SAN ANTONIO – Mayor Ivy Taylor kicked off her campaign Sunday for a second term.
Addressing supporters and reporters outside CAST Tech High School, Taylor remarked on what she’d accomplished since being elected to a full term in 2015.
“We are a city that’s optimistic and looks to a future full of opportunity. My commitment as mayor is to ensure that opportunity is open to all San Antonians,” Taylor said.
Taylor was appointed mayor in 2014 when Julian Castro became secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in President Barack Obama’s cabinet.
She initially said she would not seek a full term, but explained, again, why she changed her mind.
“Back then, you know, several folks asked me to really reconsider the idea of running,” she said. “So at a certain point I just became more comfortable with the idea even though it wasn't my initial plan.”
Taylor touted the city’s investments in streets and drainage and the long-sought passage of a new police union contract.
While surrounded by supporter, not everyone in the crowd came to cheer on Taylor. Alan Montemayor held a sign at the rally and spoke of his opposition to Taylor’s support of the Vista Ridge Pipeline project.
“We told Ivy many years ago when she was going up for a vote that we would make this an election issue,” he said. “The people would remember and we're here to carry through on that promise.”
No other candidates have announced a bid to oppose Taylor, though she said she expects that to change.
The election for mayor will be held on May 6, 2017.