CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Corpus Christi residents are set to head to the polls during the next few weeks, and one of the city officials they will be deciding on is their preference for Corpus Christi City Council Dist. 5.
Incumbent Gil Hernandez faces a challenge from small-business owner David Peña.
3NEWS sent out questionnaires to all six candidates asking the same questions. Each answer was limited to a 100-word response, and candidates were informed their responses would be cut off if more than 100 words. The deadline to return questionnaires was Oct. 11.
The candidates' boundaries include most of the new growth on the South Side, and everything south of Saratoga Boulevard and east of Weber Road down to Oso Creek.
David Peña
Peña is a Corpus Christi native and small business owner who owns Fleet Feet, Archery Outfitters International and Bay Area Bicycles. Prior to that, he worked for Valero Refining. The District 5 candidate has expressed support for the Inner Harbor desalination plan and says he likes the Port’s Harbor Island plan.
Do you support the Inner Harbor Desalination Project? (Please answer yes or no and then give your reasoning.)
I support desalination in any location that proves to be safe. Currently, the inner harbor location models are showing that it is safe and our most cost-effective option. The Harbor Island location is also a great option, but it comes at a much higher cost due to its lack of infrastructure.
What is the biggest thing the current city government currently does well?
The biggest thing that our current city government is doing well is focusing on infrastructure improvements, particularly in areas like road repairs, water systems, and drainage. I believe maintaining this focus on infrastructure will be key to addressing our cities future needs.
What is the biggest issue in Corpus Christi?
Our city faces two major challenges. The need for a reliable water supply and the neglect of our residential streets. Water is crucial for both residents and economic growth, and we must prioritize expanding our water resources to meet future demand. At the same time, many residential streets are in despair, affecting daily life for our citizens. We must focus on ensuring that infrastructure improvements are not just for main roads but also for the streets where people live every day. I would push for a more balanced approach to city planning, so we address both critical issues
Gil Hernandez
Do you support the Inner Harbor Desalination Project? (Please answer yes or no and then give your reasoning.)
No, I believe the Harbor Island location is a better long-term solution. The inner harbor site is limited to only 30 mgd due to its location inside the bay. The Harbor Island site is permitted for 50mgd and can be expanded to 100mgd if the discharge extended into the Gulf of Mexico.
What is the biggest thing the current city government currently does well?
I believe we have some of the best police and fire fighters in the state. Their ability to manage though personnel, equipment and funding shortages is second to none.
What is the biggest issue in Corpus Christi?
We have two major issues as a city government. We have serious infrastructure concerns in every part of the city. We have to make improvements and maintain street, utility, and facility infrastructure without overextending our ability to pay for the improvements. Second, we have overextended our current sources of water. We are in serious need of new water resources for the long term growth of the coastal bend.
For more information on the questions local voters have ahead of the election, you can check out this video with 3NEWS anchor Mike Gillaspia and political analyst Bill Chriss.