The 2017 San Antonio City Council is now installed. There are a total of six new faces on the council and former district 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg has taken the reigns as mayor. Former Mayor Ivy Taylor also made her first public comments about leaving office.
After his swearing in Mayor Ron Nirenberg said although the name plates change, the mission of the city goes on.
“For the brief moment of time we have the privilege in serving you, it is an honor. The work is not for the faint of heart and sometimes it’s very difficult and sometimes we don’t always land on the same place but I’ve appreciated the dedication of our former councilmen and our mayor.”
The new council members are Cruz Shaw for District 2, Greg Brockhouse for District 6, Manny Peleaz for District 8, John Courage for District 9, and Clayton Perry for District 10. Ana Sandoval for District 7 was installed last month,
Former Mayor Ivy Taylor ended her three years in the role. She says her change to the new council is every San Antonian should be connected to opportunities for prosperity.
“San Antonio has been on an incredible upward trajectory and I strongly believe that those benefits should be shared widely throughout the community and that’s the work that’s before you,” Taylor said.
Outgoing councilman Ray Lopez is the city’s longest sitting councilman. He served a total of eight years before being termed out of the office. He told council it’s up to them to continue to grow.
“There are plenty of people outside of this city that will not do the best for our community. Whether it’s at the state legislature, or the federal level, or many other places their interest is different than ours. You will quickly realize that coming together as a team the quicker that happens the more success you will bring to the city,” Lopez said.
One of the first items the new council will vote on Thursday morning is whether or not to participate in the Paris Climate Accord.
