"Proven Results for Our City's Future"

Diane believes that immediate, short-term traffic congestion relief at the intersection of Loop 1604 and Hwy. 281 North can be accomplished by fully implementing non-tolled connectors, the Super Street design and light synchronization.

• First four non-tolled connectors: Diane made the motion to leverage $20 million in Federal Stimulus funds to the Texas Transportation Committee in order to acquire $140 million for project completion. Estimated that work can begin this summer.

• 281 Super Street: Diane worked to formulate strategy for full funding. Estimated that work can begin this summer.

• Citywide Light Synchronization: First ever program to move traffic through intersections. Diane fought for its inclusion in the 2008 and 2009 city budgets, including prioritizing the clogged Stone Oak area corridors.

• Developing a short and a long-term strategy for Hwy. 281 road expansion

• Working to expand lane capacity of central arteries in the 281/1604 area

• Creating a comprehensive Transportation Plan that aligns transportation efforts includes formulation of light rail, expanded bus rapid transit lines, and other transportation options.

• Investing greater city resources in street infrastructure and traffic remediation.

Conflicts of Interest Continue To Dog Mayoral Candidate 

Cibrian Calls on Opponent to Come Clean on Conflicts of Interest

San Antonio, TX - When questioned on the campaign trail about conflicts of interest, mayoral candidate Trish Deberry-Mejia tells voters she doesn't have any City contracts and promises to give up her firm's contract with the San Antonio Water System (SAWS). But candidate for Mayor, Diane Cibrian says Deberry-Mejia's words don't match her actions.

"Trish Deberry-Mejia's campaign promises haven't stopped her from trying to get taxpayer-funded work at City Hall," stated Cibrian, Councilwoman for District 8.  "Candidates and officeholders should not profit from city contracts. And Deberry-Mejia's recent attempt to get the city contract for the Airport Master Plan is a clear conflict of interest. It's wrong and she's being dishonest with the voters."

The Airport Master Plan contract came before City Council on March 19th. The posted agenda for the council meeting listed Deberry-Mejia's firm, Guerra Deberry Coody (GDC), as a member of AECOM USA Group's team that was selected for the contract. GDC was slated to earn $120,000 but was replaced in a last minute switch because of media attention said AECOM's lobbyist.  Council members delayed the contract vote after several raised concerns about Deberry-Mejia's involvement and the switching of firms without public notice.

Cibrian pointed out that Deberry-Mejia's conflicts of interest extend far beyond this single contract. "My opponent refuses to admit she would be forced to rescue herself from some of the most important issues facing San Antonio today: growth, transportation, housing, water and health care. My opponent has clients and business partners in each of these sectors and we could find them at City Hall with a mayor who is missing in action. She needs to be truthful with the voters."

News accounts revealed among Deberry-Mejia's clients are some of San Antonio's and the nation's biggest developers and her company website lists as clients taxpayer-funded agencies Bexar County Infrastructure Service, Brooks City Base, SAWS, and the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA).

But missing from these accounts is Deberry-Mejia's position as a member of the team selected by the Alamo RMA to build the 281 North Toll Road. Selected last May, Deberry-Mejia routinely says while campaigning that tolls must remain one of the solutions to San Antonio's transportation needs, a position that would personally benefit her as a toll road contractor. "It's one more example of how my opponent's words don't match her actions. She makes money on taxpayer-funded projects like toll roads but she tells voters there is no conflict of interest. Her toll road business will force my opponent to rescue herself from many of the City's efforts to relieve traffic congestion. Voters expect the next mayor to find real solutions to our traffic problems and having a mayor who can't take part in finding those solutions won't work," said Cibrian.

In response to Deberry-Mejia's position that there must be a vote on toll roads, Cibrian noted, "She says that now, but my opponent [Deberry-Mejia] did not speak out for an election when winning the toll road contract."

 "My opponent [Deberry-Mejia] can't represent our community  when she's paid to represent special interests with city business," added Cibrian.