Chris Baecker teaches economics and algebra at Basis Middle School, and economics at Northwest Vista College. He’s also the editor and policy director for InfuseSA, which tracks city officials’ activity. He ran for the District 6 seat in 2023.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I’ve lived in San Antonio for 25 years. I earned a Bachelors in Accounting from UT-Dallas, and a Masters in Economics from UTSA. After a few decades in Corporate America, I switched to teaching full-time, something I’ve been doing part-time for the last 11 years.
I have four daughters: my oldest graduated #17 in her in 2021 from Earl Warren High School, was 1st Assistant Drum Major in the band, and is graduating UT-Austin this May; my second graduated EWHS in the top 11% in 2023, was 2-time Head Captain of the state-top-10 color guard, and is on the Dean’s List at Texas State; my third is poised to graduate EWHS this May at #9, and succeeded her sister as 2-time color guard Head Captain; and my fourth ranks #12 in her freshman class and plays euphonium in the band.
List any previous experience in government or participation on local boards, commissions, or neighborhood associations.
I have served on the EWHS band booster board as VP of Equipment for the last couple years. I have no prior government experience, and have run for San Antonio City Council District 6 the last two cycles.
In the city’s 2024-2025 budget survey, residents ranked homelessness, streets, housing and animal care services among their top concerns for the city to address. Which issues do you consider a top concern for District 6 and how would you work to address them in your first 100 days?
- ‘Affordable’ housing being airdropped into neighborhoods. I would lay out the whole story as I see it, as I attempted to do here. I would take heed to my constituents’ concerns: increased traffic (drivers AND pedestrians), coerced assimilation, lower property values, higher likelihood of crime, etc.;
- Vagrants/homeless wandering greenbelts behind homes, setting fires, leaving debris, etc. I would see if police officers could possibly spend an occasional hour or so at some troubled spots to deter, and stop if necessary;
- Property taxes. Residents know how artificially high their home ‘values’ are. I would reverse the annual ritual, at least in District 6, of voting for property tax increases, which have worsened the affordability problem. I would also make a point to remind the rest of council how detrimental these nearly-unanimous votes have been;
- Uneven sidewalks and potholes. I’ve witnessed the former firsthand when running or walking my dog, and residents have told me of hundreds of dollars in auto repairs because of the latter;
- I would focus a big chunk of my attention on public safety, including aggressive dogs.
In a crowded field of council candidates, what differentiates you from the others?
For starters, I have been in the district long enough to see all four of my daughters go K-12 in NISD schools (Evers and Raba ES, Jordan MS). Those are deep roots. I spent decades in the private sector, where nearly all the good in society is created. Most of that was in the oil/gas industry, no less. I’ve taken those lessons/experiences into the classroom, where I’ve taught economics at Northwest Vista College for 11 years.
More recently I’ve infused that experience into lessons with 8th graders at Basis Middle School, where I teach economics and algebra 2. Perhaps as important as all that is my work with InfuseSA the last 4 years. Not only have I witnessed firsthand city operations and activities, but I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge from my colleagues. We’ve also put on workshops for the deaf community, property tax protests, state constitutional elections, etc.
If elected, how do you plan to solicit input and feedback from residents in your district?
Constituent relations is right up there with public safety and infrastructure in municipal priorities. Too often council gets distracted by things they have no business getting involved in: intruding in the business/private sector, goings-on at the national level, foreign events 1000s of miles away, etc. Staying in my lane would free me to focus on only the things I should. Foremost amongst those few is addressing constituent/neighborhood concerns.
Read more about Chris Baecker
Crowded District 6 council race features energetic newcomers, City Hall veterans
