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Dear District 10 Residents,
Earlier
today, Council voted on the ordinance that redirected the $32 million
previously allocated for the streetcar project toward center city
development initiatives. The ordinance requires that any future light
rail or streetcar project be voter approved prior to the city's
participation. In addition, the ordinance called for the establishment
of a Charter Review Commission to provide a review of the City Charter
and to identify areas for possible revision at the May 2015
election.
Over
20,000 petitioners throughout the community sought a vote this fall on
the streetcar project. These individuals cannot be ignored, thus I
made a motion and pushed for having the ordinance amended to allow a
vote on the streetcar-related charter amendment in November. Councilman
Krier, Lopez, and Nirenberg supported my amendment, but the amended
motion failed, 5 to 4.
I voted against the city staff recommendation because it did not
include the right of the citizens to vote on this issue in November. To
be clear, I support a public vote on any rail or streetcar project.
Ultimately, the measure passed 7 to 2 and the city's previous
commitment of $32 million will be withdrawn.
A
City Charter Commission will also be created to study City Charter
amendments, including a procedure to hold a public vote on rail. I plan
to play an active role in moving these issues forward for the
betterment of our city.
Please
let me know if you should have any comments or concerns by sending me
an e-mail or
visiting our website.
Sincerely,
Councilman
Mike Gallagher
San Antonio City
Council District 10
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