Yes, San Antonio should bid for the GOP convention

Mayor Ron Nirenberg says the costs to cities hosting the parties’ national conventions are potentially too high, among them the security costs. Shown here, the crowd at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in 2016.Matt Rourke /Associated Press

CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 21: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump delivers a speech during the evening session on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)Win McNamee/Getty Images

Donald Trump and his family attend a welcome arrival event with Governor Mike Pence and his family at the Great Lakes Science Centre on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland Ohio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Donald Trump arrives by helicopter as he and his family attend a welcome arrival event with Governor Mike Pence and his family at the Great Lakes Science Centre on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland Ohio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

A man argues for Donald Trump near the site of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in downtown Cleveland on the third day of the convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. Many people have stayed away from downtown due to road closures and the fear of violence. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
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Protesters demonstrate against Donald Trump near the site of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in downtown Cleveland on the third day of the convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. Many people have stayed away from downtown due to road closures and the fear of violence. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is seen speaking on a screen from New York City, on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
John Moore/Getty Images

Donald Trump Jr. (L) along with Ivanka Trump (C) and Eric Trump (R), take part in the roll call in support of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R) talks on stage after roll call on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

A screen projects Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump clinches the GOP nomination on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
Alex Wong/Getty Images

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker takes a photo with delegates on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

American boxing promoter Don King (C) attends the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
John Moore/Getty Images

Corey Lewandowski (C), former campaign manager for Donald Trump, along with delegates from New Hampshire, takes part in the roll call in support of presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
Alex Wong/Getty Images

Protesters march near the sight of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in downtown Cleveland on the second day of the convention on July 19, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. Many people have stayed away from downtown due to road closures and the fear of violence. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

A woman holds up a pro gun sign near the sight of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in downtown Cleveland on the second day of the convention on July 19, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. Many people have stayed away from downtown due to road closures and the fear of violence. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

A young boy shakes a police officer's hand near the sight of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in downtown Cleveland on the second day of the convention on July 19, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. Many people have stayed away from downtown due to road closures and the fear of violence. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media.
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan introduces Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) during the opening of the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump kisses his wife Melania on stage during the evening session of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans arena in Cleveland, Ohio on July 18, 2016. The Republican Party opened its national convention, kicking off a four-day political jamboree that will anoint billionaire Donald Trump as its presidential nominee.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty Images

A delegate stands as she listens to the speech of Pat Smith, mother of Sean Smith, one of the four Americans killed in the September 11, 2012 terror attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Rubye Wright of New York City's 68th Assembly, is escorted onto the floor by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

A Code Pink protestor shouts as a delegate tries to pull her banner away during the evening session of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans arena in Cleveland, Ohio on July 18, 2016. The Republican Party opened its national convention Monday, kicking off a four-day political jamboree that will anoint billionaire Donald Trump as the Republican presidential nominee.
DOMINICK REUTER/AFP/Getty Images

U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy (R) (R-WI) along with his wife Rachel Campos-Duffy deliver a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
Alex Wong/Getty Images

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich stands during a moment of prayer prior to the start of the evening session on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A man walks with a cross advocating voting for Jesus at the the sight of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in downtown Cleveland on the second day of the convention on July 18, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. Many people have stayed away from downtown due to road closures and the fear of violence. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicked off on July 18.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

I’m not ready to give up on us.

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Let me explain what I mean. When asked after the Constitutional Convention what sort of government the Founding Fathers had created, Benjamin Franklin replied, “A Republic, if you can keep it.” A grand notion at the time — one that, to this day, continues to lie at the core of our nation.

Like our Founding Fathers, we are living in a time of great political divide. Sure, it looks a little bit different now, but we are still passionately arguing about topics and policy for which we all feel strongly.

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Our Founding Fathers got a lot right, but nothing more so than the concept of democracy: a system of government of officials elected by the people and for the people. A government of officials who may have varying ideas and opinions on how to run our country but should all have the same goal: to make it better.

As the conversation surrounding whether San Antonio should consider throwing its hat into the ring for the 2020 Republican National Convention020, I’ve been thinking a lot about these concepts our country was founded upon. The democratic process thrives with two strong and opposite political parties. And hosting a convention for either party is about supporting that democratic process.

Democracy also means transparency. Transparency means all the facts are shared with those whom we elect to make decisions for us. We can’t discard ideas (or, in the case of the RNC, economic benefits) simply because we may not align politically with them.

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Every chance San Antonio gets to host conferences and conventions is another opportunity to showcase our first class community to the world. And we’ve hosted nearly everything. These gatherings infused the economy with both in-state and out-of-state tourism dollars. These funds help finance new roads and fix our schools. The RNC alone could be responsible for generating nearly $200 million for our local economy. In 2016, the sites of the Democratic and Republican national conventions saw an increase in economic activity by $231 million and $188.4 million, respectively.

There has also been a lot of talk about what it will cost. Yes, we will have to raise nearly $60 million in private funds. However, the federal government gives $50 million in addition to those funds just for safety and security alone. Keep in mind that both the RNC and DNC will receive that $50 million regardless of where the conventions are held. If our federal government is going to spend $50 million of our tax dollars, then all things considered equal, I’d like them to be spent here.

Furthermore, as a community we are constantly talking about economic development. How do we get companies to relocate to or build their headquarters in San Antonio? How do we create more jobs? A large gathering such as the Republican National Convention brings Fortune 500 CEOs with it, CEOs who will see firsthand everything San Antonio has to offer.

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I also understand the concern over protests and potentially violent behavior that might accompany a political convention. But in Cleveland, the site of the 2016 Republican National Convention, there were fewer than 25 convention-related arrests. City officials prepared for the worst, considering how volatile the presidential primary season had been (perhaps the most volatile in our nation’s history).

San Antonio is not D.C. We are better than that. We work together to facilitate conversation in a community where everyone’s opinions are valued. Republicans work alongside Democrats, and Democrats work alongside Republicans. This is what makes us San Antonio. It is not in our DNA to spurn an opportunity based on political party. Especially not one that could bring enormous benefits for the community.

FOR OUR SUBSCRIBERS: What San Antonio needs to consider on the Republican National Convention bid

D.C. should be taking its political cues from us. We should be better. If the Republican Party — or the Democratic Party — wants to consider San Antonio for its 2020 national convention, we should seize the opportunity to show the world what San Antonio is all about: the democratic process.

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I urge our City Council to seriously consider submitting a bid for this convention.

I’m not ready to give up on us. I hope you’re not either.

Bexar County Commissioner Kevin Wolff represents Precinct 3.