University Star

Prentice, a former curriculum and instruction professor at Southwest Texas State who has lived in San Marcos for less than two years, said he was inspired to run for mayor by a number of events in recent years.

Locally, Prentice said he was both bothered and surprised when he heard 39 percent of San Marcos residents are at-or-below poverty level.

 “That’s extraordinary,” he said. “What is San Marcos doing to meet their needs, and what will happen if Medicare dies?”

Guerrero said some of the biggest challenges the city is faces is bringing more job opportunities to San Marcos.

One of the ways Guerrero hopes to expand job opportunities is through the Texas South International Alliance, a program that develops partnership and communication between South Texas cities and international entities in Mexico, Asia and Europe.

“We are not and cannot see ourselves as a small city,” Guerrero said.  “This is a global market, and we can work together as a region in bringing everything together.

Prentice said one of his main concerns is climate change, with regard to record heat and glacier melts.  He said the city focused too much on development and not enough on combating climate change.

Prentice has also spoken out against government overreach, citing the removal of Planet K’s car-planter and the noise dispute between Zelick’s Ice House and the Crystal River Inn.

 “It seems like the city likes to meddle in people’s lives and the interests of small businesses,” Prentice said. “If San Marcos has the money and police time to tag the car and tow it away, it seems to me an example of a paternalistic nanny-state at the local level.”

Guerrero added he wants to further develop infrastructure around town, including redevelopment of bike lanes, making the city more pedestrian-friendly and the possible construction of a new overpass over Loop 82.

Prentice admits his campaign is unconventional and he intends to raise issues that would not otherwise be raised.

Prentice said he does not bear his opponent, incumbent Daniel Guerrero, any ill will.
“I’m not running against Guerrero,” he said. “I’m just running for mayor.”

Lisa Coppoletta, San Marcos resident and former city council candidate, has been a longtime supporter of Guerrero.

“I’ve seen various mayors come and go, and he is the most transparent,” Coppoletta said. “He is someone who listens, and that’s why I respect him.