In the field of 12 candidates who hoped to succeed outgoing District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran, the two making it to the runoff are the ones whose names already are familiar to South Side voters.
Phyllis Viagran, the incumbent’s sister, earned 22 percent of the vote in the May 1 general election. Meanwhile, Tomas Uresti, brother of Tax Assessor-Collector Albert Uresti and former state Sen. Carlos Uresti, received 15 percent.
We recommend Phyllis Viagran as the best choice to represent the Southeast Side district.
Uresti, a former multiterm Harlandale school board trustee and one-term state legislator, has become a serial candidate in search of an office he can win. Viagran had never run for office, but she was her sister’s closest adviser before and during her eight years in office.
She would bring to the council an interesting blend of fresh perspective and familiarity of City Hall and city issues.
Viagran’s priorities of narrowing the digital divide, addressing domestic violence, caring for seniors, and creating jobs and better public transportation reflect her community involvement and recent work history.
For seven years, she worked with victims of family violence as a civilian in the San Antonio Police Department’s domestic violence unit. Following that, she worked for Visit San Antonio, the public-private nonprofit that promotes the city as a tourist and convention destination. She now works for Older Adults Technology Services, or OATS, as a community outreach coordinator and trainer, teaching senior citizens how to use technology. She also serves on the board of the charitable arm of the Brooks Development Authority.
Early voting begins Monday for the June 5 runoff. This race shouldn’t be seen through the lens of competing political dynasties but should focus, instead, on which of these two candidates has the vision and energy to best represent District 3.
We believe the choice is clear and that the best candidate is Viagran.
To read more, visit the San Antonio Express-News, where the article originally published.