SAN ANTONIO — Water is a precious resource no one can live without.
- 7 candidates running for positions on SARA board
- Early voting lasts until November 1
- Election Day is November 5
"Water is very, very important," said Texas Organizing Project Political Director Laquita Garcia
Water is so important for this region, that in 1937 the San Antonio River Authority was created. The quasi-government agency is led by a board of 12 people elected by voters.
"Voting for the board can ultimately relay into our decisions about our water processes and how those operate throughout the city," Garcia said.
The role of the board of directors is to preserve, protect, and manage resources and the environment of the 4-County, 3,600 square-mile San Antonio River Basin. Environmental attorney and Edwards Aquifer Board Member Enrique Valdivia stresses that it’s important to pay attention to politics.
"If you choose to vote, you have a choice of who the leadership will be at the authority and what influences the decisions they make," Valdivia said.
On the November 5 ballot, four candidates are running in two separate races. Three seats are uncontested, meaning the incumbent automatically keeps the position.
Two candidates, Jerry Garcia Gonzales and Roxanne Egui, are running in Bexar County District 1. James K. Fuller William and Larry Zermeno are running for the Goliad County at-large position.
Once ballots are counted and the board seated, the San Antonio River Authority trustees first big item of business is to study the possibility of a property tax increase of 2.5 cents per $100 of appraised property. That means the average Bexar County homeowner’s River Authority property tax could go up from $38.58 to $90.48, netting an additional $45.2 million per year.
"I can tell you it does matter to hear from the public directly both as voter and just as some concerned citizens," said Valdivia.
Each elected member serves six years, with no term limits. Early voting runs until November 1. Election Day is November 5.