Questions remain surrounding Sakai travel costs, oversight, how benefits will be measured

Questions remain surrounding Sakai travel costs, oversight, how benefits will be measured by Jessica Warner Sun, November 8, 2026 at 9:37 PM Updated Sun, November 8, 2026 at 11:43 PM 5 VIEW ALL PHOTOS Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai is defending the use of taxpayer money for a series of international trips, including a $40,000 trip to Japan that he is completing before leaving office next month. (SBG San Antonio) Comment on this story 0 Comment Share story Share topics: Sakai Bexar County Taxpayer travel Japan trip Economic development Oversight County commissioners Toyota SAN ANTONIO - Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai is defending the use of taxpayer money for a series of international trips, including a $40,000 trip to Japan that he is completing before leaving office next month. Sakai said the travel aligns with his fiscal approach, saying, “These trips are part and parcel of my commitment to keeping an austere budget, no property tax increase. So I think I've been a pretty good steward at the taxpayer's money.” The Japan trip is Sakai’s third visit to that country since taking office. Last month, he also traveled to the Czech Republic at a cost of up to $25,000. Sakai said the trips have been important to Toyota’s expansion on the Southside and to attracting manufacturers such as Sanko Plastics and American Katerra. RELATED | Bexar County Judge spending tens of thousands of taxpayer funds on travel Asked by News 4’s Jaie Avila about the purpose of the travel, Sakai said, “These purposes, especially to Japan, is to keep the relationships that we have.” Sakai also pointed to economic development results he attributed to the travel. “We've had $5.7 billion of investment money coming to Bexar County as a results. And nearly 8,000 jobs. So I think that's a pretty good return investment for these trips,” Sakai said. When Avila asked whether the investment would still come without the trips, Sakai responded, “I say that we would not have the positioning and the reputation unless I go there to make sure.” Sakai took Precinct 1 Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores on the latest $40,000 trip to Japan. Clay-Flores is expected to travel on to South Korea at an additional cost of up to $10,000. The travel was approved by county commissioners on the consent agenda without discussion at a meeting last month. Avila asked whether travel like this should be discussed in court where the public can see what is happening. Sakai replied, “That's a good point, but at this point, the reason why it was on consent is because the majority, if not unanimous, consent of the court approved those measures.” We will continue pressing for answers, including how the payoff of the trips will be measured, whether there should be limits on how many trips officials can take and their cost, and whether there should be reforms in how taxpayer money is spent on travel. Trending Dozens of undelivered ballots found in dumpster at Seattle park The ballots have already been reissued to the affected voters. PHOTOS: Bands of America brings marching bands from across the country to The Alamodome! Downtown is expected to be especially busy Saturday, Nov. 7, as multiple major events bring large crowds and increased traffic to the city center.City officials said the Alamodome will host the Bands of America Super Thanksgiving giveaway helps San Antonio families amid rising grocery costs Thanksgiving giveaway helps San Antonio families amid rising grocery costs Night out turns violent as gunfire erupts outside La Cantera-area business Night out turns violent as gunfire erupts outside La Cantera-area business Driver arrested for intoxication assault after guardrail crash injures passenger Driver arrested for intoxication assault after guardrail crash injures passenger NEWS IN PHOTOS: " Local " 5 Questions remain surrounding Sakai travel costs, oversight, how benefits will be measured 11 VOTE for the high school football play of the week 9 Two adults, three children killed after vehicle goes off bridge near I-10 in Seguin 15 Javonte Williams’ late TD run lifts Cowboys past Colts, 27-23