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Trevor Whitney
Trevor Whitney ran for election to the San Antonio City Council to represent District 7 in Texas. Whitney lost in the general election on May 4, 2019.
Whitney completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2019
See also: City elections in San Antonio, Texas (2019)
General election
General election for San Antonio City Council District 7
Incumbent Ana Sandoval defeated Trevor Whitney, Will McLeod, and Kimberly Grant in the general election for San Antonio City Council District 7 on May 4, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Ana Sandoval (Nonpartisan)  | 68.3 | 8,483 |
 | Trevor Whitney (Nonpartisan) | 18.8 | 2,339 | |
 | Will McLeod (Nonpartisan) | 8.5 | 1,053 | |
 | Kimberly Grant (Nonpartisan) | 4.4 | 547 | |
| Total votes: 12,422 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Campaign themes
2019
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Trevor Whitney completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Whitney's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
1. Cut property taxes by adopting a $10,000 city homestead exemption 2. Cut non-public safety general fund budgets by 1% across the board, and allow the citizens of San Antonio to vote on what services/infrastructure to invest the savings into. 3. End veteran homelessness by creating a public-private partnership to build a 'veterans village' to support at-risk veterans in their journey back to a stable life.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Taxes, spending, veteran issues, small business creation, innovative transportation solutions.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Elected officials work for everyone, whether they have inside connections at City Hall or not. From the bricklayer to the bank executive, elected officials must consider the impact on the entire community when deciding on policy.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I am a native of San Antonio, a combat veteran Marine, and a proven leader in state and local policymaking. I am not tied to any political machines, and believe that there are no problems "too hard" or "too controversial" to tackle.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
The Council representative for San Antonio's District 7 leads a very diverse part of the city, with very different needs. An elected official must be able to communicate and solve problems for a wide variety of people while demanding that District 7 is recognized as the cultural heart of San Antonio.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I will end veteran homelessness and set the national example for large cities on how to create innovative programs. Also, my 1% budget reduction and popular vote participatory budgeting plan will make national headlines for taking the power out of City Hall and back to the people.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
I remember the first Gulf War and how the veterans in my family followed every bit of coverage with a skeptical eye and a hope that service members would be welcomed home better than Vietnam-era veterans.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My first job was working at Bill Miller's BBQ, a San Antonio original, when I was 16. I grew up in a working class family and worked throughout high school to support myself.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Halloween! I am a master pumpkin carver. I even grew a 65 lb pumpkin in my backyard last year!
What is your favorite book? Why?
The Revolution by former Texas Congressman Dr. Ron Paul. The book opened my eyes to the fact that there were more than 2 options at the ballot box, and that all policy must be driven by principles that are based in individual liberty and self ownership.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
I planted a peach tree a month before my son was born. It has been wonderful to watch them grow together.
Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?
I believe that a Councilmember from this district should be a regular participant in community cleanup, pothole repair, and a leader at the State level for investments in drainage infrastructure. Skin in the game brings elected officials closer to the real issues, not fundraisers and galas.
What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?
I am transparent and not afraid to ask the tough questions. Too often politicians find excuses why they cannot help powerless people. My entire ethos in entering this office is not about personal financial gain, but the bring real results to people who feel that they do not have a voice.
What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?
District 7 is the cultural heart of San Antonio. From Woodlawn Lake all the way to the Texas Hill Country, District 7 is the fastest growing part of the city and must have bold ideas and fearless leadership. As District 7 goes, so goes the Alamo City.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?
At the City Council level, no. I think having an ear to the streets and being willing to meet with people who may not look like you or vote like you is the most important attribute of a good Councilmember in District 7.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2019 Elections
External links
Footnotes
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