Uncertainty suddenly surrounds the city's big Tricentennial festival, which is set to begin in six weeks, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Edward Benavides, which has been CEO of the San Antonio Tricentennial Commission since it was formed in 2015, abruptly resigned today, saying in a statement, 'our 300th anniversary should imbue joy, aspiration, and legacy, not the negativity that currently surrounds the communitywide planning.'
Mayor Ron Nirenberg said Benavides' resignation will 'minimize distractions.'
"The Tricentennial is the most important moment in our lifetime to exhibit who we are and what our city will be in its next era," he said.
The Tricentennial, which will culminate in the anniversary of the date regarded as the city's founding, May 1, 1718, when the Spanish government officially transferred ownership of the mission that was to become the Alamo to the Catholic Church, opening the way for civilian settlement of the area.
There are some 700 events scheduled to take place over five months. In his statement, Benavides said 'throughout my career, I have led with integrity, and always operated with the best intentions.' He did not accuse anybody of attempting to undermine that integrity.
The City will now presumably have to find a new CEO in a very short window of time. Assistant City Manager Carlos Contreras will take on the duties of interim CEO.