KTSA: Bexar Co. commissioner Paul Elizondo dies at 83

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — Bexar County commissioner Paul Elizondo died Thursday.

No word on the cause of his death, though he died at his home.

"For over a generation, Paul Elizondo was an icon of the West Side and a force in Bexar County government and politics," San Antonio mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a statement Thursday. "His influence will be felt for decades to come. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

"My deepest condolences go out to the Elizondo family during this time. San Antonio has lost a deeply caring and thoughtful individual in County Commissioner Paul Elizondo," councilman Roberto Trevino. "I am grateful to Commissioner Elizondo for his help on many issues; his extensive military and public service record; but above all, I am grateful for his friendship. Commissioner Elizondo's legacy will live on, and continue to have a positive impact on the residents of San Antonio for generations to come."

"A life lived in the service of others is a life well lived," Bexar County sheriff Javier Salazar said in a statement. "Nobody personified that more than Commissioner Paul Elizondo. His career in the military, as an educator, and as an elected official spanned decades and placed service to his community before all else."

"The San Antonio business community is saddened by the news of Bexar County Commissioner Paul Elizondo's passing. Over his 36 years of dedicated public service, Commissioner Elizondo has been a champion of the underserved in our county and city," San Antonio Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Richard Perez said. "Improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare for the most needy, addressing the most endemic flooding issue throughout the county, and preserving our rich heritage were but a few of the many vital projects Commissioner Elizondo shepherded through to completion. The University Health System expansion, the Alameda Theater renovation, and countless flood-control projects are a reality as a result of his commitment to the citizens of Bexar County. The business community will, in particular, miss his budgeting knowledge and focus on fiscal discipline. His impact on our community is deep, and we will miss his good work, his support, and his friendship."

"With a long life of commitment to Bexar County families, Paul earned having his name inscribed on the Justice Center Tower," Rep. Lloyd Doggett said in a statement. "He combined the feisty toughness of a Marine vet, the insights of a teacher, and the good humor and joy of a sax player in his legendary orchestra. As a personal friend since our work together decades ago in the Texas Legislature, I am saddened by his sudden passing. Let's remember Paul by renewing our own commitment to continue building a community that advances opportunity for all."

Elizondo was 83.