Helotes News sends interview questions to the candidates via email. We publish the interviews in the order received. We email all candidates at the same time. Please view the Helotes News Election Center 2022 for a log of our out-going initial emails to candidates.
General Background
Helotes News: How long have you been a resident of Helotes?
Linda Salazar: I’m a native Texan. I was born in San Antonio, raised an Army Brat—mostly in Germany—and returned home to graduate from Taft high school. I worked jobs at Sea World, Fiesta Texas, and H-E-B while I attended UTSA. I’ve worked and lived in San Antonio my entire adult life. When it came time to build our forever home in 2019, we knew we wanted to live in a small, tight-knit community where we could enjoy peaceful hill country living. We found it in Helotes.
Helotes News: What do you enjoy about Helotes?
Linda Salazar: Above all, the people. We really look after one another. This was particularly evident last year during Winter Storm Uri aka Snowvid. Neighbors reached out to each other and offered assistance whether it was sharing fresh water and non-perishable food or taking turns using a generator for heat and to power electronics. It was a tough situation, but we got through it together.
Helotes News: What frustrates you about Helotes?
Linda Salazar: While I’m proud of the many improvements we made in Helotes during my tenure, there is still much to be done. My primary concern is managing our city’s growth. We must be thoughtful and intentional and ensure we preserve the spirit and character of the Helotes way of life.
Helotes News: Are you currently employed? If yes, with whom?
Linda Salazar: Like many people, I got laid off in 2020 due to COVID. I spent the summer hanging out with my teenagers watching Tiger King (she totally fed him to her tigers). In the fall I received a call from an old friend who had an opening at her company that she thought would be a great fit for me. I was delighted during the interview process to see that not only did they need specific skills that I had, I would also get to learn some new skills. I accepted the position as the Client Development Director for the Omnia Group just a couple weeks before I was elected to City Council. It was hectic learning both my new job and my duties as a council member at the same time, but with lots of support from my family, co-workers, fellow council members and Helotes staff I have grown into both roles and am excited to keep going!
Helotes News What is/was your professional background before you were added to the ballot?
Linda Salazar: I graduated from UTSA with my BA in Political Science and Sociology. After graduation, I began my career at the City of Alamo Heights where I learned the innerworkings of city government. Next, I found my passion for corporate training. Since then, I’ve worked in the Learning & Development departments of several companies including USAA and CHRISTUS Health. My experience working for public, private, and non-profit companies across multiple industries has served me well in my duties on city council.
Civic Engagement & Community Events
Helotes News: Tell us a few things about how you are involved in our community.
Linda Salazar: Whether I’m sitting on the board of a non-profit, serving at my church, mentoring young adults, or volunteering with local charities; I’m always happy to help when I can. I live by the philosophy, “Look around, see what needs doing, and do it.”
Helotes News: What events have you attended in our city?
Linda Salazar: Most recently, I attended the Miss Helotes pageant. I was so impressed with all the young women. They were graceful, poised, and eloquent. Of course, as a mother of one of the contestants, I clearly had a favorite.
Helotes News: What events do you support or think should be eliminated/reworked? Tell us why.
Linda Salazar: As long as the events are safe, have a positive message, and bring our community together; I think we should keep them. My favorite events are ones where good food and fellowship abound.
Helotes News: Do you have any ideas about adding public spaces or additional community events to Helotes?
Linda Salazar: I’m in favor of using the public spaces we already have. For example, I voted to move our 4th of July event to festival grounds because it had outgrown the City Hall property.
Political
Helotes News: What is your primary motivation for seeking reelection/election to City Council?
Linda Salazar: I’m running for re-election because I love doing this job. Being a Helotes city council member has been one of the greatest honors of my life. It enables me to see to the needs of our community by working with the mayor, my fellow council members, and the Helotes staff to find solutions that benefit us all.
Helotes News: As an incumbent, what is the primary argument you should be re-elected (includes those who were appointed to a City Council Place)?
Linda Salazar: I should be re-elected because there is so much more to do, and I have the education, experience, and determination to get it done.
Helotes News: If re/elected to council, how will you approach decision making as one of five voting members?
Linda Salazar: Right now, we have the dream team of leaders in Helotes. The mayor, council members, and staff department heads all have very different backgrounds, but that is our strength. We look at issues from different perspectives, we speak and listen to each other respectfully, and leave no stone unturned in our quest to find the best solutions.
Helotes News: How will you engage citizens in the decision-making process, or will you?
Linda Salazar: One of the best parts of being a council member is getting to talk with my fellow Helotians and local business owners. Sometimes they contact me through my Helotes email address, social media, or they just walk right up and start talking to me. Whichever way the conversation starts, I’m always happy to listen and see what I can do to help.
Helotes Thematic
Helotes News: How would you describe Helotes to someone who has never visited our city?
Linda Salazar: My answer is the same as it was when I first ran in 2020: It’s a little slice of heaven nestled just outside the hustle and bustle of San Antonio with a vibrant community of down-to-earth, hard-working people who truly care about each other. It’s got everything you could want—great local businesses, shops, restaurants, schools, churches, and a genuine Texas honky tonk. It’s simply my favorite place in the world to be.
Helotes News: Do you view Helotes as a small town with small-town charm? Or, do you view Helotes as a small-town that has outgrown or is outgrowing that theme?
Linda Salazar: I think we are both a small town and a growing one. We need to honor our past and stick to our values, address the current needs, and prepare for our future.