By Edmond Ortiz
Three incumbents shared the limelight with three newcomers in winning city council races in a trio of Northeast Side suburbs on May 2.
Retired U.S. Navy captain Jim Hunter received 60% in winning Garden Ridge’s open Place 4 seat, defeating Jesus “Jesse” Valdez, a retired engineer and former council member.
Succeeding Todd Arvidson, who declined a re-election bid. Hunter campaigned on such issues as public service, responsible leadership, and preserving the local quality of life.
Place 5 incumbent Brian Reyes, a San Antonio Police Department captain, collected 67% to win a second term in office. He foiled a challenge from general manager Chance Boughamer.
Reyes also works as an adjunct professor of criminal justice, leadership, and management, and holds degrees in psychology, criminal justice and business administration.
Place 1 incumbent Kelly Smith ran unopposed.
Place 3 Councilmember Becky Harris received 66% to win re-election and beat opponent Cori Mitchell, a past council contestant.
Mayor Tom Daly and Place 2 incumbent Noah Washington Jr. ran unopposed.
City Councilmember Lori Putt, small business owner Andy Garza III and business executive Mark Dunlop claimed three at-large council seats.
Putt tallied 28.9% of the vote, followed by Dunlop’s 27.7%, and Garza’s 25%. Bernard Rubal, who has worked as a college educator and a research physiologist, placed last in the four-candidate field in an unsuccessful effort to secure a second term.
Dunlop is an Air Force veteran who served with the city’s economic development corporation board. He campaigned on public safety and fiscal responsibility, boosting infrastructure, and enhancing neighborhoods, parks, and community amenities and activities.
Garza, owner of a solar energy equipment supplier, said he wants city leadership to be more open-minded toward residents when it comes to hearing constituents’ problems and ideas.
Claiming a second term, Putt has served on several city boards, volunteered with local events and organizations, and works with a nonprofit that raises funds and visibility for parks. She pledged to continue helping fellow city leaders to address issues such as fiscal responsibility and business development.
Mayor Tom Maxwell ran unopposed. Bexar County recorded little more than 3% voter turnout. Comal County recorded a 13% voter turnout.
