San Antonio City Council censures Meza Gonzalez over DWI charge

District 8 City Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez signs a document during a campaign event. Credit: Facebook / Ivalis Meza Gonzalez for District 8

San Antonio City Council on Thursday voted to censure first-term Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez for the July drunk driving arrest she’s still battling in court.

Eight council members voted in favor of the public referendum censuring Meza Gonzalez, who represents District 8. District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo abstained, while Meza Gonzalez recused herself.

In a statement, Castillo said it’s the legal system’s job to hold her colleague accountable for her actions, not the members of council.

“Every individual is entitled to due process,” Castillo said. “Any determination of wrongdoing should follow the process and ultimately be judged by the people they serve. This is not an attempt to defend drunk driving, nor does it condone this behavior. Rather it is confidence that the justice system will hold Councilmember Meza Gonzalez accountable.”

It’s the third time in as many years council has held such a voter after one of its members was arrested on DWI allegations. The other two involved former District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry and his successor, Marc Whyte.

Gonzalez was also charged with a DWI in 2010. However, that charge was expunged from her record after a jury trial.

San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones added the item to Thursday’s docket earlier this week, citing new information about the arrest.

Although Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales initially suppressed Meza Gonzalez’s blood alcohol test results, the case was refiled last Wednesday as a DWI with a blood alcohol content higher than 0.15 — nearly twice the legal limit.

In a statement released to reporters before Thursday’s vote, Meza Gonzalez expressed remorse.

“Throughout this process, I have been clear in my commitment to take accountability for my actions, and I will respect the decision of my colleagues on today’s vote,” she said. “As my legal case moves forward, I will continue to accept responsibility every step of the way. To the residents of District 8, my focus as your councilmember remains on serving you, making sure your best interests are represented with a strong voice, and I will not back down from that duty.”

The censure vote is largely symbolic since it doesn’t carry financial penalties or disciplinary consequences. Even so, Jones temporarily stripped Meza Gonzalez of her committee assignments earlier this month, which can hinder her ability to effectively represent her district at City Hall.

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San Antonio City Council censures Meza Gonzalez over DWI charge

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