San Antonio Mayoral Runoff 2025: Gina Ortiz Jones vs Rolando Pablos | Beyond the Bite Podcast

WATCH MORE:    • Why San Antonio’s 2025 Mayoral Election Sh...   In this exclusive, full-length video podcast, Beyond the Bite brings you a dynamic conversation between San Antonio mayoral candidates Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos, just weeks ahead of the June 7, 2025 runoff election.

Moderated by podcast host Eddie Aldrete, this live event was recorded on May 14, 2025, in front of an audience of Leadership San Antonio alumni. The candidates discuss their visions for the future of San Antonio, tackle key issues facing the city, and showcase the differences that matter to voters.

Topics include:
Economic development & job growth
Public safety & community trust
Infrastructure & transportation
Housing affordability
Leadership and experience
If you’re a San Antonio voter, community leader, or just want to stay informed about the 2025 mayoral election, this is a must-watch.

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📅 Election Day: June 7, 2025

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode:
The City Budget Crisis
How each candidate interprets the $10M revenue shortfall
Spending vs. revenue debate: structural problems or mismanaged priorities?
Insights into Ortiz Jones’ Pentagon-level budgeting experience
Pablos calls for audits and refocusing city spending on core services

Public Safety & Crime
Pablos pledges to never defund police and invest in aging fire and police resources
Ortiz Jones discusses crime prevention through economic stability and funding “no-fail” missions

Project MARVEL & the San Antonio Spurs
Should the city fund a new Spurs arena?
Ortiz Jones demands transparency: "How much will it cost? Who pays? How do we benefit?"
Pablos sees keeping the Spurs as a non-negotiable economic investment
Debate over past stadium deals, ROI, and public trust

Downtown Revitalization
Both candidates agree downtown San Antonio is crucial—but have different plans
Pablos emphasizes business attraction and a livable urban core
Ortiz Jones promotes mixed-income housing, downtown childcare access, and smart incentives
Challenges of homelessness, Riverwalk revitalization, and street safety

Housing & Infrastructure
Affordable housing needs vs. luxury development trends
Impact of school closures, housing policy on SAISD
Civic solutions like converting closed schools into childcare/pre-K centers

State & Federal Relations
Pablos touts decades of bipartisan Austin relationships
Ortiz Jones emphasizes data-driven advocacy—even if it means calling out h armful state policies
Tension around reproductive rights, healthcare access, and teenage pregnancy rates

Economic Development
How San Antonio can position itself as a manufacturing and cybersecurity hub
Rolando’s focus on cross-border trade with Mexico and maximizing I-35 corridor potential
Gina’s call for better collaboration with state transportation and space-tech initiatives

Utilities: CPS Energy & SAWS
How to future-proof San Antonio’s energy and water systems
Ortiz Jones criticizes Pablos’ past vote to raise electricity caps during Winter Storm Uri
Pablos defends his record and outlines utility-focused growth strategies

Nonpartisan Leadership?
Candidates respond to concerns about partisanship
Pablos calls himself a “bridge builder,” distancing from PAC accusations
Ortiz Jones defends her public service record, military background, and transparency pledge

EPISODE SPONSORS
Leadership San Antonio Alumni Association: https://www.leadershipsa.org/alumni-a...
CJMA Business Law & Litigation: https://cjma.law/

AUDIO PRODUCTION
Nick Chamberlain of Everyword Media

VIDEO PRODUCTION
Matt Nelson of Peachtree Rose Marketing

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