San Antonio government officials have a long history of
finding creative solutions to important issues and making excellent decisions
impacting the city’s future. Occasionally
– some might argue that it’s more frequent than occasionally, but I generally
like our elected and selected officials – decisions are made that counter our
city’s history and progressive thinking.
After leaving his position as Chief of Police to be in
charge of security for CPS Energy, William McManus through his hat back into
the ring and asked for his job back.
City Manager Sheryl Scully agreed.
And that, as they say, is that. The money spent from city coffers to on a
nationwide search – gone. The time and
effort on behalf of city employees – squandered. The time and effort spent by
qualified candidates in applying and interviewing for the position – wasted.
However, what is most upsetting to this observer, is that an
opportunity has been lost. Interim Chief
Anthony Treviño was a finalist for this position. San Antonio had the opportunity to select one
of its own, an officer who has risen through its own ranks, understanding not
only its local police culture, but our local San Antonio culture and community.
Further, the opportunity to select as its Chief of Police, a
Hispanic male in a majority-minority city was lost. San Antonio would have been the only city in
America with a population over one million people, with a Hispanic as its top
police executive. That’s an
accomplishment that could have been announced today, October 1, in the middle
of Hispanic Heritage Month. Instead,
City Council will vote today to approve what seems to the public as an
underhanded move by the city manager.
I’ve met Mr. Treviño .
I’ve known him to be a humble man with a commanding presence. He wouldn’t want the position to fill a quota
or for the notoriety of being the first one of his ethnicity with that
title. He’s right. Anthony Treviño deserves to Chief of Police of San Antonio because he’s the
most qualified individual for the job.
And since he didn’t leave his position for greener,
electrified pastures, it would only be fair.
Eddie Vega (@eltacolico)
Eddie Vega (@eltacolico)
