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Walter Martínez
(171 KB, 79 pg)
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Biography:
Born in 1951, Mr. Martínez was a former state representative and a city councilman for the city of San Antonio, Texas. He was also chair of the Democratic Party in Bexar County. Mr. Martínez began his career in public life as an assistant to state representative Joe Hernandez in 1973.
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Interview Summary:
The interview begins with a discussion of the Martíinez family history and genealogy. Martínez gives details about his work as a state legislative aide to Representative Joe Hernández, and tells why, after nine years working for him, he decided to run for state representative. Martínez talks about the challenges he faced as an elected state representative, and he tells why he decided to run for the San Antonio City Council. Martínez talks about important issues he pursued as councilman such as getting a city policy established on equal opportunity for minority small business contractors in San Antonio. He describes the administrations of mayors Henry Cisneros, Nelson Wolff, and Lila Cockrell, and he gives his opinion on the effectiveness of each of these mayors as leaders and mentors. Martínez elaborates upon how he raised money to finance his various election campaigns. He talks about why he wanted to run for county commissioner and he describes the events that led to his failed election attempt. He gives reasons that he decided to seek the position of Bexar County Democratic Party Chairman. Martínez concludes the interview with a discussion of issues he sees as important to Mexican American interests.
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Locations of residence or activity: San Antonio
Interview date: 6/23/1996
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