San Antonio Councilmembers Seek Greater Input on Board Appointments Amid Power Dynamics Concerns

Changes on the Horizon for San Antonio’s Board Appointments

San Antonio is buzzing with discussions about the power dynamics within the city’s governance, particularly concerning how board and commission members are appointed. While the city council plays a vital role in decision-making, there are aspects that currently rest solely in the hands of the mayor, raising questions and concerns from various councilmembers.

Who Holds the Power?

Teri Castillo, the city councilmember representing District 5, brings attention to this critical issue. She highlights that many boards and commissions, which significantly affect the lives of San Antonio’s residents, are appointed by the mayor without enough input from the city council. “Oftentimes, there are boards and commissions in which city council does not have discretion,” Castillo stated, emphasizing that organizations like the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), CPS Energy, and VIA Transit have a profound impact on local residents’ daily lives.

While the city council does get the final nod on appointments, Castillo argues that more substantial involvement from councilmembers is necessary. “Yes, we do have an opportunity to pool and debate the merits of the applicant, but I believe that there is an opportunity for there to be a process in place,” she said. Rather than discussing nominations at the last minute, she believes it would be more effective to establish a system that allows for comprehensive review and discussion ahead of time.

A Step Towards Change

In light of these concerns, Castillo submitted a City Council Consideration Request (CCR) to implement changes in the appointment process. This week, the Governance Committee, which includes senior city council members and the mayor, took up the CCR. This committee’s role is crucial as they evaluate proposals that could eventually turn into legislation.

However, the recent meeting revealed differing views among committee members. Melissa Cabello Havrda, representing District 6, expressed frustration over the committee’s reluctance to engage in a full council discussion. “They want to take it to a committee that’s going to only have certain members, and they kind of quietly do what they want to do with board appointments,” she remarked, underscoring the need for a more transparent process.

Collective Voices for Change

Councilmembers Castillo, Cabello Havrda, and Marc Whyte from District 10 have come together, presenting a united front in support of a full public discussion regarding board appointments. “I think it’s not appropriate for all the power to appoint on some of these boards and commissions to be in the hands of the mayor,” Whyte insisted, highlighting the necessity for councilmembers to advocate for their respective districts. ”It’s our job to make sure that our particular district’s interests are represented.”

A Shift on the Horizon?

As San Antonio gears up for a new mayoral election in less than a year, these discussions become even more pressing. Current Mayor Ron Nirenberg acknowledged the calls for transparency and indicated that he would consider holding a discussion on the topic. “If there was a concern about how we operated, I think they would have done something sooner than the last 200 days of my last term,” he commented, hinting at the complexities of governance and change.

Castillo emphasized the importance of establishing expectations for the new mayor. “We need to sit together as a council and talk about qualifications of individuals looking at the books, making these decisions,” she urged, noting that these choices impact the entire city. “Each of us was elected to represent and advocate for the best interests of our constituency,” she added.

Next Steps

The city councilmembers are now pushing for a meeting within the next 30 days, aiming to address these pressing concerns and take action on how board appointments are handled moving forward. As conversations continue, the residents of San Antonio are hopeful for a governance structure that better represents their interests.