Julian Castro announces for San Antonio Mayor

Former San Antonio City Council member and 2005 runnerup for Mayor Julian Castro is running again for that city's top job, joining current Council member Diane Cibrian and local businesswoman Trish DeBerry.

"Like mayors past, I look forward to forging a strong partnership with our business community to create new jobs," said Castro, 34, an attorney and former two-term District 7 councilman. "If elected, I will be America's most tireless mayor in attracting new jobs and retaining the jobs of our city's large and small companies alike."

He also pitched for a piece of President-elect Barack Obama's plan for massive federal spending on infrastructure projects to infuse the sour economy with new jobs.

"I have a friendly message for the Obama administration: San Antonio is ready, willing and able to take on its fair share of that stimulus package to create new jobs, fix our streets and reduce traffic congestion," he said.

Castro lost to Phil Hardberger by less than 4,000 votes out of the 129,831 cast in their June 7, 2005, runoff. Even before the end of Hardberger's first term, Castro wasn't coy about his intentions to run again in 2009.

Link via Stace, with whom I share 2005 support for Castro and a belief that current Mayor Phil Hardberger did a fine job. I'm glad to see Castro get back in, and I'll be rooting for him again. I just have one request: If twin brother State Rep. Joaquin Castro is dispatched to a campaign event on Julian's behalf, please make sure everyone is clear about which Castro they're getting at that event.

UPDATE: BOR has more.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on December 10, 2008 to Election 2009