By JACQI LEVY-HILL
Special to the PRESS
The 2025 South Padre Island City Council Candidate Forum brought together five candidates who shared their priorities for the island’s future, addressing issues such as tourism, infrastructure, fiscal management, and transparency in local government.
The key takeaways and action items include enforcing short-term rental ordinances and revoking permits from repeat offenders, exploring the development of a deep-sea marina to boost economic growth and eco-tourism, constructing a performing arts theater on city-owned land, and parks and eco-tourism opportunities, with a strong emphasis on conservation.
Moderated by Kathy Cunningham, the forum featured Place 1 candidates Ken Medders Jr. and Joe Praster, along with Place 2 contenders Esteban Flores, Aarin Hartwell, and Kerry Schwartz. Gayle Hood and Jules Wilk served as official timekeepers, ensuring each candidate’s remarks stayed within the allotted limits.
Retired bank president with almost 30 years in commercial lending, Ken Medders (Place 1) emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline and protecting taxpayer dollars, describing tourism as the city’s primary economic driver. He called for prudent spending and targeted marketing to sustain visitor growth. As an avid fisherman, his commitment to protecting the area’s bays, beaches, and estuaries is evident in his active role as a board member of the 70,000-member Coastal Conservation Association.
Joe Praster (Place 1) echoed that message, highlighting his long record of 30 years in public service and law enforcement experience while focusing on public safety and responsible budgeting as essential to maintaining community trust. He is a US Army veteran who has worked in law enforcement and found himself in a management position where he was responsible for over 100 employees and managed the budget of about $36 million.
Kerry Schwartz (Place 2) highlighted his accomplishments during his first term, including golf cart rentals in which he was responsible for the rental golf cart regulations, which removed radios, required child restraints, mandated seat belts, and restricted horn use. He was also responsible for e-scooter regulations and the completion of a new public boat ramp. He voiced support for continued progress on the ecotourism district, convention center expansion, and deep sea marina, while stressing the importance of community input and transparent development.
Real estate professional Esteban Flores (Place 2) supported high impact projects such as a deep sea marina and five star hotel, advocating for public-private partnerships and responsible growth that balances opportunity with fiscal prudence. He wants to build a world class destination that mirrors the progress happening across Texas.
Aarin Hartwell (Place 2), a film and event producer, centered her platform on eco-tourism, arts, and recreation, proposing a performing arts theater, enhanced public parks, and amenities that protect the island’s natural character while broadening its economic base. Her vision includes vibrant community engagement through workshops and communication so the community’s ideas shape our future.
All candidates agreed that short term rentals are vital to South Padre Island’s economy but require better oversight and communication. Schwartz pointed to a new ordinance penalizing repeat violators. Praster and Medders called for stronger enforcement and compliance. Hartwell suggested improving online access to rental information. Flores emphasized balanced regulation that supports both residents and investors.
Transparency was a recurring theme throughout the evening. Hartwell called for greater fiscal auditing and citizen engagement. Medders emphasized open access to public information. Flores advocated for removing conflicts of interest. Praster pledged to post meeting agendas and explanations of his votes online. Schwartz maintained that City Hall is already transparent, citing livestreamed meetings and opportunities for public participation.
Candidates offered differing opinions on expanding the Convention Center, some viewing it as essential to year round tourism, others questioning its long term financial impact. All agreed that responsible spending, accountability, and public input must remain central to the city’s planning process.
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