In Episode 61 of "Beyond the Bite," host Eddie Aldrete is joined by returning Councilman Marc Whyte (District 10) and newly elected Councilwoman Misty Spears (District 9) to discuss the pressing challenges facing San Antonio’s City Council this year. The conversation opens with reflections on the loss of 13 lives in the recent flooding event and the urgent need to address the city’s aging infrastructure—such as roads, drainage, and water systems—to prevent similar disasters in the future. Both guests stress their commitment to returning to "the basics" of city governance and focusing on investments that most directly benefit residents’ quality of life.

The episode also delves into the looming city budget gap, with both Whyte and Spears advocating for fiscal discipline, reduced redundant spending, and a shift toward zero-based budgeting. They discuss the complexities of city committee assignments, not knowing which committees Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones will select. They also highlight the need for transparency, especially as the city prepares for potentially transformative projects like Project Marvel. Spears shares residents’ concerns and questions about the proposed arena’s funding, and she emphasizes the importance of clear public communication ahead of a likely November vote.

Additional topics include rising public safety concerns, the shortage of parks in District 9, and the value of building strong working relationships both among council members and with city staff. Spears discusses her personal motivation for serving, her deep ties to District 9, and her optimism for San Antonio’s future. Together, Whyte and Spears provide a candid inside look at how the council is tackling big issues—with a focus on accountability, transparency, and serving their constituents.

Meet two of the voices from San Antonio City Council. In this episode, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with San Antonio City Councilwomen Sukh Kaur of District 1 and Ivalis Meza Gonzalez of District 8 to explore the experiences and challenges facing both an incumbent and a newly elected official. Kaur reflects on her first term, highlighting the intense workload, the importance of constituent services, and the surprise at just how many residents reach out for help with a diverse range of issues. Both councilwomen discuss the dynamic between their districts and the ways in which building relationships between council members helps them to better address citywide concerns.

The conversation covers a wide array of pressing topics in city governance, from the current budget deficit and its impact on new initiatives, to infrastructure frustrations—particularly the delays and communication breakdowns around city construction projects and their negative impact on residents and businesses. The councilwomen underscore the importance of transparency with residents and emphasize the efforts made to

improve community engagement, especially regarding large-scale projects like VIA’s Advanced Rapid Transit and Project Marvel. They also touch on the challenges and opportunities brought on by changes in neighborhood dynamics, housing, and evolving demographics within their districts.

As the episode draws to a close, Kaur and Meza Gonzalez share their priorities and hopes for their upcoming terms, expressing excitement about a council now made up predominantly of women and the chance to make meaningful progress on major issues despite tight

budgets. They highlight a strong commitment to infrastructure, housing, public safety, and ongoing community input, promising residents a continued focus on innovative solutions and an open, responsive city government. The episode offers candid insights into the realities of public service and the balance between visionary policy and the daily demands of representing San Antonio’s diverse communities.

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina for an in-depth conversation about family, leadership, and life along the Texas border. Judge Tijerina opens up about his upbringing in Webb County, in and around Laredo, sharing stories about his large family, the values he learned from ranching life, and his journey from professional baseball to public service. The discussion highlights the importance of hard work, faith, and family—elements that have influenced both his career and his personal life, including the adoption story that expanded their family in a meaningful way.

The conversation takes a candid turn as Judge Tijerina discusses his experiences in county government, ranging from navigating budget challenges and building up the county’s fund balance to spearheading major infrastructure projects like renovating the fairgrounds and the upcoming fifth international bridge. He and Eddie also touch on broader topics relevant to the border region: the importance of economic development, the complex relationship between the county and city governments, and his new leadership role as the chair of the Texas Border Coalition. Judge Tijerina emphasizes the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being at the crossroads of international trade and culture.

In the final segment, Judge Tijerina shares his reasons for formally switching from the Democratic to the Republican party, reflecting on shifting political values, his personal beliefs, and his desire to encourage others in South Texas to examine party platforms and make informed decisions. Throughout the episode, listeners get an honest and heartfelt look at public service, resilience through adversity, and what it means to stay true to one’s values while serving a diverse and rapidly changing community.

https://www.webbcountytx.gov/countyjudge/

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