About Charles
Thank you for taking the time to visit my website. Your inquiry indicates you are a concerned citizen seeking to make an informed decision during this primary election. Dialogue is exactly what's needed to enable our representatives to truly represent those who matter, the constituents of their District.
Though I was born at Fort Rucker, Alabama, my roots are here in San Antonio. Both of my parents grew up and were educated here. Because my father was a career Army Officer, we moved frequently to many different locations that expanded my ability to adapt to new people and cultures. This is significant, because it equipped me not only to observe and listen to people, but more importantly to be able to understand and relate to them and their needs. I attended many schools during my childhood and youth. I met and overcame many challenges not usually presented to children of most parents within the United States. At the end of my father's tour at Fort Hood Texas, I graduated from Killeen High School in Killeen, Texas. On return stationing to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, I attended San Antonio College and The University of Texas at San Antonio to further my education.
I have a large family here in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. As you know, each family member contributes greatly to the growth and development of the children. Every member of my family is important to me, but I believe the following more suitably answers your inquiries. My roots are with the working class on both my father’s and mother’s side – folks like you who were forced to budget and live from pay check to pay check. My paternal grandfather was a wallboard finisher in the construction industry and my paternal grandmother worked as a manager for Winn’s Stores. My maternal grandfather worked his way through college as an electricians apprentice and then later became a Master Electrician who owned Kup Electric Company. My maternal grandmother was a Registered Nurse who gave up nursing to raise eight children, my mother the oldest. Both my mother and father worked hard to make it through life and each developed “servant’s hearts” during their early adulthood. As I mentioned, my father was in the army and retired in 1989. After retirement, he obtained his Master of Public Administration Degree and Doctor of Jurisprudence. He was called to the ministry in 1997 and now serves as the Senior Pastor of Ashley Road Baptist Church. My mother works as a Medical Technologist in a major San Antonio hospital. I am the oldest of three children and the only son. The influence of my family runs throughout me, instilling an old fashioned work ethic and sense of loyalty and servitude that especially equips me to better serve the people of District 20. But, you need to know about me.
I married my lovely wife, Sonia Elias in 1994, whom I met while attending San Antonio College in 1988. She has always been my strength and most trusted advisor. We have been blessed with two wonderful children, Charles III and Sarah Isabella. While they test us daily, they are truly the best parts of our lives.
Now, about me. First, I’m a common man among common people. I didn’t come from wealth, privilege or political influence. I’ve worked my way up. I am proud of my lovely wife Sonia and my two children. I believe in God and seek to grow daily as a Christian. I have conquered many past challenges that have enabled me to grow professionally and achieve a comfortable lifestyle. When I was younger and ran out of money to complete college, I continued to work hard grasping opportunities and seeking knowledge and skills. For example, early on I built computers and studied information technology. As my interests spread, I gained certification as a scuba and rescue diver. I am a Certified Concealed Handgun License Instructor and carrier. I am a licensed Real estate Agent and am close to attaining my Broker’s License. I have numerous computer certifications, including “Certified Network Administrator” and “Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer”. I currently work as a Systems Engineer for Lockheed Martin as an independent contractor at the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). I know how to identify and solve problems. That’s what I do. My knowledge and skills have been gained through formal and self study coupled with “on the job” experience and hard work. I don’t overlook details, avoid difficult issues, or leave loose ends. So, you will never become a loose end while I represent you.
As my father and pastor, my dad often says that “your talk talks and your walk talks. But your walk talks louder than your talk talks”. Others phrase it as “your actions speak louder than your words”. I come from a Christian family who strongly believes in Jesus Christ and seeks to be guided by the indwelling Holy Spirit sent to be the Comforter during our tenure in this life. I seek to grow in spirit daily and am remorseful with each misstep. Yet, we do have a loving and forgiving God. I pray that you too are a believer and will not only let the Spirit, but also God’s Holy Word be your daily compass. I try daily to make my “walk” that of a Christian. My faith is what drives me and provides the basis of my decisions.
Finally, we have some fine candidates here competing for the Republican nod on this primary ballot. So, why me? Why would I seek to unseat Charlie Gonzalez when life is finally becoming somewhat comfortable in my present station of life? Some believe the “Gonzalez Dynasty” can’t be beat. I do not believe that.
“Business as usual” was bad before, but the promised “Change You Can Believe In” has proven worse. I share your anger and frustration with the arrogant attitudes paraded by career politicians who refuse to remember who elected them or to listen to those for whom they work. I want “CHANGE” all right, but the “change” I want is for politicians to “LISTEN TO AND ACT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE THEY REPRESENT”. Politicians need to remember that they are people first, just like us. Moreover, they need to remember that they work for us, not a particular political party or lobby interest. I demand that politicians adhere to a simple rule in everything they do: THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE REPRESENTED. Political party is not the paramount factor in decision making – THE PEOPLE ARE. I would not have invested time, toil, talent nor money in this campaign if I did not believe that principle rule. I would not make such a statement if I did not intend to live by and honor it.
Positive change is possible. With your help, it is in our future. I ask for your support, but more importantly, I humbly ask for your vote.
Thank you and God bless you.