Griffing, McCurdy, Rodriguez, Smith & "Mama Bexar" face off in first Mayoral debate at St. Mark's Methodist

L-R: R.G. Griffing & Pat McCurdy lead constituents in the pledge, R.G. Griffing, Pat McCurdy, Rhett Smith, Eigino Rodrigez, Julie "Mama Bexar" Oldham, R.G. Griffing & Rhett Smith get ready to rumble

Five Mayoral candidates sparred and competed for votes at a political forum hosted at St. Mark's Methodist Church off Vance Jackson across from the Wal-Mart, Wednesday, March 15th.

Sponsored by five of the local area neighborhood associations, the candidates were asked to address a barrage of local issues to include ethhics, garbage pickup and services. The five associations represented included: NW Los Angeles Heights, Beacon Hill, Five Points, Olmos Park Terrace & Alta Vista.

The five candidates included Eigino Rordriguez, Rhett Smith, Julie "Mama Bexar" Oldham, Pat McCurdy and R.G. Griffing. Candidate Michael Idrogo and Mayor Phil Hardberger did not attend.

Each candidate was asked to introduce themselves and tell the residents about themselves. Rhett Smith reminded them he had recently run for Governor as a Republican and as a Democrat for the recent Congressional District 23 seat. He also ran previously as a non-partisan for Mayor the last go round.

Rodriguez pointed out he was a doer, a listener and researched all the issues. He said, "anyone who knows me, knows how I work."

MCurdy pointed out his credentials as a business man and pastor of a church, saying that he was not bringing religion to the office, but his Christian values to the position.

Watchdog Julie "Mama Bexar" Oldham reminded the crowd she too had run for Mayor, served as a personell consultant and investigator and was known by her nickname "Mama Bexar" for over 17 years.

R.G. Griffing who publishes the San Antonio Lightning Internet Newsletter began his presenatation by saying to the crowd, "You make me sick. You are a bunch of rubes, suckers and a bunch of hicks." Pausing,he continued, "and so am I."

Midway throught the forum Griffing asked the crowd why the group had not begun the program of reciting the pledge to the flag. He stood and along with McCurdy led the group in the pledge.

The evening ended cordially with candidates visiting one on one with constitutents over refreshments.