SAN ANTONIO – District 9 runoff candidates John Courage and Marco Barros agree on one thing: Public safety is a top priority.
"A big concern is the fact that we are understaffed in our San Antonio Police Department by about 200 officers, and that creates shortages and delays in times response," Courage said.
"We have a shortfall of 225 to 230 police officers. That's something that we really have to solve with the help of the new mayor, whoever is elected and the other council members. So, we really have to increase the number of the classes of the police academy," Barros said.
Courage is a U.S. Air Force veteran who has served in the military police force. He's also worked with the St. Peters-St. Joseph Children's Home, the Bexar County Mental Health Center and has been a teacher for 20 years.
"I've had a lot of experiences that I thought would bring value to our community," he said. "But more than anything else, I've just been a good neighbor. And that's what I want to be on the council. Too many times, we have people that run for council that has special interest and concerns that kind of push them along."
Barros said over the past 30 years, he's gotten to know the business community and the challenges of District 9. He said he's looking forward to helping people in the neighborhoods.
"I'm the only candidate that can jump on board and be prepared within 48 hours," he said. "I have worked with City Council members and the mayors for the last 20 years. I know exactly what it takes. I know the needs for the budget."
The winner will replace outgoing Councilman Joe Krier.
Early voting started Monday and runs through June 6. Election Day is June 10.
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