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Who's running for Corpus Christi City Council At-Large?

There are a total of seven candidates running for three At-Large positions on Corpus Christi's City Council.

The following questions were posed by the League of Women Voters board and submitted by candidates via Vote411.org. Candidate responses are reprinted verbatim and are not edited.

John Garcia

Describe your credentials and life experiences that qualify you to hold this office.

I have distinguished myself as a longtime community volunteer I have taken the time to learn about issues across the city. I have a passion for economic development and job creation as well as strong public safety and infrastructure improvements across our city. I would be honored to take a more global approach to many of the issues we face, and I believe I could best do that in an at-large capacity.

Both property and violent crime rates have decreased since 2016. However, Corpus Christi's crime rates are still significantly higher in both categories than the Texas and National crime rates. If elected, how will you address this issue?

I have no doubt that with the increase of population in our city, crime will increase. It's a huge concern to me, as your next city councilman at large. I would make it a high priority to address, a lack of growth through our emergency services.

What are your three (3) top priorities for public infrastructure maintenance and expansion in Corpus Christi and what will you do to support them?

Transportation services such as our streets, bridge, cycle highways, rail, airport and the port expansion project are critical for growth. Water that provides a supply of clean water and management of water resources is also important. Replacing aging and inadequate storm sewers, and corrected drainage problems needs attention and should be carefully tested for the future.

Using a scale of poor, below average, average, above average, or excellent, please explain your response to the question, "How would you rate the capability of Nueces County to provide water for drinking, irrigation, and industry in the next 20 years?"

Below average. Identify ways in which federal, state, tribal and local governments, and utilities can work together to ensure that drinking water infrastructure challenges of low-income environmental justice communities and small systems are being appropriately prioritized and addressed. This could include increased information sharing, replicating best practices and building community capacity.

Brandey Batey

Describe your credentials and life experiences that qualify you to hold this office.

For the past 10 years I have been actively involved in both civic and political issues effecting our community, I have owned my own business and understand the issues facing small businesses with the burden of government overreach. I am a homeowner that has watched my taxes continue to increase while my neighborhood has continued to deteriorate. I have young children that I want to have the opportunity of a great education and a city that offers amenities where they can play learn and grow. I have worked in various areas of the community, including the medical and non-profit sector.

Both property and violent crime rates have decreased since 2016. However, Corpus Christi's crime rates are still significantly higher in both categories than the Texas and National crime rates. If elected, how will you address this issue?

We are currently short officers when compared to the average for a US city our size. The only way to fix that is to increase the number of police officers. We need to evaluate the results of current methods of policing, investigation, arrests and case clearance and look for innovative ways to better involve and educate citizens of crimes happening in their specific neighborhoods. We must increase community outreach to the youth committing the majority of the crimes. We must demand that our justice system close the revolving door on these cases, prosecuting to the fullest extent every time.

What are your three (3) top priorities for public infrastructure maintenance and expansion in Corpus Christi and what will you do to support them?

We need to focus the majority of our dollars on our existing infrastructure, such as streets and water lines. We cannot continue to expand city services into new areas, increasing the burden on an already stretched budget, while neglecting our current neighborhoods. I want to make smart decisions with the limited funds at our disposal to see that existing neighborhoods are made a priority. When we neglect one area to expand to another we are not fixing the underlying problem. We are left with decaying neighborhoods and the increased future debt of maintenance and replacement of the expansion.

Using a scale of poor, below average, average, above average, or excellent, please explain your response to the question, "How would you rate the capability of Nueces County to provide water for drinking, irrigation, and industry in the next 20 years?"

Poor. I believe our drinking water is at risk, like many other cities across America, because we have failed to innovate. We must constantly analyze our procurement specifications to be sure we are not eliminating a range of products and technologies from the competitive bidding process. We cannot continue to throw money at our dilapidated network of underground pipes, and refuse to adopt reforms that would allow for a cost-effective modernization of our entire water system. Improved Infrastructure. Improved Public Safety, including Police Officers and Firefighters. Fiscal Responsibility and Improved Transparency of taxpayers money. Improved quality of life for all citizens of this community. Dedicated focus on fixing our current issues before we add more burden with non-necessity expenditures.

Rudy Garza Jr.

Describe your credentials and life experiences that qualify you to hold this office.

Corpus Christi City Council District 5 for 6 years

Planning and Zoning Commission -8 years (4 years as Chairman) Building Standards Board 2 years Appraisal District board - 4 years Served on Economic Development Corporation Board for 5 years Successful Business experience 20 years; Successful corporate career

College educated at Del Mar and CCSU ( BBA degree in Finance) Family man with strong Christian values

Both property and violent crime rates have decreased since 2016. However, Corpus Christi's crime rates are still significantly higher in both categories than the Texas and National crime rates. If elected, how will you address this issue?

We need to move the police resources from Animal Control and Code Enforcement back to the Police Department. We need to use data and intelligence gathering to focus on problem areas proactively to reduce the issues or individuals that are contributing to the increases. Drug use and gang activity are areas we can identify and intervene on to turn this around. We have to continue to invest in the best technology available to support our Police department to be safe and get the bad element out of our community. I believe they do a great job, but we have to do better.

What are your three (3) top priorities for public infrastructure maintenance and expansion in Corpus Christi and what will you do to support them?

We have made great progress on streets and we need to continue to look for ways to fund residential street reconstruction. We have work to do on our water distribution and wastewater collection systems. I support doing what we need to do improve and make our water and wastewater systems more robust and reliable. We also have to look at offering options to developers that will encourage growth that is sustain-able and will create logical densities that will give us the best efficiencies are far as providing city services. I support growth and redevelopment of older areas.

Using a scale of poor, below average, average, above average, or excellent, please explain your response to the question, "How would you rate the capability of Nueces County to provide water for drinking, irrigation, and industry in the next 20 years?"

Excellent. We have Lake Corpus Christi, Choke Canyon, and the pipelines from Lake Texana and the Lower Colorado River that currently supply our needs. All are surface water and the cheapest water available. We are now looking at diversifying our water supply. We have opportunities in conservation, water reclamation ( re use), groundwater, ASR and desalination. Desalination, though expensive, offers the best long term solution for a drought proof supply. We have to do a better job of matching our supply with our demand so we can keep the rates for all customers at most competitive levels.

Kaylynn Paxson

Describe your credentials and life experiences that qualify you to hold this office.

My degrees are in political science and Public Administration; because I wanted to equip myself for service of our city. One of my best strengths is in strategic analysis, management and progression. In my career, I have almost always been called in, or hired to 'fix' a problem and find a solution. I have worked on multiple projects where I had to conduct research and work with teams on learning where the organization's strengths and weaknesses are, and how to prepare them for success through strategic planning and management. This is the expertise and skill that I would bring to city council!

Both property and violent crime rates have decreased since 2016. However, Corpus Christi's crime rates are still significantly higher in both categories than the Texas and National crime rates. If elected, how will you address this issue?

I plan on addressing this issue through two strategies. We must work with all departments on equipping them for success in order to eliminate unnecessary cost. Identifying these returns allows us more freedom for increasing support where we need it. I also plan on implementing layers of assistance to our Police and Fire departments. This can be done by adding protocols that classify and share work loads and allow the higher impact crimes to receive more dedicated attention. We must also work with community areas, and partner on providing and increasing and reassigning security measures.

What are your three (3) top priorities for public infrastructure maintenance and expansion in Corpus Christi and what will you do to support them?

My first priority for infrastructure is to work with the city management and conduct audits and studies on finding more efficiency and transparency so that we can use city resources more wisely. Next I want our softwares and collection tools to be updated and given workable systems for operation. Finally I would like to see streets that have long been forgotten receive the attention they deserve. We need responsibility and transparency in our city. It's time to focus on our community!

Using a scale of poor, below average, average, above average, or excellent, please explain your response to the question, "How would you rate the capability of Nueces County to provide water for drinking, irrigation, and industry in the next 20 years?"

Above average. I definitely believe the capability for the city to have great water services and systems is a potential! We have so many great scientific minds located here who devote their careers to research and engineering. I plan on working with these professionals, and other professionals in order to find the best solutions for water systems that will not only provide great services to our community, but also preserve our coastal environment. We must actively seek ways to stop the tremendous outpour of pollution into our coast, while meeting the needs of the community!

David Boatright

Describe your credentials and life experiences that qualify you to hold this office.

I have been a CPA for over 22 Years I worked as a Senior Utilities Accountant for the City of Corpus Christi in 1993 for 5 years, As a City Employee I helped the City recover over $1,000,000 in undercharge fees from the Gas Department. I have helped numerous businesses and individual solve their problems with common sense solutions. I have a large family and understand what it takes to raise children in Corpus Christ, I have lived here most my life and am very frustrated with all the money the City has wasted on Consultants, Change Orders, and rash decisions. I plan to make Government open

Both property and violent crime rates have decreased since 2016. However, Corpus Christi's crime rates are still significantly higher in both categories than the Texas and National crime rates. If elected, how will you address this issue?

I do not have all the answers. I think a lot of the crime has to do with mental health problems along with drugs. I will sit down with police officers county officials and other Government leaders' to analyzed the problem and not just make rash decisions. Once the problem is thoroughly understood I will work with city officials to propose solutions which make common and economic sense.

What are your three (3) top priorities for public infrastructure maintenance and expansion in Corpus Christi and what will you do to support them?

1. Water- The highest priority going forward will be to have enough water in order to allow the growth of all the industries being opened because of the Oil & Gas business. I will work to find affordable solutions in solving the Cities Water Crisis. 2. Street repairs- Something is wrong with the way we repairs streets they do not last nearly as long as they used to. I will talk to the Universities about analyzing our current way we do street repairs and use their resources to find solutions 3. - I will push for legislation to tax all buildings vacant over a year taxed at best use.

Using a scale of poor, below average, average, above average, or excellent, please explain your response to the question, "How would you rate the capability of Nueces County to provide water for drinking, irrigation, and industry in the next 20 years?"

Above average. Corpus has the resources with the option of Desalinization and the 2 lakes along with the Mary Rhodes Pipeline. I will have to look at the research which has already been done to help formulate a plan. Commmon sense says we might use desalinization for Industry use and the lakes for public consumption. I know a plan must be formulated and soon.

Michael Hunter

Describe your credentials and life experiences that qualify you to hold this office.

Currently, I have served 2 1/2 years as your city councilman at large. I have also sat on many boards, commissions and committees throughout the city. Some of these groups include: Young business professionals, the art museum of south Texas, Corpus Christi town club, Corpus Christi museum of science and history, The USS Lexington, The Rising Tide Society – the Texas State Aquarium. I have served as a young liaison to the area for around eight years. I have had the opportunity to travel out of the country to represent us as a young professional several times. I was born and raised in Corpus.

Both property and violent crime rates have decreased since 2016. However, Corpus Christi's crime rates are still significantly higher in both categories than the Texas and National crime rates. If elected, how will you address this issue?

I will continue to be a strong supporter of improving public safety efforts. I have received back to back endorsements from the Corpus Christi Police Officers Association and Firefighters Association I believe due to these efforts. We have brought on eight additional officers and we are currently modifying the officer training academy. We are improving communication systems for our city and our region. We have recently constructed fire station 18 during this past term. We will need a multi-annual plan to increase our numbers for both police and fire.

What are your three (3) top priorities for public infrastructure maintenance and expansion in Corpus Christi and what will you do to support them?

#1. I believe the bridge is the most important infrastructure project at the moment. We need to make sure this continues to move along smoothly. I will do whatever it takes to make sure this process gets completed.

#2. I believe that water is the second most important infrastructure need at the city. Over the last several years we have gone through multiple water boils. I helped shine light on the need for more water pressure through new water towers to prevent stagnant water.

#3. Streets are the third priority. Currently, we have a lot of street under construction, but we have a long way to go.

Using a scale of poor, below average, average, above average, or excellent, please explain your response to the question, "How would you rate the capability of Nueces County to provide water for drinking, irrigation, and industry in the next 20 years?"

Above average. We are very far along in diversifying our water sources since I came onto the city Council. We are almost completely finished with the permitting process for desalination, which the next step should be construction. This new water source will not only provide us clean water but diversify and protect us against water needs of the future. We have installed and reconstructed many different water lines, water towers, and stations throughout the city. We also have a lot more work to do here, but we have regained our Texas Superior Water Rating from the state.

Paulette Guajardo

Describe your credentials and life experiences that qualify you to hold this office.

For 15 years I owned and operated my insurance agency and learned the joys and issues that small business owners face. I also learned that human equity is another way to make our community stronger and have proudly given my time to many non-profits and organizations. Throughout my life's journey, I have learned leadership skills and have utilized these skills to bring responsible leadership to our City. I have learned that communication is paramount and that listening to my constituents is as important as giving my own opinion. I am cognizant that the decisions I help make impact the future.

Both property and violent crime rates have decreased since 2016. However, Corpus Christi's crime rates are still significantly higher in both categories than the Texas and National crime rates. If elected, how will you address this issue?

This has been a priority of mine, since I was first elected in 2016 and it remains a top priority today. People come FIRST, therefore, we must work collaboratively with other agencies and partners to ensure the safety of all citizens throughout the City. I initiated the only Public Safety Workshop that has ever taken place. And as part of my continuing efforts, I have asked the City Manager to bring forth a RESPONSIBLE long term strategic plan to staff our first responders adequately. Our police force as not grown in 20 years. I believe having a plan is key to responsible leadership.

What are your three (3) top priorities for public infrastructure maintenance and expansion in Corpus Christi and what will you do to support them?

The safety and protection of our citizens, providing safe drinking water as well as a long term supply of water, and lastly, bring leadership and direction to the infrastructure issues, including streets. I believe these priorities must be met in a fiscally responsible manner that will in turn lead to economic development opportunities. I have asked the City Manager to bring forth a long term strategic plan that will coincide with our growing City so that we can discuss as to not neglect it and/or pass it on to future councils to deal with. I believe in having a plan for a vision.

Using a scale of poor, below average, average, above average, or excellent, please explain your response to the question, "How would you rate the capability of Nueces County to provide water for drinking, irrigation, and industry in the next 20 years?"

Above average. We are currently taking steps to secure a long term supply of water for our citizens and industry. The conversation continues and we are working towards this today. With more knowledge about new technology advances, I feel confident that we will find a long term strategy to meet the future water demands.

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