San Antonio Gears Up for Major Charter Changes

San Antonio Gears Up for Major Charter Changes

San Antonio is buzzing lately as a political action committee, backed by influential figures from the local business world, gears up to spend over $1 million in support of a significant slate of changes to the city charter. With just six weeks until election day on November 5, residents will soon have the chance to weigh in on six proposed charter amendments that could reshape the local political landscape.

The Proposed Changes

The amendments on the ballot include pay raises for the mayor and city council, extending council member terms to four years, and lifting the caps on the city manager’s pay and tenure. These are not small changes; they reflect a broader ambition to revamp how the city government operates and competes with others of its size.

Meet the Champions of Change

This campaign is spearheaded by a trio of dynamic leaders: Gordon Hartman, founder of Morgan’s Wonderland, Dr. Erika Gonzalez, president of STAAMP Allergy, and J.D. Salinas, an executive at AT&T. They’re joined by Hope Andrade, a prominent businesswoman and former Secretary of State, who serves as the treasurer of the political action committee, Renew SA.

Spotlight on Proposition C

While all six amendments are important, attention is particularly focused on Proposition C. This measure seeks to allow the city council to determine the employment terms for the city manager, directly rolling back a voter-approved change from 2018. That prior decision had capped the city manager’s salary at ten times the lowest paid city employee’s salary and limited their tenure to eight years. Supporters believe removing those caps is essential for attracting top talent and keeping San Antonio competitive.

The Funding Behind Renew SA

While the financial details are unfolding, campaign director Kelton Morgan mentioned they are on track to raise the entire million-dollar budget they believe is necessary for success. According to Morgan, they’re reaching out to business leaders, unions, and other influential community members to ramp up support. He stressed the importance of educating voters not only about the amendments but also about how they appear at the end of even longer ballots filled with various races, making voter awareness critical.

Polling Insights

Recent polling data indicates that the amendments may be facing an uphill battle. A recent poll from UTSA revealed that many residents are still unaware of the proposed changes, with some amendments, especially Proposition C, showing limited support. Morgan, however, contends this may be a result of polling methodology using “registered voters” rather than “likely voters.” Internal PAC polling, which detailed the actual language of the ballot measures, reported far more favorable numbers.

The Stakes of November 5

As San Antonio’s voters prepare to head to the polls, the implications of these amendments are profound. If they don’t pass, supporters could find themselves with a narrow window to regroup and try again, perhaps not until late 2026 or early 2027. It’s also interesting to watch how the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association might choose to approach Proposition C, given their pivotal role in the 2018 vote.

Conclusion

As the countdown to November 5 continues, the San Antonio community stands at a crossroads, where the direction of city leadership and management could take a new turn. With over a million dollars at stake and significant public interest in these amendments, it’s sure to be an exciting and closely watched election!