Hector Medina District 2 City Council and Mayoral Candidate Questionnaire Name as it will appear on ballot: Hector Medina

Current employment: Small Business Owner 50-word bio: I was born and raised on the Northeast side of the district. I am an entrepreneur with a BA in history from UTSA and an AA in Liberal Arts from SAC. I also attended UIW for one semester. I am a member of St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church in my neighborhood. 50-word reason for becoming a candidate in this election: After community involvement such as attending Via transportation meetings and volunteering for the Food Bank, I would like to make District Two a better place. I want the people of the district to have better constituent services such as roads fixed, crime and graffiti reduced and open communication and representation. 1) Could the Citys recent ethics reforms be better enforced, especially in terms of conflicts of interest? This is a situation where that would be helpful as long as tight regulations do not excessively interfere with the flow of business. 2) Whats your opinion on encouraging economic development and civic programming via public/private partnerships, especially where public land, such as Hemisfair Park, is concerned? I am for economic development as long as fiscal responsibility is in mind. Where neighborhoods exist, I must know what the concerns of the communities are. 3) Should the city establish an independent police monitor to better oversee the San Antonio Police Department? Why or why not? I do not think that is necessary and it would interfere with our freedoms. I feel the SAPD is operating satisfactorily and there is no way to eliminate absolutely all crime.

4) Do you support the way the health department currently regulates food trucks? If not, how could the regulations be changed to better serve San Antonians? Yes, I do not think there is any need for change here. 5) How can the City support sustainable transportation options? If it is possible, add lanes to the existing freeways. Building overpasses, is another idea. Review what is out there in regards to the bus system to ensure there is fiscal responsibility and the quality of transportation is sufficient. I am opposed to toll roads, I believe money needs to be spent on other methods of transportation. 6) What value do you think the arts bring to San Antonio? In what ways can the City support local arts organizations and individual artists? I prefer that these are privately funded. The city needs to make sure the market is open and accessible enough for these entities to prosper. 7) Is it important for the City to strengthen its non-discrimination ordinances to protect LGBT citizens? Why or why not? No, I am pro-traditional family values. I believe in maintaining the family and the sanctity of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. 8) Is Animal Care Services doing enough to increase its live-release rate? Is ACS' public-private partnership model is working? If not, what else could be done? It can improve a slight amount. Promote responsibility so more people will not only take care of their own pets but, also choose to obtain pets they will take proper care of! 9) What would you do to address the high vacancy rate in downtown buildings? I do not like they city paying for buildings that are not in use. I would like to see what could be done about why there are not enough tenants and owners and promote leasing and selling. 10) Is the Citys million-dollar incentive to create a downtown grocery store appropriate? Why or why not? Is there a better way to bring a grocery store downtown?

Leave that up to the private sector. I would spend city money on other projects. 11) How can San Antonio balance economic development with historic preservation?

Listen to the residents in the neighborhoods to find out what they want. We need a positive balance regarding this. Yet, I feel it is best to build away from historic structures. 12) Do you support union organizers' push for a Tip Integrity Act for the downtown hotel and restaurant industry? No, I do not. Let the market be free of more regulation. The world is not perfect, many customers tip well, some do not. 13) What is the Citys role in making consumer solar power affordable for residents as well as local businesses? If evidence shows this is an effective power source, offer it and it will sell. Maybe it will become a major commodity. 14) Is there more the City could do to protect the Edwards Aquifer in terms of building restrictions, funding conservation easements or other means? Do not build on the recharge zone so the water can flow more easily into the aquifer. I would promote conservation regarding lawn watering such as xeriscaping and greywater usage. People use way too much water on their lawns! 15) What are the most critical components to implementing Pre-K 4 SA? Are there any other opportunities for the City to support education? Make sure it is distributed fairly and made accessible in the parts of the city that need it the most. I think the City needs to let education be governed by the school districts, according to the Texas Constitution. Additional Statements: If I get elected to City Council, I will make an effort to visit every Neighborhood Association in District Two once a year. When the residents of the district want to talk to me personally, they will be given my phone number by my office staff so they can talk to me. Thanks, Hector Medina