Bravo faces a range of punishments
Independent review results are expected in about six weeks
An independent investigation into Councilman Mario Bravo’s personal outburst against his former romantic partner Councilwoman Ana Sandoval could wrap up in about six weeks, with multiple possible repercussions for Bravo on the table.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg removed Bravo from his City Council committee assignments Friday. The suspension is temporary, pending the investigation, which will give Nirenberg and city officials a better idea of what — and if — further punishment for Bravo may be appropriate.
The mayor could choose to strip Bravo permanently from his four committees — transportation and mobility; community health, environment and culture; planning and community development; and municipal utilities. Sandoval serves on all but the planning and community development committee.
If Nirenberg does return Bravo to the committees, it’s unlikely he would resume the same assignments as Sandoval. The two elected officials may be kept separate outside of full City Council meetings.
A censure vote by City Council is also possible. That would formally denounce Bravo’s actions.
Whether Nirenberg decides to move forward with a censure could depend on the severity of the findings from the independent investigation and Sandoval’s wishes.
A city spokesperson could not immediately answer questions about what outside firm
will conduct the investigation.
In a texted statement Tuesday, Bravo said he is fully cooperating with the process while continuing to serve District 1 residents.
Bravo condemned Sandoval before the Sept. 15 City Council session in which members approved the city’s annual budget. For the month prior, the council had been fractured over how to spend about $50 million in excess revenue the city took from CPS Energy after a record hot summer led to sky-high energy bills.
City Manager Erik Walsh, supported by Nirenberg, had proposed a rebate program to send the money back to customers. Some council members, following a push led by Bravo, called to use the money for home weatherization and other programs that would reduce residents’ utility bills in the long run.
Six votes were needed to delay a decision on how to spend the money, but the council vote fell 5-5, with Sandoval abstaining. The council did, however, adopt Sandoval’s separate plan for a dedicated fund for climate mitigation programs.
Shortly before last Thursday’s meeting, Bravo approached Sandoval in a semiprivate space near the council dais — usually bustling with activity during meetings — and said he wanted to talk with her about her refusal to support his proposal.
Bravo said that her action on the issue illustrated why they had split up and why he didn’t want to have children with her, according to City Hall sources. He accused Sandoval of selling out to the mayor.
Later during the public council meeting, Bravo lambasted Sandoval and Nirenberg for criticizing his plan. His speech was personal enough to prompt City Attorney Andy Segovia to reprimand him.
Sandoval, first elected in 2017 and serving her third term on City Council, has been seen as a more progressive member. She often focuses on climate action and environmental health issues.
She has historically enjoyed a good relationship with Nirenberg, who helped her accomplish goals and pass policy. Since the election last year of two new, far-left progressives — Jalen Mckee-rodriguez in District 2 and Teri Castillo in District 5 — Sandoval has often joined their ranks. She votes with the pair, and her campaign has donated to both of their campaigns.
That sometimes puts her at odds with Nirenberg, who doesn’t always agree with the new progressives.
Less influence?
Bravo’s possible removal from three key City Council committees would mean less opportunity to influence policy. New city programs and approaches often make their way through the committees and are shaped by council members before coming to a full City Council vote.
During his first term in office, Bravo — who comes from an environmental advocacy background — has emphasized utility reform and accountability for CPS Energy and climate change mitigation policies such as planting trees.
Sitting on the municipal utilities committee, Bravo had regular chances to receive updates from CPS Energy and the San Antonio Water System and question officials. He will now have to work with other council members on that committee to get things done. But Bravo’s damaged relationship with other City Council members also hurts his ability to influence policy in San Antonio.
Other repercussions for Bravo could stem from outside City Hall.
San Antonio residents can organize to remove any member of City Council through a recall election effort.
Even if angry residents choose to do so, a recall is not easy. They would have to get signatures from at least 10 percent of qualified voters in District 1 to get Bravo on the ballot. The city clerk’s office would then examine all the signatures for accuracy.
With the next City Council election coming up in May, interest in a recall could be low. Whether some residents represented by Bravo are frustrated enough to move forward remains to be seen.