ENside Politics

Trish DeBerry is the biggest proponent of a security camera network in the center city. Deberry is CEO of Centro San Antonio, a public-private organization focused on downtown revitalization.

The San Antonio Police Department plans to set up 10 AI-powered security cameras on a four-block stretch of Commerce Street downtown under a pilot program that could launch as early as January. The cameras will operate on artificial intelligence software and form an integrated network of eyes.

DeBerry talks with ENside Politics this week about why she’s been pushing for downtown cameras – and about the $950,000 she says the city wants Centro to cough up for the effort. She also muses on what new Missions ballpark will mean for downtown.

Suggested reading:

AI-powered cameras will be watching you on Commerce Street in 2025

Downtown may soon get AI surveillance. San Antonio police are also weighing more controversial tech.

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Heywood Sanders, a trenchant critic of deals cut in private but paid for with public dollars, says San Antonio has a long history of financing projects like the planned $160 million stadium for the Missions ball club. They rarely turn out well for taxpayers, the UTSA professor emeritus of public administration tells ENside Politics. The problem: too much back-room bargaining, too little public participation in the projects' development.

Suggested reading:

Development around Missions stadium would replace affordable Soap Factory complex, a rarity downtown

Council vote on ballpark deal pushed to Sept. 12 after backlash

San Antonio scored on downtown ballpark deal. The jury’s out on the Spurs arena.

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San Antonio Councilman addresses ethics complaint, DWI, city attorney and budget process.

Suggested reading:

Embattled attorney Martin Phipps accuses Councilman Marc Whyte of ethics violations in custody case

After public spat, council talks privately about firefighter contract negotiations

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East Side council member talks city attorney, fire-union negotiations, Ready to Work, charter amendments and mayoral race.

Suggested reading:

Council member Jalen McKee-Rodriguez questions current slate of mayoral candidates

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A coalition of council members seek to oust city attorney Andy Segovia. Plus the latest on Colin Strother and others caught up in the Henry Cuellar indictment.

Required reading:

City Council members may be looking to force out city attorney

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The Puro Politics team takes a look at the congressman's federal indictment, a stunning NEISD election and pro-Palestinian campus protests at UT-Austin and nationwide.

Required reading:

Henry Cuellar and his wife were charged with bribery and money laundering. Here's what we know.

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Texas House hopeful talks with the Puro Politics team about efforts to flip her district and her views on Republican challenger Marc Lahood.

Required reading:

Editorial: Our recommendations in Democratic Texas House primary races

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The latest news on the team's bid for a downtown arena, plus Arizona abortion law parallels and appraisal board changes on this week's episode of Puro Politics.

Suggested reading:

Spurs confirm talks for downtown ‘project’ at possible arena site

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San Antonio's District 8 councilman Manny Peláez explains why he's running and what he hopes to accomplish.

Required reading:

After a long windup, Manny Peláez says he's running for mayor

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