District 6 Community News

Hello D6,

This week, I attended the inaugural meeting of our reinstated Municipal Utilities Committee, and I wanted to share some important insights and updates with you.

During the meeting, representatives from our city-owned utilities, SAWS and CPS Energy, presented their disconnection policies. One topic that resonated with me was the impact of utility disconnections on residents of apartment complexes, particularly those who pay their rent on time but find themselves affected by their landlord’s failure to settle utility bills.

It’s concerning that tenants may face the harsh reality of losing essential services due to issues outside their control. As we discussed, the current protocol requires the utility company to go door-to-door, notifying renters about disconnections.

I am committed to exploring solutions that empower our residents and ensure they are informed directly about any potential utility disconnections. My goal is to work with SAWS and CPS Energy to develop a system that allows for direct communication with renters, eliminating the need for door-to-door notifications that can be both inefficient and inadequate.

The aim is to create a more transparent and responsible approach that protects our residents from the consequences of bad landlord practices. Everyone deserves access to basic utilities, and we must do our part to support those who are doing everything right by paying their rent on time. No one should have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence, and timely information is key to preventing unnecessary hardship.

This week, I traveled to Austin twice!

I took a train ride with Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and Travis County Judge Andy Brown to bring attention to the need for commuter rail between San Antonio and Austin. The trip sparked real conversations about the future of commuter rail!

It’s time to lead with action—turning vision into reality. No more planning without doing! I’m committed to getting it done!

The judges and I are founding members of the Texas Passenger Rail Advisory Committee, where we’re discussing how we can transform our region for a brighter future!

I also drove to Austin two days later to meet with TXDoT commissioners Alex Meade, Robert Vaughn, Alvin New, and Steven Alvis.

We dove deep into San Antonio’s transportation agenda. As our city grows, so do our infrastructure needs! From expanding public transit options to enhancing road safety, we’re pushing for solutions that keep pace with our vibrant community.

Together, we’re shaping a future where San Antonio’s transportation can match our ambition! Let’s keep the momentum going!

The next state legislative session begins in a little more than three months, and transportation will be on the agenda. We have to be ready to find and create opportunities for our city and our region.