By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
South Padre Island Councilwoman-elect Aarin Hartwell says her recent experience at a City Council meeting on December 17 reinforced her concerns about transparency, public participation, and the city’s approach to committee appointments.
Hartwell said she observed “zero eye contact” during Councilman Ken Medders’ swearing-in ceremony and described the council’s conduct as part of a broader pattern. “It’s no secret the current SPI City Council needs a course in etiquette and nonverbal communication,” she said. She added that “the disrespect from the current council has shown up in the past by violating the Open Meetings Act and not allowing certain members of the public to speak during public comments,” referencing lawsuits and “upset constituents demanding that order be restored to council meetings.”
Regarding her own experience addressing the council last Wednesday, Hartwell said her public comments were “met with the same unwelcome feeling,” stating that council members were unwilling to make eye contact while she voiced concerns about the Special Events Committee. She said she believes “the system in which these city officials are selected is flawed and needs more accountability in the process,” and added that it “seems the council is handing out seats to their front line constituents, not the most experienced applicants.”
Hartwell said she reviewed committee applications and “couldn’t help but notice friends of the council members’ names on the ‘selected’ list,” including “names of members who have been called out in the past for ‘conduct issues’ during their appointment.” After reading CVs, résumés, and applications, she said she did “not feel that decisions were made based on experience.”
Her top reform priority, she said, will be “expanded outreach and public access to committee opportunities.” Hartwell stated that current notices reach too few residents, noting that many are not active on social media or familiar with the city website. “I want to make sure the best and most qualified people can apply, not just those already in the know,” she said, adding that broader outreach would “rebuild public trust in the process.”
Hartwell said she plans to be “a strong voice for accountability and transparency,” while also working collaboratively. She emphasized leading “with facts and practical solutions” and said she intends to stand firm on “fairness and fiscal responsibility.”
Hartwell also referenced ongoing community concerns she has raised previously and noted that she was not allowed to finish asking questions at a recent council meeting, adding that another member of the public “was completely denied his access to public comments.”
She said she will continue to focus on accountability, outreach, and committee reform as she prepares to take office.
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