By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
After the 2025 SPI City Council Forum on October 13 at the South Padre Island Convention Center, each candidate was given the opportunity to answer a customized set of three open-ended follow-up questions that aligned with their individual platforms and discussion points. Each candidate was also invited to share a message with the community. The following are their responses and the positions for which each is campaigning.
Place 1 – Ken Medders
Question 1: Fiscal Focus: You’ve emphasized fiscal responsibility and protecting taxpayer dollars. Can you share a specific area of city spending you believe could be made more efficient or transparent?
Question 2: Tourism Strategy: You’ve talked about advertising and tourism as key revenue drivers. How would you ensure those marketing investments deliver measurable returns for the city?
Question 3: Public Trust: Residents often say they want to feel more involved in city decisions. What practical steps would you support to strengthen communication between council and the public?
Candidate Comment:
If voters approve, we need a convention center (annex) owned and controlled by the city. A new facility and parking garage could be built for less than expanding the existing one. The existing center would remain secondary to a new facility on city-owned land. The SPI Marine Park/ Marina should also be promoted.
The city is completing surveys, studies, and modeling for shoreline protection and habitat island engineering to reach shovel-ready status. Permitting and potential grant applications are viewed more favorably for city-owned projects. A private investor has also expressed interest.
Streamlining city permitting and services, promoting law enforcement, and ensuring continuity in CVB management are priorities. The CVB has had three managers in 6½ years, which affects tourism advertising continuity.
Place 1 – Joe Praster
Question 1: Public Safety: Given your law-enforcement background, what public safety improvements do you think the island needs most, especially during peak tourism seasons?
Answer 1:
Public safety is a top priority. Some residents seek improved response times and more proactive enforcement, particularly of quality-of-life issues. To address this, a “Citizens on Patrol” (COP) volunteer program is proposed, where trained residents assist the police department by acting as extra eyes and ears, reporting suspicious activity, assisting at events, conducting vacation checks, providing public information, and issuing warnings for minor ordinance violations. Volunteers would not perform law enforcement functions.
Age, background, vetting, and training requirements would apply. The program could enhance public safety, free police resources for emergencies, build community trust, and improve quality of life. An enabling ordinance for the program could be considered immediately upon election.
Question 2: Budget Oversight: How would you approach prioritizing funding when infrastructure, parks, and enforcement needs compete?
Answer 2:
Funding priorities would follow three filters: safety, sustainability, and impact. Safety-related needs, such as public safety equipment, roads, and drainage, come first. Next are maintenance and infrastructure projects that prevent higher future costs. Finally, projects supporting quality of life and tourism, such as parks and recreation, would be considered. Multi-year planning, transparency, and alignment with the comprehensive plan and available revenue would guide responsible spending while keeping debt and taxes in check.
Question 3: Community Engagement: How would you build transparency and two-way communication with residents beyond posting agendas and explaining votes online?
Answer 3:
Agendas would be posted online before meetings for community review. After meetings, votes and explanations would be posted. Communication would include phone, email, social media, and in-person availability.
Candidate Message:
Residents are encouraged to vote and evaluate candidates based on public engagement and transparency. The Candidate Forum video is available online for review.
Place 2 – Esteban Flores
Question 1: Responsible Growth: How would you ensure large-scale developments do not compromise SPI’s natural environment or small-community feel?
Answer 1:
Growth should enhance the character of SPI. Large-scale developments like the deep-sea marina and a five-star hotel can serve as economic catalysts when guided by environmentally responsible planning. All developments should protect the coastline, strengthen infrastructure, and support local hiring and sustainability efforts, preserving beaches, small-town charm, and natural beauty.
Question 2: Short-Term Rentals: What ideas do you have for balancing investor interests with residents’ quality of life?
Answer 2:
Balance requires clear communication, data, and accountability. A transparent registration platform could streamline tax collection, ensure compliance, and maintain neighborhood standards. Responsible operators could be rewarded, and STR revenue reinvested into safety, parking, and infrastructure.
Question 3: Faith and Integrity: How do faith or personal values influence your decisionmaking as a city leader?
Answer 3:
Faith and values guide decision-making through discipline, purpose, and service. Leadership is viewed as stewardship focused on long-term community good over short-term politics.
Community Message:
SPI can strengthen its economy, protect the environment, and improve quality of life by leveraging partnerships and resources responsibly.
Place 2 – Aarin Hartwell
Question 1: Eco-Tourism Vision: What are your first three priorities for developing eco-tourism and arts amenities on SPI?
Answer 1:
Priorities include: bird blinds and shaded areas for birders, kiosks and educational workshops, and a comprehensive map of eco-friendly birding and nature spots. A volunteer committee of experts would create a masterplan for conservation, sustainable development, and eco-friendly marketing and tourism.
Question 2: Transparency & Inclusion: How would you schedule interactive workshops and what systems would you implement for community engagement?
Answer 2:
Quarterly workshops at City Hall would gather community input. Citizen-vetted committees and volunteer subcommittees would provide feedback before project and budget implementation. A dedicated online portal could provide real-time updates and ensure accountability.
Question 3: Fiscal Stewardship: How would you balance creative or cultural projects with fiscal accountability?
Answer 3:
Creative projects would focus on self-sustaining, multi-purpose venues for performances, films, and events. Public-private partnerships and grants would offset costs. High-demand shows and digital engagement would ensure responsible use of taxpayer funds.
Message to the Community:
SPI can achieve a vibrant, inclusive future with new amenities, transparent governance, and community collaboration.
Place 2 – Kerry Schwartz
Question 1: Experience & Accomplishments: Which project or policy are you proudest of, and why?
Answer 1:
Experience includes decades of business and government relations work. Locally, highlights include completing the Laguna Boulevard project ahead of schedule, implementing golf cart radio restrictions, developing recreational facilities such as a skate park, basketball court, playground, and pickleball courts, constructing a new boat ramp and parking lot, enhancing beach access points, creating the Substandard Structure Committee, launching the SPI Eco Tourism District, and upgrading infrastructure with street repaving, new sidewalks, and improved drainage
Question 2: Development Direction: How do you balance development momentum with preserving SPI’s coastal character?
Answer 2:
Sustainable development and the SPI Eco Tourism District help protect coastal character. Coordination with agencies and adherence to relevant laws safeguard environmental assets.
Question 3: Community Collaboration: How would you expand opportunities for resident input before major votes or project approvals?
Answer 3:
Public input is incorporated into major projects. Meeting agendas, workshops, and direct communication provide ongoing opportunities for community feedback.
As South Padre Island approaches the 2025 municipal election, these responses offer residents a detailed understanding of each candidate’s positions. Early voting in Cameron County is from Monday, October 20 through Friday, October 31, with Election Day on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
For polling locations, voting hours, and official election updates, visit the Cameron County Elections Department at www.cameroncountytx.gov/elections.
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