Paula McGee is an attorney who has served on the San Antonio Zoning Commission, the Ethics Review Board and the board of the Alamo Colleges Foundation.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and community volunteer who brings a lifetime of real-world experience to public service. Service and commitment are values instilled in me by my parents — a school nurse and an engineer who worked for NASA to put the first men on the moon.
I earned a BA in biology from Baylor University and a JD from SMU Law School. I am a practicing attorney and have served on the San Antonio Zoning Commission, the Ethics Review Board, and the Board of the Alamo Colleges Foundation. My husband David and I make our home in the heart of District 8.
List any previous experience in government or participation on local boards, commissions, or neighborhood associations.
I served the City several years on the San Antonio Zoning Commission, the Ethics Review Board, and the Board of the Alamo Colleges Foundation. I understand how the City works, but I am not a political insider and have never before run for elected office.
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 8 and how would you work to address them in your first 100 days?
My priorities are the priorities of District 8 families: Better public safety. I am committed to ensuring that first responders have the resources and personnel they need, that neighborhoods connect with their SAFFE officer, and we increase policing in high crime areas. The issue of homelessness requires working collaboratively with Haven for Hope and other non-profits to address needs for shelter and care. Law enforcement should be a part of our community response to connect homeless people to care and treatment.
We also need to resume arrest and prosecution for criminal trespass, vandalism and low-level property theft, so neighborhoods are again safe. Better infrastructure. I will advocate for District 8 to receive its fair share of infrastructure dollars. Keeping projects on time, on budget, and with minimal disruption necessitates greater oversight and management, and I want to be involved in promoting that. Contractors and city departments must be held accountable.
Better transparency and accountability. The City should publish clear and understandable public budgets that show how tax dollars are allocated among departments and between districts. The Ethics Code should have real consequences to hold politicians accountable, to stop the revolving door between City Hall and lobbyists.
In a crowded field of council candidates, what differentiates you from the others?
I bring a lifetime of real-world experience, as well as unmatched dedication and commitment to making District 8 a better place. I raised my family here in San Antonio, I’ve had a long and distinguished legal career here, and I have volunteered within the City and in the greater community. I am not a politician by nature or experience and have no personal ambitions for higher political office. My sole focus as a councilwoman will be public service, for the good of the people and businesses in District 8.
If elected, how do you plan to solicit input and feedback from residents in your district?
Transparency and accountability are crucial for all elected officials, and I am committed to shining the bright light of public scrutiny on the people’s business. That means being available and responsive to everyone in District 8. I will attend neighborhood association meetings so constituents can get updates and ask me questions or make requests directly.
My door will always be open, and my phone will be answered. Better communication is the key to assisting the residents and businesses in D8 with getting the timely help that they need. I will hold regular public meetings in the district on evenings and weekends, in person and online, so all residents have an opportunity to visit personally with their councilwoman. San Antonians should expect no less from their elected officials and public servants.
Read more about Paula McGee
In District 8 runoff, Meza Gonzalez pitches steady hand while McGee calls for conservative reboot
Race to replace Manny Pelaez in District 8 comes down to runoff
District 8 candidates hurl accusations in fiery San Antonio City Council debate
