A Message from Byron Miller

Community First
Working Together
We Can Make a Positive Change in District 2

I first ran for City Council in 1997, articulating a vision that District 2 was a district that could grow to become one of San Antonio’s most vibrant and successful communities. Eleven years later, we find that there are still too many declining neighborhoods in District 2, still too much crime and still too much lack of vision and hope. Although many of our stronger neighborhoods have been able to maintain and some, like Dignowity Hill, have found a rebirth, we are finding more neighborhoods falling into decline, hampered by vacant, untended properties, vacant lots overgrown with unsightly weeds, and the
crime that seems to seek our declining neighborhoods.

I am running for the District 2 City Council seat on a platform of Community First and a special commitment to education, economic development, neighborhoods, and public safety. They are critically intertwined and in order for our communities to work as they should, each of these elements must be working as they should.

Education is the root that feeds every issue of this city.  When our youth have the best education, they grow up and give back to this city.  They form small businesses.  They join the workforce.  They are instilled with good values that move this city forward.  They aren’t out committing crimes or destroying property.  When the city can make sure the streets around are schools are well lit and rid of potholes, when it can make sure every parent in every school district knows when to attend PTA meetings, when it can bridge the gap between primary, secondary, and trade education, then we as a community can truly move forward.

Economic development was a buzz word in 1997 and it has been a buzz word in every election since then; yet, we can point to very little, if any, tax supported economic development in District 2 that has resulted in an abundance of good paying jobs and other benefits for the residents and businesses of District 2. Investors and developers have made millions in District 2, but our residents have not been able to participate in the wealth.

I believe that we must change the economic development model where all the money being made in District 2 leaves District 2 at the end of the day. While we welcome investors and developers who are interested in District 2, our interest must be tempered by the realization that investment in District 2 in which District 2’s residents and small businesses do not financially benefit is not economic development.

Small businesses are the economic backbone of any community, yet business growth in some areas of District 2 has become stagnant and some areas have seen an increase in business failures. There are already programs in place to help small businesses grow and succeed. We must see to it that our District’s small businesses are aware of these opportunities and we must facilitate their participation.

Population density, or the lack thereof, is a growing problem in the East Side of District 2. One of the first consequences of declining population is that neighborhood schools are having to close because there is not the population to support them. Declining population also leads to declining neighborhoods and the inability of the community to support its small businesses.

While District 2 does have a number of problems and challenges, it also has opportunities. I believe that I have developed the leadership opportunities through my community service and service on business, civic and arts and cultural boards and commission, some of which I have chaired, to help District 2 overcome the problems that impede its success and to capitalize on every opportunity that is presented to District 2.

District 2 is a good district, but it can be better. Working together and putting our Community First, we can identify and begin overcoming the problems and meeting our greatest challenges. We can also identify the many positives within District 2 and develop long range plans to maintain and even enhance them. I need and ask for your help, first in helping me get elected and, if I am elected, in bringing the vision for a better community to reality.

Sincerely,

Byron Miller

 
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