San Antonio voters have to decide whether or not to approve three changes to the city charter know as Propositions A, B and C, said to stand for the phrase "Approved By Citizens."
On Friday at St. Mary's University, Texas Public Radio played host to a debate, featuring Henry McLeish, a professor at St. Mary's University School of Law; Greg Brockhouse, City Council representative for District 6; and Christian Archer, campaign manager for Go Vote No, a campaign that opposes the charter amendments.
WATCH | Texas Public Radio's ballot initiative forum
Opposing campaigns — Vote Yes and Vote No — have ramped up their publicity efforts in the weeks leading up to the election.
The local firefighters union spearheaded efforts of amending San Antonio's city's charter in the following ways:
A) Lowering the required number of signatures for petitions presented to City Council;
B) Limiting the city manager's pay and tenure; and
C) Binding arbitration instead of a lawsuit as the City and the fire union continue to negotiate over their unresolved collective bargaining agreement.
A city-commissioned report found that if approved, these changes would have negative economic and fiscal impacts.
What are the pros and cons of each proposed charter amendment? How does the city's long history of conflict with the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association factor in?
What are the facts and why are these such hot-button issues? What should citizens know before casting their vote?
Early voting is currently underway through Friday, November 2. Election Day is Nov. 6.