Maria Berriozabal

Region: Hill Country

Topics: Politics, Government, Municipal, Watershed, Water Supply, Water Quality


Mrs. Berriozabal has been involved in San Antonio politics and environmental protection for a number of years.  She was the first elected Latina on the San Antonio City Council, serving from 1981 through 1990, and also worked in appointed capacities, such as the Mayor's Citizens Water Committee. 

During her tenure, she has expressed opposition to a number of local and regional projects, including the annexation of Sea World, tax abatements for Fiesta Texas, sales taxes for the Alamo Dome, subsidies for PGA Village, construction of Applewhite Reservoir, and investment in the South Texas Nuclear Project.  Her opposition has been rooted in environmental concerns, particularly protection of the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, and in concerns over the inequity of using tax dollars to underwrite private developments.

Mrs. Berriozabal has also carried her interest in municipal politics to the national level, serving as a board member and past President of the National League of Cities.

February 14, 2006
San Antonio, Texas
Reels 2330 and 2331