District 4 City Councilman Rey Saldaña will soon officially announce his bid for re-election to city council.
The 26 year old is finishing his freshman term on the council, having worked toward increased police presence, supported the city’s Pre-K 4 SA measure and pushed for the 500-acre renovation of a former landfill -- now the Pearsall Park -- in southwest San Antonio.
"Anybody will realize that once you're in the position, you've got to have a long-term view,” said Saldaña at a Walmart groundbreaking on the city’s Southside last week. “You set the groundwork and you see it through.”
Although councilmembers frequently make appearances in their districts and have weekly meetings both inside City Hall and for their respective council committees, they are not paid full time. Each council member receives $20 per meeting. The mayor receives the same meeting salary, plus an additional $3,000.
"I can certainly handle two more years of being poor," said the councilman. "I do at some point want to start a family and do those things so I'd like to at least commit to the next two years."
Family is a keyword for the councilman. He is seeking luck at the ballot box in May, but has already proved lucky in love.
"I got down on a knee and asked my girlfriend of five years, over at the Hemisfair Tower, if she would be my wife and she agreed," he said proudly. "So she's going to move back to San Antonio."
City elections will be held May 11.
