SAN ANTONIO – Twenty-nine applicants are now narrowed down to five for the Bexar County Precinct 2 constable seat.
- 5 candidates for constable remain
- Vela disagrees that she has to vacate her seat
- Lawsuit hearing on October 11
As Bexar County commissioners begin the selection process to replace Michelle Barrientes Vela, neighbors in the embattled constable’s precinct celebrated National Night Out. Vela was a topic of conversation.
“I was disappointed. I think anyone in office should be responsible and care about their community,” said Alice Acuna.
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Acuna is a longtime resident of Precinct 2 and enjoys working alongside law enforcement to keep her community safe. She said Vela doesn’t seem to have strong ties to her community. During her time as constable, other say they’ve hardly seen her.
“The community as a whole, I don’t think they have established too much of a bond with this elected official,” said Maria Gonzales.
Meantime, commissioners are narrowing down the candidates to replace Vela. Precinct 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez told reporters Tuesday that he wanted a candidate with experience, maturity and leadership skills. A candidate that won’t cause the same chaos that occurred last week when local and federal agents searched her office on the Northwest Side.
That’s when Vela announced her run for Bexar County sheriff. While Vela disagrees, county commissioners believe her remarks were an official announcement that triggered a state law, automatically removing her from office. She has since filed a lawsuit to keep her seat.
County commissioners will interview the five candidates Wednesday morning during a special session. They are expected to select a sole finalist, though that person cannot take office until a hearing on Vela’s lawsuit on October 11.