Taco bout an opportunity lost

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)