Jose “Pepe” Martinez is a trucking company owner. He graduated from the University of Incarnate Word with a degree in business administration.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I am the son of immigrants from Mexico, Spanish was the first language I learned in my household. Raised on the South Side, I attended Carrillo Elementary, Dwight, then South San High School. After graduating I attended Palo Alto College then transferred to the University of Incarnate Word, where I earned my degree in Business Management.
I own a trucking company that provides materials for state infrastructure all over Texas. I am married and have 3 children and am raising them right here in District 4. Being a leader of my company has given me the ability to not only make relationships with business leaders, customers, and the community but the ability on how to keep those relations strong for 13 years. As a leader I have managed to balance a budget, verify infrastructure is completed on time and provide good paying employment for many families.
List any previous experience in government or participation on local boards, commissions, or neighborhood associations.
As a first generation Mexican American and the first in my family to run for political office, I am not only ready but proud to represent the very same community that I’ve lived all my life in. As the leader of my business, I have made the tough but correct decisions no matter the high level of stressful situations we might find ourselves in. I have the experience in being an effective leader in managing state government infrastructure. Making sure the correct materials are delivered on time, every time.
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 4 and how would you work to address them in your first 100 days?
San Antonio continues to grow each and every day but District 4 has not seen too many improvements for a very long time. As a city leader, I will invite investment from large corporations to bring their companies to our district. This will not only bring jobs but better paying jobs to our community members along with access to full benefits for their families too. Being able to acquire such good pay status, can also give our residents the ability to achieve the American dream right here in District 4 by being able to afford a home or better living situation. As a community and city leader, I will make it a priority to ask myself and my team, “how can we improve the lives of our community members”. That should always be the job of city government. I am a lifelong resident of District 4 and I understand the issues we face today. I am committed to equally represent all our community members to help improve the quality of life for not only them but for their children and grandchildren. It is the decisions that I will make today that will benefit our community tomorrow & for years to come.
In a crowded field of council candidates, what differentiates you from the others?
Many candidates talk to our community members but only I communicate with my community. It is listening to our residents and understanding their concerns and issues. Being born and raised in District 4 has given me the ability to understand what the real issues and concerns are. As a father of 3, I understand how important it is to raise a family in the southside. I care about the importance of our educational system and safety for our children in our communities. I know what it is to be the leader of an organization that proves to be successful on all fronts. I know what it is to work hard each and every day to make sure we do not fail. And most importantly, I am proud to be a son of an immigrant, proud to be Mexican American, and proud to be from the southside. Porque si se puede!
If elected, how do you plan to solicit input and feedback from residents in your district?
Being able to be an effective leader is being able to listen to the concerns and issues and/or recommendations directly from the people that I will serve. During the last couple of months, I have really learned a lot from the community from going door to door and listening to our residents.
I strongly believe, talking face to face at their doorways or town hall meetings will always be the most effective way to connect with our residents in our district. Although perhaps this might not always be achievable to all, I believe creating a portal online can really help in communicating more effectively for a wider range of residents. As our city continues to grow so does the technology and we must keep up to it. Looking at other large cities can also help with being more effective and learning how they connect with residents.
Read more about Jose “Pepe” Martinez
District 4 race pits experienced staffer against those who say Southwest Side is being left behind
