Friday, August 8, 2014

Councilman Mike Gallagher, San Antonio City Council District 10 Update



 

 
August 7, 2014 
 
District 10 News Alert!
 
 
ICYMI:  Council approves ordinance to withdraw City's $32M for streetcar 
 
 
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 Ultimately, the measure passed 7 to 2 and the city's previous commitment of $32 million will be withdrawn.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
 
 
Stay Connected

Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter