San Antonio Metropolis Council on Thursday voted to censure first-term Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez for the July drunk driving arrest she’s nonetheless battling in courtroom.
Eight council members voted in favor of the general public referendum censuring Meza Gonzalez, who represents District 8. District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo abstained, whereas Meza Gonzalez recused herself.
In an announcement, Castillo stated it’s the authorized system’s job to carry her colleague accountable for her actions, not the members of council.
“Each particular person is entitled to due course of,” Castillo stated. “Any dedication of wrongdoing ought to comply with the method and finally be judged by the folks they serve. This isn’t an try to defend drunk driving, nor does it condone this conduct. Reasonably it’s confidence that the justice system will maintain Councilmember Meza Gonzalez accountable.”
It’s the third time in as a few years council has held such a voter after one among its members was arrested on DWI allegations. The opposite two concerned former District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry and his successor, Marc Whyte.
Gonzalez was additionally charged with a DWI in 2010. Nonetheless, that cost was expunged from her report after a jury trial.
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones added the merchandise to Thursday’s docket earlier this week, citing new details about the arrest.
Though Bexar County District Lawyer Joe Gonzales initially suppressed Meza Gonzalez’s blood alcohol take a look at outcomes, the case was refiled final Wednesday as a DWI with a blood alcohol content material larger than 0.15 — practically twice the authorized restrict.
In an announcement launched to reporters earlier than Thursday’s vote, Meza Gonzalez expressed regret.
“All through this course of, I’ve been clear in my dedication to take accountability for my actions, and I’ll respect the choice of my colleagues on right this moment’s vote,” she stated. “As my authorized case strikes ahead, I’ll proceed to just accept duty each step of the way in which. To the residents of District 8, my focus as your councilmember stays on serving you, ensuring your greatest pursuits are represented with a robust voice, and I can’t again down from that responsibility.”
The censure vote is essentially symbolic because it doesn’t carry monetary penalties or disciplinary penalties. Even so, Jones quickly stripped Meza Gonzalez of her committee assignments earlier this month, which might hinder her capacity to successfully symbolize her district at Metropolis Corridor.
Subscribe to SA Present newsletters.
Comply with us: Apple Information | Google Information | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Fb | Twitter | Or join our RSS Feed
Associated Tales
Gonzalez was absent from Mayor Jones’ particular Undertaking Marvel assembly on Friday.
Gonzalez retained lawyer David Christian, who additionally defended council members Marc Whyte and Clayton Perry in comparable instances.
Officer David McCall’s blood alcohol content material was reportedly thrice over the authorized restrict.
This text seems in Sep 3-17, 2025.
