to do for children and adults living with disabilities is improving our streets and sidewalks. I have spoken with people who are disabled and cannot get around the district because of how poorly kept our sidewalks and streets are. The second thing I would like to focus on is improving mobility for those that are sensory disabled, including crosswalks with sounds to alert. Further, the city needs to increase the number of sign language opportunities for city services and at city meetings, as well as braille options. 

Norberto "Geremy" Landín - As councilman, I would focus on two areas: technological connectivity and physical mobility. We need to significantly invest in connecting residents with access to high speed internet and strive to have all public city meetings, from council to committees, live streamed. Additionally, the City needs to continue to build and repair sidewalks and ramps along heavily trafficked corridors, businesses, and government buildings. Physical obstacles and barriers need to be addressed.

Jason Mata - I believe that we can use more recreational therapy to address both mental and physical disabilities.

Ricardo Moreno - I feel this comes with engagment. We must be able to locate our community members who have identify as a person with disabilities. Data may not truly represent the actual numbers found in District 5. One main issue would be that many of the homes in our district are older and may not meet the needs our disabled community. Another item would be to give our community members access to the support they need, whether it be through forums, newsletters, website, mailers, etc.

Q1. DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Chris Baecker - I would have to consult with disabled folks and/or their guardians. The only such person I know is my 11 year-old niece who lives in Portland. Based on dialogue with my sister, her biggest concern is that my niece have equal educational access, though I believe that is a school district issue.

Melissa Cabello Havrda - I am a full time practicing disability attorney, improving the lives of individuals living with disabilites is a lifelong passion of mine. As the current District 6 City Councilwoman, I'm mindful to ensure the polices we create protect and enrich the lives of disabled individual. While the Americans with Disablities ACT was a pivitol first step there is still much more work to be done.

Robert Henandez - communication - I believe one of the biggest needs is being able to communicate. I would like to see city and business use kiosk connected to deaf link and other resources for individuals with disabilities.

Q1. DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Ana Sandoval - Strengthening our working relationship with nonprofit organizations that serve children and adults with disabilities and inviting persons with disabilities to participate in City boards, commissions, and other processes, particularly on our Bond Advisory Committees.

Patricia Varela - The city needs to account for all children in San Antonio regardless of the severity of their disability. Public and private schools must have an opportunity to access programs that are run by the city. As far as adults living with disabilities we need to make it as convenient as possible for them to access all services available to them. There are many disabled adults who go unnoticed. I would like to see outreach to the entire district via mail, social media or even door to door if necessary.

Q1. DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Cesario Garcia - In my humble opinion ramps and rails are the single most important thing. We definitely need park police to patrol path entrances along with trail. Illumination on all trail in the evenings.  

Manny Pelaez - First, it's important to make ""disability"" a part of our everyday vocabulary when creating and implementing policy at City Hall. We can not just focus on ethnicity and gender when solving for lack of equity in delivery of services or community engagement efforts.

We need to make sure that our parks are relevant (not just accessible) to patrons of different physical needs. That's why I'm very excited about the park I'm creating - - Dan Markson Park, the first-of-its kind San Antonio park exclusively designed with children of special needs and their families.

Our libraries, airport, City Hall, police stations, and all other city facilities need to not just be ADA compliant - they need to be AUTHENTICALLY ENGAGING for ALL San Antonians.

Rob Rodriguez - I see a need for improvement in completing the continuity/or repair of sidewalks along some streets. Once elected, I plan to survey and identify projects on the infrastructure improvement plan and develop a prioritized list with input and consultation from your organization. In addition, I will expect recommendations from the disability community to improvement projects in the upcoming 2022 Bond.

David Yanez - We need to have training for those who interact with many who are disabled, for instance all Section 8 housing programs who have staff that interact with disabled clients could have training to understand their side and to be more patient with these clients. No everyone moves as fast and we need to sponsor a program that brings more understanding, because housing management offices need to know how to interact with patience otherwise problems can develop. Let's be a little kinder. 

Q1. DISTRICT 9 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

John Courage - We need to re-open and find additional financial assistance, both public and private, for the agencies that have provided services for the disabled community. The pandemic has severely limited these groups responses and services in schools and the community, and I have provided city funding to several of these groups during this time of greatest need, but more needs to be done.

Erika Moe - As a certified Guardian Ad Litem who has worked with many disabled children and adults, I see there are many deficiencies within the complex web of government services. Our probate court system, which processes and works with disability cases is greatly understaffed and underfunded stalling the needs of disabled individuals and their families. As a city councilwoman, I would fight to get proper funding and needs met for disability services.  

Q1. DISTRICT 10 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Gabrien Gregory - Overall, I believe more neighbors, employers, and workers should be educated about the Americans With Disabilities Act entails. I have heard from people living with a disability that employers are still discriminatory. This is an issue that needs to be addressed in our local community. Most importantly, we need to listen to people with disabilities more. Our council members should attend meetings with the Disability Access office and expand partnerships with organizations like DisabilitySA. 

Ezra Johnson - Pedestrian infrastructure and accessibility in District 10 is less than ideal for all pedestrians but especially for pedestrians using wheelchairs and other assistive technologies. Mobility improvements and pedestrian access for all should be an area of focus. When I was the chair of VIA's Accessible Transit Advisory Committee, I worked with organizations in District 10 such as the Alamo Council of the Blind to get feedback on improving paratransit services. I would continue to seek out input and feedback from similar organizations when on council to better address meeting the needs of children and adults living with disabilities in my district.

Clayton Perry - There is always room for improvement in everything that we do. We are blessed to have many great nonprofit organizations in District 10 that serve the needs of our disability community, and I am proud to be a supporter and advocate of them. On Council, I will continue to work to ensure they are receiving the resources they need to fulfill their programs and missions. I keep an open door policy and will continue to listen and learn from individuals and groups in the disability community so that I can advocate and assist where I can. 

 

Q2. DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Mario Bravo - The best one that comes to mind is the east entry walkway at council chambers. I did and have brought it too the attention of council members only to be ignored. I suggested that a handrail system be added to prevent a person with a disability from falling. As a partial amputee disabled person, I certainly agree that it is needed. I also see the need for repairing sidewalks, especially in the inner city that pose a danger for disabled person when walking. We need to change the responsibility of the sidewalks from the homeowners to the city. We must also add sidewalks where there aren't any. A wheel chair or a walker is difficult to use on dirt and grass surfaces.

Lauro Bustamante - Education to take advantage of all benefits they deserve

Matthew Gauna - We would look to changing the city code to assure housing is developed with accessibility 1st in mind. New development must come with binding assurance from developers to have a dedicated number of units to persons with disabilities. Our city must work to bring measures such as vacancy control and vacancy tax as forms of rent control to San Antonio. As well as expanding the number of available units that are ADA compliant.

Roberto Treviño - The Under 1 Roof program must be continued and expanded. It preserves our existing affordable housing stock and keeps people in their homes, allowing them to age in place. Additionally, we need to understand what the barriers are to creating affordable housing and remove them from our playbook. We understand that land cost is the most significant obstacle in place to build new affordable housing and that by subsidizing affordability in areas where the land cost is high, we are buying too few affordable units. We need to look for areas that are convenient to job centers, transportation, and schools and invest our housing dollars there.

Raymond Zavala - There is a great lack of affordable and accessible housing that is much needed. I would implement a ordinance that would give the disabled person and their families housing on the first floor of an apartment complex. I would create a volunteer task force to build safety ramps for accessing the home. I would also have sessions to listen to the ideas and recommendations of the disabled members of our community.  

Q2. DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Jada Andrews-Sullivan - We have started with the development of the Town Twin Villages, working on development of the Denver Heights Senior Village, along with; working with our Disability Commission on what amenities are better incorporated with rehabilitation and new construction that speaks to more adaptable and affordable units. 

Carl Booker - Working with community stakeholders will allow us to reallocate abandoned buildings, vacant lots and shared spaces for transition housing to permanent habitat.

Dori Brown - Just as we focus on housing for seniors, we need to provide housing complexes specifically for people with disabilities. Ranging from average to upscale, single to family units. We can work with professionals from the disabled community, SABOR and developers, while making sure these individuals are safe.

Nneka Cleaver - More affordable housing is being developed now within the district. I believe that it is important to get people who support this cause to be present at the table when discussing development and housing opportunities. This will help ensure a fair amount of housing is available for individuals who live with disAbilities. 

Norris Darden - The City incentivizes pretty much everything EXCEPT those with the most need. SABOR, AGC, etc should be partnering with the CITY with intent to close these gaps for one of our most vulnerable populations. I'd like to see a funded housing initiative with a dedicated component to assist people with disabilities and their families.  

Chris Dawkins - There needs to be a certain percentage or certain apartments should be made to accommodate persons with disabilities

Michael Good - City inspections to ensure compliance with building codes are a minimum. A public service announcement campaign to call awareness to the struggles people face would be a starting point. 

Walter Perry - I would create a first time homebuyers program for disabled people and have each home specifically suited for them.

Andrew Fernandez Vicencio - Have Developers donate up front before they build their Projects in the District for a Budget for Disability Community Initiatives. Developers make millions anyway. What is 150K up front as one amount example.

Kristi Villanueva - I fully support UD Ordinance No. 95641, which requires developers of single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes to abide by universal design guidelines. I support IDZ zoning for denser housing where it makes sense (i.e. blighted large lots), and would work with developers to ensure permits, up-zoning, and city subsidies required inclusive planning and accessible units.

Q2. DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Angela Cardona - I have already made suggestions to neighborhoods that are working with developers on new projects to champion for affordable and accessible housing. I am aware of the need for quality housing as the one in our district is very limited. I can see incentivizing this type of development that can be built out similarly to a retirement community. 

Marcello Martinez - Yes this is a growing problem. I support the goals of the San Antonio Housing Commission, and wish to expand bond dollars to include this direction. I want to explore additional Public Private Proposals and incentivizing developers to focus on these needs. The Removing Barriers to Affordable Housing Committee is working in this direction.

Tomas Uresti - Making information more readily available to the disabled. Having a committee to be focused just on that issue. One of my plans is to start more advisory committees within my district made up of my constituents so that no person falls behind.

Stephen Valdez - Everyone needs a place to live and if they're disabled our society should guarantee access and there should be an advocacy program who's sole purpose is to work our neighbors with disabilities into the system. Many people with disabilities want to work for what they have, perhaps an element of the habitat for humanity for disabled individuals who do want to work as well? 

Mark Vargas - I believe the city needs to do more to ensure that our members with disability have the same access to housing as any other resident. The Equality Act can help grant the protections.

For Apartment Complexes, we need to work with developers to have multiple avenues of access, especially if they cannot utilize the stairs. For houses, I believe we should have a set standard of houses that are ready for disabled residents in each subdivision. We should not leave the burden of adapting a house to accommodate for power or wheelchairs up to a family.

A disabled person who is unable to walk may have difficulty entering without an accessible ramp already available. A standard set by the city can help is rectify this.

Rafael Vela - With city base becoming the new hotspot within district 3 I would utilize space there to develop low income housing and make sure they are ada accessible. 

Phyllis Viagran - From day one in office, I will lead on disability-forward housing solutions. I will make sure that our resources and housing development initiatives are laser focused on opening doors to more affordable homes and opportunities for everyone living with a disability. I will also lead on public-private partnerships and work to unlock funding for affordable, inclusive community housing. 

 

Q2. DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Adriana Rocha Garcia - City Council must continue supporting affordable and accessible housing in San Antonio. Creating a fair and equitable toolbox of resources and incentives that work for all stakeholders will be a critical step. Continuing to invest in affordable workforce housing as our city grows is more important now than ever. Careful consideration for additional incentives must be given to projects that are built along major bus routes and that connect our residents to recreational and learning facilities. Additionally, we must continue to represent the needs of our disabled friends and neighbors by investing in housing that pays particular attention to the needs of this population.

Raymond Guzman - We need to increase the homestead exemption. This will lower the property tax for some of the families.

Curtis Mueller - I plan to look into turning abandoned properties into transitional housing and to assist nonprofits looking to offer shelter services a way to get that going.

Q2. DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Irma Barron - To remedy this problem, first I foresee on improving the outdated housing infrastructure by bringing it up to legal code and standard. It is obvious that much of our housing is in disrepair and in dire need for improvements. Secondly, I plan on pushing the City of San Antonio to invest into our housing infrastructure by building new developments to provide our residents with affordable and accessible housing. Too many abandoned lots, homes, and businesses exist where the city needs to buy these properties and begin the process of building the new and improved infrastructure. Lastly, in conjunction with SAHA I plan to reform the application process to give the disabled a chance to acquire affordable and accessible housing.

Marie Crabb - I think we need to talk to the housing community and get an assessment of what percent of the current housing stock is ADA compliant and available. Then I think we need to discuss how we get city, state and federal funding to increase ADA compliant housing stock that is affordable.

Ray Garza - Use the 2017 Bond Money to find a location and build a facility in District 5, this district has been neglected in this manner for many years.

Anthony Gres - The first step is to work with Neighborhood and Housing Services, the San Antonio Housing Trust, the San Antonio Apartment Association, the San Antonio Board of Realtors and the San Antonio Public Housing Authority to determine what current housing stock is available that is in ADA compliance. Next, I will author a Council Consideration Request seeking to look into what city funds, state funds, and federal grants can be used to increase the housing stock available. Further, I would request that Economic Development and Workforce Alamo Solutions look into the disabled community’s labor numbers and set forth on how to improve these, whether it's through business incentives or certification programs. 

Norberto "Geremy" Landín - I would work to ensure that new developments and renovations in my district are strictly following ADA requirements. I would also review the Unified Development Code (UDC) and work closely with city staff, delegate agencies and community organizations to offer amendments that ensure that accessibility and safety for those with disabilities are not compromised when they come up for renewal in 2025.

Jason Mata - I would like to invest in group homes that encourage independent living.

Ricardo Moreno - I believe everyone should have an ability to afford a home. That is the largest investment that a person and family can make. SAHA should continue to be funded in order to provide the support to our community members. The other item would be to find more programs to encourage home ownership, such as Cross Timber homes, that allows lower middle class the opportunity to gain the dream of home ownership. I would welcome the discussions with local investors and developers to assist in this measure.

Q2. DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Chris Baecker - Remove city government from the equation so that the environment is most amenable to those best suited to serve the community. 

Melissa Cabello Havrda - This is an issue I've been working on since my first day in office. The lack of affordable housing in San Antonio and especially District 6 is a serious issue. I recently voted for a ballot initiative to amend the city charter to allow bond funds to be used for housing. Having the flexibilty to use these dollars will give the city the opportunity to build afforable housing that meets the needs of our citizens and I personally will ensure that we always keep the needs of the disabled part of the decision making process.

Robert Henandez - I work at a local non-profit on the housing side. One of the issues is affordability. Along with the growth of the city, Rent is rising. It is near impossible to find units that someone living on SSDI can afford. The Saha wait list can be up to three to four years for public housing and at the SAHA voucher list is closed at this time. Then if you can afford a unit it is difficult to locate an ADA unit. I would like for a city to look in to a city ordinance where new apartment projects would need to have a certain percentages of ADA complaint units. I would also Investigate the city usage of tax credits incentives.

Q2. DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Ana Sandoval - The 2022 Bond may be the first bond package that we can use to invest in affordable housing development and preservation. As such, I intend to focus my efforts on ensuring that the City dedicates funds to housing that is truly affordable and preserves our naturally-occurring affordable housing.

Patricia Varela - All government housing should have a requirement of accessibility for the disabled. The city is currently building apartments to remedy the affordability of housing but, I don't see housing available for the handicapped who find it difficult living in apartments. Communities should be built with the disabled in mind and I am not speaking about sidewalks or ramps at street corners. I will do everything in my power to address this serious issue when I am elected into office. As a combat veteran I understand the needs of the disabled. 

Q2. DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Cesario Garcia - Allocate a portion of the general fund when it comes cost. I for one feel that fund raising and or partnering with nonprofits can defray some of the cost..  

Manny Pelaez - I'm proud to have supported initiatives to incentivize the development of new AND affordable housing for disabled San Antonians. Tax credits have been our must effective tool in this regard. I will continue to add bandwidth to our incentives programs so that developers of new residential units set aside more of those units for the disabled homebuyer or renter. 

Rob Rodriguez - In addressing the lack of affordable and accessible housing for people with disabilities, I would look at starting initiatives that involved private-public partnerships to develop housing focused on people with disabilities in an area that was near good transportation and work centers.

This would involve tax credits to a private entity through a public facility corporation that would make such a project economically feasible. The project would include market rate and sliding scale housing rents with special focus to people with disabilities.

David Yanez - We need to keep pushing for more programs to handle this need. Everyone needs a safe place as we build the economy for new job growth and non profit growth to help everyone. First step is knowing the problems, and to make sure we are united in our actions to solve the problem. It is not easy be we must come together to work a better and faster plan for affordable housing demands. It is not just having a plan it is also building partnerships to carry out the right plan of action. 

Q2. DISTRICT 9 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

John Courage - As a member of the City Council and the San Antonio Housing Trust I have, and will continue, to advocate for the inclusion of new housing units built to accomodate people with disabilities at truly affordable rents and mortgage rates.

Erika Moe - Our family knows first hand the needs of affordable housing for the disabled community. That's why our family started a semi-independent living facility for disabled adults here in San Antonio. This home had a live in "house mother" who helped disabled women lead a joyful and productive life. All of the women held jobs and were able to participate in daily chores. Our aunt was fortunate enough to live there for roughly ten years and we saw the friendships she developed and the joy and pride she took in independent living. We must collaborate government services along with nonprofits to facilitate more affordable independent and semi-independent homes for the disabled community. 

Q2. DISTRICT 10 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Gabrien Gregory - I believe we should implement Housing First policies that aim to keep families in their homes long term and provide resources to homeless residents - especially for our vulnerable residents. I have met with people who live with disabilities in District 10 who have suggested better enforcement of accessibility, particularly at apartment complexes where landlords do not always ensure handicapped parking spaces at every building. As a community, we could work together to implement city wellness checks for residents with a disability. I am open to hearing what people who live with a disability in San Antonio want to see to better support all residents. 

Ezra Johnson - San Antonio needs to take an “all of the above” approach to improving housing affordability that balances the preservation of an environmentally sensitive area experiencing substantial population growth with the preservation of existing neighborhoods. To provide additional housing options without contributing to urban sprawl and avoiding displacement of vulnerable communities, San Antonio must work to redevelop existing underutilized commercial corridors and incentivize the construction of affordable housing in every part of the city. I also strongly support changing the city charter to allow for bond projects focused on affordable housing and urge everyone to vote to approve the charter language that will be on the ballot May 1. 

Clayton Perry - I believe one of the best things government can do with regards to affordable housing is to be a good partner to the private sector, but not be the lead. Housing is not a core competency of the government. When government gets too heavily involved and adds costly requirements and fees, private developers are unable to build quality affordable housing. I believe that we can provide incentives, support more funding from the federal and state governments, and provide a fair and equitable process so that private developers can build affordable housing across the community. 

Q3. DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Mario Bravo - San Antonio lags in public transportation. I will support efforts to expand public transportation, making sure these services have more reach and run more frequently to help plug gaps in everyone’s commute. I will work to ensure that our public transportation is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Lauro Bustamante - Plan for electric vans and mobile units to go to the community.

Matthew Gauna - I would look to expanding VIA routes so that persons with disabilities can travel across the city in a timely manner. We should not be making anyone’s journey to work or recreation more difficult than it already is. City Council should work with VIA to receive federal & state assistance for a rapid transit rail system that would allow our community with disabilities to access the city. creating opportunities for meaningful employment and supporting greater independence. My team and I would introduce legislation that will “identify, remove and prevent” accessibility barriers in areas under the city’s jurisdiction, such as buildings and public spaces, employment, information and communication technologies, and transportation.

Roberto Treviño - Currently, our primary focus of transportation for the disability community has been unobstructed sidewalks and closing the sidewalk gap city-wide. I am open to discussing and learning of new technologies and methods for mass community transit to be more inclusive for our disability community.

Raymond Zavala - The plans I have to expand the transportation options are:
1. To improve service from the contracted transportation companies for more timely service. Currently a person has to wait past their scheduled pick up time.
2. Each transportation provider would be rated and reviewed on their service and fees.
3. I would also engage and welcome other transportation companies to partake in the programs. 

Q3. DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Jada Andrews-Sullivan - Working with our state, federal and local representatives on advocating for more transportation funding to expand the VIA Link program, working with UBER/Lyft to establish a monthly plan for fee based services for seniors and those with disabilities. Work with AACOG to expand medical and daily life transportation services. 

Carl Booker - VIA does have a good system in place. I would encourage future transportation strategies to include more routes east and west opposed more routes north and south. Shuttles and ride share can be developed for cost effective strategies

Dori Brown - Work to offer grants to individuals to purchase converted vehicles. Even bring in converted vehicles to public transportation to employee disabled individual to transport those in the disabled communities.

Nneka Cleaver - I support making sure our cities transportation continues to be developed for our community. We need to invest more in our public transportation access and options. Ensuring that our allotted tax money goes back into the hands of VIA; would be the first step.  

Norris Darden - There are so many community centers and non profits doing great work in the community yet they aren't even considered funding from the City. The City has a record of micromanaging initiatives they should be macromanaging if there is any engagement at all. By micro vs macro I mean this; the scope and goals of a project should determine the engagement of the city. If the city doesn't have the capacity for direct oversight these opportunities should go go community partners and the City definitely shouldn't be creating new departments for oversight. If the goal is for the community to have sustainability and for the initiative to not be a forever City funded project then the City should have other stakeholders engaged. 

Chris Dawkins - I have worked on transportation issues for the elderly and would like to continue that work with the city and the county to make sure that persons with disabilities can freely move around the city. There will be many organizations like AACOG or United Way, VIA and city and state organizations who we must find a way for them to operate together. I want to look at other cities and states like Portland, Oregon to see how they've approached the problem and see if we can learn anything from those that have already done this.

Michael Good - VIA needs to do a better job. We should also expand vouchers to reach citizens who face mobility issues get where their lives need them to go. Partnering with not for profit and the private sector is key.

Walter Perry - Partner with ride share companies like Lyft and Uber to serve as extra help with ViaTrans

Andrew Fernandez Vicencio - Same as number 1

Kristi Villanueva - The best path forward right now is to continue expanding the service area of VIA Link and the accessibility of those vehicles across the city. As a former board member of VIA, I am a strong supporter of expanding public transit, and will be looking for ways to expand our transit system with new, accessible technology as it becomes available.

Q3. DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Angela Cardona - I would advocate with VIA or private transportation companies to target this audience to allow for more direct routes. Currently, VIA trans ride needs to be scheduled in advance and the ride can take up to 2 hours door to door. Direct service would be a more comfortable and worry free experience.

Marcello Martinez - I wish to expand VIA's funding and invest in a more robust public transportation system. Connecting all citizens in our community is what keeps us a thriving city. In addition to the VIAtrans Paratransit Service, we can ensure we grow in diverse accessible transportation options.

Tomas Uresti - A bus route just for the disabled so that they are not forced to wait on the standard bus routes. Many individuals are not able to cover up during inclement weather. Once a residence has been earmarked a home of someone in need of special transpiration that we reach out to that home via email, text, phone, etc. to routinely if transportation is needed  

Stephen Valdez - I believe that Via does a great job in providing basics service but perhaps another contractor or an Uber style system that allows and incentivizes individual to invest in private vehicles in which they can bill insurances directly?

Mark Vargas - Right now, there are not enough options for members of the disabled community to utilize, especially if they are paralyzed.

Rideshare programs like Uber and Lyft are often not equipped for these types of riders. VIA has bus service, but those are on fixed paths and schedules. If disabled people need to move, they do not have the luxury as those who are not.

We need to work to expand access to programs, like VIA Link to have vehicles that can shuttle these customers ready. We should also explore incentives to other programs to encourage drivers to have their vehicles equipped for disabled riders, especially since they already offer options for them.

Furthermore, I am open to expanding our transportation opportunities through new ways.

Rafael Vela - Via has made a transit center within the growing city base, and we could utilize them more for their personal transport shuttles 

Phyllis Viagran - For disability community transportation is more than just lifts and ramps. We need to focus on projects that advance pedestrian-priority, healthy streets in District 3 and city-wide. We also need to ensure that transportation improvement projects focus on all the drivers defining inaccessibility from a disabled person’s perspective. Every San Antonian is dependent on our transportation infrastructure, and every D

Q3. DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Adriana Rocha Garcia - I believe the options such as VIA Link should be expanded. Many folks with disabilities in my district rely on this type of support to get them to and from doctor's appointments, and as our population ages, we need to be prepared for the increasing number of folks with disabilities.

Raymond Guzman - We need to make sure our bus stops more accessible. We can have spots for wheelchairs that are covered. There should be easy-to-read maps at most bus stops, that show where you are and the bus routes.

Curtis Mueller - I feel it would benefit the city to offer ridesharing support for people with disabilities or elderly citizens.

Q3. DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Irma Barron -  My plan to improve improve the community transportation options to the disabled would be to create contracts and partnerships with as many transportation companies as possible. Currently VIA is the main transportation provider for our disabled community. We must expand from a sole transportation provider to several. This would better meet the plans and schedules of our disabled and allow for more options and flexibility. We need the transportation providers that mainly service the medical center area to expand to all areas of the city. Added competition by transportation providers would allow for cost to be lowered for those whose Health coverages don't cover transportation costs, but it would also provide more resources for our economy.  

Marie Crabb - I support the ConnectSA plan and that will drastically increase transportation lines in district 5. I think we also need to have a conversation with all transportation providers in the city and discuss ways to increase affordable transportation outside of VIA buses for those with disabilities. 

Ray Garza - Out source to private individuals and assist them in the purchase of transpiration vans.

Anthony Gres - I will support ConnectSA and ask the Transportation director to begin looking at the disability access plan put together and pilot accessibility programs in our district. In addition, I will send a memo to the transportation committee to convene a meeting with VIA, the state of Texas. Lyft, Uber and the disability access advisory committee to work on increasing routes and access to discounted rides for those that need transportation.

Norberto "Geremy" Landín - I supported the VIA Transit’s Keep SA Moving (ATD Prop A) ballot initiative that will bring more funding to public transit. I’d like to see VIA Trans services expanded to those with both long-term and short-term mobility challenges.

Jason Mata - I would support and work closely with VIA and other transportation outlets.

Ricardo Moreno - I understand with a background in education that when given the resources all levels of learners and abilities can be successful. The measure of success could be based on the specific person. Many times schools are used to assist in assimilating our students into productive citizens where they obtain life and functional skills based on the need. I would continue to find ways to create partnerships and programs to give our disabled community access to self sufficient opportunity through work programs and assistive housing. There are many ways that our disable community can gain access to bettering their own situation, ensuring that mass transit such as VIA is more equipped to meet their needs, which would be beneficial for all citizens.

Q3. DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Chris Baecker - Scrutinize underutilized routes and engage Uber, Lyft, etc. to include San Antonio in the markets where they serve riders with disabilities.

Melissa Cabello Havrda - I'm a big proponent of public transporation, I've worked closely with VIA to increase services in District 6 and I voted to place the 1/8th sale tax transportation initiative on the ballot so that in 5 years VIA will receive a full cent in funding from city taxes. This will be integral as we change the way we chose to get to one place to another with new technologies.

Robert Henandez - I would like to see Via expand its Primo routs . I would also ask Via to get feedback from the disability community to see what bus stops are needed.

Q3. DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Ana Sandoval - We need an equitable transportation system that serves people where they are in terms of location, income, and physical ability. We can get there by improving our pedestrian infrastructure and public transit system.

I recently addressed Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, and advocated for federal funding to: develop a rapid bus transit network and complete our city-wide sidewalk network. There are still too many bus stops throughout San Antonio where disabled passengers cannot deboard onto a sidewalk and must be left on the street, risking their safety

Patricia Varela - As I understand it, VIA has a ride service for the disabled. I would like for them to expand these services to a larger disabled community. The application is lengthy and is too demanding. I want to see an easier process especially for the temporary disabled. I do not want the disabled to have one choice for transportation, they should have many choices even if they are attained through private businesses.

Q3. DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Cesario Garcia - Right now during covid a more intimate VIA shuttle system would work in order to help with transportation. Reduce the gradient of the sidewalks to prevent accidents from occuring. 

Manny Pelaez - As a former board member of VIA Transit I learned that public transportation is a life line to many disabled residents - - particularly vision-impaired men and women who rely on the buses to get to and from doctor appointment, the supermarket, work, and church. Without accessible public transportation providing thousands of rides for disabled San Antonians every year, many of these people will be catastrophically denied access to meaningful lives.

That's why, I've always advocated to increase funding for first-mile and last-mile transportation services, more VIA Trans services, and more customized/personalized options that address the customers' specific disability - - instead of expecting the customer to adapt to VIA services. 

Rob Rodriguez - In terms of community transportation I intend to maintain shared ride/curb-to-curb services as offered by VIA Trans. In terms of future transportation projects I would ensure that any plans that utilized city funds incorporated inclusive design and function that considered the requirements of people with disabilities. If given the opportunity, I will ensure that appointees to the VIA Board are in support of inclusiveness during the interview process.

David Yanez - I think the small via trans pick up system works well because some need that extra attention to get around and I would like see improvements wherever possible. The cost is about two dollars for each trip and that is fair but it ends at midnight. To assist with night time job options and personal activities, perhaps their could be an midnight to 6 am program, for those who stay out late and have an option to get home or have to go to work. Maybe a new night shift van to help the disability community get around from midnight to 6 am.

Q3. DISTRICT 9 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

John Courage - That is something I need to get more input from the transportation and disabled community. I think VIA is committed to sddressing this through expanding and improving VIA services to the disabled, but I need more information before making any plan recommendations

Erika Moe - Create a one-stop shop for individuals and families with disabilities to come and receive transportation information as well as social service assistance to guide them through the complex web of government services. Having a central hub on a main route with VIA would be critical to empowering individuals and families. When many if not all of the community partners are housed under one roof, this streamlines the ability to obtain every resource and available to create an independent life, particularly for low income families. 

Q3. DISTRICT 10 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Gabrien Gregory - As we know, the voters approved the proposition to expand VIA services in November. We know this will have a major positive impact for people living with a disability in San Antonio. I fully support expanding public rideshare options easily accessible for all neighbors. Any public transportation options we can utilize to better assist residents with a disability should be prioritized. We should listen to the current concerns by residents with a disability to ensure we are addressing this issue productively. 

Ezra Johnson - As the immediate past Vice Chair of the VIA Metropolitan Transit Board of Trustees, I was the chair of the Accessible Transit Advisory Committee and helped to steer and approve a major new contract for paratransit services. This new contract resulted in better service and many fewer complaints as compared to the old provider. I would continue my work in this area as a member of city council to expand transportation and mobility options for the disability community. 

Clayton Perry - I will continue to work with VIA, taxi companies and ride share companies on innovative and efficient transportation options for the disability community. I support these transportation experts and will assist them with their plans to expand access to all users. 

Q4. DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Mario Bravo - We must make full accessibility throughout the city a funding priority.

Lauro Bustamante - make all accessible 

Matthew Gauna - We can see our city’s departments have not met this goal. Together the community and I will work together to identify, remove, and prevent accessibility barriers in all areas, public and private. Often, I see our elderly and disability community having to use their wheelchair in the street because sidewalks are not passable or do not exist in that neighborhood. That is unacceptable to put our community in danger. I will unlock the hidden beauty in our City’s greenways by expanding wheelchair access to park trails by adding pathways along linear creeks that run through our city. We will assure that there is no disparity amongst neighborhoods with our city’s infrastructure maintenance.

Roberto Treviño - I have pushed for the addition of a Pedestrian Mobility Officer, to review all sidewalk expenditures. Also, I led the conversation to create a sidewalk masterplan, with data-driven criteria guiding the programming of sidewalk dollars. I also worked with the director of the Budget Department on a revamped policy to reconsider whether Bond funds can be used for reconstruction. Now that Bond dollars can be used for reconstruction, I allocated millions of D1 pedestrian mobility dollars to be used to repair/reconstruct sidewalk sections that are impassable.

Raymond Zavala - As I mentioned in question 1, I would take the necessary action of placing the repair of the sidewalks, pathways, and greenways on the city. I would also instruct the code compliance officers to do a better job of looking for broken, cracked, or missing sidewalks(especially in the inner city). 

Q4. DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Jada Andrews-Sullivan - We will continue to build ADA accessibility into all areas of San Antonio with more fluidity in our sidewalks, closing the gaps to our pathways, and redesigning our city building access and development code changes. 

Carl Booker - The city has created a department dedicated to more sidewalks and pathways. I would continue that support and encourage community stakeholders to get more involved.

Dori Brown - I believe were on a growing path. I will work to expand and follow through on what is on going.

Nneka Cleaver - Over hall of our city budget is needed. Pro-active works on our T.I.R.Z board to continue to find the investments for development and working with third parties to off set cost. 

Norris Darden - I'm 100% in support of this and however i can leverage my voice as an elected official and the voice of the District 2 residents I will do exactly that to achieve this goal. 

Chris Dawkins - I plan to make the city aware that they have an obligation federally to get this work done. This is not something that can wait. if we need to place a BOND to get this done then, we should do that but, there is no excuse for delays to make San Antonio fully accessible

Michael Good - I will listen. We definitely need more sidewalks. I would like to have the COSA partner with a job training program to frame and pour more sidewalks. 

Walter Perry - Invest money in improvements for accessibility

Andrew Fernandez Vicencio - There seems to be an ample amount of path ways through out the City. Be Fiscally responsible in finding areas where needed.

Kristi Villanueva - I support increasing the sidewalk construction funding to make sure all of our city is accessible. I will work with the city planning office and the Disability Access Office to ensure that all city plans are inclusive and abide by best practices for accessibility. I also support making our city more accountable to the public; we need an easy way to report concerns regarding accessibility and a rapid response time in fixing the issue. One of the issues I am passionate about is holistic, systems-based thinking. Our buses are accessible, but that does little good if our sidewalks and bus stops are not accessible, or if transit hubs are not shaded.

Q4. DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Angela Cardona - I am excited to see enhancements being made in our pathways and greenways to be accessible; however, I would advocate for increased resting spaces or park benches. I think there is opportunity to better connect our ADA rollout with planned sidewalk implementation. In my community we have ADA ramps that lead to areas without sidewalks, so we can be better at planning connectivity.

Marcello Martinez - I fully support complete streets. The Unified Development Code makes steps in this direction, and I will work to add to this. With the community input, we will prioritize bond and infrastructure projects to add these vital connections.

Tomas Uresti - It is something I have already been showing on my social media as a priority. There are many areas where wheelchairs cannot get through because a telephone pole is dead center and debris blocking any pathway. Unacceptable by all means. As a former school trustee I worked to ensure that every school had a covered drop off in front of each school unfortunately my colleagues voted against it I was able to get it a some schools and at the Weitzel center a covered bus drop off and covered walkway for the students.  

Stephen Valdez - I would definitely ensure that an engineer with specialties in accessibility services sign off on all new public works projects, which I think they do now but just ensuring that no project goes foreword without ensuring ease of accessibility.  

Mark Vargas - This is an issue that we need to address. Accessibility is important to have for all San Antonians. Sidewalks help with pedestrian and driver safety. Especially when these sidewalks diverge from our neighborhoods to our busy streets.
The 2017 Bond currently has many of these projects in place for D3 and I plan to continue pursuing accessibility for the next bond. In D3, we are fortunate to have many parks and pathways for our residents to utilize, I want to make sure that they are kept in great conditions to allow residents to walk or safely travel over.

We also need to make sure that all intersections are being equipped with Vocal Commands and Speakers and Visual cues to help our vision/hearing impaired residents safely walk the roads. 

Rafael Vela - All public sidewalks and buildings should be ada accessible and if not especially all around San Antonio we change that so there is a way for disabled citizens to walk through with out any problems. 

Phyllis Viagran - First, I would like to convene the City’s Disability Access Advisory Committee and work with my council members to create a city/county commission. This commission would consist of city and county community representatives who will focus on San Antonians living with complexities and nuances of disability culture. This community leadership will provide

Q4. DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Adriana Rocha Garcia - I believe that it is imperative that in our planning, for future development of pathways and greenways, we take into account the fact that not everyone who uses these facilities will be fully abled to do so. I continue to be an advocate for accessible sidewalks. I've been out in the neighborhoods with folks who have disabilities and continue to be their voice on Council to make sure that we don't leave anyone behind.

Raymond Guzman - We need to update and add more sidewalks. All of these sidewalks should be wider than the average wheelchair. (32 inches) Bumps guides for the blind.

Curtis Mueller - I definitely want to get the crosswalks lit up. I would have no problem putting LED lights on sidewalks and pathways.

Q4. DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Irma Barron - In todays day and age, accessibility for the disabled shouldn't be a "should we" but rather a "must". If elected into City Council my vote would always favor fully accessible sidewalks, pathways, and greenways throughout all of San Antonio and not only a few select locations. Access to our city's beautiful resources should be enjoyed by everyone from all walks of life and not only those few an abled bodies. In my campaign I am always preaching equity and equality and that will never change. So my voice will always represent all members of the community including those from the disabled community. So I pledge to take any necessary steps to insure that all measures and accountability for accessibility for the disabled is never in question.

Marie Crabb - I think we need to see what has already been done by the city and look at how quickly we can move forward with those plans. I also feel that we need to have a separate department to solely focus on the needs of the disabled community and interact with all departments to make sure this community is not forgotten. 

Ray Garza - Find where they are are needed and start them in the following week of taking the office.

Anthony Gres - The first step is looking at the disability access plan that was created and see what assessments were made regarding our streets and sidewalks. Once that is examined the next step is to see where we need to immediately target and workout a comprehensive plan for improving access to all sidewalks, pathways and greenways. I will work with the disability access advisory committee to ensure the plan is enacted and that we are taking into consideration the needs of all that are differently abled. 

Norberto "Geremy" Landín - I will work with City Staff to review current and upcoming projects to make sure they are accessible and safe for wheelchairs and those with visual impairments. I’d also turn to the IGR Committee to see if state or federal funds can be identified for making accessibility improvements.

Jason Mata - Actively seek funding for these Initiatives.

Ricardo Moreno - These are great concerns of our District 5 community. Our area has been unfairly neglected for years. I have seen some minor improvements, but not the level that it should be. It would be important for a strategic planning where we can assess, evaluate, and implement. This would allow for stakeholders to have input and also provide insight on items should be prioritized. Basic infrastructure should be right and not considered an amenity. I will do my best to communicate that on behalf of all our communities.

Q4. DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Chris Baecker - These are a couple of the basic municipal goods and services that I believe the city should focus on. As such, I would pull it back from areas where it arguably has little business being to improve these areas where it arguably should. 

Melissa Cabello Havrda - During my first term I was able to get $44 million in street, intersection, sidewalk and parks improvements. As we move forward in the design phase of these projects I will alway make sure they are fully accessible. Additionally, when we make improvements on existing infrastructure, I'm alway mindful to instruct my staff to ensure the improvements are fully accessible.

Robert Henandez - ensure new developments are following city ordinances. Earmark funds in the next budget to upgrade existing pathways that are not fully accessible.

Q4. DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Ana Sandoval - I have advocated to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for greater funding to address the sidewalk needs in our community. I will also advocate for sidewalk funding in the upcoming 2022 Bond Package.

Patricia Varela - District 7 is one of the worse districts when it comes to sidewalks and pathways. A few weeks ago the city started to lay sidewalks in a greenbelt off of Guilbeau Rd. This actually concerns me because of the flooding that occurs in that area. It would be devastating if we had an accident or fatality because someone was not able to move fast enough from flash flooding. All sidewalks, pathways and greenways must have accessible entrances and exits keeping in mind the disabled citizens of San Antonio.  

Q4. DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Cesario Garcia - 1st. Use a portion of any surplus from unused bond monies.
2nd invite private donors to contribute funds to make up any shortfall. 

Manny Pelaez - I will NOT fund a sidewalk or park unless it is accessible to all San Antonians. Also, if there are sidewalks or parks in my district that are inaccessible, I WILL make those accessible by the end of 2023. 

Rob Rodriguez - I think the steps necessary to achieve fully accessible sidewalks, pathways and greenways would be 1) to follow the current city code for sidewalks and access and 2) ensure that replacement sidewalks & pathways of older structures are meeting the current code.

David Yanez - To start with District 5, and it has been 50 years since the promise of Hemisfair 68 to have the city develop in balance equally including District 5 is still lacking in curbs and sidewalks. We have been negligent in working to solve this problem for once and for all. We have many new comers and businesses coming to enjoy our way of life and market opportunities, why can't we create a fund so when they buy a house or build a business a small percentage can go directly to sidewalk and curb repair for the older parts of town. We have disabled people here too and they can have an easier time with a solid curb and sidewalk to use. 

Q4. DISTRICT 9 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

John Courage - Accessibility and safety are tow paramount considerations in our infastructure program. I support the sidewalk program recently initiated to repair or replace damaged, broken and missing sidewalks through out the city. There are many older interior city sidewalks that need this work and I have and will support the city resources necessary to continue to improve these sidewalks.

Erika Moe - I would work directly with disability organizations to seek out the needs and deficiencies within our community. It is important for city council to highlight those needs and fight for funding to correct the issues swiftly and efficiently. We must cut waste and fraud within the budget to properly allocate funds where they are most needed. 

Q4. DISTRICT 10 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Gabrien Gregory - All sidewalks, pathways, and greenways in District 10 and throughout San Antonio should be accessible to all residents. I will support any measure to make this a reality for people with a disability. Furthermore, I have already voiced support for expanding the Salado Creek Greenway connections to open up access to more residents across the district in different neighborhoods. 

Ezra Johnson - I am a proponent of the "Vision Zero" initiative to create pedestrian infrastructure that prevents all pedestrian deaths in our community. That means creating accessible sidewalks that can accommodate pedestrians using scooters, wheelchairs and other assistive technologies.  

Clayton Perry - I fully support the Americans With Disabilities Act and will work with our Public Works Department on all sidewalks and pathway projects to ensure they are open and accessible to all. Connecting the greenway trails to parks and each other is something I have been working on since I came into office. I would continue working with the Parks Dept to ensure that the trails remain open and accessible to all. 

Q5. DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Mario Bravo - I will seek your input on how the city can best do this. 

Lauro Bustamante - yes

Matthew Gauna - Work with School districts to make it easier for students to access school facilities on non-school days. We have state of the art gymnasium facilities that are in every neighborhood and can function as community centers. This will allow students with disabilities to have a free and safe place to use as recreation spaces. We can have inclusive programs that promote science education and physical fitness to improve cultural and academic connections within the community for future generations. We will work with teachers’ unions to secure PPE and funds to facilitate these programs so children with disabilities can freely participate.

Roberto Treviño - One of the most powerful tools the city has at its disposal is community contact and outreach. Hundreds of thousands of residents contact the city daily, and we can use our contact to help influence inclusion and accessibility within schools and community centers. I am willing to advocate for increased agency for the disability community to determine improved methods for the education and recreation process that leads to richer and more fulfilling experiences.

Raymond Zavala - As a former leader and board member of a volunteer sports organization, I ensured that everyone was treated with dignity, respect, and allowed to participate equally. The need is great to have the school districts and the community rally together to bring forth acceptance and merge cultural differences. Each child that participated in our sport programs (regardless of skill level, physical ability, or character)received mentoring tutoring, and knowledge of social conduct.
I would meet and form groups to recruit all children and have them become members of the program. 

Q5. DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Jada Andrews-Sullivan - We must work hand and hand with our school counselors, teachers, administrators, board trustees and parents; to ensure that all our youth are afforded the opportunity to explore, learn in their own way. Through working with our community partners such as the Witte, Doseum, SA Zoo and others; we can implement fully adapted activities for our youth with disabilities.

Carl Booker - Ultimately we would need to have adequate motivation by both parties via communication of ideas for community engagement.,

Dori Brown - With school being so limited on activities to due covid, I would need a little more to think outside the box on this. I have a fifth grader and I know providing any activity in this current time is challenging but not impossible.

Nneka Cleaver - The city absolutely has the ability to partner and support school districts and community organizations as a whole. I will always say that a voice from the disAbility community is needed in every aspect of city planning. Awareness is the first step and knowing the options that actually fill the needs of the community are the next. 

Norris Darden - This goes back to working in these silos of excellence. Being content and complacent with your own successes internally as opposed to working together for the huge celebration. Elected as well as appointed officials need to leverage their offices for the good of the community. There is much overlap in District 2 to include the Precinct 4 Commissioner's seat, the District 120 House seat, the District 2 SAISD Trustee seat and the District 2 ACCD Trustee seat. All of these elected officials should be working together on a forging a plan for the citizens they serve. Leveraging resources and coalition building with other entities like the faith based community, non profits and the business community. We can do a lot together. 

Chris Dawkins - This may be a little more difficult to do. School Districts should have their own infrastructure to handle this and then the city should have theirs as well. How we interface the two is the question for me.

Michael Good - The city, by law must make accommodations to allow for citizens who require assistance to have their needs met. This is not an option. Ig is required by law. If we can spend 40,000.00 on manhole cover with the "300" anniversary logo, and the mayor can spend 15,000.00 for blinds for his office, we can find resources to meet citizens needs.

Walter Perry - Supporting programs and initiatives that help foster improvement for disabled people.

Andrew Fernandez Vicencio - Depends on the area of town.

Kristi Villanueva - I support strong partnerships between the city, school district, and outside organizations to provide enrichment to all our children. I would be open to proposals from community organizations regarding these activities, and work with them to identify what support they needed from school districts and the city to implement their ideas. I believe I would best serve the city by being a bridge builder between stakeholders in this matter.

Q5. DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Angela Cardona - There is an opportunity for students to participate in traditional activities with reduced crowding. Perhaps this is a chance for the parks department or non profit groups to create off cycle events that would be geared specifically to engage with this community to provide recreational experiences in smaller groups and programming set in an environment that would meet ADA specific needs. 

Marcello Martinez - A thriving community needs all these connections. We have a history of partnering with organizations such as the YMCA, and we the city provide infrastructure support to enrichment activities provided.

Tomas Uresti - The city and schools belong to the citizens of San Antonio. It will happen. I have been able to work with all areas of government in bringing them together when need be and this is one of those times.

Stephen Valdez - Schools are required to accept all students. What's missing is the charter school element and if they're going to receive tax dollars they should also be bound by the same criteria of providing services. I believe that a well executed integration plan can bring kids with disabilities into regular classrooms and by osmosis improve but I will say I do need to learn more. 

Mark Vargas - As an educator and College and Career Readiness Counselor, I am keenly aware of the importance of ensuring you are adequately prepared for all students who may have disabilities.

It is important that you every suitable accommodation for them for their exams and classes, as well as include them and their families in those conversations. The benefit for them pursuing college degrees is that the colleges are often very well equipped for working with their disabilities.

I believe we should share with districts disability data for the areas they serve and work to make sure they have the academic and accessibility options for them. For example, schools can have an elevator, but if that elevator goes out, how will they get to class?

Rafael Vela - I know individual school district have their own outings they do for the special needs kids/ special olympics but why not make it a city wide event that caters more to disabled kids. 

Phyllis Viagran - We need to work with the families of students with disabilities to make sure funding and policy priorities are addressing the issues they’ve identified and documented. From Pre-K for SA to the college bound, we need to support and advance the partnerships with delegate agencies that make sure we have the programming and staffing budgets so we can eliminate the gaps in services and resources necessary for communities with disabilities.

Q5. DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Adriana Rocha Garcia - In my first term, I have already engaged with a local community college and a community organization to see what we can do to help our kids have access to recreational experiences on our side of town. It will take working with school districts and any organization involved with students to continue to make joint investments in areas that will improve academic, cultural and recreational experiences for these children who deserve access to all of this just as much as any other child.

Raymond Guzman - N/A

Curtis Mueller - I would like to look into the city offering community centers to help foster hobbies interests and just a community in general.

Q5. DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Irma Barron - I feel the city partnering with school districts and community organizations to ensure that students with disabilities have the opportunities to participate in activities outside the traditional school day is a win win for all involved. I feel such experiences would benefit them as they are learning past the traditional educational expectations. These outside school experiences would allow disabled students to grow both academically and culturally. School districts and organizations would benefit from such partnerships bringing them much needed publicity and the ability to expand their traditional educational curriculum. I would strongly support these partnership and push for city allocations such as grants and any available resources.

Marie Crabb - I feel that we need to work with our Parks Department to increase the number of after school programs that are available to children with disabilities. I feel that the city and school districts should continue talking and possibly partner with Morgan’s Wonderland to come up with programming that best helps children with disabilities. 

Ray Garza - Propose city programs that focus on students with disabilities so that they can be inclusive as much as possible.

Anthony Gres - I see the Parks department and the Department of Human Services being the main departments to continue working with school districts for after school programming. The best way to ensure that students with disabilities are having opportunities is to have the departments partner with the schools and the nonprofits in our district to increase opportunities. I plan on scheduling quarterly meetings with the above mentioned partners to discuss how we increase opportunities for our students that are differently abled. 

Norberto "Geremy" Landín - We need to make sure that playgrounds and outdoor spaces are accessible to children of all abilities. I would work to develop partnerships with local businesses, delegate agencies, and nonprofits to provide the funding needed to service these school children. 

Jason Mata - I would like an opportunity to better strength these relationships, and implement recreational therapy for all.

Ricardo Moreno - In every neighborhood, we have schools, we must take advantage of those areas to create hubs of support rather than building new community centers, we have them already in our schools. COSA needs to collaborate with local ISD’s to assist and move communities forward. Many of our ISD’s provide wrap-around services to help with the whole child growth mindset, this should be implemented for all levels of learners and physical abilities. In local ISD's tolerance, equity, and inclusive are a given. Let's work collectively to provide support for our community members and find more ways to expand the accessibility. Additionally, I feel that more has to be provided from all sectors, local, state, federal to close the gap,

Q5. DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Chris Baecker - Ensure the community has equal access to historical landmarks and cultural community events.

Melissa Cabello Havrda - There are several city departments that currently work with school our school districts to provide after school activities, such as our Parks Department and our Arts & Culture Department. Unfortunately, COVID has created restrictions on on these programs but as we begin to return to normal I will work with these departments to ensure they create diverse programs that enrich the lives of students with disabilities.

Robert Henandez - I would like to see the city host sport leagues for students with disabilities. I would ensure that the city host programs and classes.

Q5. DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Ana Sandoval - The City dedicates funds every year to after-school and youth programs. These can be reviewed for their accessibility for children with disabilities.

Patricia Varela - What I would like to see the City of San Antonio do, is to create and fund programs that schools will may access for their disabled students. All disabled students should have the opportunities that non disabled children have and more. Parents of disabled students may not have sufficient resources due to the financial hardship of having a disabled child. We as a community must step up and ensure these students have a positive experience in and out of school.  

Q5. DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Cesario Garcia - I am all for it.

Manny Pelaez - It's a matter of money. We already partner with schools districts in this way, but we can and should do more with each budget cycle. I will work with NISD trustees to explore ways to co-fund and co-program experiences for these students.

I'm proud of the work I've done in partnership with the school districts in identifying disabled students in my neighborhoods that need better bus pick-up-and-drop-off services closer to the disabled students' houses. I've learned that this is a big challenge for families of kids in wheel chairs. That's why my team and I spend time walking the neighborhoods and physically identifying the best places for the buses to stop. 

Rob Rodriguez - I think the city can partner with school districts and community organizations by ensuring that all city facilities are accessible and available to people with disabilities. We can also ensure that pedestrian connectivity between city outdoor amenities and schools are inclusive and available.

David Yanez - We need to have advisors and consultants to help school, businesses and community organizations help these students with digital learning or opportunities to go to the museums in smaller numbers, so they can continue with some traditional activity. The covid problem is making us think and be safe, but we must also always be learning to examine how to help this student. To help interconnect with fellow classmates to receive encouragement and support for themselves and their parents/families. We have to be on the ready with the school district and provide support where possible. School Districts need to know the city is here to help our next generation move forward and especially for our disabled students and their parents.

Q5. DISTRICT 9 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

John Courage - See answer number 1

Erika Moe - We must partner with nonprofits, such as Morgan's Wonderland, to create all inclusive events that create bonding and joyful experiences for our communities students. Morgan's Wonderland is an international model for inclusivity in recreation in our own backyard and we should take be taking full advantage of that.

Q5. DISTRICT 10 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Gabrien Gregory - The city should partner with our education community and organizations to ensure students with disabilities have opportunities to get involved. I can not speak for the city, but I can say in District 10, I would absolutely meet with our school district leaders to ensure all residents have equal opportunity and what those opportunities are specifically. Most importantly, we should listen to the concerns from students with a disability in San Antonio and gather what they need and what opportunities they would like to see become available. 

Ezra Johnson - I have honestly not had an opportunity to research this issue, so I would be dependent on advocates and organizations to help me foster better cooperation between the city and school districts to provide greater opportunities for the students with disabilities. 

Clayton Perry - I have supported the City's delegate agency process since I came on to Council and will continue to do so. These nonprofit organizations provide the assistance that the government is not able to, and I will continue to do my part to support their efforts in the community. 

Q6. DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Mario Bravo - Workforce development programs should be accessible to all and we must ensure measures are taken so that anyone living with a disability can participate.

Lauro Bustamante - Give businesses incentive to hire them

Matthew Gauna - Equitable access to the workforce will improve quality of life so we will look to ensure that by further expanding our City’s Economic Development department through connection of people with disabilities to opportunities, services, and information. Starting a program designed to assist individuals with multiple barriers to employment by gaining the skills needed to find, secure, and maintain meaningful employment. This future program will include employment Counselling, teaching Job Readiness Skills, Essential Skills Training, Occupational Skills Training, Job Coaching, and Direct Job Placement. We will work with businesses to ensure accessibility in their hiring practices and accessibility to workplace information in braille and audio.

Roberto Treviño - I am willing to and will advocate for our workforce development programs to work toward inclusion of our disability community. For starters, many of the recruitment efforts begin online on websites that are not 100% accessible - we must do better with our online communication channels. Secondly, I will advocate that our workforce training partners include trainings that provide opportunities for our disability community members.

Raymond Zavala - I would ensure that a person with a disability be included in any job training program that would increase their knowledge and skill of their chosen occupation. Too many times a disabled person is not given the opportunity to attend training for advancement. I would apply this to the private workforce sector.

Q6. DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Jada Andrews-Sullivan - As we build the SA Ready to Work Program, we are seeking to work with individuals that have disabilities and whom have expertise on breaking down barriers to job placement, workforce training, educational adaptiveness, and best practices to ensure a betterment of life for all. 

Carl Booker - Texas workforce has a program dedicated to Vocational Rehab. I am not aware if the city has a program that can interface with the state's program. Within reason we should be able to supplement any initiative the council has setup.

Dori Brown - I'm very proactive so seeing what is available, finding out what the people actually want and going from there shouldn't be a problem.

Nneka Cleaver - When it comes to Federal monies it is unethical and I believe illegal to allocate monies by a percentage to a certain group, race, gender etc. However, we can be proactive in preparing our families that live with disAbilities and help enroll them into the city programs. We need to also document how many of our community members asked and received help. This will help hold city officials accountable when dealing with fair and equal opportunities for all. 

Norris Darden - This comes down to accountability. Although the City has just passed the SA Ready to Work initiative the majority of Workforce Development funding comes from the state (federal pass through) so ensuring that the Workforce Director, State Reps and State Senators are all on the same page is key. Too often opportunities are missed because either the wrong people are in the wrong seats on the bus OR shouldn't be on the bus at all. We have to have knowledgeable and compassionate people in place to ensure equity. 

Chris Dawkins - As mentioned above, the Baby Boomers make up a lot of those with disabilities. We must make sure that each of them have access to every aspect of daily living. This is not what I will do, this is what is mandated by federal government. I am a person with a disability so, not only am I advocating on your behalf, I'm advocating for myself as well.

Michael Good - As stated before, accommodations are required by law. We also need to work with service providers to promote these programs. 

Walter Perry - Reestablish programs like Project Rio that worked with people who are getting out of incarceration and people with disability issues. Also reestablish programs like DRC that worked with people with Mental health issues.

Andrew Fernandez Vicencio - Research efficient ways to do this.  

Kristi Villanueva - I believe the two most critical steps are ensuring all public facilities are ADA compliant, to ensure physical access to these development programs, and to train staff and facilitators in adaptive educational techniques so that they are able to work with those living with a disability. Once those components are in place, I believe we need to focus on outreach to and education to drive enrollment and service uptake.

Q6. DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Angela Cardona - I would lean my effort more toward advocacy for the programs that do exist, but also encourage organizations to enhance their case management so that families are aware of the specific services geared toward the individual, rather than being bombarded with all services. I've heard that it can be overwhelming and time consuming to find the right program for their child or themselves, so more specific guidance is what is being asked. Not all disabilities are created equal, so it has been disappointing to learn that families do not qualify instead of learning where they can get assistance with this type of access.

Marcello Martinez - Equal access and knowledge is foundational to this type or program. We will survey what we have and work with your team to improve access where we need to.

Tomas Uresti - I personally suffer from a disability and have two grandchildren that are severely handicapped. I can assure you I will be on the front line as I always have 

Stephen Valdez - I would want to work closely with organizations that give me the parameters for which people are limited to and encourage businesses to open their minds to the ideas that certain functions can be provided to people with special needs and make that part of every speech I give and every business I encounter. 

Mark Vargas - As I mentioned earlier, I support an Equality Act for San Antonio. This would extend protections for all San Antonians, no matter their race, gender, orientation, or disability. We are a compassionate city, we need to make sure we are acting like it.

While we do need to be aware that not every job may be available to a disabled person, however we do need to make sure workplaces are aware of how they can hire people with disabilities. This comes down to increasing classes on accessibility within COSA and our partners, as we well as public and private businesses.

I also want to see businesses maintain ADA standards so that their locations are accessible to all people. 

Rafael Vela - All jobs should already allow even disabled citizens from applying and having a fair chance at getting a job. I would oversee that we visit institutions to see where they stand on their hiring process and work with them to hire citizens with disabilities.

Phyllis Viagran - I will focus on the short and the long term goals of workforce development. As mentioned above, I will focus on establishing the Disability Access Advisory Commission and work with organizations such as DisabilitySA to define and implement the coordinated system of services necessary to employ San Antonians living with a disability.

Q6. DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Adriana Rocha Garcia - On March 4th, I took a bold move and asked my Council colleagues to support me in the delay of a vote that would've added two additional seats to the composition of the SA Ready to Work Advisory Committee because I believe that if we have the capacity to add two additional seats for employers, then we should be specifically able to add a seat at the table for those who represent the disability community.

Raymond Guzman - I would work with local businesses to get people with disabilities into the workforce. By educating new and small businesses on the capability of disabled individuals.

Curtis Mueller - I'm not sure what's currently hindering them. I would do anything in my power to get them on equal footing.

Q6. DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Irma Barron - For everything to function as a well oiled machine, all components must be working together in unison. This is also true for all San Antonian's those with disabilities and those without. Equity is the key to everyone's success. That being said, I would strongly push for equitable access for disabled persons to have adequate access to workforce development programs. This would allow such residents with the same opportunities and training available to everyone. Employers would benefit by their ability to attract the most highly skilled workforce. I would push for employer education in relation to the benefits the disabled workforce brings, non-discrimination practices towards the disabled, and zero tolerance for non-compliance.  

Marie Crabb - I feel that we should work with members of the disabled community to discuss how to improve access to workforce development. I also feel that we need to have the business community and the disabled community talk with each other to come up with hiring plans and avenues to increase hiring opportunities for the disabled community. 

Ray Garza - The first thing is to assess who is available and conduct appropriate training with the people that want to participate.

Anthony Gres - The first step to ensuring the differently abled are included is making sure the advisory committee is included in all conversations. This is exactly what I intend to do. In addition, I believe working with partners such as SAWorks and Alamo Workforce Solutions to ensure that persons with disabilities are having work opportunities presented to them without additional barriers to access. 

Norberto "Geremy" Landín - Persons with disabilities need to be a part of the program development process. These voices must be included so that we can ensure that the needs of persons with disabilities are addressed. Moreover, we should set aside ""slots"" for persons with disabilities, as this community has been hit very hard during this pandemic.

Jason Mata - I will make sure that all ADA requirements are met and encourage businesses to hire individuals with disabilities.

Ricardo Moreno - Measures should be in place that do not limit or hinder the ability for San Antonians living with a disability to apply for workforce development programs. We must also begin early, which means to leverage our local schools ability to identify our community members and providing assistance for them. This could help have our community members being work ready if they choose to go that route. Support should be spread out for all level of people, allow applications to fit the need of the person.

Q6. DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Chris Baecker - Such programs are best carried out on site at places of employment, and those like where I teach and have had students with disabilities; Alamo Community Colleges.

Melissa Cabello Havrda - I currently work closely with our local unions to protect access to employement and worker's rights. I think these organizations can be a useful resources for this issue. Additionaly, the city's non-discrimination ordinance should be expanded to the private sector to protect individuals with disabilites and ensure equal access to employment.

Robert Henandez - I would like the city to reach out to organizations that work with people with disabilities to make sure they are aware of programs offered.

Q6. DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Ana Sandoval - Our unlivable minimum wage, lack of universal paid sick leave policies, inaccessible job application processes, and limited transportation options all prevent members of the disability community from accessing workforce development programs. I will continue to advocate for a living wage, paid sick leave policies, and greater investments in accessible transportation to better support persons with disabilities. I would also advocate for members of the disability community to be included in our economic recovery task forces and working groups.

Patricia Varela - All working age adults with disabilities should have an opportunity to participate in the city's workforce program. Every workforce program should have the ability to reach out to the disabled and show what progress they have made towards enrolling participants. The percentage of outreach must represent the current disabled population.

Q6. DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Cesario Garcia - add mentorship programs that can be used remotely and self-paced.

Manny Pelaez - FRONT OF THE LINE! If our disabled neighbors don't have front-of-the-line access to these funds and programs then we will have failed. Disability, financial vulnerability, and housing precarity must be the threshold markers for acceptance in to the Ready to Work program funded by sales tax dollars. We must also work with Project Quest to require them to meet disability-related goals as a condition of continued funding.  

Rob Rodriguez - Specific to the SA Ready To Work plan, I would advocate that all people with disabilities have equal access to workforce development programs regardless of their residential address or desired profession. The current selection formulary may exclude some people who do not meet the employment parameters or targeted demographic areas. I would also ensure that all designated training sites have adequate facilities and access to accommodate people with disabilities.

David Yanez - We must set the tone, and let everyone know we have a place and opportunity for San Antonians living with a disability. We have to try to get more disabled workers identified with city jobs. We must be the place to create opportunity for everyone. 

Q6. DISTRICT 9 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

John Courage - The Cities Ready to Work program is anticipates supporting all eligible applicants for workforce development. The program will provide training considering applicants abilities or disabilities and will support that training by providing a stipend and needed wrap around services as well as job placement services.

Erika Moe - Again, I would create a one-stop shop for individuals and families with disabilities to come and receive transportation information as well as social service assistance to guide them through the complex web of government services. Having a workforce development program housed within this facility would benefit our disabled community by eliminating confusion on which resources are available to them and where they would need to go to obtain this assistance. When many if not all of the community partners are housed under one roof, this streamlines the ability to obtain every resource and available to create an independent life, particularly for low income families. 

Q6. DISTRICT 10 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Gabrien Gregory - As the city continues to invest in business growth, especially for small and locally operated businesses, it is important we provide information to business owners about the ADA and other ways to expand opportunity for people living with a disability. There is always room for the city to promote inclusive workforce opportunities for people with a disability, and I would like to see this community be prioritized in the recently passed Workforce Development plan. 

Ezra Johnson - Disability inclusion requires concerted efforts and policies to ensure equity of access for all programs, including workforce development. As I did on the VIA Board, I will work with individuals and groups who advocate for disability inclusion to get input and feedback on this issue when on council. 

Clayton Perry - This is an important issue that must be addressed. I have worked with the City's HR department to take a look at their application process to ensure that there are no biases against the disability community in their words. I would push every employer participating in the workforce program to do the same. Remove the language that disqualifies or discourages people with disabilities from even participating. Also, I'd push to have workshops open and accessible to all with American Sign Language interpreters, as well as any other assistance we could provide to communicate the workforce development opportunities to everyone in the community. 

Q7. DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Mario Bravo - Without having a disability identifier in all government forms that are used to help provide better services such as in public health and transportation, data bias will result in city programs falling short in meeting the needs of all residents. Requiring this identifier is essential.

Lauro Bustamante - I would work with city, state, and national organizations on this subject

Matthew Gauna - We would investigate existing ways questions are presented and make improvements where necessary. The city has not worked proactively, and we must work to fix decades of neglect.

Roberto Treviño - I will work with, and ensure, our Chief Equity Officer, and the Equity Department, has an outward focus on community engagement and inclusion. Much like the Spanish translation services which I pushed to create in 2016, inclusion should be a part of all of our engagement efforts allowing all San Antonians to have a dialogue with their government.

Raymond Zavala - I am in favor of adding an identifier to an application, just like the identifier on a federal civil service application. I would work towards making it an ordinance to provide an identifier for the persons with a disability. This would ensure inclusiveness, like the other groups.

Q7. DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Jada Andrews-Sullivan - Revamping our surveys to be more inclusive is key. Getting the information is one thing but putting the action behind that information is a must. Through our city survey's we can ensure that no one is missed, especially our disabled populations. Working with GPA (Government and Public Affairs) and all our city departments to request each survey is updated to reflect equity and ensure identifiers that can better direct policy is my commitment. 

Carl Booker - Disability identifiers should be included in all documentation.

Dori Brown - I would propose administrative changes with in city departments to make sure that detailed demographic questions are included in all surveys that influence changes in the city. I would reach out to all city commissions to ensure that they recognize the need to include disability demographic questions are recognized as well.

Nneka Cleaver - I currently work with one of the disAbility representatives who fights endlessly to bring awareness and a seat at the table. Since I am fully aware of this current fight; I will continue to help in anyway I can and ensure an identifier is a part of any district survey or questionnaire. 

Norris Darden - Addressing the data piece and again I may be sounding like a broken record but WE have to start leveraging our relationships and start coalition building. We have over a dozen institutions of higher learning in the area which means there is a plethora of researchers and future researchers available to to the data collection and analyzation for little to no cost. In regards to a disability identifier question working with allies like the Unions, the Workforce and the business community will help to create the most seamless pathway toward the goal and ensure implementation because of prior understanding and buy in. 

Chris Dawkins - I first would like to work with an organization like this who can help me to understand this issue of disabilities. I would work with your organization to help me to create and craft legislation to address this directly.

Michael Good - I would advocate for that. I suffered from a temporary disability some time ago, and I thg opened my eyes to mobility issues tremendously.

Walter Perry - I'm going to advocate for people with disabilities in every way

Andrew Fernandez Vicencio - Relook at where this ? is missing on which Surveys.

Kristi Villanueva - I would work with the city council, city manager, and mayor to pursue whatever language necessary to mandate that city surveys, applications, and forms have disability identifier questions as allowed by state and federal law.

Q7. DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Angela Cardona - N/A

Marcello Martinez - As simple as that - work with my fellow council members to get the six signatures to add the question.

Tomas Uresti - The only way to ensure this will happen is by getting elected. The process can be implemented, we just need someone to spearhead it.

Stephen Valdez - Currently I'm not sure how the city collects data but I will research it. 

Mark Vargas - This is where the city needs to pick up the slack and work to find this data. Often, people are unsure where to answer these surveys or they do not receive them in a clear or adequate manner. I want to rectify this by having a point person within my office for our disabled residents, someone who can update me on projects and plans within D3 but also can help with any questions people may have.

We also need to work to have these surveys accessible for residents, whether they are vision or intellectually impaired. I want my constituents to recognize that they have a fighter for them at City Hall. I may not understand fully what they experience on a daily basis, but I will always try my best to listen and work with them. 

Rafael Vela - If applicable take an accurate as possible count to forms and have assistance if needed. 

Phyllis Viagran - The City of San Antonio has created an Equity Atlas. I will work with the Office of Equity to set policy and funding priorities on disability data collection and ensure we are working disability justice and racial justice to achieve our collective impact goals as a whole community. 

Q7. DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Adriana Rocha Garcia - As part of a subcommittee that I am currently on of the Governance Committee, I have been working with my Council colleague, CW Sandoval to ensure that we have equity in all of our City's applications for Boards and Commissions. We have already been successful at adding identifying questions, but will continue to work on this.

Raymond Guzman - N/A

Curtis Mueller - I would have no problem adding that. The more data we have on our population, the better we can work to support them.

Q7. DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Irma Barron - The lack of disability data for a City the size of San Antonio is totally unexcusable. If such non-discrimination identifiers exists for age, race, color, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion, etc. etc.. so too must one exist for a disability identifier. In today's society this type of lack of identification only creates obstacles and barriers that are hard for the disabled community to overcome. As an elected official I would work tirelessly to represent and be the voice for the disabled. I would strongly push and campaign for a disability identifier to be added to all city surveys, applications, and official forms. This would not only promote fairness among all demographics but also bring much needed unity, which is a rarity. 

Marie Crabb - I believe Government and Public Affairs need to show what their plan is to communicate with the disability community. I will request that a disability identifier is added to all surveys and applications. 

Ray Garza - Insert the question and not make it optional.

Anthony Gres - I will author a Council Consideration Request (CCR) asking Government and Public Affairs to show what their communication plan is for the disability community. In that CCR I will also request a disability identifier be included in all future surveys. 

Norberto "Geremy" Landín - I would advocate for the gathering of more disability data at the city level, and I would have my council office adopt policies that collect such data for council office activities.

Jason Mata - I will work with any organization that puts forth an initiative to this effect. I will champion this Initiative.

Ricardo Moreno - We would engae in converstations with our city manager and staff. We would encourage to think outside the box in providing data that is relevant and fairly represents all groups. This seems that this could be quick way to address that lapse of information. 

Q7. DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Chris Baecker - Find out why it's not already, and push the issue. 

Melissa Cabello Havrda - I will work with the city manager and leadership to add this as an option to all data collection methods. 

Robert Henandez - I would support identifier questions as long as they are optional.

Q7. DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Ana Sandoval - My appointee to the City’s Disability Access Advisory Committee, Melanie Cawthon, successfully advocated for this addition to the application process for Boards and Commissions. As part of the City’s work on equity, I would advocate for the inclusion and collection of this information in all city surveys.

Patricia Varela - I am sorry that there is no such identifier. That will be a priority for me to add the identifier to every form, survey, and application. I will look for your organization to present examples that will give you the information that is needed to collect this data.

Q7. DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Cesario Garcia - I have no opinion right now. Would have to do more research in order to provide a solution.  

Manny Pelaez - I. have drafted and have circulated a proposed ordinance mandating that all city applications, questionnaires, surveys, and forms contain disability-related demographic questions.

BUT, that is not good enough. My proposed ordinance also requires the city to supply city council and all San Antonians open data so that the demographic information we collect can be synthesized and used to inform future policy decisions.

Rob Rodriguez - I would seek input and direction for organizations that advocate for people with disabilities to structure the language for a disability question to insert into city surveys, applications and other forms. I would then work in a collaborative effort with my council colleagues and city departments to implement the change.

David Yanez - Yes, that is the first step. I feel knowing is half the battle, lets know the facts so we can discuss and make a plan. We have to share correct information so everyone can see we have this concern that is not being address properly, that is how we unite to solve a problem. I would add any additional questions for city surveys, applications etc. for demographic discovery of information. 

Q7. DISTRICT 9 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

 

John Courage - I would welcome suggestions from the disabled community for recommendations for identifier questions and would support adding them to all city surveys.

Erika Moe - I would strive to implement software that assists with collecting this data and have that be an arm of the social services provided in the one stop shop. Gathering data is the best way to identify the needs of our community so funds and services can be properly allocated. 

Q7. DISTRICT 10 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Gabrien Gregory - A disability identifier should be included on any city form, survey, or application. It is important to recognize the historical barriers people living with a disability have faced and work toward a more equitable opportunity for all residents. If elected, I will work to pass an ordinance requiring this in my first 100 days. 

Ezra Johnson - The city conducts many surveys, and I honestly can't remember seeing this question on any of them. I would be a strong advocate for ensuring that this data is gathered as part of our public outreach efforts, as well as any application or form where demographic data is collected. Question 11 suggests that the city has already taken steps to partially address this issue, and I look forward to working with individuals and groups who advocate for disability inclusion to seek additional improvements where needed. 

Clayton Perry - I think we need to ensure that people and groups in the disability community have a seat at the table and are helping to shape these surveys. We should always turn to the experts and include everyone when creating community outreach. 

Q8. DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Mario Bravo - Accessibility should be one of the top considerations when planning and implementing infrastructure programs. Without it, we are not meeting the needs of a major portion of city residents.

Lauro Bustamante - They should be accessible to all

Matthew Gauna - It should always be our city’s 1st priority when planning a great place to live, something our city council has not been prioritizing. We should look to Vancouver, British Columbia as a model for accessibility. Our current parks system lacks fully accessible trails, and we look to expand accessibility as part of our environmental reform. A fully inclusive community allows for our citizens to have unimpeded access to nature. Hiking trails and playgrounds should be wheelchair accessible. My team and I would introduce legislation that will “identify, remove and prevent” accessibility barriers in parks areas and expand our linear parks system. Every neighborhood should be within a 10 minute walk away from a community garden and park.  

Roberto Treviño - When it comes to our parks and public spaces, accessibility is a must.  The word public means for everyone. One step we can take is to add accessibility in design to our points system when it comes to procuring development partners and projects.  Just as I did for sidewalks, I will advocate for an audit of our current trails and parks to grade their accessibility for our disability community to create a plan to make our spaces truly public.

Q8. DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Jada Andrews-Sullivan - With having so many wonderful park spaces, green spaces, Trailways and public spaces; we must ensure each area is suited for those with disabilities. Building in more ADA compliant playscapes, recreational facilities to include our city pools and resource centers, building into our Trailways system plans for lifts or elevators, and to continue to learn more from our Disability Commission on better ways to strength summer programs and fitness in the park initiatives. 

Carl Booker - I believe the AIA, building codes etc require all structure must be ADA compliant. City parks and other recreational outlets must be held to the same standards as private developers.

Dori Brown - If we make sure that all public areas are ADA complaint and beyond removing the need to redo things later. Progression and forward thinking should always be a part in providing a service to our community.

Nneka Cleaver - It should be part of the basic plan.  

Norris Darden - Accessibility should be the #1 priority. Supporting the Disabled community in this way doesn't exclude everyone else but instead creates a safer and more accessible space for all.  

Chris Dawkins - I think that everyone wants to live a valued life. Being able to enjoy the outdoors and being able to participate for people with disabilities is important because when items are placed with in the parks. we want to make sure that everyone has access and not separating those that have away from those who don't have disabilities. We must all co-exsist.

Michael Good - Accessibility fot all should begin with the designer. It should be built into the construction documents and plans. It is a legal requirement.

Walter Perry - Accessibility should be right up there with safety

Andrew Fernandez Vicencio - Well I have seen some parks in the City do NOT even have 1 Restroom for the General Public. make the Restroom Handicap Accessible.

Kristi Villanueva - The 2017 American Community Survey identified that 15.6% of San Antonians have at least one disability; a large, and growing, portion of our population requires forward thinking about accessibility to ensure that our city works for everyone. I would support a holistic planning process that explicitly included accessibility concerns when planning new outdoor infrastructure. A large part of this is making sure public outreach is accessible; our town halls, city publications and notices, and planning forums need to be accessible to allow all stakeholders input into the planning process.

Q8. DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Angela Cardona - N/A

Marcello Martinez - Having designed several of these over the years, it is simply a prerequisite. Much like how "sustainable design" should be the equivalent of "design", accessible outdoor infrastructure should be the norm, not the exception.

Tomas Uresti - Equality across the board as in all areas. We have areas for handicapped but what we need more of is for wheelchair areas only . This needs to be added on top of handicapped areas.

Stephen Valdez - We should all be mindful of the life that someone with disabilities leads. Educating and integrating the topic into regular discussions and presentations with a fundamental aspect of it being good business and part of the new American experience.

Mark Vargas - District 3 has a multitude of parks and services for our residents to enjoy, with many of the newer parks having wide enough sidewalks and paths for many people to traverse, along with bike riding.

I want to be sure that we are expanding the accessibility by working with community partners. It is great that our city has an amusement park like Morgan's Wonderland, but disabled peoples should be able to enjoy the parks and rec services near their homes.

Our Parks and Rec website does not have an easily accessible accessibility filter or list for our disabled residents. That is something I would like to see rectified on council. 

Rafael Vela - With an ever changing city and changing infrastructure to parks we need to include areas where it is safer for disabled citizens to play in. I would join that effort to make it happen. 

Phyllis Viagran - My leadership approach and framework on our outdoor public spaces will adhere to the same disability design principles as the ones I’ve outlined for transportation. Every San Antonian is dependent on our outdoor infrastructure, and every District 3 constituent should be able to move around and access public spaces. Our public spaces need to be smart, inclusive, and accessible to all. 

Q8. DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Adriana Rocha Garcia - When more than 13% of the residents of San Antonio have a disability, it is critical that we prioritize all of our infrastructure and programming to address this population. I'm fully committed to continue to advocate for inclusive parks and public spaces that allow for our folks with disabilities to be able to enjoy a better quality of life.

Raymond Guzman - N/A

Curtis Mueller - We need to do absolutely everything within our power to include everybody when it comes to recreation.

Q8. DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Irma Barron - In terms to priority when it comes to accessibility to our city's outdoor infrastructure and programs, I for one, I am all for it. Of course with newer and current projects most disability regulations are required and typically enforced. That being said, my focus and priority would first be on older projects where disability protocols need to either be upgraded or created because none exist. This would include upgrades or renovations to our sidewalks, restroom facilities, benches, access points, water fountains, swimming pools, and playground equipment. Our parks, public spaces, adaptive recreation trails, and program facilities would be better suited to accommodate and benefit all patrons, those in the general and disabled community.  

Marie Crabb - Disability access should be the first thing engineers consider when designing our parks. We should not exclude any community member from using our public spaces.

Ray Garza - The priority should be high, because it can easily be left out and swept under the carpet.

Anthony Gres - Disability access should be the first consideration when working on our outdoor spaces. Citizens that are differently abled should not be treated as second class citizens and should have the same ability to access our public parks and spaces that abled bodied persons are able to. 

Norberto "Geremy" Landín - Public spaces and city outdoor programs should be designed with all people of all abilities in mind. This must be a priority for the city and county.

Jason Mata - It should be at the very top of the list.

Ricardo Moreno - These are good ideas that will help and encourage our citizens to engage in a healthy lifestyle regardless of their physical abilities. In district 5 we need many more greenway spaces due to many health issues that are prevalent such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. We engage the public to ask what they want and help in providing those items. Investing in our community health and wellness is vital in showing we care and we want the best for all people.

Q8. DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Chris Baecker - Right along with those of the non-disabled community. 

Melissa Cabello Havrda - ADA compliance should be the first thing prioritized when these spaces are in the design phase. Making this a integral part of all requestes for proposals will ensure that all new parks and public spaces are accessible.

Robert Henandez - Accessibility should be of the highest priority in new development of public lands and programs.

Q8. DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Ana Sandoval - Outdoor recreation should embrace universal design so that individuals of all abilities can enjoy the benefits.

Patricia Varela - Accessibility should be priority one. As I mentioned before when developing outdoor infrastructure accessibility and safety must be taken into consideration before any community parks and public spaces are being developed. 

Q8. DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Cesario Garcia - Not during a pandemic. Have qualified contractors bid on the projects.

Manny Pelaez - As stated above, if a. single park in San Antonio is not accessible to. all neighbors, then we are failing in our jobs. That's why I'm very excited about the park I'm creating - - Dan Markson Park, the first-of-its kind San Antonio park exclusively designed with children of special needs and their families. This park will serve as an exemplar for all San Antonio parks going forward. If we build with universal accessibility as a guiding principle, San Antonio will be a city that goes above and beyond in its promise to be more equitable and compassionate. My goal is for Dan Markson Park to be THE. STANDARD for all city parks and facilities going forward.

Rob Rodriguez - Accessibility to outdoor infrastructure should be in the incorporated in the early design stages of outdoor infrastructure and programs before development. Provisions that include considerations for drinking fountains, rest room facilities, sinks, and dining and work services should be given priority in the earliest conceptual stages for new projects. Aged and existing projects that require upgrades should have inclusive features integrated into the new design.
When elected, I will be sure to seek input from the disabled community for these projects.

David Yanez - We need to be fair minded to share all our public spaces with best possible accessibility. Everyone is entitled to enjoy the sunshine from all parts of the city and all the parks and their amenities. 

Q8. DISTRICT 9 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

John Courage - San Antonio is committed to insuring all city facilities and services are ada compliant. I continue to support that. In the new Classing-Stubing park being developed in District 9 we are buidling an all inclusive playground.

Erika Moe - Having cared for my grandmother and who was physically disabled and now having a mother-in-law who is bound to a wheelchair, I have seen how critical the needs are for proper accessibility for those who are physically disabled. We have been to countless facilities that do not meet ADA requirements and rendering it impossible for us to use. We must prioritize all current programs to be truly ADA compliant, before investing in new infrastructure and programs. 

Q8. DISTRICT 10 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Gabrien Gregory - Not only should all ADA guidelines be followed in all city public spaces and venues, but we should also consider the modern requests and needs of people living with disabilities. I am very interested to learn what these needs, if any, are. All city spaces should prioritize accessibility for all residents, to include people with disabilities. If elected, I would also highlight the importance for private venues to prioritize the same. 

Ezra Johnson - I think accessibility for all public facilities should be a top priority, especially outdoor programs and infrastructure. 

Clayton Perry - I believe accessibility for all should be a key requirement in all public development. 

Q9. DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Mario Bravo - I am happy to accept your guidance on how we can do better.

Lauro Bustamante - I would work with local, state, and national organizations on this subject

Matthew Gauna - In our term of service, we will ensure all city meetings have an ASL interpreter and meetings are fully accessible through the city website. We will work with the city to make the city website easier to navigate for those who are blind and/or have low vision. We will vigorously enforce the Home and Community Based Settings Rule. In 2014, the Obama Administration issued a new Home and Community Based Settings Rule providing for crucial protections for people with disabilities, requiring that every state ensure that people with disabilities have such basic liberties respected as the right to choose where and with whom to live, and much more. Currently San Antonio is not an inclusive and accessible city. We work to have our website accessible.

Roberto Treviño - I will continue to host events with Spanish and ASL translation services to allow the community the most opportunities to be included and share their thoughts. Our team can not wait for in-person meetings to be the norm once again so we can provide direct communication and support to members of our community who attend informational events seeking further clarification. We have made accommodations in the past for members of our community who are hard of hearing, blind, and who do not understand English in both our campaign and elected office.

Raymond Zavala - I will have various persons skilled in sign language, interpreters, and for the vision impaired I will have myself or the staff holding meetings in person. I will also provide written and or electronic information to the community. 

Q9. DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Jada Andrews-Sullivan - By offering sign language interpretation, making sure we are meeting individuals where they are, ensuring that literature is aesthetic to those whom have visual and intellectual/developmental disabilities, and be personable with those whom need our assistance. We will continue to strengthen our public comments of city council sessions by ensuring that those with visual, hearing, intellectual/developmental disabilities are included in the process through voice recordings, video messages, by interpreter or by sending in written communications; everyone deserves to have their voices heard. 

Carl Booker - Because of funding restrictions i am not able to provide equal communication tools or my campaign. But my website uses best website practice for the blind and the hard of hearing.

Dori Brown - Research and talking to the individuals who are already a part of this world is the best way to start. So talking with you all on the best way to reach disabled individual both now and when elected would be a great resource.

Nneka Cleaver - I already use an interpreter for my speeches and for my website interpretation. I work hard to make sure the disAbility community is included and I will continue this during my council term. 

Norris Darden - Again with my broken record. I don't have all the answers and I'm not sure who if anyone does but collectively the answers are out there. Collaborating with other entities that provide these resources and services as their mission would be a no brainer. Working smart not hard saves constituents time and resources and improves the product and quality of services. In short I would partner with agencies that have the capability to accommodate. As an educator, a Special Education educator for 18 years I am familiar with differentiation, modifying, accommodating and providing assistive technology but even with all my experience I still do not have all the answers and would lean on others to assist in closing the gaps. 

Chris Dawkins - There will need to be new initiatives for people with all various sorts of disabilities. There are some that I am unaware of so, i will have to depend on organizations like yours to keep me abreast of the issues and the changing environment. I don't want to make excuses but, sometimes we don't know and need to depend on people and organizations to advise us of the issues of the day.  

Michael Good - I really did not consider my campaign. If I am involved in any debates, I will request they be held with sign language translators. I apologize, I never considered that factor.

Walter Perry - I'm going to assign someone specifically for the outreach to all disabled people

Andrew Fernandez Vicencio - Research what is efficient and feasible.

Kristi Villanueva - We need public information to be multimodal; this means having multiple ways to access the information such as: large print, audio, and video forms. We also need to make the information available easy to understand; I would support working with the city manager to require one-page summaries of all communications written at an accessible grade level. I would also advocate for identifying and following best practices in city communications. 

Q9. DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Angela Cardona - I would hope that after COVID safety measures are less restrictive, that I could include visits to facilities to provide opportunities for these residents to participate in the civic engagement processes. I've tried to include some video in my messaging and used closed captioned when available, but could be more consistent with that. I would like to learn how I can enhance these experiences.

Marcello Martinez - All information will be available through as many platforms and modes as possible.

Tomas Uresti - Same as other issues that I will be pushing for. To have information added in utility bills and tax mailers. Along with having all city entities making our community aware on all city websites

Stephen Valdez - As an elected official it would be my responsibility to advocate for all residents and ensuring that they are part of the process and protect it through advocacy and integration. I believe that I can do a lot by championing the topic as much as I can in every discussion. I have lived my life mostly with a visual impairment, corrected by corrective lenses. This is a topic that is very close to my heart.

Mark Vargas - I am committing that I will be an active a visible councilman who will always come to the table and meet with residents or organizations if they are willing to come to the table and meet. I pledge to meet and be active with the disability committee to learn what is working and what is not.

As someone who has worked with the above disabilities in a school, I know that we need to make sure information is available in a multitude of ways. I would like my site to be able to be listened to for our vision impaired and have language interpreters for all press conferences and video services. 

Rafael Vela - I would hire on a sign language Interpreter, make sure all forms are made into Braille and provide any assistance so they are understandable.

Phyllis Viagran - I have innovative ideas to address how information is provided to the public. I would like to work with the Office of Innovation and the City of San Antonio’s Communications Department to change the inaccessibility of our city communications. I also believe that there are cost effective and affordable ways we can make city meetings more inclusive. From the way we use sound and light, to who we hire, I know there’s a bigger and better way to keep all San Antonians informed and included in our municipality. 

Q9. DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Adriana Rocha Garcia - When I got elected to City Council, I asked for cards with braille. I also helped coordinate a presentation to all City Council aides from the City's ADA Compliance Officer so that she could share with all 80+ Council staff the needs of this underrepresented community. In addition, I advocated for and convinced my colleagues to support the appointment of a legally blind woman to the Board of Trustees for VIA and for the placement of another members of the disability community to become a member of a key committee that oversees the San Antonio Riverwalk.

Raymond Guzman - N/A

Curtis Mueller -I’ve use language lines and in person translators. Almost all of the work I do needs to be translated into Spanish with our translation team. I can finger spell in ASL. I listen when people talk.

Q9. DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Irma Barron - In any job, communication is key, It is of utmost importance to relay and provide the necessary information to the public that is equally inclusive and accessible to all residents. As an elected official, my job is to represent not some but all the residents within my district. With that said, my duty is to fill my cabinet and be surrounded with people that are highly qualified and can meet the needs of all residents including those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, the blind, deaf, and those hard-of-hearing. If that entails hiring people who can sign language, provide counseling, or can work with adaptive equipment, that is something I pledge to do. My staff will be provided with training to meet the needs of the disabled.

Marie Crabb - I will ensure that all of my events and platforms are accessible to the disabled community.

Ray Garza - Have disability health providers available during activities where people with disabilities will be present.

Anthony Gres - I will work with my team to ensure that all of my events are accessible to the differently abled and that our website has the same capability. 

Norberto "Geremy" Landín -  I will work with members of the disability advocacy community to develop mechanism to successfully communicate with disabled persons.

Jason Mata - I will seek assistance with this from reliable and creditable vendors.

Ricardo Moreno - We can utilize and leverage technology to assist in these matters. We have a variety of mediums that can be used to combat any obstacle that would make it difficult to reach our community members. We can create literature and base it on lexia level to make it more accessible for our community to decide how they would like to read it. We can use technology to assist those that have difficulties with hearing such text to talk. We would have to ensure that our community has access to reliable and affordable internet.

Q9. DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Chris Baecker - Employ all methods of communication, such as braille. 

Melissa Cabello Havrda - I will always have a sign language interpreter at my public events and ensure that digital information I send out can easliy be integrated with assistive technology.

Robert Henandez - I want to be accessible to everyone in the community. I do not know what options are available beside deaf link. I am open to hearing from anyone that can assist me with options to reach more people with disabilities during my campaign and term if elected.

Q9. DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Ana Sandoval - Throughout my time on Council, I've worked to make government more transparent and accessible for all residents, including those with disabilities. I believe I could do a better job at this if I took input from the disability community on how to do this well.  

Patricia Varela - During my campaign any and all video will have have CC availability. Personal appearances have been in small groups where I am able to address any of these concerns one on one. If I am elected I will ensure sign language interpreters are available at all meetings and at my offices. If it isn't already in place I will ensure all of my constituents have access to me and my staff by any means necessary and I would welcome your suggestions since I am not current with new technology available for the disabled.

Q9. DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Cesario Garcia - This question is too long and needs to be clarified.  

Manny Pelaez - If our public information is not accessible to the public - - ALL PUBLIC-- then we aren't meeting expectations. As an ADA employment law attorney, I prosecute employers that fail to provide equal access to information and opportunities to their disabled employees. The ADA is not just a matter of convenience. It is long-established law that must be faithfully applied in all manners. I will continue to advocate for expanded communication accessibility to your stakeholders and members so that we don't leave anyone behind.

Rob Rodriguez - When elected, I will consult with representatives of the disabled community to develop a plan with my Director of Communications to implement inclusive and accessible materials and information. I will periodically evaluate and modify our processes with continued consultation with your organization.

David Yanez - You have to reach the constituent where they are at, and I will build a bridge for information so they are not left out. If their are difficulties, these constituents will be able to contact or come to my office and I will provide support services to help them along, if they don't have friends or family to help them. I will help them.

Q9. DISTRICT 9 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

John Courage - That is a challanging question I have not previously considered. I will explore options such as providling recorded copies of my emails blasts or newsletters. Due to the COVID epidemic we have not been distributing much if any written material to utilize braile, but I will consider that. Another consideration is includng sign language interpreterprters for future video communications.

Erika Moe - When elected on city council, I will work with the community partners to ensure access of all information made available to the general public is also easily accessible and available to every member of the disability community. I intend to have an open door policy and work with the the disability community in conjunction with the city to eliminate any barriers and obstacles that may exist preventing the members of the disability community from having their needs met. 

Q9. DISTRICT 10 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Gabrien Gregory - All options to better communicate with all residents should be utilized by city officials. We should always have resources available to residents, similarly to having an ASL interpreter available at all city information or educational occasions, such as city council meetings. 

Ezra Johnson - Again, while I was the chair of VIA's Accessible Transit Advisory Committee, I worked side-by-side with individuals and organizations dedicated to accessibility in all facets of life, including accessibility to transit-based apps and websites. I would continue to seek out feedback from these individuals and groups to ensure that information put out the public is fully accessible and proactively push information out to residents rather than passively posting it. 

Clayton Perry - I will continue to listen, learn, adapt and make changes where needed to ensure that I am being as open and accessible to all as possible. I am proud to have made positive changes at the City with regards to requiring American Sign Language videos being added to our emergency response system, and I also supported ASL interpretation at all Council Meetings. I pledge to keep my open door policy and listen and learn from the disability community so that I can advocate for their needs as well. 

Q10. DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Mario Bravo - I support expanding the 2002 Visit-Ability ordinance to include privately funded developments.

Lauro Bustamante - I agree

Matthew Gauna - I agree, Our past development has not considered our disability community when designing streets, zoning, or the expansive urban sprawl of our city. City council must do its part to make San Antonio a more accessible and inclusive place. If elected, we will work with VIA to expand universally accessible public transit. Universal design must be the focus of our urban planning from city streets and sidewalks to parks and playgrounds, our city must have a strong foundation of inclusivity, that philosophy has been missing from city council and we hope to bring those issues to the table to be solved and solutions implemented. When everyone can move around the city freely and timely it increases our independence and improves quality of life.

Roberto Treviño - I am fully supportive of expanding the 2002 Visit-Ability ordinance. My vision for San Antonio is becoming a City by design. That includes planning and executing a system of designs to make our community accessible, elevate every resident’s quality of life, and place an emphasis on tackling everyday problems while protecting our people.

Raymond Zavala - I am in agreement with expanding the ordinance. Every older home should have the necessary improvement to comply with this ordinance. As for future homes, they must meet or exceed the required conditions.
I remember several years back, when a housing project was remodeled and the city was sued, because the units were not in compliance( doors, not wide enough for wheelchair accessibility. The units only had one door.

 

Q10. DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Jada Andrews-Sullivan - It is my commitment to expand on the 2002 Visit-Ability ordinance #95641, especially with the disparities we have seen exposed during COVID and Winter Storm Uri. As new development is taking place and gap funding is requested, ensuring that each development is building to be all inclusive and have all the amenities need for ADA adaptability, emergency backup systems in case of power failure, utility services that are available for medical devices, on-site medical care center for emergency services are just a few ways we can build on this ordinance. 

Carl Booker - ADA is required in all buildings. I am not aware of a work around.

Dori Brown - I'm aware of this ordinance from 2002, but I would need a little time to review and suggest changes to it. With 19 years passing since it's signing and major changes in technology and issues surrounding healthcare and covid, I'm sure there is room for improvements that can be helpful for the next 19years.

Nneka Cleaver - N/A

Norris Darden - I'm not versed on this ordinance but from a quick search it appears to address universal design and construction. If policy is in place that mandates all structures are to be accessible to all people then yes I am in full support of that. I would definitely look into ways to expand the ordinance. 

Chris Dawkins - I am for this 100%

Michael Good - I support accessibility REQUIREMENTS in both public as well as private sectors. Homes should be framed, with double or triple studs in framing to accomodate grab bars or handles where they may be needed.

Walter Perry - I support it 100%

Andrew Fernandez Vicencio - No comment at this time.

Kristi Villanueva - As the proportion of the population with a disability is fairly large, I believe it makes both moral and economic sense to build with an eye towards accessibility. I am hesitant to pursue an ordinance or mandate for privately funded developments, which would potentially incur long, costly litigation, but I do believe we can use other tools at our disposal, such as tax incentives, to encourage accessible development.

Q10. DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Angela Cardona  - I would support this and all efforts to make our community more accessible for all.

Marcello Martinez - Am both in support and have done so in practice.

Tomas Uresti - In strong support of it. And expanding to more areas of our city so that all can enjoy its beauty and live where medical facilities are most needed to fit their needs

Stephen Valdez - Absolutely! If developments are going to be funded even partially by tax dollars they should all be compliant and accessible to everyone no matter their physical limitation.

Mark Vargas - I believe I touched on this with Question 2 with home building, so to reiterate, I am in favor of expanding this provision. Being disabled should not be a barrier for people to live where they would like. More communities designed to be open for all is a benefit.

It takes time, but it is about teaching and reinforcing these design programs so that they are not overlooked. Building designs and accessibility options have improved and we have learned more since 2002, twenty years is enough time to revisit how we build and expand our city for the better. 

Rafael Vela - If it means being accessible let's more forward with it. 

Phyllis Viagran - As formerly mentioned in question number one, this is why I’m committed to creating a city that prioritizes people’s well-being. Our public spaces can be great for an 8 year old and an 80 year old if we work together to ensure universal design principles are part of everything we do. Design mediates so much of our realities and has a huge impact on our lives, but so very few people with disabilities are included in our City’s design processes. This needs to change. We need to address the deepest challenges our communities with disabilities are facing with every new project, and reevaluate what’s not working on the old ones.

Q10. DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Adriana Rocha Garcia - I agree with any expansion that addresses the philosophy to make our community more accessible to everyone.

Raymond Guzman - N/A

Curtis Mueller - I am all for that.

Q10. DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Irma Barron - With San Antonio being one of the most diversed and culturally rich cities in Texas, I am all for expanding the 2002 Visit-Ability ordinance #95641. Our city's history, landmarks, and resources must be shared with everyone including our disabled community. I think it is a perfect time to share the universal design philosophy of accessibility in correlation with the city's 300 year campaign. A universal accessibility design would portray a sign of unity among the disabled community, our residents, and our beloved tourist. If elected I would most definitely support for all our public and privately funded developments to incorporate the much needed universal design philosophy of accessibility for all. 

Marie Crabb - I believe that all city spaces should be fully accessible to all.  

Ray Garza - I'm for this and I would support any movement in this direction.

Anthony Gres - I fully support this idea. I don’t see why all spaces in the city would not be accessible. If we truly are a compassionate city we should be an accessible city.

Norberto "Geremy" Landín - Any developers receiving assistance from the city should be required to provide barrier-free access. The amending of UDC Codes can also be used to expand the of 2002 Visit-Ability ordinance.

Jason Mata - I can support this if it helps the community at large.

Ricardo Moreno - We need to continue to create homes, buildings, schools, etc that are up to code so that no one group is left behind. I agree with our COSA to continue to assist in this matter for the well being and support of our community.

Q10. DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Chris Baecker - I do not believe in increased regulations on the private sector, as I believe it inhibits prosperity and the general well-being of the community as a whole.

Melissa Cabello Havrda - I am in support of this position. As our population grows we must adapt to the needs of all people, keeping the disabled in mind in all parts of the decision making process.

Robert Henandez - I would not support expanding it all privately developments. I would like to see it expanded to certain developments. Example, If a developer is planning 20 a development over 20 units then they would need to be in compliance with the ordinance.

Q10. DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Ana Sandoval - I believe all San Antonio developments should embrace universal design and be welcoming to people of all abilities. I believe the difficult part of achieving this will be charting a step-by-step path to get to this goal and overcoming opposition from the private business community.
If this is in fact, Disability SA’s number one priority, then we should discuss how to make progress in this direction during the upcoming update of the Unified Development Code. The Planning Commission Technical Advisory Committee, which reviews changes to the Unified Development Code, is currently accepting applications. I would strongly encourage anyone reviewing this response to consider applying at : https://tinyurl.com/6a4na3p8

Patricia Varela - I believe the 2002 Visit-Ability ordinance #95641 should be kept for publicly funded developments. Private developments follow ADA requirements and should continue to be free to build according to their own designs.  

Q10. DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Cesario Garcia - I would have to revisit the ordinance and see if it still applies as of today's date. 

Manny Pelaez - Section 6-301 of the ordinance is anemic and should be updated to include all properties that receive tax credits or tax incentives, all student housing, all multifamily (apartment construction), and all new housing within the city's Innovation Zones.

Rob Rodriguez - I am neutral on the expansion of the 2002 Visit-Ability ordinance and would need to consult with proponents of the ordinance to understand on how it can be enhanced. In general, I'm inclined to be open to the philosophy of universal design as it apply to publicly funded developments.

David Yanez - I am for it. 

Q10. DISTRICT 9 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

John Courage - The ordinance already applies to any publicly funded single family housing project that receives funding through the City of San Antonio. I would support encouraging private developers for private projects to employ universal design in their projects, but I would not support mandating such action.

Erika Moe - All facilities and should be fully accessible to every member of the disability community without question. As mentioned previously, many facilities are not ADA compliant and must be updated to keep up with the disability communities needs and standards. 

Q10. DISTRICT 10 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Gabrien Gregory - I fully support it. 

Ezra Johnson - I certainly think that some of the elements of the 2002 ordinance should be considered for adoption into the broader development code.  

Clayton Perry - I support all efforts to make reasonable accommodations for all. 

Q11. DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Mario Bravo - The only way for the city to know that it is making good policy is when everyone is included in the planning and governing of the city. Making sure that people with disabilities are part of that process will only lead to a more successful city in the future.

Lauro Bustamante - I will fight for them to be represented

Matthew Gauna - We should require a interpreter present to ensure full accessibility for COSA board commission, committees, and appointment meetings streamed online and on TV. Our Utilities, CPS and SAWS, do not have accessible meetings and City Council must ensure that meetings are streamed so every citizen can be fully involved in the planning, visioning, and governing process. We will do this by making meetings available online and at a time convenient for the working class.  

Roberto Treviño - Parity of my board and commission appointments has been a focus of my time on Council. Representation is the key to building an equitable and fair city that leaves no one behind. I have appointed individuals with disabilities to boards in the past, and will continue to do so. Diversity of thought and experience makes us stronger, and I will do my part to ensure it exists within the boards and commissions that I have appointments to.

Raymond Zavala - I will ensure that the disabled community is included on all Boards. Each application will be reviewed and the best applicant will be selected. There is a great need for the applicants to be diverse so that the board, commission, and committee or special appointee will provide a unique vision to the group.

Q11. DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Jada Andrews-Sullivan - Continuing to appoint representatives that reflect our community is what we are dedicated in doing. We must have every voice at the table to meet the needs of everyone. Having individuals whom represent every demographic is how to tackle the inequities of past policy and to ensure we do not continue to leave any one out. Working with our Mayor and asking him to make appointments to outside Boards and Commissions to have areas of representation that have far since been left out will ensure adequate representation and full transparency.

Carl Booker - I am motivated to engage with all my constituency for considerations on boards and commissions.

Dori Brown - In selecting individuals to serve on various commission, I will reach out to the community to solicit individual that live in my district including those with disabilities to serve the community. Partnering with organization who have the best interest of the disabled community in focus is where I would start.

Nneka Cleaver - I will lead by example through my district first. I will work hard to ensure there is a representative throughout our boards and commissions. I am very passionate and try and learn more about the community and the needs every chance I get. If there is not an actual representative of the community somewhere; you will always have me. 

Norris Darden - On e of my top priorities once elected will be coalition building because not one person or office can do it on his or their own. With that said citizens with disabilities and families with loved ones with disabilities will have a an active role in these coalitions. District 2 has if not the most one of the highest vacancy rates for boards and commissions across the city. We need to do better in promoting these opportunities to the community and identifying talent to participate. 

Chris Dawkins - District 2 also covers Ft. Sam and the Intrepid Center. We get many people with disabilities and i will work with all organizations to insure that everyone can enjoy San Antonio in total. I am not aware of everything about persons with disabilities. But, I have people like you to be able to steer me into the right direction about this.

Michael Good - People with disabilities must be included in areas such as code enforcement, developmental services, permit attainment, and transportation. They have a unique perspective on needs. 

Walter Perry - I'm going to assign disabled people to boards and Commission to represent the people who are in similar situations.

Andrew Fernandez Vicencio - The most efficient way possible

Kristi Villanueva - I believe diversity of perspectives is important in the governance of our city; to that end, I would use my position to support the applications of those who have historically been marginalized and had their voice excluded from public service. I would work with organizations in the community to identify qualified applicants and encourage them to apply for boards, commissions, committees and special appointments, as well as working with the mayor and city manager to prioritize expanding diversity

Q11. DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Angela Cardona - I am a firm believer that that in order to solve an issue, those closest to that issue should have a seat at the table. I look forward to pulling more representation from our community to have a voice in all aspects of governing.

Marcello Martinez - All qualified applicants will be considered and welcomed. I encourage and support this participation.

Tomas Uresti - I would hope to ensure that a member of all community be included or at least a spokesperson that would be delegated to gather information needed for each group 

Stephen Valdez - This is a very interesting notion and it gives me a great idea. The idea is to find willing and able people who may have some disability to serve on the mini vacancies that are abundant on various boards. I will make that a priority, to do so. The only caveat is that that individual must understand open meetings, perhaps this organization will work with me to connect me to individuals who want to learn and participate and I will nominate them to serve on various boards. What a wonderful idea. 

Mark Vargas - Having a disability does not prevent people from providing their voice or input and we should not have disabilities prevent people from serving. While we do have a Disability Advisory Committee, we should make sure candidates for other boards and commissions are being inclusive. I would like to see the advice that the DAC provides, shared with the other Boards and Commissions who are deciding policy for the city, in order to ensure that their voice is heard.

I believe people should serve so long as they have the experience that is needed for such a position. As councilman, I will commit to being inclusive and hope to appoint someone to other commissions, who can provide valuable insight. 

Rafael Vela - Everyone in this city should be included in any demographics, I think having a Liaison would be beneficial from all districts working with groups and organizations who represent citizens with disabilities. 

Phyllis Viagran - I will advocate with communities with disabilities to ensure they are represented at every impasse with planning, visioning, and governing to reimagine a better San Antonio.

Q11. DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Adriana Rocha Garcia - I will continue to advocate for and encourage the participation of this underrepresented group. I have already helped to make key appointments to some of the City's Boards and Commissions, but we need to continue the work until we have folks represented at as many committees as possible.

Raymond Guzman - N/A

Curtis Mueller - By including them.

Q11. DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Irma Barron - Its' about time that the city incorporate the collection of the disability demographics within its application system. Definitely, a step in the right direction. If elected representation is a key element in our duties and responsibilities, one takes an oath to represent all constituents to the best of our abilities. Compassion, unity, and equity are some of my qualities which must be one reason I hold people with disabilities close and dear to my heart. I will make sure that disabled people are not discriminated, and are represented, engaged in, and a part of committees, boards, commissions, and special appointments. I will also make it a point to have their voice heard when it comes to planning, visioning, and governing of San Antonio.

Marie Crabb - I will work to ensure that the disability community is well represented on boards and commissions in regards to District 5 board positions.

Ray Garza - Be inclusive of constituents with disabilities who want to participate.

Anthony Gres - I will have my team focus on increasing the number of differently abled persons on all committees that have representation of district 5. If we have applications from the community we will certainly push forward with ensuring the community has a strong voice.

Norberto "Geremy" Landín - I will commit to not exclude any member of the disability community from serving on a board or commission. More representation from the disability community is needed.

Jason Mata - We can work to make this a requirement.

Ricardo Moreno - I would encourage any and all willing applicants to apply. These boards, commissions, and committees should be inclusive and reflect all groups of people. We must be willing to work with a diverse group of people that will provide new ideas and approaches to concerns and issues. I would review these groups and ask for a fair represention of our community members who choose to participate.

Q11. DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Chris Baecker - My door would be open to all qualified applicants for such positions, regardless of disability, race, sex etc.

Melissa Cabello Havrda - When advertising for vacancies on boards and commissions, I will make it appoint to reach out to the disabled community to encourage their participation and appointment.

Robert Henandez - I would make sure that the City would reach out to people with disabilities. I would work closely with the Disability Access Advisory Committee to implement their recommendations. I would also look to create position within the city for people with disabilities.

Q11. DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Ana Sandoval - My appointee to the City’s Disability Access Advisory Committee, Melanie Cawthon, successfully advocated for this addition to the application process for Boards and Commissions. I would also reach out to the disability community to encourage individuals to apply as positions become available.

Patricia Varela - As a city council representative I will always reach out to the disabled community. The disabled should have a say on how our city grows and develops, particularly when it comes to ensuring our community remains accessible to everyone 

Q11. DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Cesario Garcia - They have a voice and should be able to participate. There should not be any disqualifiers in place. 

Manny Pelaez - Way ahead of you. I have intentionally appointed disabled San Antonians to boards and commissions because, without your voice at the table, we will never make this city fully accessible to you and your membership. However, we (your organization and my office) need to find opportunities on NON-CITY boards (chambers of. commerce, nonprofits, corporate) on which to place members of your group - - - particularly on the board of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation and the Medical Center Foundation.  

Rob Rodriguez - My process of appointing people to city boards, commissions and committees will be inclusive of all people that are qualified, aligned with the needs of the district, and can commit the necessary time to be an affective participant of the respective board. I expect your organization to provide me with your priority boards and when asked, qualified candidates that can fill those positions.

I would like to appoint a disabled youth to the San Antonio Youth Commission.

David Yanez - We must encourage and seek these candidates, so that their perspective is included at the beginning of the discussion and not as an afterthought. We have to do better to have their voice included in the vision and planning for San Antonio. That is the goal to have greater inclusiveness and opportunity for our disabled community, this is their city too. 

Q11. DISTRICT 9 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

John Courage - I welcome suggestions or referrals for District 9 residents with any disability to be a candidate to serve on any city board or commissioon I make appointments to.

Erika Moe - We must actively work with the disability community to seek out individuals to be represented on planning committees, boards and special appointments for our government. There is no better way to learn the needs of the disabled community than hearing their needs directly and incorporating those individuals into the decision making processes. 

Q11. DISTRICT 10 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Gabrien Gregory - The point is simple: everyone has a seat at the table. If elected, I will work toward including more representation from people living with a disability on city boards, commissions, projects, and initiatives. 

Ezra Johnson - Diverse representation on city boards and commissions continues to be a challenge. The problem as I see it is that we put out generic public calls for applicants, but never affirmatively reach out to people. I would work to build relationships with all communities in District 10, including those with disabilities, so that I am more fully informed about who is doing important community work in the district, and actively recruit people to apply for these positions. 

Clayton Perry - I believe everyone should have equal access and opportunity to serve the government and boards and commissions. I support any effort to improve the process and make it more accessible and fair to all. This is one of the reasons why I worked with the City's HR department to address any biases in the language that was used in our application process. 

Q12. DISTRICT 1 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Mario Bravo - N/A

Lauro Bustamante - 

Lauro A. Bustamante Jr.
346 LAURELWOOD ~ San Antonio, Texas 78213
Ph 210-777-7755 Fax 512-366-9928
E-mail lb78213@yahoo.com

Work Experience.
Practicing Attorney 37 years

As an attorney my experience includes:
1 Litigation in the Texas Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, District, County, JP, Municipal courts, l
2. Local politics
3. Researching legal issues
4.Drafting pleadings, conducting discovery, preparing witnesses for
depositions and trials, ensuring that all deadlines are met,
5. Participating in court-ordered mediation.

Qualifications

Good character and personal integrity. Committed to serving the community that I have lived and worked in.
Bilingual and bi-cultural in Spanish and English
Computer and office equipment Technology hardware and software, Windows, WordPerfect, PowerPoint, Word, Westlaw, Lexis-Nexus, Pro-Doc, internet research.

Professional memberships and achievements

• United States District Court, Western District of Texas
• Member San Antonio Federal Bar Association
• Texas State Bar, Supreme Court of the State of Texas Bar no. 03510650
• Past Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Law 1999 – 2004
• Past Board Certified Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy 1994 – 2000

Education

• University of Houston, Houston, Texas Jurist Doctor, 1979
• University of Texas, Austin, Texas Bachelor of Science, School of Communications Speech, 1975
• San Antonio College, Liberal Arts Associates Degree
I have an extensive current Continuing Legal Education with a total of 643.98 hours including 84.50 hours in Ethics.

Community Activities

.
Director, Bexar County, District 3 Edwards Aquifer Authority
Member Edwards Research & Technology Committee
Member Edwards Permits/Enforcement Committee
Candidate for San Antonio Mayor 2009
Member San Antonio Community Development Advisory Committee 2009
Cesar E. Chavez Legacy and Educational Foundation
Civil and Human Rights Coalition
League of United Latin American Citizens, Past President, Council 4879
Member of Robert E. Lee, Parent Teacher Association, past
Committee Chair of Boy Scout Troop 84, past
United States Karate Association, First Degree Black Belt
2008 Delegate to the Democratic Senate District Convention.
2008 democratic nominee for District State Judge 57th civil court
2007 Precinct worker Bexar county Elections Department (City Council Elections)
2006 democratic nominee for Justice 4th Court of Appeals
2006 precinct worker for Bexar County Elections Department
2005-2006 In house attorney for the Bexar county Democratic party
2004 Campaign manager for Democratic nominee Joseph Sullivan for U.S. Representative
past Candidate for State Senate
past Candidate for U.S. Representative
Church elder.
Family, wife Rebekah Bustamante, We have 10 children between us. And 9 grandchildren.

Matthew Gauna - We are for a fully accessible environment, public transportation, and city. We will strive to make San Antonio a universally designed city like Vancouver, British Columbia. I humbly ask for your early vote in April for City Council District 1.

Roberto Treviño - In general, my time in office has been spent giving a voice to the voiceless and agency to the most vulnerable and marginalized in our community. When I learned of the fact that disabled residents could not enter City Hall without going through the back entrance, into the basement, searching for an elevator, waiting for a security guard to make their way to them, and then finally brought up to the first floor, I was appalled. I stated to the press and residents alike that we could easily replace the sign that said ""Handicap entrance"" with ""Mexican entrance"" or ""Black entrance."" And within that frame of mind, imagine forcing an individual to enter the building through such terrible conditions solely because they belong to a specific sect of our community. It is unthinkable. I was met with much resistance when I proposed updating the front entrance of City Hall to make it accessible, so I was forced to be creative. I contacted Gordon Hartman who donated a sum of money to create a design contest for firms to design a ""City Hall for All"" which I am proud to say has led to the almost complete new accessible front entrance of City Hall. This is simply one small example of the work I've been proud to do, but it is a painful reminder of the basics that seem to be overlooked. It should not have taken until 2016 for Spanish translations to be mandated in San Antonio City Services, but I am proud to be the one to bring it to fruition (better late than never).

As I've stated many times before, I am less concerned with winning or losing, and more focused on doing the right thing. Your endorsement will help cement the fact that our deeds mean more than our words. That my work for those in our community who need to be heard is doing good for our residents.

It will help say that in our extremely partisan, politicized environment, choosing to do what is unpopular in order to improve the life of those who are often ignored is the right thing to do.

Raymond Zavala - I would like the community to know that I have been an advocate for the senior citizens, the youth, the disabled, and the veterans for many years. My platform is full accountability, complete transparency, and being fiscally responsible. I will also address housing, homelessness, education, and the budget. I bring forth ideas and attainable solutions. solutions and not excuses for what should've been done and didn't get done. I want to engage with the residents of district 1 to improve service, quality of life, and to protect history, assets, and be a good steward of the taxpayer's money. My allegiance is to the people of district 1 and not to the developers or investors. I live a life of charity, compassion, and patriotism. I will do the will of the people and not what the investors or developers want. There will be interaction, with the developers and investors, but on an equal basis with the people. I am a 25 year disabled retired military veteran partial amputee. I am an animal lover, and practicing catholic. My main reason that I'm running for office is to represent the people of district 1 and not any special interest group. If elected, every group will be represented equally and fairly. I will ensure that the city budget will be revised to let other nonprofit groups be included.

Q12. DISTRICT 2 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Jada Andrews-Sullivan - As a mother with two disabled children, I am fully aware of the daily challenges each of them face. Advocating for better education, better understanding, more inclusivity, and ensuring that my children were not another statistic of being left behind helps me to be an active advocate for the disabled community. From having to walk my child from class to class and aid his teachers in understanding is developmental/intellectual difficulties; helped ensure his graduation but whom else would have done it. To fight for better medical/psychological care services to help them overcome the sadness, the pain, the bullying and the fear of being different is what has assisted them in becoming more self sufficient. It's not political is a call to action and a life changing experience for those whom need us to advocate on their behalf and that is what we will do. 

Carl Booker - I am a candidate who will listen to the peoples needs first. Look for experts in the given fields needed to correct or enhance our current standards. Coming out of COVID requires leadership and creativity that reflect the district needs. Silence and inactivity gets are light and water cut off in the middle of the night. Sustainability should be prioritized, considered as we move the city and district forward.

Dori Brown - Not at this time. Please know I'm here to serve the people of San Antonio, Our District Your Voice. Together we can work together for positive long lasting change.

Nneka Cleaver - I have worked with the disAbility community for over 6 years. I have hosted Fiesta Especial for the last 6 years along with some other fundraisers throughout the years. I work hard to spread knowledge, provide a platform and a voice for people who live with disabilities. My platform and my plan is always to move the district forward for the good of the people; to listen, learn, serve and be pro-active to create a better way of life. I want our constituents to have more opportunities and more options. I am a voice and a supporter of your cause and will always be here to serve people who live with disAbilities in the best way I can. Please visit my website for my action plan for the district, my accomplishments and to even support the campaign. 

Norris Darden - N/A

Chris Dawkins - Yes! First I would like to thank all of the people who work to change laws and include those with disabilities. Sometimes, we need others to speak for us and I commend you for speaking on behalf of those with disabilities. I want to create a seperate CDC (Community Development Corporation). This CDC will be called B.E.S.T. (Bexare East San Antonio Texas) and the idea is to cover things not covered by the City of San Antonio. We want to do for ourselves what others ask the city to do for them. And, the issues we talked about here certainly falls into the category to find solutions outside of what the city can provide us. Because, the city can only go so far. I hope that I am acceptable to you and your organization and I would hope that you can find it in yourself to endorse my candidacy.

All the best!
Chris Dawkins
District 2

Michael Good - We need to do more to improve accessibility to ALL. I have a construction as well as building code background, and know we need to do better. We can do better, and we will do better. I have a great friend who was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident a few years ago. I am very familiar with his struggles. His accident opened my eyes!

Walter Perry - The Perry Plan is an Infrastructure Plan for the people and that I'm going to be a champion for disabled people.

Andrew Fernandez Vicencio - Not at this time

Kristi Villanueva - My priorities revolve around infrastructure investment, economic development, and public safety improvements. As a longtime resident of District 2, I know that for too long investment, development, and public safety have overlooked portions of our community and have left some of our most vulnerable citizens behind. As we move forward into a brighter future, I will fight for all of our residents to benefit. 

Q12. DISTRICT 3 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Angela Cardona - My priority is to make the most impact for all community members. I look forward to the opportunity to connect more so that I can be a better advocate and stronger representative for you. As a person with spine fusions and limited mobility, as well as a nephew with disabilities, your issues and concerns are close to me as well. Whatever I can do to assist is my will and intent. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this discussion.

Marcello Martinez - Equality and Inclusivity are part of what makes us great. We need to keep opening doors and removing barriers.

Tomas Uresti - Once again the disabled are very dear to my heart as I stated earlier, having two grandchildren that are severely handicapped. I learned early in my career the importance of proper transportation along with the correct staff working with high school life skill students one on one. I saw things I wasn't very happy with and promised to ensure no child would suffer the loading of a bus without the proper handling and care. I made that come true at the Weitzel center. I never knew my grandchildren would end up being in need of such facilities and myself later on also suffering from a neurological disorder. So needless to say I will stand strong for us.

Stephen Valdez - This has been a wonderful questionnaire and has opened my mind. Thank you for the opportunity to educate me on the possibilities of a whole demographic. Please hold me accountable. 

Mark Vargas - I am an educator, an advocate, a lifelong South East Side resident, and I am proud to be in this race to be your next District 3 councilman. Growing up on this side of town, I recognized the tremendous growth and opportunity that exists here, but this pandemic has hit us hard

Too many of our businesses have closed their doors, too many of our workers have yet to find a job, and too many of our families have lost a loved one. These tragedies are some of the things I witnessed firsthand as a college and career readiness counsellor. These inequities and inequalities that exist are what I plan to address with big and bold action

I'm in this race to be your full-time councilman. I pledge to work with you and to always come to the table. I know that together we can ensure the future of San Antonio runs through District 3.

My top three priorities are:

COVID Vaccine Dispersal and Relief- District 3 has been hit hard by the pandemic, with the majority of cases and deaths happening in our neighborhoods. Now, we are dealing with issues with vaccine distribution where many of the vaccines have gone to residents on the North Side, with little having gone to sites on the South and West sides. We need to make sure the process is even, and all residents have equitable access to a vaccine.
It is important that we disburse as much relief as possible for our small businesses and unemployed workers who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic.

We still have over 100,000 citizens in the city alone who have not gone back to work. It is promising that we are seeing more aid come for the federal government, but our city needs to be sure to use these funds properly. We need to make sure that the process to apply for PPP loans is easy and simple for all businesses to access and understand, with the criteria to qualify being clear. I have heard from some small business owners who have had to shut their doors for good because they did not qualify for a loan, before revised criteria.

Accessible City Wi-Fi- As a college and career readiness counselor, I witnessed firsthand how the pandemic turned the world of so many families, upside down. Something as simple as an internet connection became a luxurious necessity. After losing their jobs due to decreased business operations, many of them struggled to pay their bills. It was one thing to make sure our student had laptops, it was another ensuring it could connect to the internet.

I believe San Antonio needs free equal and equitable city Wi-Fi and I propose we can start this process in District 3. I want to make sure that every park within our area is a Wi-Fi Hub, while also ensuring we are covering some of our lowest connected areas. In D3, some zip codes have as much as 60% of our homes not connected. This sets up these families at a disadvantage, especially when it come to education rates and getting back on track, such as the workforce programs that have been proposed. By connecting our city, we also set ourselves up for remaining competitive to national business when it comes to expanding in San Antonio.

Revitalizing our District- This pandemic has hit District 3 hard, with our side of town having the most infections and deaths within the city. Too many businesses have closed their doors, too many people have lost their job, and too many families have lost a loved one. I believe my district needs a full-time councilman who will fight for them. I strongly believe that if can accomplish the above, while also focusing on what makes our side of town so special, we can have the future of San Antonio run through District 3.

We are home to opportunity and promise, with many businesses big and small building here. We also have world class colleges, and this is only the start. Not to mention the UNESCO World Heritage sites in our San Antonio Missions, D3 represents the deep history and our optimistic future for the city.

Rafael Vela - I have a sister who has Cerebral palsy and seeing all the challenges she had to face growing up has made me realize that we can’t forget about anyone, everyone matters and I want to ensure if I am elected I will be here for my community and my city. We will move forward. Together. 

Phyllis Viagran - I am from Southside, the place where my parents raised me. I have lived and breathed this community my entire life. Growing up, my family owned and ran Viagran Softball Complex, which led up to opening our own small business called Alamo Awards and Trophies. Started in 1988 by my mother and father, my sister and I worked alongside many aunts, uncles, and cousins to create all types of awards, from school awards to retirement plaques. I got to see people from the Southside celebrate every walk of life. Our business went through a life of its own as well, as online trophy sites lead to tough times and we had to close shop. I learned so much of what it means to run a small business on the Southside and how the community continues to work together through tough times.

I earned my bachelor's degrees in Political Science and History from Texas Tech University, where I proudly served as Champlain and pledge leader for Sigma Phi Lambda. After graduating, I stayed in San Antonio to teach in Castroville. I earned my master's degree in Bicultural Studies from The University of Texas at San Antonio and began to teach on the Southside. In 2009, I was hired by the San Antonio Police Department as a Community Service Specialist, where I regularly worked with individuals involved in domestic family violence. In 2016, I began to work for Visit SA as the Destination Services Coordinator, and later in 2018 was promoted to Membership Sales Coordinator. After being furloughed due to the pandemic in June 2020, I began to work for Older Adults Technology Services as a Community Outreach Coordinator and Trainer. I love working for OATS and helping our older population get connected to technology.

I love District 3 and do as much as I can to work within the community. I have served on both the Brooks Gives Back Board and The Rape Crisis Center Board and am proud of the work these organizations do for our community. I am a resident just like you: I've run a small business, I've closed a small business, been furloughed due to the pandemic, lost a job, and sought services provided by the city and state. My life experiences and knowledge of the district have prepared me to be your next Councilwoman.

If there are any parts of my questionnaire you would like to know more about I am accessible to answer any of your questions. If you need me to record these answers, or provide them in a more accessible format, please let me and my office know as soon as possible. 

Q12. DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Adriana Rocha Garcia - Making local government more accessible and transparent is one of my priorities. Translation services, access for people of all abilities, dissemination of messaging through multiple forms of communication, and diverse representation are key strategies to achieve such accessibility and transparency.

Raymond Guzman - I want to make San Antonio a safer and more inclusive place for everyone. There are areas we can improve to help people with disabilities. To do this, we have to work with you and groups to understand your needs. As an able body person, I can only imagine what you may need. By bring your experience and knowledge, we can build a better San Antonio. I am willing to hear out what you need and what we can do to improve life for the disabled. I may not have the answer to all of your questions right now, but by working together we can find the solution.

Curtis Mueller - I want to leave San Antonio prepared for the future. I want to bring that sense of community back. I want everybody to have a living wage. I want everybody to succeed. I want people to not fear the police. I want it where the police don't fear the people. We should all be working towards making the world a better place. I feel that the city needs to be setting up the population to succeed. It's great that big corporations are earning billions of dollars but it would be even better if the city was using that money to make our city more amazing. Figure out new revenue streams so we can lower peoples taxes. Wouldn't it be great to get to a point where we're only taxed on goods we actually purchased?

Q12. DISTRICT 5 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Irma Barron - First and Foremost, I want you all to know that I am running under the People's Platform, and yes this includes persons with disabilities.

The following are my Beliefs and Qualities that describe me:
*Equality
*Unity
*Action
*Solutions
*Open Communication
* Transparency
*Loyalty
*Receptive
*Trustworthy
*Well-Grounded

My Priorities for West Sides District 5:
*Address the Homeless Population
*Address the Substance Abuse Problems
*Address High Crime Rates
*Criminal Reform
*Assistance for Seniors
*Equity for the Disabled
*Small Business Aid
*Infrastructure Improvement
*Upgrades for Public Housing

A little about myself:
My name is Irma G. Barron, I believe my experience overshadows all other candidates. I have lived within District 5 all my life just a mere 75 years to be exact. As one of the 57,000 constituents, I have experienced first hand all the issues facing the West Side. Not only do I talk the West Side talk, but I have most certainly walked it as well.
In relation to my small business experience, I have run a successful flower shop "150 Gifts and Flowers" located on 334 Castroville Rd. for more than 30years. I also bring educational background experience as I was a teacher for SAISD at Fox Tech High School for 17 years.
My military experience stems from my husband who served in the U.S. Army , as I am a military widow.
In closing, I thank you for your time and everything you all do for the disabled community. Over the years I have dealt with thousands of members of community from all walks of life and different backgrounds, all of which I hold close and dear to my heart and whom I now consider as friends and family. May the Lord continue to Bless all the Partners in the Disability. 

Marie Crabb - I worked in the Office of Civil Rights at the US Department of State in 2007 & 2012 and one of our objectives in the office was ensuring equal and fair hiring practice for ALL groups, as well as supporting employee affinity groups, which included groups for our differently abled co-workers. The support work I participated in at the State Department reaffirmed how much I highly value diversity in workplaces.

Ray Garza - I have lived at the Alazan Apache Courts when I was a child-I graduated from Burbank HS and UTSA. My former employers are VIA, Valero and (Civil Service) Defense Contract Audit Agency. I am a veteran and I am retired. One of the things I will do is get the bridge on Zarzamora at Frio City Road built because many people with disabilities get stuck there on their way to doctor's visits. If the Northside can build a bridge (Hardberger Bridge) for animals we should be able to build one for people. Other candidates will not have the time to deal with all the details that have neglected the Westside of decent affordable housing and living conditions, this will be my priority, so help me God.

Anthony Gres - My platform originates from the fact that I have a deep understanding of the challenges facing the disabled community. I am a parent of a disabled daughter and know the obstacles she everyday. I will continue to fight for her and all of the disabled community a city council representative of district 5.

Norberto "Geremy" Landín - District 5 is a beautiful community filled with a rich history and deep culture. Living here has truly inspired me and is why I’m working on my master’s degree in public history from St. Mary’s University. I was born and raised in San Antonio and graduated from Fox Tech High School. While attending St. Mary’s University for my undergraduate in Sports Science with a concentration in health and wellness, I picked up photography to help give back to the community. I’ve photographed and captured many moments, from graduates, including those who couldn’t afford regular graduation pictures to Pre-K 4 SA students to wonderful community groups and events like the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, Texas Folklife Festival, Bonham Academy, and Oyster Bake. In 2019, I became the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber’s Director of Marketing and Communication. I proudly served as a liaison between the chamber and small business owners across our community. This position helped grow my love of San Antonio and its resilient community and the small businesses that invest so much in our residents. I now work for San Antonio South Texas Allergy & Asthma Medical Professionals (STAAMP) as the Vice President of Operations and Business Development, where I head various special projects for the medical practice such as bringing free COVID-19 testing to the community and local universities. In March of 2020, I helped launch Con Corazon, a nonprofit aimed to address health inequities and emergency preparedness in underserved communities in San Antonio. I love this community and I am ready to fight for it. I hope you will give me a chance to earn your support and your vote in May. 

Jason Mata - Yes my name is Jason Mata I'm 48 years old I married to Rachel they married for 24 years we have three children our son is serving in the Navy in Japan our daughter Kimberly is 21 years old and currently is in college Kimberly when she was 9 years old suffered from mental illness that was triggered by bullying she tried to commit suicide twice that year she's been hospitalized more than 10 times and as a parent my wife and I were in shock you know we didn't know what to expect it got to the point where we started to suffer a little bit and and we almost got divorced we have another child Jaden who is currently 13 years old and is in public school everyone in my household was affected by this it brought a new light to me personally on what children especially deal with in mental illness. I run a boxing program for youth for at risk youth and after this experience I went back to the program and started to implement a recreational therapy type for mental illness individuals the program has done wonders for many kids it has helped many to deal with issues they're having anxiety thoughts of suicide and even their self-esteem. I would like to implement similar initiatives in the city of San Antonio if I could and if elected I also would like to see an initiative where we eventually get kids to be off medication if possible unless they need it. at one time Doctor Jose Hernandez was part of my board and he taught me a lot about the science between exercise and dealing with mental illness I have a vast background in this and I also have a background in working with kids who have other illnesses disabilities like autism I've worked with kids who have been blind and I work with kids who have other disability disabilities like physical illness some that have been in wheelchairs. Advocating for individuals with disability is one of my top top priorities I have the passion and I have the experience and I have the personal background as a parent of a child who still suffers with mental illness but not as severe as it once was before. I have worked with individuals like Yolanda Ortega who was at one time the chairwoman of the bexar County mental Health task force and I worked with her for more than 10 years I've supported many things that she was involved with and she has supported me as well, I have lead efforts such as the Justice For Youth March which part of the reason why I started that March was to address issues such as mental illness and homelessness and abuse that some children unfortunately are experiencing. I am a person I am a person of action I can put plants into place and into action real quick especially initiatives that address individuals who have disabilities. I hope that I can count on your support so that I can bring the same energy that I have now but in a higher capacity and have a greater impact for the disability population of San Antonio. Thank you!

Ricardo Moreno - I am a long-time resident of District 5 in San Antonio. I attended school in SAISD and graduated from Harlandale High, where my experiences have instilled in me a passion of advancing others through education. I am a first generation college graduate-having obtained his degree in Political Science-Public Administration from Texas State University. Shortly upon undergraduate graduation, I ventured further by entering an alternative certification program while earning concurrent masters in Special Education at Texas A&M-San Antonio as well as later acquiring my Principalship certification. For over the past decade, I have worked in education and currently serve as a middle school Assistant Principal in Southside ISD; additionally I have been a part of the AFT and TSTA unions. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, I have served on the Pre-K through 12 Consultation Group and participated with the Covid-19 Community Response Coalition. Since May of 2015, I have had the privilege of serving the Harlandale ISD community as a board trustee where I have emphasized education as a mechanism for change.

Q12. DISTRICT 6 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Chris Baecker - Personal liberty is the main plank upon which I am campaigning. The freer we all are from burdensome government actions, the more likely we are to flourish and prosper.

Melissa Cabello Havrda - As I mentioned before, protecting the rights of those living with disabilites and ensuring they have equal access to opportunities is a life long passion of mine. It is why I became a disability attorney and will champion their causes.

Robert Henandez - I just would like everyone know that I am here to listen to the disability community. I am open to all ideas. San Antonio is a great city and should be assessable to everyone.

Q12. DISTRICT 7 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Ana Sandoval - My top priorities are public health, the environment, and infrastructure. I work on the COVID-19 Response Coalition, ensuring our COVID-19 recovery is also about health improvements. On council, I have increased the Health Department budget by 30%. I am driving the implementation of the City’s adopted Climate Action Plan which aims to protect our community from the devastating impacts of climate change. I am collaborating with the County to fund drainage projects to protect homes from flooding.

Patricia Varela - I am a retired Army Veteran that has experienced disabilities. I know what it is like to rely on someone to do for you when you were previously independent. I am glad you reached out to me because I myself was never checked up on. No one told me what was available to me when it came to transportation or voting. I relied on what my family could provide for me. I will add to my platform the urgency to include San Antonio's disabled population in the city's surveys, applications, workforce programs and anything else to equalized opportunities for the disabled. My platform otherwise consist of supporting our police force. San Antonio has seen an increase in crime the last two years. We cannot afford to lose any officers due to defunding or taking away their collective bargaining rights. Infrastructure is a priority due to many areas of our district not having sidewalks at all. Streets have not been maintained throughout the district. We need to have accessibility for everyone in our community. Homelessness Solutions: We cannot ignore the growing homeless population. I have heard from many of our neighbors who are living in fear due to homeless people living in the alleys behind their houses. I would like to establish centers throughout the city where the homeless can stay while their situation can be addressed. I know we cannot get rid of the homeless population 100 percent but, I want to give those who need and want the help a safe place to stay while they back on their feet. Weather preparedness: I know many of you had the worst experience as I did during our two snow storms. It was very upsetting to be without power for 16 straight hours. I know many of you may have experienced days without power or even water. This city needs to take responsibility for their inaction. The city was not prepared on how to properly administer a rolling black out. Why didn't the city have a plan that would turn off the lights downtown and keep electricity on for the water pumps at SAWS? This is completely inexcusable. We all know ERCOT was to blame for the mismanagement of our electrical grid, but who was responsible for the way the blackout was handled? It was the City of San Antonio. If elected I will ensure our city is prepared for any weather situation. Our climate has changed and continues to do so. We need to be prepared.

Q12. DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Cesario Garcia - Everyone deserves a fair shake in this world. No one should be held back because of a disability. It is up to us to pitch in mentor those who need help the most. I will always lend a hand to those who deserve assistance lending a hand or offering aid when need be..

Manny Pelaez - I am an employment law attorney. I have spent 20+ years fighting for employees whose employers have failed to adhere to ADA obligations. As the former head of Toyota's legal department in Texas and Mexico, I was in charge of compliance with federal and state law when it comes to disability employment and accessibility. Also, my wife is an expert in teaching students with special needs and has 20+ years teaching students with disabilities (kinder through adult). She is my most trusted advisor and she has helped me be a better advocate for disabled families in my district. I owe her and my disabled constituents an enormous debt of gratitude for teaching me how to be a better advocate for a more accessible San Antonio.  

Rob Rodriguez - When elected, I will have an open door policy in meeting with all groups and will have open and honest dialogue about their concerns.

As a past owner of a health care service provider coming, I'm aware of the issues affecting people with debilitating or chronic diseases. I understand architectural and structural modifications that need to be performed on homes to make environments safe. I also understand the support network and resources people with disabilities need to function and perform activities of daily living.

As the former Chairman of the Planning commission, I'm aware of the plans and efforts the city has done from a building code perspective and planning to make San Antonio a more inclusive environment for everyone.

However, I am not an expert on all of the needs and aspects of this important part of the community. I assure you, my sparse answers to your questionnaire are not an indication of indifference, but of ignorance on my part, and I pledge to listen and understand more on the matters that are important to your membership.

Thank You

David Yanez - District 5 needs to grow in a positive way to enhance the quality of life for ourselves, the disabled community and lifelong residents who built our historic neighborhoods and community history. To bring equitable, long absent representation in our approach to infrastructure needs and services that are lacking for all of us. To preserve what has developed and create partnerships so that the best ideas come forth, so we can pass our legacy on to our next generation as we build our city, environment and vitality. We all have goals, and have to overcome obstacles and continue to go forward. Today, I am an attorney in private practice for 10 years specializing in Immigration and Nationality Law, graduating from St. Mary’s University School of Law. I am also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a Master’s Degree in City Planning, and a member of the American Planning Association. I began my career in public service as an assistant to Senator Leticia Van de Putte in the Texas Senate for 5 years. I helped her with the constituents of District 26, which includes District 5 and this experience is still within me to share and use when elected to city council. I also met with many disabled constituents and understand some of their difficulties, but I treated everyone equal when they had a concern. I was also a staff attorney for Catholic Charities of San Antonio, Inc. for almost 2 years until a layoff occurred thus having me open my own office. I believe in public service and would like your support to help all of us. I am here to embrace solutions and all our San Antonian's and their concerns. I had always wanted to be a lawyer since elementary school, but I wanted to be well educated smarter than the average bear and felt I could have both a master’s and law degree. The law degree provided me the root to be independent and offer help to anyone. It has opened many doors for me to help my community and with the opportunity to work for Senator Van de Putte and receive experience under her. I wish to use this experience and education for public service as the next city council person for District 5. I will use my heart and brainpower that started growing at Graebner Elementary, Lowell Middle School, St. James, and Luther Burbank High School to guide District 5, so it can receive the needed representation from a person having homegrown roots in the district to provide the professional support, I feel it deserves. I want to help the district and take it up the ladder of success. I appreciate your time to consider my responses. You have my support. Thank you.  

Q12. DISTRICT 9 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

John Courage - I was a Special Education for twenty years and worked with many students with various types of disabilities, learning, physical, mental and emotional, and recognized that every student I taught had potential for a meaningful life with the proper level of support and care.

Erika Moe - Growing up here in a military family, my grandfather, a Brigadier General, instilled in me the values of hard work, public service, and taking care of your neighbors, especially those who are most neglected and in need.

Today, I am a successful attorney and have been a Director with ChildSafe, and have been a strong voice for the voiceless. I have spent my career protecting our vulnerable seniors and children, who are victims of neglect, abuse, and human trafficking. I have ensured individuals receive the care and healing they need. As a certified Guardian ad litem, Erika has taken care of those who could not care for themselves. Helping people gives me the greatest joy in life.

I care deeply for the needs of those who are disabled. I was a legal guardian for my incapacitated grandparents and cared for them for over fifteen years. I take great pride in the fact that I was able to fulfill their wishes and keep my grandmother her in her home until her death, despite her inability to leave her bed for over 5 years. She was so well cared for in all those years, she never got a single bed sore.

I have also handled numerous cases for Bexar County and Catholic Charity services as a Guardian Ad Litem. I didn't just handle the cases, I took the extra mile and built relationships with my clients and worked as a fierce advocate to get them the assistance they needed. It didn't stop with just the basics, I enjoy taking the extra steps to get them connected with comprehensive care so I can truly help the families get assistance on every level.

I have assisted numerous community partners such as Brighton Center, Hands On, Kinetic Kids, Downs Syndrome Association and many others in raising funds and creating awareness. I will continue that love of service and carry it into my role as a city council woman. Thank you for your interest in this year's election. I truly appreciate your work in helping bridge the gap with our disability community and our city services.

Q12. DISTRICT 10 CANDIDATE RESPONSES:

Gabrien Gregory - I would encourage any residents to go to VoteGregory.com and feel free to reach out to me directly at 210-622-2625. If elected, I will be a councilman for all residents. I will listen to the concerns anyone has and work with them to accomplish positive results. 

Ezra Johnson - Ezra grew up in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of San Antonio near the corner of Blanco and Hildebrand. He served as a Page in the United States House of Representatives in 1992-93 as the appointee of Henry B. Gonzalez and graduated from Thomas Edison High School as class valedictorian in 1994. Ezra went on to get his bachelor’s degree in Music Studies the University of Texas at Austin in 1999. After six years of teaching music and mathematics at the middle school level in the San Antonio Independent School District, he entered St. Mary’s School of Law in 2005 and graduated as class valedictorian in 2008. While at St. Mary’s as a student, Ezra tutored over 100 first-year law students, assisted law professors in the drafting of four legal treatises, served as a senior associate editor of the law journal, won two mock trial competitions and was president of the local chapter of the Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity.

Ezra started his legal career as an energy law attorney at the law firm of Cox Smith Matthews San Antonio. He then spent several years as an associate attorney and partner at the law firm of Uhl Fitzsimons representing mineral and surface rights owners. Ezra became a managing partner of Uhl Fitsimons in 2018 and helped to grow a successful small business. Ezra left Uhl Fitzsimons in 2019 to become an Administrative Law Judge with the Railroad Commission of Texas.

Ezra is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Oil, Gas and Mineral Law and is licensed to practice law in Texas, New York, and the Court of Federal Claims. He is an active member of the State Bar of Texas Pattern Jury Charge Committee on Oil and Gas and assisted with the publication of the first pattern jury charges for energy law issues in Texas. Ezra also spent several years as a member of the St. Mary’s Law School Alumni Board. He continues to teach regularly and has served as instructor of paralegal students at the University of Texas at Austin as an adjunct professor of law at St. Mary’s University.

Ezra has dedicated himself to community work in his neighborhood and his district. He became the President of the El Dorado Homes Association in late 2017 and was appointed to the VIA Board of Trustees in April 2018. While on the VIA Board, Ezra chaired the Accessible Transit Advisory Committee and the Audit Committee. He helped get a major contract approved for improving transit service to our disabled community and led the national job search for the head of VIAs audit department. Ezra served as the VIA Board Secretary and Vice Chair and was instrumental in putting the recent successful transit funding measure before the voters of San Antonio in November 2020. Ezra supported and voted to approve many successful local transit innovations, including the VIA Link mobility on demand service. He held the line on fare increases for passengers and fares actually went down during Ezra’s time on the VIA Board. He was also an active member of the San Antonio COVID19 Community Response Coalition.

Making music has been and remains a major part of Ezra’s life. He is a former member and section leader of the University of Texas Longhorn Band. As a member of the U.T. Wind Ensemble, Ezra was proud to make his Carnegie Hall debut in February 1998. As a low brass instrumentalist, Ezra has performed all over the State of Texas. As a member of the U.T. Opera Program and later as a singer, Ezra was a featured performer in operas and musicals in Austin and San Antonio. Ezra met his wife Debra when they were both cast in a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta in Austin. After a whirlwind romance, they were married less than a year later and remain so after nearly 22 years. Ezra’s daughter Aurora graduated from the ETA Magnet School at Roosevelt High School in 2019 and now attends U.T. Austin. His youngest child, Seth, is a Junior at LEE High School. Debra is a teacher of AP and GT English at LEE High School. The family moved to El Dorado in 2008 and have lived there ever since.

In his remaining time, Ezra likes to brew beer in his garage and care for the koi in his backyard pond. He occasionally eats and sleeps as well. 

Clayton Perry - I am grateful for the opportunity to provide the answers to your questions, and I apologize in advance they I am unable to attend the event in person. Throughout my tenure on Council I have maintained an open door policy and welcome meetings with all groups from across the community and neighbors within my District. I have done my best to learn from and assist the groups that have brought important issues to my attention, and I am proud of the accomplishments we've been able to achieve. I know there is much more work that needs to be done, and I will continue to be an advocate and and ally for the disability community.