Author name: LPBexar

As San Antonio voters prepare to decide on several ballot propositions, we’re sharing a breakdown of each measure—and why libertarians advocate a “no” vote on ALL propositions:

Proposition A: Enhancing the City’s Ethics Process

This measure would expand the role of the Ethics Review Board, adding new definitions and funding, and allowing it to review cases addressed by other agencies. A libertarian position favors keeping bureaucracy minimal; thus, vote NO to limit redundant oversight and to discourage government from expanding its influence over individual actions.

Proposition B: Modernizing Language in the City Charter

Prop B proposes updating “archaic language” in the City Charter. However, without clear details on what language would be changed, this measure risks unnecessary revisions. The libertarian stance is to vote NO to avoid vague and potentially costly government initiatives.

Proposition C: City Manager Term and Pay

Currently, the city manager’s salary and tenure are capped. This proposal would allow the City Council to set these terms. Libertarians support limited government and oppose unchecked spending, so a no vote helps ensure taxpayer dollars aren’t freely allocated to inflated salaries. Did you know City of San Antonio is over $18.5 billion in debt? Is that worthy of a pay raise?

Proposition D: City Employee Political Activity

Prop D would allow city employees to engage in political activities outside of work hours. While encouraging freedom, this measure also risks the appearance of bias within the government. Libertarians advocate a NO vote to preserve impartiality in public service and minimize political influence within city operations.

Proposition E: City Council Pay Increase

This proposition seeks to increase city council and mayoral pay, with future adjustments based on median income. Libertarians believe elected roles should prioritize service, not profit. A NO vote emphasizes fiscal responsibility and opposes pay raises that are not voter-driven. Did you know City of San Antonio is over $18.5 billion in debt? Is that worthy of a pay raise?

Proposition F: City Council Terms Extension

Prop F would extend council and mayoral terms from two to four years while maintaining an eight-year limit. Longer terms reduce voter accountability and entrench political power. Libertarians support a NO vote to maintain shorter terms that encourage responsiveness to voters.

In every case, these propositions propose expanding government influence or spending taxpayer money in ways that may not align with the principles of liberty and limited government. This election, we encourage you to vote NO on all propositions to uphold a government focused on efficiency, transparency, and individual freedoms.

Municipal bonds, tax reauthorizations, and new taxes

Text: There are too many new bonds, tax reauthorizations, and new taxes to list off all of the text here but we wish to bring the following amendments to your attention.

CITY OF SAN ANTONIO – PROPOSITION A
CITY OF SAN ANTONIO – PROPOSITION B
CITY OF SAN ANTONIO – PROPOSITION C
CITY OF SAN ANTONIO – PROPOSITION D
CITY OF SAN ANTONIO – PROPOSITION E
CITY OF SAN ANTONIO – PROPOSITION F
HARLANDALE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – PROPOSITION A
HARLANDALE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – PROPOSITION B
HARLANDALE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – PROPOSITION C
MEDINA VALLEY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – PROPOSITION A
MEDINA VALLEY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – PROPOSITION B
NORTHSIDE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – PROPOSITION A
CITY OF GREY FOREST – PROPOSITION A
TOWN OF HOLLYWOOD PARK – PROPOSITION A
CITY OF LIVE OAK – PROPOSITION A
CITY OF OLMOS PARK – PROPOSITION NO. 1
CITY OF SHAVANO PARK – PROPOSITION A
CITY OF TERRELL HILLS – PROPOSITION A
CITY OF WINDCREST – PROPOSITION A

LPBexar suggests a “No” vote on all municipal bonds, tax reauthorizations, and new taxes. LPTexas Platform II.1.b and II.1.e

Proposition 1 (SJR 2)

Text: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for the reduction of the amount of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for general elementary and secondary public school purposes on the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled to reflect any statutory reduction from the preceding tax year in the maximum compressed rate of the maintenance and operations taxes imposed for those purposes on the homestead.”

Impact: Proposition 1 would authorize the state legislature to reduce the property tax limit for school district property taxes imposed on the homesteads of elderly or disabled residents to reflect any tax rate reduction enacted by law from the preceding tax year. Specifically, in the prior tax year the legislature reduced the tax rate, but said reduction omitted the homesteads of elderly or disabled residents.

LPBexar Recommendation: LPBexar supports the elimination of all property taxes. Proposition 1 does move incrementally towards that goal by extending tax relief to persons forgotten by the duopoly. This is yet another reason that Libertarians advocate for universal tax relief, to prevent any person from being forgotten or left behind when the government picks winners and losers.

LPBexar suggests a “YES” vote on Proposition 1. LPTexas Platform II.1.b

Proposition 2 (SJR 2)

Text: “The constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $25,000 to $40,000.”

Impact: Proposition 2 would increase the homestead exemption for school district property taxes from $25,000 to $40,000. This exemption was last increased in 2015 from $15,000 to $25,000 which would roughly equal $30,000 in today’s dollars when adjusted for inflation.

LPBexar Recommendation: LPBexar supports the elimination of all property taxes. Proposition 2 does move incrementally towards that goal, and provides important tax relief for homeowners struggling to keep up with inflation. Libertarians advocate expanding this important relief universally so that it may benefit renters as well as commercial and industrial property owners.

LPBexar suggests a “YES” vote on Proposition 2. LPTexas Platform II.1.b

Tuesday, February 15th, 7-9pm
Babe’s Old Fashioned Food – 12415 Bandera Rd. Helotes, Texas 78023 (map)

Come meet us! We are having a candidate meet and greet this meeting. We are inviting all the people seeking the nomination to be an LP candidate for office in Bexar County. These are the people that LPBexar will be voting on at conventions next month. You can come and ask them any questions you may have.

We will also present a proposal for updated LPBexar bylaws for anyone interested. the proposal updates them to match more closely with the new version developed by LPTexas Affiliate Team.

This is a great way to come and learn more and meet like minded people in the area. If you cannot make it and still would like to be involved feel free to reach out. You can contact the officers at officers@lpbexar.org.

You can also sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on LPBexar events and information.

Tuesday, January 18th, 7pm
13247 Bandera Rd, Helotes, TX 78023 (map)

Come meet us! We will be seated in the outside pavilion area at Bobby J’s.

This is a great way to come and learn more and meet like minded people in the area. If you cannot make it and still would like to be involved feel free to reach out. You can contact the officers at officers@lpbexar.org. You can also sign up for our newsletter (link above) to stay up to date on LPBexar events and information.

Saturday, December 18th, 12pm CST (Noon) 
4320 Laurie Michelle Rd. San Antonio, TX 78261 (map).

Come meet us! We will have a Christmas Social Event at our Treasure’s home J.R. Haseloff. Come to join us outside around a roaring fire and enjoy eating some tasty food! Lunch will be provided, so please RSVP on this event to help us plan for those attending.

This is a great way to come and learn more and meet like minded people in the area. If you cannot make it and still would like to be involved feel free to reach out. You can contact the officers at officers@lpbexar.org. You can also sign up for our newsletter (link above) to stay up to date on LPBexar events and information.

Prior to the Social Event we will have a Business Meeting at 11am at the same location. Please read our post about the Business Meeting if you are also interested in attending that.