In Democratic primary, keep Clay-flores in Pct 1.
Four years ago, when we recommended Rebeca Clay-flores for Bexar County Commissioners Court, we believed it was past time for a political newcomer to shake things up.
Four-term incumbent Sergio “Chico” Rodriguez had grown stale with little to show for his tenure. Clay-flores won the election, and she has been a welcome and impressive voice on the court. Nevertheless, Clay-flores faces five primary opponents, who have criticized her for not being responsive to the needs of residents in Precinct 1 or assertive for the community while on the court.
Many of her challengers are talented and bright. We were especially impressed with Lawson Alaniz-picasso, whose platform and experience include addressing infrastructure, economic development, housing and public safety.
But we did not hear a compelling reason for change in Precinct 1. While we can't speak to how often Clay-flores attends neighborhood meetings or other community events, she is clearly a strong voice for south Bexar County. She has had an impressive first term and has earned our recommendation in the Democratic primary.
Clay-flores is the first woman of color elected to Commissioners Court. In her four years in office, she's gained experience and developed the skills and relationships to effectively serve the community.
As far as constituent services, she said she requires that staff log and track calls from constituents. She's also working on major projects.
Last year, when Texas Vista Medical Center, a 40-year-old hospital on the South Side, suddenly shuttered, Clayflores refused to “slap a Band-aid” by salvaging it. Instead, she advocated for the new University Health Palo Alto Hospital being built near Texas A&M University-san Antonio. The 68-acre, five-story complex is slated to open in 2027. It will offer 166 inpatient beds that can be expanded to 286.
Clay-flores has also pushed Commissioners Court to allocate $60 million for preventive public health, including $40 million to build a new public health division building and a University Health clinic next to the new hospital.
She also supported $2.5 million from Commissioners Court to build new housing for the VIDA San Antonio community adjacent to Texas A&M University-san Antonio.
Another vexing challenge in the precinct is roaming and dangerous dogs. Clay-flores advocated for a new $6 million animal care facility that she hopes to expand.
This record is why she is the strongest candidate in a crowded primary field.