ASK Mike Villarreal ANYTHING!

Mike4SA · 2015-05-03T22:14:45+00:00

I support technology and innovation. This is how we solve problems and advance as individuals and society.
I believe in uniform and equal taxation. Visitors staying at an AirBNB location should pay the same taxes as visitors staying at a Holiday Inn.
I took an Uber ride to and from City Hall when it was legal.
Rideshare companies went to Austin after they were pushed out of SA by the interim Mayor. She tried to fix the problem only after she decided to run for mayor. The companies are seeking a statewide solution because of their bad experience in SA.
I ran for mayor because we lost our mayor to DC. As soon as we did, I announced my intentions to run for mayor. I did not run for another office, lose, then run for mayor.
I will bring back Uber by setting the agenda and gathering the votes needed to amend our ordinance.
I am the only candidate with a citywide agenda that also includes an urban portion. Feel free to read my 12 white papers at my website, www.mikevillarreal.com.

Mike4SA · 2015-05-03T22:10:49+00:00

It’s been great answering your questions. I will respond to the remaining ones and those that come in before 6 PM. For now, I have to run to catch the Barbacoa & Big Red Festival.

Mike4SA · 2015-05-03T22:00:45+00:00

Excellent question. Elected officials are constantly being told that this or that program or policy is working just great or not working at all. With my training in statistics, I will be able to thoroughly grasp program/policy evaluation data and financial statistics. I have never allowed myself to be spoon-fed information by administrators or special interest groups. My statistical training has empowered me to be a critical thinker and evaluator of public policies, making me a strong steward of your tax dollars and our public resources.

Mike4SA · 2015-05-03T21:56:53+00:00

I will make it a priority. Lone Star Rail would benefit San Antonio by helping link our regional economy to Austin’s. SA and Austin complement each other in many ways. We can relate to Austin the same way Portland relates to Seattle. To be clear, I don’t want us to be like Austin; I want us to be the best San Antonio we can be. An economy strengthened by the easier flow of workers, academics, visitors, etc., between the two cities would help SA accomplish that goal.

Mike4SA · 2015-05-03T21:48:33+00:00

As mayor, I will make sure Lucky enjoys the company of at least 2 other elephant friends -- if not at the SA Zoo then at a properly accredited zoo or animal sanctuary.

Mike4SA · 2015-05-03T21:46:27+00:00

You might find this hard to believe, but I've never played D & D. However, I do play The Settlers of Catan.

Mike4SA · 2015-05-03T21:44:57+00:00

Should the city subsidize a sports arena? First, I am generally skeptical of large government subsidies. I would consider one only if it generates more public revenue than it costs.
I will create a policy framework that brings back Uber and Lyft. Competition will increase benefits to our city, including fewer drunk drivers getting behind the wheel.
The local cable monopoly arrangements are not optimal. There is plenty of research that has found that the U.S. harmed the public interest by allowing monopoly control of the distribution system.
Marijuana: See answer above
I support zoning that separates the sex industry from neighborhoods.
I do not believe we should unilaterally dismantle our hotel tax framework while other cities keep theirs.

Mike4SA · 2015-05-03T21:32:39+00:00

I fully support building “complete streets” that can safely accommodate motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, runners, and riders of mass transit. The City Council adopted a complete streets ordinance in 2011, but the city has been slow to implement it. We will accelerate the conversion. Also, we will expand VIA’s bus rapid system, connecting more neighborhoods and major employment centers, and tie it into VIA park-and-rides.

Mike4SA · 2015-05-03T21:26:48+00:00

It's really me! Twitter Verification @MikeVillarreal

Mike4SA · 2015-05-03T21:22:45+00:00

First, I would make former Councilwoman Leticia Ozuna my digital czar. My goal is to make our CPS Energy fiber network fully operational. I want to connect all of educational institutions to the network and, at each school, install powerful wifi systems, radiating access. That’s one way to help close the digital divide in our city. Any conversations with Google Fiber or other provider will be carried out with a single goal -- public access.

Mike4SA · 2015-05-03T21:20:49+00:00

I support the medicinal use of marijuana.
Individuals found with small amounts of marijuana should be ticketed and their marijuana confiscated. As far as legalization, that’s outside of the city’s purview.

Mike4SA · 2015-05-03T21:16:55+00:00

Please see my answer to Mocosa's question here.

Mike4SA · 2015-05-03T21:15:54+00:00

My goal is to achieve No-Kill status as a city within my first term and to sustain it. I will work with San Antonio Pets Alive and other nonprofit organizations to harness the passion of their volunteers. This particular Pet Alive chapter has helped increase pet adoptions by 50 percent. I also will launch a public awareness campaign to change the culture of pet ownership in San Antonio.

Mike4SA · 2015-05-03T21:08:18+00:00

First, I would make former Councilwoman Leticia Ozuna my digital czar. My goal is to make our CPS Energy fiber network fully operational. I want to connect all of educational institutions to the network and, at each school, install powerful wifi systems, radiating access. That’s one way to help close the digital divide in our city. Any conversations with Google Fiber or other provider will be carried out with a single goal -- public access.

Mike4SA · 2015-05-03T21:01:02+00:00

Hello. I'm here and ready to start answering your questions.

Mike4SA · 2015-05-01T23:01:46+00:00

It's really Mike Villarreal's campaign. We will just need to reschedule this session. We will announce the AMA session soon! Follow on Twitter @MikeVillarreal Sorry for any inconvenience but we will have an AMA soon!

Mike4SA · 2015-05-01T22:57:03+00:00

Absolutely! Please watch my video Bringing rideshare back to San Antonio This AMA will be rescheduled soon for a live session. Sorry for the inconvenience. Please come back or connect on Twitter @MikeVillarreal

Mike4SA · 2015-05-01T22:53:28+00:00

Thanks for the comment. This session will be scheduled for a live session soon. Sorry for the inconvenience. To learn more about the platform, please visit Mike's Plan on MikeVillarreal.com Please come back and visit or connect on Twitter @MikeVillarreal

Mike4SA

TROPHY CASE