San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor has announced plans to run for a second, two-year term. TPR’s Joey Palacios reports that with her campaign kickoff on Sunday Taylor is the first candidate to enter the race.
Dozens of supporters and a handful of protesters gathered as Mayor Ivy Taylor asked voters to support her reelection. “A few years ago, I couldn’t’ve imagined anything like this, me standing here on this beautiful afternoon asking voters for a second full term as mayor - but here I am,” she said.
Taylor promised to use the city’s master plan to develop programs for dealing with the million new residents expected by 2040.
“With SA Tomorrow, we’ll avoid the pitfalls of growth that our friends in Austin are experiencing. Namely those crippling traffic jams, the high cost of housing, and rampant gentrification - none of that is going to happen here y’all,” Taylor said.
Taylor also renewed commitments to the Vista Ridge water pipeline, and commuter rail service between San Antonio and Austin. Council members Rebecca Viagran (District 3), Mike Gallagher (District 10), Joe Krier (District 9) and Cris Medina (District 7) stood with her.
Medina says Taylor provides steady leadership. “We’ve got so many big things coming ahead, the bond, getting negotiations back on track with our fire fighters, and really she is somebody that gets things done,” he said.
Opponents of the 142-mile Vista Ridge pipeline carried protest signs that said "Vista Ridge Is Not a Done Deal" Environmental activist Alan Montemayor believes the expensive project isn’t needed. “I feel that she’s promulgated a great injustice on the citizens of San Antonio though the Vista Ridge Project.”
It is unclear whether Taylor will face opposition from other council members who have signaled interest in the city’s top job. The election is in May, just six months away.
