Majority on San Antonio City Council reject mayor's item calling for pause on Spurs negotiations

San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones’ agenda item calling for a “strategic pause” in negotiations with Spurs Sports & Entertainment for a new downtown NBA arena failed on a 4-7 vote Thursday in front of a packed house. As of press time, council still hasn't voted on a the meeting's other item: a tentative agreement with the San Antonio Spurs' ownership group that would ask the city to pony up $489 million to help build the $1.3 billion sports facility.  Despite a full court press from Jones to win support for a pause — including hijacking a Greater Chamber of Commerce press conference and numerous media appearances — council voted on her proposal with no discussion from the dais.