Sakai and Nirenberg vie for a Democratic nomination in the pivotal Bexar County judge primary that could shape local leadership heading into the general election.
BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — Prominent San Antonio public servants squared off Tuesday night in what was a heated debate at times for the Democratic nomination for Bexar County judge.
Incumbent County Judge Peter Sakai and former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg met at the Stable Hall at the Pearl for a roughly hourlong debate that covered issues ranging from flood prevention and immigration enforcement to homelessness and Project Marvel.
It was hosted by The Greater San Antonio Chamber, San Antonio Report and Tech Bloc.
Both candidates leaned on their records in public service while criticizing their opponent’s leadership.
Sakai pointed to his three years in office as evidence of his ability to lead.
“I bring people together. I told you how my strategy is — communicate, collaborate, coordinate,” Sakai said. “It has served me well as a district court judge and it has served me well as a county judge.”
Nirenberg, who served four terms as mayor, argued that the county needs more proactive leadership.
“As I did as mayor, we will be proactive; we will get the work done and we will move this community forward collaboratively, working together,” Nirenberg said.
The debate opened with questions about flood safety, referencing last year’s tragedy near Perrin Beitel.
Sakai said the county has already taken action.
“Bexar County stepped up and what we did is we invested $21 million in partnership with the San Antonio River Authority to put the next-gen flooding warning system into effect,” he said.
Nirenberg countered that more long-term investment is needed.
“It is not enough to wait for disaster to happen before we start investing in the resilient infrastructure that we need in this community,” he said.
Immigration also took center stage, particularly the planned ICE detention center on the city’s East Side. Both candidates said they oppose the facility and emphasized the importance of protecting due process.
“Until ICE moves in, there is an opportunity to stop, and to this point, I’ve only seen City Council try to take a stand against it,” Nirenberg said.
Sakai said he has gone on record opposing the detention center.
“We’re going to have to face and put opposition. I have gone on record of opposing the ICE detention facility and we’re going to have to work everything we can,” he said.
One of the most tense moments of the night centered on Project Marvel, the sports and entertainment development that will move the Spurs downtown.
Sakai, despite previously expressing public support for Propositions A and B back in November, said he is concerned East Side residents have not been promised enough in return when the Spurs move downtown.
“I separate from Project Marvel, a city of San Antonio project, unless we get the details — and that’s what’s still lacking at this time,” Sakai said.
Nirenberg said community input will be critical.
“The community needs to be at the table to develop the plans for what happens to the revitalization outside,” he said, referencing ongoing efforts led by Commissioner Tommy Calvert.
The winner of the March 3 Democratic primary will face Republican Patrick Von Dohlen in the general election. Von Dohlen has previously run three times for San Antonio City Council District 9 and leads the San Antonio Family Association, a conservative nonprofit organization.
Early voting begins Feb. 17.
The full debate is available on KENS 5 Plus.