The contrasts among the six candidates in the running for the District VIII City Council seat offer voters an invaluable benchmark for making the best choice as to character and as to having an understanding of the needs of the City’s oldest, poorest, and most neglected neighborhoods. Their articulation of those needs and the passion with which they are expressed are also indicators.
District VIII is home to the City’s four historic districts and is the cradle of the early history of the establishment of the City in 1755 and its growth thereafter. It’s a story told in architecture and in the will to preserve it and in the story of the arrival of the railroad and how it changed growth and opened the flow of international trade.
Among the many issues the District faces is the abandonment of downtown, once the hub of commerce that charted how this City would grow. That is no small footnote, nor is the fact that District VIII is ground zero for a large population of impoverished elderly residents who face the remaining years of their lives on fixed incomes; for homelessness in our City; and for the potentially devastating environmental, historic, and cultural impact the Trump administration’s border wall will wreak on a river that never meant to be a border.
How long a candidate has lived in District VIII doesn’t seem as important to voters as whether or not the candidate actually resides in the district.
For the remainder of this story, the comments of candidates will follow alphabetical order.
Incumbent Roberto Balli, an attorney who has served on the City Council for six years, said he lives at 1719 Santa María. “Anyone who wants to bring that up can talk to my neighbors or my family,” he said.
Candidate Alyssa Cigarroa lives at the downtown end of San Bernardo. She said she began making her home there in January 2020. She owns a downtown property in District VIII near the Webb County Courthouse. Cigarroa said her mother’s family home at 3700 Santa María is in the district, as was the home of her paternal grandparents, Josefina Gonzalez de la Vega and Dr. Joaquin Cigarroa Sr., who resided at the 700 block of Matamoros from 1937 until the construction of IH-35 destroyed many of El Azteca’s historically significant homes.
José Sergio Dorantes said he has lived in District VIII for 20 years. His home is on Saunders, and he takes issue with Council member Balli’s claim to residency in District VIII.
Amber Avis Hinojosa has lived in District VIII since March 2019. She resides in the St. Peter’s Historic District and operates an accounting firm, a bed and breakfast, and a party rental venue on Houston Street. She said her ties to the district go back to her grandfather, Mike Alvarez, who lived in the district and her great-grandmother Guadalupe Alvarez, who resided in the Colonia Guadalupe.
Sergio (Keko) Martinez is a lifelong resident of the District, except for the years in which he served in the U.S. Navy and earned his college and law degrees. He said he grew up at 1515 Hidalgo and owns his childhood home.
Kike Pantoja grew up in District VIII’s El Cuatro, between Laredo College and Las Cantaranas. “Those who grew up here and know the streets because we walked them to school, have a different perspective about our neighborhoods than those who don’t live here or who just got here,” Pantoja said.
ROBERTO BALLI, 54
Upcoming Downtown Projects. Downtown looks like the site of a retail apocalypse. The pandemic shut much of it down, but we are moving forward with two important downtown projects — the Bruni Plaza children’s library and fenced playground and the restoration of the historic Plaza Theater as a multi-purpose theater for performing arts.
The Children’s Library will be located in the Plaza where the branch of the Laredo Public Library shared a building with the City’s Building and Planning Department. It will offer a safe learning environment for kids. We are waiting to meet with the architect to continue planning.
AbleCity is the local architectural firm that has been selected to restore the Plaza Theater, which was built in 1947 by H.B. Zachary. The two projects, which will cost a total of $12 million, will be funded by proceeds from the sale of the Civic Center.
The Wall. What happens in November will decide if there will be a wall. So much of the work is not yet done or even begun. We’ve done our best to make sure the federal government knows our position. There are so many obstacles the builders will have to consider — sewage and water infrastructure, park land. It is seen differently by people who are not from the border. The visual impact of a high wall last a lifetime.
Lighting. St. Peter’s neighborhood and El Cuatro will get additional street lighting. AEP is switching to LED lights. You’ll see improved lighting at Park and Garden streets, the Zacate Walking and Cycling Trails, from Chicago to Jefferson, and the four corners around Martin High School.
The 4-block approach to Bridge II. The ideas that came together during the charrettes we hosted a couple of years ago were aesthetically appealing to everyone, but access to those boulevards looked difficult. When a commercial group came to us through the Mexican Consulate for a hotel, a site for the Consulate, and a plaza and food court for nearby employees, we listened. We are still in talks.
ALYSSA CIGARROA, 32
I chose to live downtown as an artist, but quickly I felt the pull of this beautiful old part of the City with its architecture that spoke of function, endurance, and the energy of craftsmanship. I could see that the character of the buildings and homes reflected the character of their builders.
Our surroundings are a vital part of quality of life.
The pandemic magnified the neglect, abandonment, and isolation of this sector of the City — the isolation of the elderly and children from well checks and basic health care; the abandonment of amenities the rest of the City takes for granted, such as sidewalks and improved street lighting; and the City’s neglect of street maintenance and removal of trash. Just as important is the need to increase public safety through more police patrols and a substation.
We should offer incentives to small grocers or find the means to establish a food co-op.
There are many who have lost their jobs or who can no longer work who are a step away from homelessness. They can no longer pay rent or buy food.
I don’t want to wait for change — I want to be part of the change. How we pivot to improve the quality of life in this district is a key to finding solutions. There is data on what other cities have done to find sustainable solutions, and there are City employees who have common sense approaches to get the work done.
The isolation and neglect in the district did not happen overnight. The political careers and personal agendas of a few took precedence over the human needs of food and transportation to food banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical appointments.
Trying to find solutions and not getting them in the maze of city departments has created apathy. We need to make citizen access to the government they pay for more accessible.
Homelessness. Downtown is home to the homeless. We can no longer turn a blind eye to their plight. While they live in inhumane circumstances on the streets of the City, we are not even having a conversation about what we need to do as a City. They have nowhere to go. They are doing their business in the doorways of downtown businesses.
Women in public service. We have much to offer in the way that empathy forms meaningful policy. We bring balance and perspective because we do our homework. We have strength, but can also show emotion, which is not a sign of weakness. We look for solutions, and we pivot when something doesn’t work out. Many of us are not prone to grandstanding. We are often the clean-up crew for the messes men have left.
A divided City Council. The 5-3 split on City Council has been an obstacle to positive, effective change. In many cases you see resistance to creative, intelligent ideas that could make our City thrive. You also see an unwillingness to hear public comment, and sometimes it is obvious that some agenda items were discussed and decided outside of the Council meetings. We owe it to citizens at the public podium to listen. Why would they speak up if they didn’t have concerns?
The Wall. I don’t support the physical wall. The energy and resources expended for a physical wall could solve many other problems. Its irreparable cultural and environmental divide defy reason.
District Priority Funds. We need to hold regular neighborhood meetings to figure out our priorities for the district — together. This is taxpayer money, and residents should be part of the conversation to decide where those funds should be spent. Not everything can be addressed at once, but we need a working priority list that reflects the evolving needs of our community.
Economic development is a key to move Laredo out of poverty. As a City we are not business friendly. Potential investors meet the obstacles of red tape in permitting. We need a prioritized plan that invites investment that will create jobs.
The Ethics Commission. Its members should not be appointed by Council members. Its powers should be quasi judicial. This separation precludes turning a blind eye to issues that the Commission considers. Appointing people who could be beholden to the Council member who appointed them does not serve the public. A case in point was the recent counter productive process of naming a City Manager. So much time, money, and resources were expended. I consider forming a viable Ethics Commission a priority.
District VIII is a community of amazing people, some whom I met through different organizations I work with, and others whom I met when they opened the doors of their homes to me as I walked through their neighborhoods.
I will work to find solutions. I’m ready.
JOSE SERGIO DORANTES, 59
Assisting elderly, disabled. I want to help the elderly and disabled of District VIII who don’t know where to turn for resources for food or transportation. I want to help get food to the hungry and the homebound and to the many who live in fear of the virus.
Think what could be done with the half-million dollars each City Council member receives.
Homelessness. We should take care of the homeless that are from here and try to send the others back to the communities they lived in before.
I would like to remind the current representative of District VIII of the filth of the public bathrooms in the plaza in front of El Metro and the portable toilets set up for the homeless. What a reckless and inhumane lack of care.
In my campaign I have not accepted any contributions. “Todo viene de mi bolsillo.” That keeps things clean. I have spent a total of $1,500.
This election will be one of the cleanest because of the virus. There are no dances, there are no fiestas, there are no carne asadas to entice the voters. The ones that really want to vote are coming.
Corruption. There is much corruption in local politics. We keep people in office too long, which is a factor in corruption. The dead vote. “Corrections” are made at the end of the count. That’s how it plays out some times.
We need to open our eyes. You can spot the corrupt ones on the Council who have the most power. They will be our downfall. Every vote counts to stop this abuse of power. When we fail to vote, it then becomes our fault that bad candidates win.
The number of signs you have put out doesn’t count. Your word does. I will work in accordance with the law.
Taxpayer money should be spent in District VIII to guarantee clean water like the rest of the City has. It should go to sidewalks and keeping the district clean.
The mall by the river, another great idea. So much was said that the mall by the river would add to the economy and the quality of life of District VIII, but it became another great idea that cost the City a lot of money and didn’t produce, like the arena and the new baseball park. Those things are so far north, that we who live here can’t find a way to get out there for things like the HEB Thanksgiving meal or a Tecos baseball game.
Maqunitas, don’t get me started.
In Laredo, politics make the world go round.
I would like to see the Canseco House open as a museum and not just a garden that raises carrots.
AMBER AVIS HINOJOSA, 30
(Received by e-mail transmission)
Address the needs of the constituents: Calls have not been answered, citizens issues have not been addressed and I have yet to meet a resident of District 8 that can name one thing Balli has done for District 8. My priority on day 1, is to address the basic issues of clean streets, clean water, fixed sidewalks, and address the homelessness crisis. I plan on sending out a quarterly newsletter with my goals and projects for the quarter and to let the residents know when we will have scheduled trash and large item pick up days, which roads we’re working on, and how they can get a hold of me over the phone, zoom, or in person. I think it’s also important to include upcoming council meetings so citizens can remain engaged.
Encourage small business, entrepreneurship and an economic revival plan for businesses in the district while also finding new ways to generate revenue without raising taxes.
Improve Quality of Life for everyone: We pay the same tax and water rates as those that live on the northside. We should be able to see our tax dollars in forms of sidewalks, water quality, parks, and economic development yet the district has looked the same for the past 50 years. We need connected parks and trails, green space, a recreation or community center, a grocery store, and a place where our constituents can find resources they need without depending on a computer or internet.
Transparency, Accountability, & Action : Laredoans deserve a transparent and inclusive government. There will be no closed door meetings with me. I’m going to be working for the constituents of District 8 and no other special interest. Our district needs remarkable change and I am willing to get innovative to make sure we are working effectively for the district. With experience in tax planning, I plan to audit and meet with all departments to make sure we are efficiently spending and investing taxpayer money.
What I’ve learned: The most important thing that I have learned is how similar I am to my great grandmother, Guadalupe Alvarez. I never met her, but she was a single mother that raised her 3 children in the Guadalupe Colonias. She was someone her neighbors, friends and family could count on when they needed something. Whether it be picking out the perfect dress at a Downtown Shop where she worked at or when a family was being threatened with eviction at the Colonias. She and her sisters were political activists, known as the Tres Adelitas, in the late 1970’s right here in District 8. They walked and knocked on doors to defeat the corruption of Mayor Martin. This passion to serve and protect democracy comes from the heart. It just happens to be a coincidence that I happened to buy my first home in the same district where my family roots in Laredo began.
What prompted me to run: To be honest, I am a die hard feminist. I have always believed that women have this beautiful power to do it all; to be mothers, be educated, have careers and run for office. I believe that when we elect women, better decisions are made. I set a goal for myself in 2016 to be on the ballot in 2020. I was the only Laredoan that attended a training hosted by Annie’s List in 2019 called “Run to Lead” where I met two women on San Antonio’s City Council that inspired me. I also hosted Laredo’s First and Second International Women’s Day that prompted me to get more engaged with our local and county government in order to do more to empower women in our community. Lastly, I supported and organized for local progressive women, Sylvia Bruni and Jessica Cisneros, in our primary elections that I felt empowered to continue the good fight for the future of our district and our city.
As mentioned previously, my first priority is going to be to clean the streets. That means monthly and quarterly trash pick ups, evaluating abandoned properties and areas of high concern with regards to dumping trash. We need to do a better job of highlighting services from 311 and also a ticketing system with a follow up to make sure we’re being efficient.
Homelessness: I have been studying what has worked for other cities and I want to implement a program called Clean Slate. It is a private-public partnership program that can help our homeless population and those who might not be able to get hired because of a record, work to beautify our city by providing a night shelter, a decent wage to get on their feet while cleaning our parks, abandoned properties and assisting with bulk item pickups. It has the potential to lead to permanent housing and a steady job outside of the program. It has worked in cities like Ft. Worth, which 80% of those who stayed in the program for more than six months were able to move into housing outside of the shelter. With this program, I hope to also integrate a sober living and rehab treatment program that I have been discussing with non profit organizations from San Antonio and Austin.
Preservation: I was inspired to buy a historical home as my first home after a trip to Charleston, SC. I saw how you can preserve history, but also have a mix of residential living, dinning, and entertainment. I want the rest of Laredo to be able to enjoy the history of the city, learn something new when they visit the St. Peter’s Neighborhood, but also be inspired to make it a magical experience through art and creativity. Quality of life will continue to improve when we have walkability to groceries, medical services, and amenities like green space, restaurants, community gardens, and museums.
Resiliency. My ethos is resiliency. Your fight is my fight. I’m just like constituents throughout my district. I know the value of hard work and we need a government that works just as hard as we do. I don’t come from money, or a family of doctors or lawyers. I worked my way up and we need someone willing to fight for the people of District 8 on City Council.
I wanted to elaborate on a few more things but I’m pressed for time as I have a meeting with MJ Hegar at 12:30.
KEKO MARTINEZ, 72
I looked for a candidate to support, but couldn’t find one. I did not want Mr. Balli to represent us, so I decided to run myself.
A forgotten district. This is a forgotten district. Its essential needs are: dealing with the homeless in downtown, improving infrastructure that expedites international trade, street repairs, helping downtown come back, and cleaning trash piles throughout the district, such as those under the Laredo College overpass.
The homeless. There is nothing in the City budget to address the homeless that populate downtown. Instead of ignoring them, we need to have a plan that can accommodate those who can work, those who need counseling, and those who have mental and substance abuse problems. An initiative of strategies that have worked in other cities needs to become a working policy.
No Plaza restoration. I would not have voted to put $5 million into a renovation of the Plaza Theater. At this time with money scarce, with lost jobs, and the economy in trouble, $5 million would have gone far to help businesses that had to shut down.
Infrastructure. If we do not find ways to expedite traffic and develop more infrastructure that benefits international trade, we could lose business to San Antonio and Monterrey.
One of the candidates for City Manager, the former City Planner, always had a five or ten-year plan to look down the road for opportunities and manageable growth. When Mr. Eads got the job and was hired, I would have liked to have seen such a plan. What I saw instead was the ridiculous millions of dollars in salaries in the City Manager’s office.
The inefficiencies in City government need to be addressed in employee evaluations and in salary comparisons for the same positions in other cities. Qualified individuals need to be hired at fair pay.
The streets west of Santa Maria do not receive the upkeep and repair of streets in other parts of the City.
The cañonera. The incumbent in this race is pretty removed from his constituency. He named a City apartment building for senior citizens after the cañonera who helps him secure votes for reelection. He may sponsor Christmas events and holiday events, but he rarely shows up.
District priority funds. The sum total of the district priority funds for Council members and the Mayor is $4.5 million. End it and return it to the general fund to address improvements, infrastructure, or the homelessness.
As to the border wall, “el capricho de Trump,” I am hoping for a change in leadership that will stop it. I am against the wall and have been since I first heard about it.
I pray we all come out of the pandemic. My brother Alberto Martinez Jr., a hero of the Vietnam War, succumbed to it. It was a terrible end to his life.
I have practiced law for 39 years. I have experience in public service as a Webb County Commissioner and as the Municipal Court judge of Río Bravo.
KIKE PANTOJA, 53
Survival. “The daily struggle for many in District VIII is survival. My top priority is the large percentage of senior citizens who need better information about resources for food, transportation, and health care.
There are young single parents who need information on completing their GEDs and enrolling in programs that help them develop work skills so they can find employment.
Small business owners need a voice. There is a big disconnect between City government and small businesses.
Downtown es una joya. I don’t understand why it has been neglected by the City. There is talk about everything the City is doing for downtown, but nothing happens. I worked downtown for 30 years in retail and in restaurants. I know the potential that is there.
A voice for District VIII. The people of District VIII want a real voice. They want honesty, transparency, and access. I will be a fulltime Council representative, and I want an office in the barrio, not at City Hall.
Priority El Azteca. El Azteca is a priority for me for clean up and doing something about its abandoned houses. The El Azteca Theater is begging to become useful once again, maybe as a community center that truly serves the neighborhood and District VIII.
El Azteca is a historic neighborhood isolated by its poverty. Its seniors need the access to grocery stores, fresh food, and bakeries they once had in the neighborhood.
The west side. On the west side, La Ladrillera and El Cuatro have a lot of trash that doesn’t make it to the landfill. I would establish a pilot program that would conduct large cleanups every few months until it remained clean. We need to show residents how the neighborhood looks without the trash and to have them take pride in that effort.
I have no hidden agenda except to improve the quality of life of the residents of District VIII. They know me and my family at the panaderias, at the grocery stores and restaurants, and on the street. They are my neighbors and they see that this election and a candidate from the barrio are an opportunity for change.
I know where all the potholes are.
14,000 registered voters. There are 14,000 registered voters on the west side. Only a few thousand come out to vote. There are many more good voters besides the ones the cañoneros bring out. The cañoneros do a lot of damage. They are not for the people who live there. They are for the candidate who paid them to deliver votes.
En el barrio se sabe todo. As I have walked the district, I have urged everyone to vote. I have heard repeatedly about the food for votes scheme. En el barrio se sabe todo. None of that was done with any pretense. It was done in our faces, and it offended.
I am hoping to go onto the Council to make a difference, to ruffle some feathers. Some politicians on the west side have withheld their support, because unlike them, I am for the people who live here.
My campaign team has been my brothers and sisters, my parents, my children, and friends.
