During the most recent Leadership San Antonio (LSA) class day, the group explored government and politics throughout the City of San Antonio, focusing on the importance of making a stand with the theme “Your Voice, Your Vote.” The day began at the Central Library with remarks from Dr. Richard Gambitta, Director of the Institute for Law and Public Affairs of the Honors College at UTSA. He presented the history of government and politics in San Antonio and where it stands.
Afterward, the class visited the City Hall Council Chamber to hear from key figures in the community starting with City Manager Sheryl Sculley. She has been serving as City Manager since 2005, and during her tenure, she has appointed executive leadership, reorganized city departments, improved customer service and increased the overall professionalism of City management. Following Sculley, the class heard from County Commissioner Kevin Wolff. He was first elected to public office in 2005 and currently represents Precinct 3. Wolff spent almost a decade serving in the military and is now a decorated Navy veteran. The group was joined next by City Councilman Diego Bernal, who represents District 1, the very place that he grew up in.
The class traveled to Mission Branch Library for lunch. Afterwards, Evan Smith, CEO and editor-in-chief of The Texas Tribune, shared his leadership journey and words of advice for the class of emerging leaders. Smith then introduced Congressman Lamar Smith, who spoke about his start in politics. In 1978, Lamar Smith was elected Chairman of the Republican Party of Bexar County and has been serving ever since. He currently represents the 21st Congressional District of Texas. Congressman Joaquín Castro followed after. Castro previously served five terms as state representative for District 125. Last year, he was elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives as Congressman for District 20.
The class then loaded the bus and proceeded to Cafécollege. They learned that Cafécollege, funded by the City of San Antonio, offers free services in English and Spanish to all for college advice, guidance and workshops. County Judge Nelson Wolff joined the class at Cafécollege. Wolff has represented Bexar County since 1971 in various political offices, including serving as Mayor of San Antonio from 1991-1995. He has authored 4 books and works to promote greater economic development in Bexar County. After Judge Wolff, the group was provided with comedy relief from Emmy award winner Mike Robles. Then Jacquelyn Callanen, Bexar County Elections Administrator, ended the day by discussing the importance of voting while stressing the day’s theme of “Your Voice, Your Vote.” They were then surprised with the opportunity to become a Volunteer Deputy Registrar.
The members of LSA Class 38 are grouped into committees responsible for developing agendas for each of the eight class days. The agenda for Government & Politics Day was developed by class members:
LSA is a joint partnership of The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Click here for more information on LSA or email Lauren Sides.