CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — In an attempt to inform the Corpus Christi community better about local candidates on the November ballot, 3NEWS reached out to the candidates running for election on the November 2024 city council ballot.
Incumbent Sylvia Campos is being challenged by former Dist. 2 councilman Ben Molina.
3NEWS asked them several questions about the issues important to local voters. You can find their answers below.
Sylvia Campos
Do you support the Inner Harbor Desalination Project? (Please answer yes or no and then give your reasoning.)
No, I do not support the Harbor Desalination Project. I believe it will be detrimental to our precious bay and continues further encroachment into the Hillcrest Neighborhood. They continue to be marginalized. We also do not need heavy industry polluting our air, water and land. The city is not growing population wise. We built the Mary Rhodes Pipeline to assist with periodic drought periods but our previous City Council and manager sold our water away and now here they come back again and want the water rate payers to foot the bill without a VOTE on a 750 million project.
What is the biggest thing the current city government currently does well?
We negotiated a good contract with our Police and Fire employees. We have invested in our Street Repair Department, therefore bringing down the cost. People are starting to see a glimmer of hope on our street repairs. Our streets are a little cleaner with our street sweeper and rapid response to pot hole repairs.
What is the biggest issue in Corpus Christi?
Water is our biggest issue. We should ALL be conserving not just residents that use %20 of the water. That is why I was against the Drought Contingency plan because it did not include demanding industry to cut back on their water usage. It is unfair and negligible. We need water to live and grow in population not to cater to heavy industry that will bring minimal jobs, pollution and contribute to climate change.
Ben Molina
Do you support the Inner Harbor Desalination Project? (Please answer yes or no and then give your reasoning.)
No, I do not support the Inner Harbor Desalination Project in its current form. While I believe desalination is important for our city's future water needs, the inner harbor may not be the best location due to potential environmental and industrial concerns. I support exploring alternative sites that would minimize these impacts while still providing the water security our community needs.
What is the biggest thing the current city government currently does well?
The biggest thing the current city government does well is advancing the Vision Zero program, which is an initiative I led. This initiative aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries on our streets by improving road safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians by improving street lighting, sidewalks and crosswalks. The city's commitment to this program demonstrates a strong focus on creating a safer community for all residents.
What is the biggest issue in Corpus Christi?
The biggest issue in Corpus Christi is ensuring long-term water security. With ongoing growth and the challenges posed by drought conditions, finding sustainable water sources is critical. Desalination is one potential solution, but it’s important to balance this with environmental concerns and proper site selection. Addressing water needs while protecting our local ecosystems and industries is essential for the city’s future.