San Antonio City Employees Can Now Engage in Local Political Activities

San Antonio's city workforce received uplifting news following the recent election. Proposition D, a significant ballot initiative, garnered nearly 63% approval, enabling city employees to engage in local political activities. This decision effectively removes a restriction embedded in the San Antonio city charter since 1951, which had previously barred their participation in efforts to support local candidates.

Patricia Reck, a former master teacher for the San Antonio city school Pre-K for SA, expressed her relief at the passage of Proposition D. She noted, “We could not, as city employees, fully participate in municipal elections,” highlighting how the charter's language limited her and her colleagues' political freedoms despite being able to vote. Reck, a member of AFSCME Local 2021, is looking to continue her involvement as an AFSCME retiree member.

The restrictive charter provision had broader implications in workplaces across the city. Andrew Gregory, an airport operations specialist at San Antonio International Airport and a Local 2021 member, described how it created a "chilling effect" among city workers, leading to confusion regarding permissible advocacy activities.

The successful passage of Prop D followed a concerted effort by Local 2021 members. From March onwards, they engaged with the City Charter Committee and provided testimonies to the city council. Their persistence led to the measure being placed on the November 5 ballot. Support from AFSCME Local 1624 members, who work for the city of Austin and Travis County, was instrumental, as they engaged with San Antonio voters to rally support.

Aidan Robinson, a security guard at San Antonio International Airport, was among the many city employees advocating for the change. He shared, “When you're a city worker, you are doing it for the love of your community,” emphasizing his commitment to ensuring that city employees can participate in local elections like any other residents.

With the removal of the restrictive language from the charter, Local 2021 members are optimistic about their future influence in local politics. Gregory remarked, “Now that Prop D is passed, the door is open,” suggesting a newfound potential for city workers to support politicians who align with their interests, ultimately benefiting the entire community.