Two Democrats are facing off in a runoff election in hopes of replacing Nelson Wolff as the county’s chief executive.
Early voting will be open this week on Monday through Friday in the Democratic runoff, and in-person election day voting will be Tuesday, May 24. The runoff winner will advance to the general election on Nov. 8.
Wolff, a Democrat who has held the position for more than two decades, announced in October that he would not seek reelection.
On the Democratic runoff ballot are former Bexar County Administrative Judge Peter Sakai and state Rep. Ina Minjarez. Sakai took 40.75% of the vote and Minjarez took 30.67% in the four-person Democratic primary.
The winner of the runoff will face Republican Trish DeBerry, who served as Precinct 3’s county commissioner until stepping down to run for county judge.
In February, the San Antonio Report submitted questions to each of the Republican and Democratic candidates about their background, experience and views on issues facing Bexar County.
Here, we are republishing Sakai and Minjarez’s responses. Click on each candidate’s name to read what they had to say about the issues facing Bexar County.
Ina Minjarez (D)
Please tell voters about yourself, including your education and experience:
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas. 46 years old. Graduate of the University of Notre Dame and St. Mary’s University School of Law. Passed Texas Bar in 2000.
Former Bexar County Assistant Criminal District Attorney, currently in private practice, and current state representative for House District 124. Board member for ChildSafe and the San Antonio Young Women’s Leadership Academy (Primary). An executive committee member of the San Antonio Mobility Coalition and the Texas State Director of National Foundation for Women Legislators.
What three issues do you consider to be most pressing for Bexar County and how would you address them?
As one of the fastest growing communities in the country, I will prioritize economic growth and property tax relief, traffic and infrastructure, and community health and safety. Runaway tax bills are unacceptable.
To address our lack of infrastructure throughout Bexar County, I would leverage state and federal funding.
Finally, with respect to community health and safety, I would collaborate with the University Health system, the City of San Antonio, and the 26 suburban cities of Bexar County to address health deserts in the region and work towards providing accessible and quality health care to our community. I have worked hard on all these issues as a state representative, including co-sponsoring legislation to provide over $60 million in property tax relief for Bexar County homeowners, if approved by voters in 2022. I have the proven experience to build on the momentum and solid foundation Judge Wolff has laid.
Are you interested in continuing Bexar County’s spending on capital projects?
I do believe Bexar County needs to invest in capital projects. The county created the venue tax, which paid for the AT&T Center, Mission Reach and parks throughout our community. We should get a handle on its capacity to create other beneficial community projects by considering its extension. At the same time, we must leverage our local property tax revenue for more state and federal resources to fund our roads and other essential infrastructure.
Should Bexar County continue to significantly fund greenway trails?
Yes. We should maximize the local venue tax and leverage state and federal dollars for our community’s betterment. The greenways trails improve the quality of life for families and contribute to healthy outcomes.
How would you address the issues at the county jail, such as deputy staffing and overtime and inmate deaths?
I would first review the two studies ordered by Commissioners Court on the county jail’s needs and begin to address them accordingly. Investing in our detention officers and deputies is critical. We must pay them well and train them well. A raise in their pay, and addressing their concerns with their work environment is crucial to retainment. I would also seek input from all relevant stakeholders, especially the rank and file. We must do a deep examination into inmate and officer safety, as well as seek innovative measures to help reduce the jail inmate population.
Given rising home prices in Bexar County, do you see a need to adjust the property appraisal/valuation system?
Absolutely! The “effective tax rate” should be the measure while allowing for some growth. Simultaneously, we should incentivize property improvements, redevelopment, as well as new developments. Throughout this process, we should prioritize the needs of the average taxpayer and homeowner.
What are some lessons Bexar County should learn in response to the coronavirus pandemic, whether it’s in the area of public health, coordination with state agencies or determining how to spend federal relief funds?
The pandemic exposed our systemic generational poverty, digital divide and health issues that have persisted for decades. It exposed the fact that we, as a community, have systemic issues that need to be addressed immediately. The county quickly learned it became a lifeline for its residents. The county witnessed an unprecedented strain on the University Health system. The pandemic affected all sectors of our local economy leading to unemployment, small businesses shutting down and people unable to pay their rent, utilities and groceries. The county has the responsibility to work with multiple federal, state and local agencies; key partners; the City of San Antonio and the 26 suburban cities to safeguard our health and safety. This collaboration must continue on a regular basis. Most importantly, the county must continue its investment in emergency management planning and ensure all residents of the county can be reached. Federal relief funds must be allocated and spent wisely. Public input must be taken into account, as well as, making sure the funding is spent in accordance with federal guidelines.
Peter Sakai (D)
Please tell voters about yourself, including your education and experience:
I was born in McAllen, the son of farmers. I am 67 years old and attended the University of Texas at Austin to obtain my bachelor’s and law degree. I was unanimously appointed by the district court judges to the Bexar County Children’s Court in 1995 and elected in 2006 to the 225th District Court. I served as the administrative judge and supervised the Children’s Court and its award-winning programs.
What three issues do you consider to be most pressing for Bexar County and how would you address them?
As county judge, I will focus on:
- economic development — across all sectors of the county through advanced job training and workforce development, including the development of technology and cyber sectors. Promoting a fair-living wage for our workforce will boost all facets of our economy.
- infrastructure — to develop/support new strategies to relieve roadway congestion and promote multi-modal transportation county-wide. Secure access to highspeed internet connectivity for all and develop and support affordable and quality housing.
- education — to give our workforce the tools they need to improve their earning power and promote/celebrate continual knowledge and skills growth Pre-K through college.
Are you interested in continuing Bexar County’s spending on capital projects?
Yes, we need to finish out the current capital projects and then reevaluate our needs for a post-pandemic economic recovery. Some of the issues we need to evaluate and review include our long-term financial obligations and partnerships with other stakeholders like the San Antonio River Authority and the Alamo Regional Mobility Authority and expenditures that provide county residents with safe and reliable structures and services, such as roads, flood control, and the County Parks Master Plan and impact on the future needs based on the projected population growth.
Should Bexar County continue to significantly fund greenway trails?
I would honor the commitment to finish the greenway trail system so that all parts of Bexar County are connected. I also believe that completing this project is important in promoting the health and wellness in our community. Families can access these trailways and the connecting parts at no cost.
How would you address the issues at the county jail, such as deputy staffing and overtime and inmate deaths?
The sheriff, an elected official, is accountable to the citizens that voted for him. As county judge, I will work with the commissioners, the sheriff, the Budget and Finance Department as well as the Audit Office in conjunction with other experts and stakeholders related to the jail and its operations to conduct an in-depth performance review of all facets of the jail including a review of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. The National Institute of Corrections provides information/support to jails across the county to advance public safety by shaping and enhancing correctional policies and practices through leadership, learning and innovation.
Given rising home prices in Bexar County, do you see a need to adjust the property appraisal/valuation system?
I recognize that the property appraisal/valuation system has priced many residents, particularly those on fixed incomes, out of their homes. While the reduction of property taxes is primarily a function of the Texas Legislature, I would push to adopt property tax relief by adopting a county homestead exemption for seniors, disabled, veterans and survivors of first responders killed in active duty.
What are some lessons Bexar County should learn in response to the coronavirus pandemic, whether it’s in the area of public health, coordination with state agencies, or determining how to spend federal relief funds?
I have learned through the Office of Emergency Management that we must communicate, coordinate and collaborate in the most effective and efficient way in order to best protect our citizens during these extraordinary situations. The pandemic as well as the February freeze has taught us that if we don’t take such actions, we lose innocent lives.
Disclosure: Ina Minjarez’s husband, Leo Gomez, sits on the San Antonio Report’s board of directors.
