Jones’ team is working to establish meetings with the chiefs of the San Antonio police and fire departments as public safety remains top priority.
SAN ANTONIO — While Gina Ortiz Jones prepares to be sworn in as San Antonio’s next mayor, she’s emphasizing her commitment to public safety, community engagement and economic growth.
Jones defeated Rolando Pablos in the runoff election on Saturday, garnering 54.3% of the vote compared to her opponent’s 45.7%.
The military veteran and former under secretary of the Air Force has been meeting with city officials and community leaders as part of the transition process.
“A leader’s number one priority is to keep the community safe. I know that as a veteran, as a national security leader and I certainly know that as mayor-elect,” Jones said.
Despite not receiving the endorsement of the San Antonio Police Officers Association, Jones is moving quickly to engage with public safety leaders, including the chiefs of SAPD and the San Antonio Fire Department.
“We’re adults, right?” Jones said, when asked about her relationship with the San Antonio Police Officers Association. “I look forward to making sure that our first responders, our fire, our EMS and our police have the resources they need to keep our community safe.”
Jones stressed it’s also vital to plan for smart investments in public safety related to infrastructure such as lighting, sidewalks and support services of domestic violence.
Jones met with the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday to hear directly from local business leaders about their challenges and hopes for the future.
Jones has her sights set on analyzing and enhancing the taxpayer-funded Ready to Work program, which dates back to 2020. Jones is pushing for a more ambitious benchmark for job placement.
“When I look at the numbers and 25% of those folks are still not in an approved job after 12 months, we can do better,” Jones said. “The new metric should be 90% in an approved job within 90 days.”
With the city facing a projected $31 million budget shortfall next year, Jones is aware of the difficult financial decisions ahead. She’s also concerned about the wellbeing of those impacted by federal cuts, particularly people reliant on programs like Medicare and SNAP.
Jones’ team is working on scheduling public forums with the goal to improve community engagement and transparency as it relates to various issues impacting San Antonio residents.
“That’s why not only around the budget but I think continually having that feedback loop so folks can understand what’s happening in their community,” Jones said. “That’s an important conversation, which is why I’ve committed to monthly town halls in person and we’ll rotate that throughout the city council districts.”
Jones and newly elected City Council members will be sworn in next Wednesday.