In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina for an in-depth conversation about family, leadership, and life along the Texas border. Judge Tijerina opens up about his upbringing in Webb County, in and around Laredo, sharing stories about his large family, the values he learned from ranching life, and his journey from professional baseball to public service. The discussion highlights the importance of hard work, faith, and family—elements that have influenced both his career and his personal life, including the adoption story that expanded their family in a meaningful way.

The conversation takes a candid turn as Judge Tijerina discusses his experiences in county government, ranging from navigating budget challenges and building up the county’s fund balance to spearheading major infrastructure projects like renovating the fairgrounds and the upcoming fifth international bridge. He and Eddie also touch on broader topics relevant to the border region: the importance of economic development, the complex relationship between the county and city governments, and his new leadership role as the chair of the Texas Border Coalition. Judge Tijerina emphasizes the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being at the crossroads of international trade and culture.

In the final segment, Judge Tijerina shares his reasons for formally switching from the Democratic to the Republican party, reflecting on shifting political values, his personal beliefs, and his desire to encourage others in South Texas to examine party platforms and make informed decisions. Throughout the episode, listeners get an honest and heartfelt look at public service, resilience through adversity, and what it means to stay true to one’s values while serving a diverse and rapidly changing community.

https://www.webbcountytx.gov/countyjudge/

https://www.facebook.com/judgetanotijerina

In this special live edition of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete welcomes San Antonio mayoral candidates Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos for an in-depth conversation on some of the most pressing issues facing the city. Filmed before an audience of The Leadership San Antonio Alumni Association, the discussion covers the looming city budget shortfall, challenges with city revenues, and how each candidate would prioritize spending on core services like public safety and support for San Antonio’s most vulnerable residents. Both guests share their views on balancing efficiency with investment and the importance of transparent communication with the community.

The episode also tackles major topics shaping San Antonio’s future, including the sports and entertainment district known as Project Marvel, including a proposal for a new downtown arena that would be home for the San Antonio Spurs. The candidates discuss the valuable role the Spurs play in the city’s identity and economy. Ortiz Jones and Pablos discuss the need to strike a fair deal with clear benefits for San Antonians while keeping the beloved NBA team anchored locally. The conversation moves to the city’s downtown recovery, affordable housing, child care, and the impact of public safety and amenities on economic vitality. The candidates offer contrasting plans on incentivizing growth, attracting investment, and addressing homelessness, all while learning from other Texas cities.

Rounding out the dialogue, Aldrete asks how each candidate will champion San Antonio’s interests in Austin and beyond, despite lacking the legislative experience of the mayors in Dallas, Austin and Houston. Both share their strategies for building influence at the state and federal level, advocating for economic development, infrastructure, and essential utilities. The episode concludes with a question as to how the candidates feel toward being a nonpartisan mayor and putting service to San Antonio above party affiliation, giving listeners a comprehensive view into the priorities and leadership styles that will shape the city’s next chapter.

https://pablosformayor.com/

https://ginaortizjones.com/

https://www.leadershipsa.org/alumni-association/

https://cjma.law/

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with guests Rob Killen and Erin Bley to break down the unexpected twists in San Antonio’s recent mayoral and city council elections. The discussion opens with a deep dive into the mayor’s race, unpacking the surge of outsider candidates, the influence of outside money, and the impact of strikingly low voter turnout. The trio highlights how shifting dynamics—from late re-entries into the race to strategic endorsements and the role of polling—upended long-held assumptions about frontrunners and reshaped the city’s political landscape.

Turning to the city council races, Erin, Rob, and Eddie explore the outcomes in the key districts, analyzing what led to runoffs and the implications for voter turnout in those areas. The conversation underscores how voter confusion, a crowded field of candidates, and ballot placement may have contributed to the challenging environment for both candidates and residents. They also examine the potential for the new council makeup—paired with a new mayor—to shape the city’s approach to major initiatives and community challenges.

The episode wraps up with an insightful look ahead at the issues awaiting the new municipal leadership, including the high-stakes Project Marvel, budget uncertainties, and challenges facing CPS Energy and SAWS. Rob and Erin reflect on the importance of strong staffing, strategic committee assignments, and the need for the mayor and council to build cohesive relationships and prioritize clear communication with voters. Whether it’s bridging divides between city and county government or navigating the complexities of economic development, the guests emphasize that the choices made in the coming months will have lasting impacts on San Antonio’s growth and governance.

https://ginaortizjones.com/

https://pablosformayor.com/

In this special episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete offers listeners an in-depth "Mayoral Candidate Mashup" ahead of San Antonio’s 2025 mayoral election. Instead of the typical soundbite answers found in traditional forums, this episode features 3-4 minute highlights from Aldrete’s interviews with each of the nine top contenders. These candidates include former and current city council members, business leaders, and individuals with experience at the state and federal levels, each sharing their visions, priorities, and approaches for the future of San Antonio.

Listeners get a wide-ranging look at the issues and themes shaping the race—from infrastructure, public safety, and economic development, to education, collaboration, and efficient city governance. The episode captures perspectives from candidates such as John Courage, Manny Pelaez, Beto Altamirano, Rolando Pablos, Adriana Rocha Garcia, Robert Melvin, Clayton Perry, Gina Ortiz Jones, and Melissa Cabello Havrda. Each segment provides an authentic glimpse into their priorities, whether it’s advocating for citywide reevaluation, fostering business growth, strengthening ties with state and federal leadership, or championing public education and community input. This episode serves as a valuable resource for voters looking to move "Beyond the Bite" and get a closer, more personal sense of which candidate best aligns with their hopes for the city.

To listen the entire episode of a candidate, use the links below.

John Courage

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000651865809

Manny Pelaez

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000657770466

Beto Altamirano

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000676613243

Rolando Pablos

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000679025595

Adriana Rocha Garcia

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000693375366

Robert Melvin

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000697598463

Clayton Perry

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000701698050

Gina Ortiz Jones

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000702666080

Melissa Cabello Havrda

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-bite/id1682999395?i=1000702980198

The odds of her succeeding in life have never really been in her favor, but through hard work and determination, Melissa Cabello Havrda overcame the odds, graduated from college, graduated from law school, began her own law firm and got elected to the City Council. Now, she wants to be San Antonio’s next mayor.

She’s running a grassroots campaign in a very crowded field. Cabello Havrda shares her journey from launching her campaign in December to navigating a field of 26 opponents, emphasizing her commitment to community engagement and grassroots organizing. She explores the dynamics of mayoral forums and the importance of understanding constituents' needs, as well as reflecting on the camaraderie and challenges faced alongside other candidates.

Councilwoman Cabello Havrda delves into current issues impacting San Antonio, highlighting her leadership in advocating for the controversial Reproductive Justice Fund. She dove into this issue from a sense of purpose and mission and touches on some of the complexities surrounding council positions on this issue. Additionally, the Councilwoman shares her active efforts on construction impacts on small businesses, emphasizing initiatives like the Responsible Bidder Ordinance and liaison roles to enhance city outreach and support for local businesses.

Throughout the episode, Cabello Havrda talked about dressing for the job you want. Unlike other candidates, she doesn’t have a 100-day plan, because she says as a current member of the City Council, she has already been working on her priorities and leading the way on them. Issue like helping to pass a capital reserve fund for CPS Energy as a home for surplus funds to help CPS tackle capital equipment costs and to apply as a down payment on any future rate hikes. She concludes the episode by emphasizing her vision of transforming city government into a highly efficient and community-centered entity, aiming to focus on zero-based and performance-based budgeting to better meet San Antonio’s diverse needs.

https://melissaforsa.com/

https://x.com/melissaforsa

https://www.instagram.com/melissaformayor

https://www.facebook.com/melissaforsa/

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To understand Gina Ortiz Jones, you have to start with her personal journey. In this episode, she reflects on her path from growing up on the far West Side of San Antonio to serving as the 27th Under Secretary of the Air Force. She shares how her upbringing and military experience have shaped her belief in the importance of strong local leadership, community investment, and expanded educational opportunities.

The conversation then shifts to key issues facing San Antonio, including education, public health, and economic development. Ortiz Jones lays out her vision for addressing inequities in the education system, emphasizing the critical role of early childhood education and the need for stronger investment in Pre-K programs. She argues that if more funding were directed toward Pre-K 4 SA, there might be less need for programs like “Ready to Work,” which have faced challenges in delivering results.

Host Eddie Aldrete also explores Ortiz Jones’s views on construction impacts to small businesses and her approach to city operations. She speaks candidly about several local initiatives, including “Project Marvel,” and stresses the importance of transparency and accountability in city government.

The episode closes on a hopeful note, as Ortiz Jones shares her aspirations for San Antonio’s future and her commitment to using her leadership experience to help the city meet its challenges and seize new opportunities.

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With former City Councilman Clayton Perry, what you see is what you get. The folksy, jovial former councilman definitely knows what he doesn’t like and that’s a city that spends too much, is way behind on funding infrastructure projects and a city that keeps veering outside of its’ municipal lane getting involved in state and federal issues that will either generate lawsuits or in some form, come back to haunt us.

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with mayoral candidate and former San Antonio City Councilman Clayton Perry to discuss the current political landscape of San Antonio and his vision in the mayoral race. Reflecting on his time on the council, Perry shares insights into how the city's leadership style, interpersonal relations, and policy decisions have shaped its growth. He emphasizes the importance of cooperation between council members and highlights his ability to work with colleagues from different political backgrounds to push San Antonio forward.

Perry talks a lot about the basics, because he says, that’s what San Antonio residents care about. Issues like crime and why we need to move faster to put more cops on the street and the need to tackle $4 billion dollars in needed infrastructure projects like improved streets. Perry believes these are essential to address before San Antonio can attract key businesses and grow economically.

He's not a fan of Project Marvel and says San Antonio’s relationships with Austin and Washington need major repairs. He says outside money has too big of an influence in city elections, and that we need more attention on the need to reduce San Antonio’s systemic poverty.

https://perryformayor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/corvettepopo/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-perry-16a3365/

https://www.facebook.com/clayton.perry.547

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In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, to discuss the role he played in cutting through the federal bureaucracy on significant trade and infrastructure projects in Texas. One of the key topics is Senator Ted Cruz's efforts to expedite the approval process for new international bridges and the expansion of an international bridge along the Texas-Mexico border. These bridges, crucial for strengthening trade relations and economic growth, faced delays due to bureaucratic obstacles. Senator Cruz details the bipartisan efforts, including legislation and collaboration with various political figures, that ultimately led to the approval of these projects, which are expected to create thousands of jobs and enhance trade between Texas and Mexico. Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño talks about how Senator Cruz led the bipartisan effort that helped secure the presidential permit for the Flor de Mayor Bridge in Brownsville.

The episode also highlights the dedication of the new Patrick J. Ottensmeyer International Railway Bridge in Laredo built by CPKC Railways. Named in honor of the late CEO of Kansas City Southern Railways, the Ottensmeyer bridge more than doubles the railway capacity at the border, promoting efficient trade along a vital corridor. Guests Keith Creel, Lisa Sarrazin, and Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño share their perspectives on the importance of this infrastructure and the collaborative spirit behind its completion, underscoring how it stands as a testament to innovation and growth and to the life work of Pat Ottensmeyer.

Additionally, the podcast covers the goals Senator Cruz has as the new Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation as well as the long-awaited launch of a nonstop flight from San Antonio to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., another victory credited to Senator Cruz's persistent efforts. This development not only marks a milestone for San Antonio but also demonstrates the power of unified advocacy in achieving critical advancements for the state's economy and connectivity. Throughout the episode, Eddie Aldrete emphasizes the interconnected nature of South Texas communities and their collective impact on regional and national prosperity.

https://www.cruz.senate.gov/

https://www.commerce.senate.gov/

https://www.cameroncountytx.gov/county-judge-eddie-trevino-jr/

https://www.cpkcr.com/en

https://www.cpkcr.com/en/media/Ottensmeyer-feb2025

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGV_dGAKNxA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://www.sachamber.org/

https://laredochamber.com/

https://www.laredoedc.org/

https://ccrma.org/

https://puertoverde.com/

https://www.cityoflaredo.com/departments/bridge-system

https://www.webbcountytx.gov/RoadandBridge/

https://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2024/American-Airlines-becomes-only-carrier-to-fly-nonstop-between-Washington-DC-and-San-Antonio-NET-RTS-12/default.aspx

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In this episode, the conversation kicks off with business leader and mayoral candidate Robert Melvin discussing his unique perspective on economic development, shaped by his experiences as a business owner, builder and entrepreneur. He highlights the importance of changing the city's approach to development, emphasizing a need for minimizing red tape and fostering a more cooperative relationship between the city and developers. His vision for San Antonio includes intentional growth strategies that prioritize the needs of local communities and businesses, aiming to transform the city into a thriving economic hub.

Melvin addresses critical issues such as crime, housing affordability, and the role of education in shaping the future of San Antonio. He speaks about the city's challenges with crime rates among the youth and the systemic issues in education, advocating for a competitive approach that includes charter schools as alternative options for quality education. His extensive background, from his upbringing in Houston to his experience in various states, has shaped his perspective on how to address these systemic issues and create more opportunities for the city's residents. His emphasis on economic independence and intentional development reveals his commitment to reshaping the city's landscape.

The episode also delves into the potential for a new downtown Spurs arena and other urban development projects. Robert expresses his skepticism, stating his concerns about the economic impact of adding another venue without addressing existing issues. He emphasizes the need for San Antonio to focus on businesses that can diversify the city's economy and elevate its status globally. Throughout the discussion, Melvin reiterates his belief in the potential of San Antonio, highlighting how strategic economic and educational reforms can foster a prosperous future for the city and its residents.

https://robertmelvinformayor.com/

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In this episode of "Beyond the Bite,” host Eddie Aldrete welcomes back San Antonio Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia. The conversation begins with an update on Dr. Rocha Garcia's father's health, following his diagnosis with Alzheimer's. Rocha Garcia talks about the support she receives from her extended family and shares a touching story about how her son helps care for her father by handling daily tasks and medication. This introduction sets the stage for discussing the balancing act between personal commitments and political aspirations, as Garcia previously expressed interest in running for mayor.

Councilwoman Rocha Garcia elaborates on her political journey and recent campaign activities, including a campaign kickoff event held on February 8, 2024. She emphasizes her dedication to improving education, housing, and healthcare, particularly in underrepresented areas of San Antonio. The councilwoman discusses the progress and ongoing challenges related to poverty in San Antonio, highlighting efforts made by past city leaders, such as initiatives introduced by Henry Cisneros and Julian Castro. Garcia outlines her strategy for the mayoral race, including targeting adjacent districts to the one she represents in District 4. And she understands that District 4 traditionally produces the smallest voter turnout of the council districts and why she has to work harder in northern districts that produce a large percentage of voters.

The conversation also turns to city infrastructure projects, specifically "Project Marvel," which involves a potential new downtown arena for the San Antonio Spurs. Rocha Garcia stresses the importance of collaboration with county officials and maintaining a strong relationship with state and federal governments to address budget challenges. The episode wraps up with the Councilwoman expressing excitement about the opportunities for San Antonio, focusing on investing in younger generations and fostering a welcoming environment for all residents to break cycles of generational poverty.

https://www.adriana4mayor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DrA4SA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-rocha-garcia/

https://www.instagram.com/dradrianad4/

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