Chapa, 21, is a UTSA student studying political science. He is a first-time candidate for elected office.
Hear from the candidate
The following questions were asked of all City Council candidates.
Please tell voters about yourself.
I have lived in San Antonio for 21 years, attend UTSA and will graduate with a BA in political science next month. I have worked as a legal assistant for two years.
Do you have any previous experience in government or participation on local boards, commissions or neighborhood associations? Have you run for elected office before?
This is my first time running for public office.
What three issues do you consider to be most pressing for your district and how would you address them?
Crime — I would address this issue by expanding the size of SAPD, revitalizing surveillance/safety infrastructure and investing more in rehabilitation/trauma care centers for victims of violent crimes.
Infrastructure — Encourage the city to take an anticipatory and not reactionary approach to infrastructure development, make sure bond projects reflect community priorities and not recreational inconveniences.
Property taxes — Work towards the city adopting a 20% max general homestead exemption.
Do you support the proposed city charter amendment, known as Proposition A or the Justice Charter, that would bar certain policing tactics, decriminalize abortion and low-level marijuana possession and create a city justice director to oversee criminal justice policy? Why or why not?
No, it will make the city’s crime rate worse.
How do you feel the city has done at balancing the needs of downtown and the neighborhoods, from bond projects to budget priorities?
The city needs to pursue larger projects on the outskirts to promote investment and quell the fastly appreciating property values downtown.
If elected, how do you plan to solicit input and feedback from residents in your district?
Have a software developer make an app that is exclusive to D7 residents and where I can conduct frequent polling and receive feedback on possible policy decisions.
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