ELECTION PREVIEW: 7 in contention for 3 Converse council seats

By Edmond Ortiz

Aside from contemplating ending VIA Metropolitan Transit service in town in the Nov. 3 elections, Converse voters will get to choose 3 City Council members.

PLACE 2

Orlando Cruz is an engineer who chairs the city’s parks and recreation commission. He said he filed for a council post to help strengthen the community and ensure Converse continues to grow responsibly and sustainably. 

Cruz said his professional background has prepared him to approach city issues with practical judgment and a strong sense of public responsibility. 

As a professional engineer, I am entrusted to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, act with integrity, follow ethical standards, and serve the community with competence and responsibility,” he added.

If elected, Cruz’s top priorities are improving infrastructure, managing growth responsibly, and strengthening public health and safety. He said he would also advocate for reliable roads and utilities, thoughtful development that keeps pace with the city’s needs, and safe neighborhoods where Converse families and residents can thrive.

“I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful leadership and engaged citizens can improve quality of life,” he said. “I believe I can contribute a collaborative, service-focused approach to the council – an approach that prioritizes integrity, transparent decision making, and long-term planning.”

Incumbent Renee Paschall is a previous council member who was appointed earlier this year to fill a Place 2 council vacancy. She is a former Judson Independent School educator who also served on the Judson ISD board, including five years as board president.

Additionally, Paschall previously served Converse’s economic development corporation board, parks and recreation and planning and zoning commissions, and the former building and standards commission.

“I am running because I want to be able to give a confident answer to the question, ‘Where do you take out of town guests when visiting Converse?’ The short answer is nowhere other than a few restaurants and North Park to run, walk or fish,” Paschall said.

“However, there should be more options of attractions to choose from for residents and their visitors,” Paschall also said, adding that the city should work harder to lure events, and enhance North Park and its lake to make them more of a destination for residents and visitors. 

That, in turn, could attract more businesses, Paschall said. Her overall campaign is centered around such park and lake improvements, further economic development, including possibly bringing in a hotel, and attracting sporting and entertainment activities. She suggested encouraging a partnership between Converse and the Amateur Athletic Union as one such idea.

Paschall said she was heartened by having approached council to get bulk pickup in her neighborhood, something that moved her to continue being a public servant.

“My goal is to serve and assist in maintaining a quality lifestyle for the people of Converse,” she added.

PLACE 4

Incumbent Jessica Hannah, a nonprofit development director, was appointed earlier this year to fill the council Place 4 vacancy. Possessing a master’s degree in public administration, she previously served on the city’s economic development corporation board.

Hannah said she is running for a full term in office to help create a stronger, more connected community where people feel heard, families feel supported, businesses can thrive, and local officials make thoughtful decisions that prepare Converse for the future. 

“I’m proud to serve our Converse neighbors and want to continue building on the work we’ve begun together,” she added.

Hannah said her experiences in college, at work and with the city have prepared her to better understand issues such as economic development, comprehend the inner workings of local government, how to engage residents, city staff and community partners, and realize how decisions made at City Hall affect the citizenry.

Hannah’s top priorities are investing in safer streets and neighborhoods, improving parks and public spaces, and expanding dining, entertainment, arts and recreational options. Her other goals, if selected for a full term, are to help attract businesses and employers that fit Converse’s vision, diversify local business opportunities, and shore up residents’ access to essential services and transportation, especially seniors and people with disabilities.

“My nonprofit and community leadership experience has strengthened my ability to bring people together, listen to different perspectives, and work together to solve problems and strengthen our community. I bring that people-centered, systems-level perspective to my continued service in Converse,” she added.

Bradley Heinz is a former parks and recreation commission member who has volunteered as a Bexar County elections clerk and alternate judge. He also has served as a precinct chair, and with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Citizen Association.

Heinz is a general contractor, engineer and welder who has served in the Texas State Guard. He said is running to support fixing city roads, and public safety with an eye toward hiring more firefighters and paramedics. He also backs cutting taxes, improving parks, bringing more business to town, expanding VIA Metropolitan Transit service, and bans on Flock or similar camera devices and data centers.

PLACE 6

Incumbent Nancy Droneburg is a retired registered nurse and a U.S. Army veteran who has served four terms on the council.

“My platform is integrity and accountability. Government just can’t do what they want without following the rules,” she said. “I promise to make sure your tax money is properly spent as ordered and to make our city as safe as possible with the best people and equipment available.”

Marc Gilbert is a U.S. Air Force retiree who previously sat with the council, the city’s charter review commission, and the EDC board, where he served four years as president. He also ran for Converse mayor last fall.

Gilbert’s priorities are to promote economic growth, investment in infrastructure, and a long-term comprehensive vision for Converse.

“I love Converse. As such, I want to do my part in making Converse the best possible place to live and work,” he added.

Nawid Zazai is an alternate planning and zoning commissioner who has formed relationships with area organizations such as the Northeast Partnership for Economic Development. He did not answer Focus on San Antonio’s voters’ guide questionnaire in time for this article.

When and where to vote

Early voting will be held 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 19-23, and 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 24 and 26-30, and noon-6 p.m. Oct. 25 at 56 voting stations, including the Converse Community Event Center, 407 S. Seguin Road. Election Day polling locations will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.