Profiles in Power highlights public officials nationwide who are improving their communities through their dedication, enthusiasm, creativity and experience.
This week’s profile is Peter Sakai, county judge of Bexar County, Texas.
Public career highlights and education: I graduated from the University of Texas in 1976 and the UT School of Law in 1979. My legal career began in the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. Next, I opened my own law practice before becoming Associate Judge of Children’s Court. I then spent four terms as the 225th State District Court judge. My commitment to helping vulnerable children and families led me to create the Family Drug Court, the Early Childhood Court and the College Bound Docket for foster children. After retiring from the bench, I felt I had more to give to my community and ran for Bexar County Judge. My four-year term began on Jan. 1, 2023.
What I like best about public service: I enjoy resolving Bexar County’s complex issues, particularly in the areas of public safety, public health and economic development. We have created a great environment for our business partners, from corporations to small business owners. We also have had success with law enforcement and the court system by giving them additional resources. Expanding drug treatment programs is another priority as we work to strengthen the core of our community.
The best advice I ever received: It came from my father. He taught me to always maintain family values. Those start with honesty, hard work and being humble. Those values have served me well throughout my entire political career.
People might be interested to know that: I’m a former jock. I played all sports growing up and into adulthood, including pickup basketball and softball. I continue to follow sports today and think the lessons learned apply to all facets of life. Those include leadership, teamwork, decision making and perseverance. You never quit until the game ends.
One thing I wish more people knew about Bexar County government: We are a diverse, compassionate entity with a strong commitment to protecting children and families. We are dedicated to making the county the best place in Texas to live, work and learn. What we do now will have a lasting impact on generations to come.
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