SAN ANTONIO – The Metro SA Chamber hosted its annual State of the County event on Wednesday, featuring a fireside chat with Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai.
Sakai discussed the county’s economic growth, public safety and international business partnerships.
Input on a downtown sports and entertainment district
Sakai re-emphasized that county facilities are his priority for using the county’s venue tax on hotel stays and car rentals.
The tax helped fund construction of the Spurs’ current home, the now-Frost Bank Center and has been floated as a way to help fund the proposed stadium downtown.
However, Sakai said the county needs to use the tax first on the Frost Bank Center, the Coliseum, Coliseum grounds, and possibly more projects at the currently city-owned Willow Springs Golf Course.
He’s open to sending some of the venue tax to a new arena, and said, “I don’t want the Spurs to leave town. And they ain’t going to leave the town under my watch.“
High-speed rail between SA and Laredo?
When it comes to high-speed rail between Austin and San Antonio, Sakai said, “I don’t know where it’s at.”
He suggested a pilot project between Laredo and San Antonio could work, though, with the possibility of linking to Mexican rail projects.
Mum on mayor endorsement – for now
Sakai said he’s “going to work with whoever wins the mayorship,” but did not make any mention of an endorsement.
He told reporters afterward he had invited both candidates to meet him and his team, including the county manager, to discuss county government.
Pressed by KSAT afterward, Sakai said he’s “leaving that open” on whether he makes an endorsement.
The conversation was moderated by Metro SA Chamber President and CEO Brett Finley.
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