Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones speaks during a City Hall press conference. Credit: Michael Karlis
Despite her tumultuous first four months in office, voters still appear to be forming an opinion on San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, a new poll shows.
The largest share of local voters in a survey released Wednesday by UT-San Antonio’s Center for Public Opinion Research said they’re ambivalent about the new mayor’s job so far. A total of 47% said they neither disapprove nor approve.
Meanwhile, Jones appears evenly mixed when it comes to supporters and detractors. An even quarter of voters approve of her performance, while 26% said they disapprove.
The polling comes after what local political analysts have described as early missteps the new mayor.
UT-San Antonio political scientist Jon Taylor told the Current in a recent interview that Jones’ decision to wage war with City Council colleagues over how Council Consideration Requests — or proposals for local ordinances — are brought up for debate hurt her standing with the public. Her unconventional tactics in opposing a new downtown Spurs arena also didn’t help matters, he added.
“Perception is everything in politics, and the perception that has been given is one of turmoil, instability and confrontation,” Taylor said of her tenure so far.
Even so, the professor acknowledged that Jones has made strides in trying to change public opinion.
Earlier this month, Jones brought on longtime San Antonio City Hall operative Patricia Wallace to serve as her deputy chief of staff. The mayor also has begun hosting monthly town halls to connect with constituents.
“Perhaps now these attempts at public appearances and engagement, even with the media, show that the learning curve is being reduced, and she’ll grow into the job and understand the nuances of city government,” Taylor said.
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Only 25% of respondents said they approved of Jones, while 26% disapproved, a UT-San Antonio study found.
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