Ex-Bexar judge to handlelocal, state matters

By Aissatou Sidime
San Antonio Express-News
August 29, 2001

San Antonio-based USAA has hired former Bexar County Judge Cyndi Taylor Krier, one of the city's best-known and most influential political figures, to be its lobbyist on local and state matters, the company said Tuesday.

Krier's newly created position as vice president of Texas government relations for the financial services giant begins next Tuesday.

She will be part of USAA's office of the general counsel, company officials said.

"We are honored that Judge Krier has chosen to join USAA's management team," Bob Davis, USAA's president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"I know that she shares our corporate values and high regard for this community, and will make a major contribution throughout this state on behalf of our members."

Tuesday's announcement ends months of speculation as to what position Krier would garner after she resigned as Bexar County judge in May.

She earned $93,439 a year in that post.

In her new job, Krier said she would be able to freely negotiate with county government because the county, unlike the city of San Antonio, does not limit the lobbying efforts of previous employees. She said she will earn more than she did as county judge, but did not disclose her exact salary.

Krier's successor, County Judge Nelson Wolff, said USAA's hiring of her is "a brilliant decision. They couldn't have gotten anybody better qualified. She has vast experience in state and county government - and she's also a very good lawyer."

Austin-based political consultant Bill Miller agreed that Krier's hiring is "a pretty shrewd move. She can perform at a lot of different levels."

Krier left her post after nine years as head of Commissioners Court, a job considered to be the strongest political post in the county, to take an unpaid position on the University of Texas System Board of Regents in March.

She will remain on the UT board.

USAA began as an insurer of military officers in 1922 and since has expanded to serve enlisted personnel and dependents of military personnel.

The company has promoted growth of the city's health science center and was instrumental last year in persuading local government officials and the San Antonio Water System to develop alternative water sources.

Krier said she accepted USAA's offer over higher-paid positions at law firms and other businesses because it fits her history as a champion of the military. Yet, it won't pose any conflicts for her as a UT regent, she said.

"We've been walking down parallel paths," Krier said. "I've worked with the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Kelly (AFB) transition and Brooks city-base initiative - and this allows me to continue promoting all of those."

Krier was a Republican state senator from 1984 to 1992, when she became Bexar County judge.

As the first woman judge, she dealt with military base closures, medical and trauma care and environmental issues. She served as a presidential appointee on a committee addressing women's issues in the military.

Krier, 51, established a lasting legacy in 1999 when she persuaded the local NBA franchise, the San Antonio Spurs, to build an arena on county property, even while the city tried to negotiate a deal.

A $175 million arena is a year away from completion next to Freeman Coliseum on the East Side. A city-owned site downtown had been seen as the Spurs' first choice.

Krier's coup over city officials led to speculation that she would run for mayor.

After Krier trained President Bush's observers for the Florida recount, there was talk she might receive a presidential appointment.

USAA officials said they approached Krier because the company wanted to beef up its lobbying in Texas, where it has a large share of members.

Texas is home to about 12.5 percent of all USAA customers, according to USAA's senior vice president of corporate communications, Wendi Strong.

"Texas is a very dynamic political environment, and we want to do our best job for our members here," Strong said.

Strong added that Krier "is extremely well-spoken, has long had a very strong relationship with this company, and is politically knowledgeable and certainly knows all the players."

State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte added that Krier brings a lot of experience to the table that should serve her well at USAA.

"She knows many of the policy-makers in state government, not just the Bexar County delegation," Van de Putte said. "She understands what the legislative process is all about."

Howard Peak, who served two terms as mayor of San Antonio, took a job in June with San Antonio-based telecommunications giant SBC Communications Inc.

As executive director of municipal affairs, Peak oversees SBC's dealings with cities and municipalities over issues such as franchise fees and installation of phone lines in public rights of way.

In keeping with the city's ethics policy, Peak won't be involved with any direct negotiations with the city for two years.

asidime@express-news.net

Staff Writers Travis E. Poling and Jaime Castillo contributed to this report.