SAN ANTONIO – Early voting is already underway for the runoff elections in the Alamo City. The candidates for City Council have spent countless hours block walking and speaking to voters before they head to the polls.
One of the races in the runoff is for the District 1.
Incumbent Roberto Trevino was close to winning outright in the general election, garnering 49 percent of the vote. Newcomer Michael Montaño received 31 percent and now has a chance to win his first-ever council race.
Both candidates in the runoff for District 1 said their priorities mirror that of their constituents.
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"The first thing I’m going to do is make sure that residents are going to once again have a voice at City Hall,” said challenger Michael Montaño. “So we are already actively setting up advisory committees that allow us to solicit information from different perspectives from every everyday resident and not just the lobbyists who can afford to show up at 9 a.m. on Thursdays for City Council meetings.”
Said Councilman Robert Trevnio: "These investments are showing that this is a city that believes in itself, believes in a thriving center city. All great cities have great center cities and downtowns and we are investing in that in a big, big way and I think a lot of people are very happy and the confidence in the vote shows that.”
Infrastructure and public safety top both the lists for both candidates.
"My priorities will be the priorities of the residents themselves not pet projects. Let’s put more cops on the beat, fill some potholes, and build a real mass-transit system that can bring the jobs of the 21st century to San Antonio,” Montaño said.
The incumbent cited projects already in the works, including the police department's new central substation and the city's newly passed $850 million bond measure.
"What I’m hoping to do with that money is to stretch it out, is to say these $10 million, I want to make more sidewalks than we've ever made before. I’m looking for ways to find innovative design methods, innovative construction methods and innovative solutions,” Trevino said.
But they disagree on one thing; Montano and Trevino both feel they are the best man to lead District 1.
"Fourteen different labor organizations and community groups have endorsed me, and I think that sends a very clear message to voters about who each of us will represent at City Hall,” Montaño said.
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"I’m massively proud of what we've done. We’ve accomplished so much. We’re very active; I’ve been a councilmember that works 24/7 over the last 30 months,” Trevino said. “I have the experience, I have the momentum and I think district one is the heart and soul of our city.”
Election Day is June 10.
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