Beyond the Bite

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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In this episode of Beyond the Bite, CPS Energy CEO Rudy Garza, rejoins the podcast to provide important updates on San Antonio’s power landscape. Garza discusses how CPS Energy has adapted since the severe winter storm of 2021, emphasizing their improved communication with ERCOT and the significant strides they've made in power generation and responsiveness to outages. Garza highlights CPS Energy's readiness in handling cold weather challenges and outlines the investments made in maintaining aging natural gas plants scheduled for shutdown to ensure reliability.

Garza delves into the collaborative relationship between CPS Energy and ERCOT, describing efforts to bridge transmission challenges. He shares insights into the legislative landscape, advocating for a balanced energy approach that includes natural gas, solar, batteries, and potentially small modular nuclear reactors. He underscores the importance of forward-thinking investments in infrastructure to meet San Antonio’s growing energy demands, especially considering the rise in large-scale projects like data centers and the necessity for strategic planning in power distribution and transmission.

Looking forward, Garza touches on the essential need for infrastructure development and the financial strategies CPS Energy employs to support this growth. He discusses the ongoing efforts to manage past due balances from customers while maintaining a delicate balance of rate increases to fund necessary investments. Concluding the episode, Garza discusses a new role that he and his wife Emily have taken as community campaign chairs for the United Way in 2025, reflecting his commitment to the community beyond his professional responsibilities.

https://www.cpsenergy.com/

https://www.cpsenergy.com/en/about-us/who-we-are/senior-leadership.html

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudy-d-garza-sa/

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In this episode of "Beyond the Bite," Eddie Aldrete sits down with guests Demonte Alexander, CEO of Citizen Reach and Director of Public Affairs for Bridgewater Consulting, and Shay Bluntzer from Marlin Blue Strategists to discuss their professional transitions and insights into the current state and future of San Antonio politics.

Demonte elaborates on the mission of Citizen Reach, focusing on public engagement to help various entities build consensus within the community, and outlines his strategic work with Bridgewater Consulting in the work they do in the utilities sector. Shay reflects on founding Marlin Blue Strategists after nearly two decades at NuStar Energy, emphasizing the importance of government relations in the energy sector and his ongoing support for organizations like Haven for Hope.

The conversation transitions into an analysis of the political landscape in Texas, particularly the recent election of State Representative Dustin Burrows as Speaker of the Texas House. Shay and Demonte break down the political dynamics and legislative challenges that led to Burrows’ election, including the impact of key votes on impeachment and school choice. They also discuss the implications of the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, also known as the "Death Star" bill, and its effect on local governance versus state mandates. San Antonio city leaders strongly opposed that bill, whose author is the new Speaker of the House, and the guests discuss what that means for cities in general and San Antonio more specifically.

In the latter part of the podcast, the focus shifts to San Antonio's upcoming mayoral and city council races. Eddie, Shay, and Demonte discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the open seats and the importance of collaborative leadership. They analyze the fundraising efforts of various candidates and the significance of their financial reports. The conversation highlights the necessity for the next mayor and city council to foster better relationships with state leadership to effectively address local issues such as infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.

The episode concludes with a hopeful outlook on what characteristics and policies could benefit San Antonio's future leadership.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/demonte-alexander-7a6a7620/

https://www.bridgewcg.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shay-bluntzer-054a1813/

https://marlinbluestrategists.com/

https://house.texas.gov/members/3055

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In this episode, host Eddie Aldrete is joined by Rob Killen and Erin Bley as they explore San Antonio’s evolving political and urban landscape. The discussion spans upcoming elections and the intricate dynamics of governance shaping the city’s future.

The conversation opens with an analysis of the challenges and opportunities surrounding the upcoming mayoral election, the first open-seat race in 16 years. Erin and Rob delve into the strengths and weaknesses of candidates, highlighting the significance of voter engagement and the potential impact of events like Fiesta on turnout. The hosts also touch on the broader trend of local candidates addressing national issues, raising questions about the alignment of municipal responsibilities with campaign priorities.

Later, the focus shifts to key municipal issues, including infrastructure maintenance, firefighter contract negotiations, and the charter amendments. Killen critiques the tendency to prioritize large-scale projects over essential infrastructure upkeep, while Aldrete and Bley examine the dynamics between city council members and upcoming ordinance changes. The episode also discusses Project Marvel, proposed developments like the new baseball stadium for the Missions and a potential new basketball arena for the Spurs. The group also touches on the importance of transparent collaboration between city and county entities.

This episode provides an insightful look at the issues shaping San Antonio’s governance and urban development, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and cooperative efforts to ensure the city’s continued growth and success.

#SanAntonio #LocalPolitics #UrbanDevelopment #BeyondTheBite

https://www.kgftx.com/

https://www.kgftx.com/our-team#Rob%20Killen

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-killen-752b538/

https://onyxpolitical.com/Home.html

https://onyxpolitical.com/About-Erin.html

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-dwyer-bley-1b686a3/

https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2024/11/21/first-peek-at-downtown-spurs-arena-sports-entertainment-district-coming-thursday/

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🎙️ In this episode of Beyond the Bite, we’re diving into transformation, innovation, and the future of San Antonio.

Host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Dr. Taylor Eighmy, President of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), to explore some truly game-changing initiatives that are reshaping the city’s educational, cultural, and economic landscape.

Dr. Eighmy shares how UTSA is leading the charge with its ambitious downtown expansion—acquiring new properties and launching groundbreaking colleges dedicated to AI, Cybersecurity, and Data Science. These projects aren’t just about growth on campus; they’re about integrating students into the heart of San Antonio, solidifying the city’s status as a rising national hub for technology, innovation, and opportunity.

The conversation also highlights Governor Abbott’s recognition of UTSA’s leadership in cybersecurity and its role in building a workforce ready to tackle 21st-century challenges. And there’s more: UTSA’s merger with UT Health San Antonio is set to create a powerhouse institution that will expand access to world-class education, research, and healthcare innovation.

But it’s not just about buildings and programs—it’s about people. Dr. Eighmy shares UTSA’s bold vision for reducing student debt, increasing graduation rates, and helping students move into careers faster and smarter. It’s about opening doors, driving social mobility, and ensuring San Antonio thrives for generations to come.

At its core, this episode is a story of transformation—how one institution is working for the greater good to ensure San Antonio becomes a leader in education, economic growth, and innovation.

This is the future, and it’s happening right here.

🎧 Tune in for a conversation that will leave you inspired about what’s possible when vision, leadership, and community come together.

https://www.utsa.edu/president/biography/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-eighmy/

https://www.utsa.edu/

https://uthscsa.edu/

https://uthscsa.edu/research

https://www.utsa.edu/alumni/

https://www.utsystem.edu/

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Mayoral candidate Rolando Pablos is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in business, government and economic development. In this episode, Host Eddie Aldrete and guest Rolando Pablos delve into the importance of trust and experience in leadership roles, particularly when it comes to collaborating and negotiating with others. Pablos shares his vision for enhancing community awareness to address issues like crime and homelessness, stressing the significance of understanding the unique challenges faced by different neighborhoods to foster public safety and unity.

The conversation shifts to regional and binational economic opportunities, with Pablos highlighting the potential of San Antonio as a pivotal trade hub within the USMCA framework. By forming strategic relationships with cities like Monterrey and Saltillo, and leveraging the city’s geographical position along critical trade corridors, San Antonio can capitalize on trade and investment opportunities. Pablos also emphasizes the necessity of leadership that prioritizes global competitiveness over parochial interests, drawing inspiration from successful regional models like the Borderplex Alliance and the Rioplex initiative in the Rio Grande Valley.

Pablos also outlines his priorities as a mayoral candidate, including addressing poverty through job creation and small business support, ensuring city council members' full-time commitment, and fostering a non-partisan approach to governance. He underscores the need for proactive planning to accommodate San Antonio's growth, particularly in utilities management, and the importance of providing greaterSATX with the tools to attract investors. As the episode concludes, Eddie and Rolando reflect on the future of San Antonio and what it will take for the city to reach it's full potential that will bring opportunity to all its' residents.

https://www.pablosformayor.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolando-pablos-05b945185/

https://www.instagram.com/rolando.pablos/

https://x.com/rolandopablos

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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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