Dear Neighborhood Leaders,
As we near the May 6th Election Day (early voting begins April 24th through May 2nd), all of us need to take a close look at the proposed City Charter amendment, Proposition A.
One of the major problems of this attempt to change our City Charter is that it contains a wide variety of issues in which voters might support some, but not all of the changes. For example, your positions may vary on citations or arrests concerning marijuana, abortions, thefts, graffiti, criminal mischief, etc., as well as limiting police responses, including no-knock warrants and chokeholds.
Added to this long list is establishing a new position in city government known as a Justice Director to provide “justice policy” recommendations to City Council. By the way, Prop A clearly states that the Justice Director must have NO previous experience in law enforcement.
Do you see the problem? Our Northeast Neighborhood Alliance Board of Directors certainly does. At our last meeting everyone was adamant that it would be a disaster for San Antonio if Prop A were approved. At the top of their concerns is the limiting of law enforcement which could profoundly affect the security of our city and our neighborhoods. We certainly wish to thank those of you who have informed us of your specific problems with this proposal.
San Antonio City Attorney, Andy Segovia has warned that most of Prop A conflicts with Texas State Law. Consider all those future lawsuits against the city that we taxpayers will have to finance.
Our Alliance rarely takes a position on your voting decisions; however, as neighborhood leaders we must get the word out to all our residents that we should show up at the polls and definitely vote AGAINST Proposition A.
Again, thank you for your leadership and support of our neighborhoods.
Mike Gallagher
President
NNA