District 4 Councilman Rey Saldaña has his eyes set on his second term, and said the future is in the hands of the people of San Antonio.
"We need to step up to make sure we're controlling the pace of how that happens and the best way is remember that on April 29 we have an opportunity to vote," he said. "Now I'd love it if you voted for me but the one important thing is that you come out and vote."
He waxed poetic at his recent campaign kick-off in the heart of his district.
"You, as people who are responsible for the future, when you stand up, it doesn't matter who's up here," he said on the platform. "It doesn't matter who your city councilman is because I believe it's not about the people in power. It's about the power of the people."
As the incumbent, he said he would like another two years in office to accomplish the important goals he still has left to do; jobs, parks and roads are three of his top priorities.
"We've been working on things from attracting new jobs, to Port San Antonio, to building out Texas A&M, to building out one of the best parks in San Antonio. So watch out Phil Hardberger Park, because... Pearsall Park is going to be one of the best parks in the district and we need to fill out that vision. So I need the next two years to continue to work with those residents to make sure that becomes a reality."
Saldana all but has the race locked up. His challenger, 22-year-old Joseph Michael Savage, who goes by JoeJo, has not returned repeated phone calls.
A woman who did answer the phone identified herself as a campaign worker. She promised to have him return the calls.
According to his campaign filing paperwork, Savage lists "coach" as his occupation. Against claims he is a student, UTSA confirmed the last time was enrolled at the San Antonio campus was in 2010. His major was pre-biology.
The South San ISD board website lists him as a trustee of district 7.
District 4 resident Louis Ybarra said he has not heard much about Savage, and that he will cast his vote for Saldaña.
"I think he' s done a great job so far," said Ybarra. "You know, couple of years into it. We live here by South San. He's done a lot for the community."
Early voting for the municipal elections begins on April 29. Election Day is May 11.
