Beyond the Bite

In this episode of "Beyond the Bite," host Eddie Aldrete dives into the deep end of the mayoral campaign pool to better understand what candidates should be doing right now, how much they need to raise to be viable and why candidates need to approach this non-partisan office with a partisan campaign.

Join Eddie and his live audience as his political consultant guests – Republican Kelton Morgan and Democrat James Aldrete (Eddie’s brother), as they delve into the complex landscape of the upcoming San Antonio mayoral election, covering what the candidates may face, navigating voter expectations and the importance of efficiently allocating campaign funds.

James Aldrete stresses the importance of connecting with voters' needs - particularly for new candidates, while Kelton Morgan highlights the necessity of focusing on key voter concerns, predominantly economic issues.

A thorough analysis of campaign strategies is provided, suggesting that candidates need to build robust fundraising efforts and craft compelling narratives.

Furthermore, the episode examines the evolving role of digital advertising in modern campaigns, highlighting its precision and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods. Insights into voter demographics, the importance of targeting specific constituencies, and the influence of national politics on local elections are discussed.

The concluding remarks touch on the essential qualities of effective mayoral candidates, stressing unity, pragmatism, and the ability to navigate diverse political landscapes. This comprehensive discussion provides invaluable guidance for potential candidates and offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the dynamic nature of modern mayoral campaigns.

James Aldrete

https://mapwins.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-aldrete-44687648/

Kelton Morgan

https://csgcampaigns.com/index.html

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelton-morgan-18402a5/

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In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Beto Altamirano to discuss his experience and ambitious vision for San Antonio. Altamirano, a seasoned entrepreneur and now mayoral candidate, recounts his journey from working as a legislative aide and fellow for various officials to his role as a public involvement specialist for the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Emphasizing a philosophy of community engagement, Altamirano launched a listening tour to gather direct feedback from residents about pressing issues such as crime, jobs, and infrastructure, which ultimately shaped his comprehensive policy framework, Plan 210.

One of the highlights of the discussion is Altamirano's advocacy for a more walkable and bikeable San Antonio, underpinned by VIA Transit’s Advanced Rapid Transit (ART) system. He underscores the significance of integrating technological solutions like the 311 app and employing methodologies to tackle city issues more effectively. Additionally, Altamirano elaborates on the necessity of improved childcare services, workforce development, and his commitment to appoint a "construction czar" for better-coordinated infrastructure projects, as well as the strategic initiatives from community input aimed at enhancing economic, safety, and infrastructural aspects of the city.

Furthermore, Altamirano addresses the political landscape, reflecting on the implications of recent city charter amendments and the upcoming elections. He emphasizes the importance of having a cohesive vision and the right leadership to foster connectivity and inclusivity while maintaining a pragmatic and community-focused approach. Beto outlines his campaign motto, "Our City, Our Moment," highlighting his commitment to leveraging public service to create impactful change. The episode wraps up with Altamirano sharing his dedication to making San Antonio a thriving community for generations to come.

https://betoformayor.com/

https://betoformayor.com/plan-210/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/betoaltamirano/

https://www.instagram.com/betoaltamirano/

https://x.com/betoaltamirano

https://www.threads.net/@betoaltamirano

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In this episode of "Beyond the Bite," host Eddie Aldrete welcomes back guests Anamaria Suescun Fast, Leanne King, and Larry Mendez to discuss the evolving dynamics of remote work, office space utilization, and their impacts on the labor and commercial real estate markets post-pandemic.

They delve into the current trend of returning to office settings, highlighting how this shift has reshaped employment trends, wage demands, and commercial space requirements.

Leanne King discusses the correction in the labor market, noting that while employees initially held leverage for remote work and higher wages, there is now a balance as expectations adjust.

Larry Mendez provides insights into the commercial real estate market, explaining the decreased demand for large office spaces and the increased need for flexible lease terms as companies readjust. Despite national challenges, Mendez remains optimistic about economic growth prospects in Texas and San Antonio.

And Anamaria Suescun Fast shares practical steps her company took to optimize office space for a collaborative environment, including transitioning to a smaller, more efficient office space. She highlights the importance of open communication, accountability, and team camaraderie in hybrid work settings.

The episode concludes with the guests offering a balanced outlook on the opportunities and challenges ahead, punctuated by the need for empathy, compassion, and gradual transition strategies as organizations and employees navigate the return to traditional workplace environments.

Leanne King

https://www.seekinghr.com/

Larry Mendez

https://www.cbre.com/offices/corporate/san-antonio#overview

Anamaria Suescun Fast

https://talk-strategy.com/

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In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete begins with a tribute to the Late-Mike Allen, who led the McAllen Economic Development Corporation for many years. Inspired by a conversation with then-State Senator David Sibley of Waco, Allen founded the Texas Border Coalition. Allen, the consummate advocate for South Texas insisted on South Texas communities working together for the betterment of the region.

The South Texas “Diamond,” is a phrase coined by Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai to include cities and counties from San Antonio south to the Rio Grande Valley. The Diamond, also referred to as the South Texas Triangle, encompasses not just South Texas, but Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico as well.

Aldrete then connects Allen’s approach to the Greater San Antonio Chamber’s first ever, “State of the Region” luncheon featuring Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai; Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina; and Medina County Judge Keith Lutz.

Judge Tijerina opens the conversation by highlighting Webb County's extensive economic growth, including a ground-breaking 30,000-acres of development and booming warehousing and residential projects. Alongside this, he discusses significant investments in public safety and infrastructure, a secondary water source in a drought-stricken region and the integration of multimodal transportation planning to address the swelling truck traffic and daily international trade crossings.

Judge Sakai brings forward essential public safety initiatives in Bexar County, acknowledging the addition of nearly 100 new deputies and specialized law enforcement programs while identifying systemic challenges such as jail overcrowding. He emphasizes the need for collaborative regional partnerships and private-sector input to tackle transportation issues. Sakai further explores the potential benefits of high-speed passenger rail and economic plans along the newly proposed Green and Silver Lines of VIA’s Advanced Rapid Transit routes, designed to ease congestion and promote regional connectivity.

And Judge Lutz shares insights into the infrastructure integration and public safety communications within Medina County, addressing the importance of consolidating emergency management, preparedness and response efficiency. He underscores the strategic planning underway for regional thoroughfare developments, vital for accommodating projected growth.

https://www.sachamber.org/

https://www.bexar.org/1855/Biography

https://www.webbcountytx.gov/CountyJudge/Biography/

https://www.medinacountytexas.org/page/medina.county.judge

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/statesman/name/michael-allen-obituary?id=23086669

https://www.bexar.org/DocumentCenter/View/40958/TMASC-Report-2024?bidId=

https://llanorealty.com/

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While San Antonio City Councilman Marc Whyte is quick to discuss the important issues facing San Antonio, he is just as quick to pay homage to his colleagues for working as a problem-solving team. 

Perhaps known most for his focus on fiscal discipline in order to stretch taxpayer dollars, Whyte isn’t shy about diving into other issues. He praises the unanimous Council support for the firefighters' new contract, which includes a significant 20% raise over three years and he helped develop a policy that strategically allocates CPS revenue from surplus energy sold on the open market into a capital reserve fund to help mitigate future CPS Energy rate hikes. The conversation shifts to a recently approved financing plan for the San Antonio Missions' new downtown stadium, with Whyte asserting that the project is vital for keeping the team in the city without imposing new taxes on voters.

He also shares his accomplishments in his first year in office, notably working with city staff to adopt a budgeting system that is performance-baseda and outcomes-based to improve efficiencies in the city operations. And he led the way to add a shot clock to the Governance Committee to ensure that every Council Consideration Request (CCR) is addressed promptly, ushering in more disciplined and transparent council operations.

This episode also looks at the controversial zoning case for an apartment complex in a District 10 residential neighborhood. Whyte expressed admiration and praise for the project and his opposition sparked considerable debate over the location. Whyte’s commitment to responsible development, core municipal services, and effective budgeting is evident throughout the discussion. Additionally, Host Eddie Aldrete and Guest Marc Whyte touch on the upcoming mayoral and council elections in May 2025, the implications of which could significantly impact council dynamics and city policy outcomes. Tune in to hear comprehensive insights on city management, budget strategies, and community-focused governance from an active and reflective councilman.

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In this episode of "Beyond the Bite," we focus on the challenges and opportunities for small businesses in San Antonio. Guests Steve Alaniz and Luis Rodriguez applaud collaborative efforts in economic development and underscore the significance of a strategic focus. Alaniz and Rodriguez discuss the transformative impact COVID-19 had on chamber memberships and events, emphasizing the need for chambers of commerce to reinvent themselves and offer tangible value propositions through rapid adaptation.

The conversation transitions into an examination of local economic developments in San Antonio, including the redevelopment of Hemisfair Park and the anticipated new downtown baseball stadium. Rodriguez stresses the importance of including small minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses in such projects. The guests highlight the need for exposing more students to potential careers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields through the Hispanic Chamber’s Core Four STEM Expo, an initiative aimed at engaging middle school students in STEM fields, celebrating its enduring success and role in maintaining the Chamber's five-star accreditation status.

The episode wraps up with insights into the Chamber’s upcoming leadership transitions, advocacy efforts for the 2025 Texas legislative session, and the continued importance of supporting local businesses for economic growth and community engagement.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-alaniz-787a264a/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-rodriguez-7452b58/

https://www.sahcc.org/

https://www.sahcc.org/10-12-sahcc-95th-annual-gala

https://www.sahcc.org/core4-stem

https://www.sahcc.org/hld-foundation

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In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Charter Review Commission Co-Chair David Zammiello to discuss the upcoming charter propositions on the November 5th ballot. They dive deep into key topics, including the proposal to lift the cap on the city manager’s compensation and tenure, drawing from the robust debates and public input that shaped the Commission’s recommendations.

Zammiello brings his extensive expertise in executive compensation oversight, offering a thoughtful perspective on the need to attract top talent for key positions while maintaining a balance between elected officials and the citizens they serve. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of city council compensation, tracing its shift from a nominal $20 per meeting to the current structure established in 2015. With the rising cost of living, Zammiello explains why the commission recommends adjusting salaries ensuring that serving in these roles is accessible to a broader range of individuals.

Despite concerns about increased compensation, the commission’s data-driven proposal underscores the importance of fairly compensating public servants who often work 60-70 hour weeks. This ensures that financial barriers don’t prevent qualified individuals from running for office.

The episode wraps up with a reflection on the comprehensive work of the Charter Review Commission, the need for residents to learn more about the propositions, and the importance of voting in the November 5th elections.

Resources Mentioned:

• https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/CAO/City-Charter/Charter-Review-Commission
• www.renewsanantonio.com

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City Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda may have evolved over time, but she has remained loyal to the concepts of inclusivity, transparency, and community engagement in her decision-making. She believes that should be the goal for all city leaders to better represent the people of San Antonio.

In this episode, Cabello Havrda shares candid experiences regarding the city's charter review process, her positions on the charter propositions, and touches on the complexities of municipal governance. She advocates for significant changes in city structure, such as transitioning council member terms to four years for effective project continuity and supporting the removal of the cap on the city manager’s pay and tenure. Additionally, Cabello Havrda discusses the appeal of performance-based budgeting and her support for banning horse-drawn carriages.

Throughout the conversation, Cabello Havrda shares her passion for direct community engagement as she emphasizes the value of block walking and door-to-door interactions. With a strategic eye on a potential 2025 mayoral run, she reflects on the timeline and techniques for an impactful campaign announcement. Their dialogue provides a comprehensive look at Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda's vision for the future of San Antonio and the intricate balance between current responsibilities and future aspirations.

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In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Jon Gary Herrera to discuss the transformative impact of San Antonio's advanced rapid transit system. Herrera highlights the stark contrast between the city's transit budget vs the systems in Houston, Dallas and Austin. The conversation delves into the vital role of federal funding and the significance of maintaining an efficient transit system, especially in connecting residents to jobs and educational opportunities. Herrera also underscores the economic challenges faced by low-income individuals who struggle with transportation costs and limited access to employment opportunities.

The discussion moves on to the technical and planning aspects of the project, including the cost-efficiency and flexibility of the bus rapid transit system including signal priority, automated pay stations, and level boarding to enhance efficiency and accessibility. Herrera also cites initial calculations indicating significant time savings for commuters, which could revolutionize public transit in San Antonio. The importance of community involvement and feedback is evident, as construction plans strive to minimize disruptions and strategically locate stations to maximize ridership. Upcoming public engagement open-houses aim to gather input and ensure that the Silver Line and other future developments meet the community's needs.

Lastly, Herrera shares exciting plans for an innovation zone downtown and partnerships with local entities like Centro and UTSA. An extension of the existing electric vehicle service, aptly named the Little Runner, will expand into a Via Link product, significantly enhancing mobility within the downtown area. With the flexibility to adapt alongside the community's growth, the new transit system promises not only to support current users but also attract new ones. Herrera's vision for improved bus services, and the integration of ride-sharing options cements the advanced rapid transit system as a cornerstone for San Antonio's future mobility landscape.

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In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Romanita Matta Barrera to discuss the strategic rebranding and initiatives of greaterSATX, formerly known as the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation. The conversation kicks off with a focus on the organization's 2021 rebranding, which aims to highlight its collaboration with eight regional partners in the San Antonio/Bexar County region. Matta Barrera underscores the importance of partnerships with neighboring regions like Austin to enhance geographic competitiveness and foster talent and trade flows. The integration of the Free Trade Alliance and SA Works into greaterSATX underscores their commitment to addressing workforce and talent supply chain issues, particularly through foreign direct investment from Asian countries.

The dialogue delves into the multifaceted efforts to bolster workforce and educational attainment, setting an ambitious goal for 70% of high school seniors to enroll in post-secondary programs by 2030. Matta Barrera emphasizes the significance of mayors acting as champions for their cities to attract new businesses, pointing out the upcoming 2025 elections as a critical juncture for economic development advocacy. The discussion moves to the essential role of long-term strategic planning by city leadership and infrastructure development, such as mobility, housing, and road projects, to support the growing population and business needs. She details collaborative endeavours with public partners, such as CPS Energy and TxDOT, in successful recruitment initiatives and operational changes to prioritize global business advancement.

Wrapping up, the episode touches on the proactive engagement with a host of university presidents to enhance employer recruitment and educational outcomes. Matta Barrera shares insights from employers on best practices for talent recruitment and retention, including investing in upskilling and supporting entry-level roles. The discussion also highlights her team's efforts addressing broader business concerns, such as infrastructure, safety, and expansion into Mexico, alongside her work in the K-12 education space promoting bilingualism and biculturalism. Throughout the episode, Matta Barrera’s comprehensive understanding of workforce, education, and economic competitiveness illustrates the integral connection between these elements in driving the San Antonio region’s long-term success.

https://greatersatx.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanitamattabarrera/

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