Pablo Arriaga has worked for the San Antonio Police Department for more than 30 years.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I was born and raised in San Antonio. I grew up in District 5 and now I am a proud homeowner here as well. I graduated from Edison high school and I later attended Palo Alto college. I currently serve as a Detective with the San Antonio Police department and I have been assigned to the central substation for 31 years. My unit of assignment now is with the Family violence section serving District 5.
List any previous experience in government or participation on local boards, commissions, or neighborhood associations.
I have been an active member with the SAPOA for over 31 years and I ran for a seat on the Executive board. I successfully won the position of Parliamentarian.
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 5 and how would you work to address them in your first 100 days?
Homelessness has exploded in D5. San Antonio is now ranked #2 in the State of Texas with the most homeless population. I would allow officers to enforce offenses that have been ignored by our city councilmember.
It’s illegal to camp on sidewalks, it’s illegal to start fires on public property, it’s illegal to break into abandoned homes and start fires,it’s illegal to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and it’s illegal for pedestrians to be on the road. Enforce the laws.
Also, we have resources to help the homeless with drug/alcohol addiction, mental health issues and we need to get our homeless veterans off the streets and into V.A. facilities.
In a crowded field of council candidates, what differentiates you from the others?
My 31 years of law enforcement experience in District 5 has given me an insight of the crime that actually happens. I know how to fight these issues and I know what it takes to provide public safety. I will not “tie the hands” of first responders ,but I will encourage them to do their jobs efficiently and I will encourage them to get involved with the communities they serve. Public safety will always be my passion.
If elected, how do you plan to solicit input and feedback from residents in your district?
By attending as many monthly neighborhood meetings as possible. Reaching out face to face is the best policy and I will always have an open door for the residents to stop by and express their concerns. Also, social media is a great tool for disseminating information.
