Councilman Joe Krier (D9) will announce today in Council chambers that he will not seek re-election in the May 2017 election.
Krier, a former lawyer who served as president and CEO of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce for 20 years, was first appointed by Council to the District 9 seat in 2013, went on to win a special election in 2014, and then defeated four opponents in 2015 with 72% of the vote.
According to an advance copy of his remarks sent to the Rivard Report, Krier feels his main goals set for his tenure – supporting “back to basics” City budgets, securing “a long-term supply of pure, affordable water,” resolving the contentious police and firefighter union contracts, and advocating for District 9 residents – were largely accomplished.
“Over the last three years, working with the incomparable Ivy Taylor, a strong, consensus-building mayor and leader, and nine hard-working colleagues, we have accomplished almost all those goals,” stated Krier, who recently announced his support for Taylor’s re-election.
San Antonio Water System (SAWS) and Garney Construction reached financial close on the controversial Vista Ridge water pipeline in November, which is slated to bring up to 16.3 million gallons of water per year to San Antonio starting in 2020. Construction is expected to start in early 2017.
The police union agreed to a five-year contract with the City in September after years of negotiations.
Krier advocated for and voted in favor of both measures.
The firefighter union contract is currently being negotiated via court-mandated mediation.
“I am optimistic about the future of District 9 and our city – we’ve never been in a stronger position. That’s why I think it’s the right time for me to step down,” Krier stated. “It is time for someone else to work hard to represent the interests and needs of our District 9 neighbors and to do what is best for our city as a whole.
“… After leading for the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce for 20 years, I failed at retirement. Hopefully I’ll get it right this time.”
Krier will wait to see who will run before pledging support for any District 9 candidate, a spokesperson for Krier said.
Click here to view Krier’s official City bio.
