Thrilled and excited for growth, SPI resident Tally Ragsdale says she's ready for politics.
Ragsdale officially announced her campaign for City Council Place 4 on her Facebook page on Sept 20. With a vision to sustain and progress together "where every voice is heard."
"I've been coming to South Padre Island since I was one," said Ragsdale on the time spent as a frequent visitor in her younger years before moving back and forth from the island and her hometown, Perryton, Texas, to help her family.
Ragsdale became a full-time islander in 2008 and considers herself an informed individual concerning political matters and says she always talked about getting into politics.
The encouragement of her peers led her to pursue running for City Council Place 4.
Motivating the Young
Bringing generations together to grow in harmony, Ragsdale stressed the need for community input, writing on Facebook, "I cannot do this alone. I need your support, ideas, and passion for South Padre's future."
Ragsdale believes that if she can be a role model for her generation, it would motivate younger people to get more involved. She added that taking the step to run would inspire her peers to become active and join committees.
"The younger people are going to have to step up. We're going to have to run this island and know how it works, so why not start now?" asked Ragsdale.
Gathering Local Businesses
Ragsdale runs her family's business, rents condos, and owns a beach umbrella service at the Saida Towers.
Her slogan, "Better Together," stands for the balance of both the citizens of SPI and visitors. "We need everybody, but the citizens live here. They spend money here every day," said Ragsdale.
Businesses on the island are all different, and Ragsdale says it should not be up to one person or a group of individuals. Ragsdale plans to use her platform to advocate for businesses to get together and develop professional organizations to represent each industry on the island.
Election Days
Early voting begins Oct. 23, 2023 with election day Nov. 7, 2023. SPI voters can vote at SPI Community Center next to City Hall from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (4501 Padre Blvd.)
[Island Matters invited both candidates for an in person interview however Rees Lagnston has not yet responded as of Oct. 13, 2023.]
