What is your agenda for the next 3 years?
- It has been 14 months since I was sworn in as the Mayor of City of South Padre Island, which has been the highest honor. It is amazing how fast time has flown by. I am excited to announce on July 21st, I filed for re-election as your Mayor. We have accomplished a lot over the last 13 months and am looking forward to accomplishing much more, if I am re-elected.
- Some of the many goals are the following:
  - Re-development of Laguna Blvd either through the BUILD grant or alternate financing.
  - Development of a Public Boat Ramp with parking, through the Restore Grant
  - Completion of the Wind and Water Sports Park, with Venue Tax Funds
  - Completion of the Skate Park at Tompkins Park through TPWD Grant
  - Developing a clear path for a 2nd Causeway working with the MPO
  - Completing the Comprehensive Plan
  - I hope this election is focused on the positives of OUR Island!
  - If you have any questions or concerns, I am always available. Feel free to call me at 956.238.3378 or patrickmforspi@gmail.com Let's "Keep OUR Island moving forward, TOGETHER!"

You stated in the PI Press that you want to complete the projects (Laguna Blvd., Skate Park, Silent Sports Park, etc.) that were started by the previous council. If they are the heart of your next 3 years, why did you and the current council halt them all for a year?
- Our council has not put a halt to progress on any of the mentioned projects. We have been working diligently even during this historic pandemic. Myself and council has a “Get It Done” attitude from the day that I took office 14 months ago. I am confused as to how this false narrative is being presented as all of our meetings are online for information and transparency. Below is a brief synopsis of our actions:
  - July 17, 2019
    - Approved acceptance of $500,000 grant from TPWD for the Skate Park.
    - Approved contract for ProWaterCross (Sports Tourism)
  - August 7, 2019
    - Update on venue tax projects, which include: Padre Blvd Median Project, Wind & Water Sports Park, Convention Center Annex (youth sports tourism)
  - August 14, 2019
    - First Tri City Meeting, in years
  - August 21, 2019
    - Approved RFQ for design of Wind Water Sports Park
    - Approved RFQ for design Skate Park
    - Approved lease negotiations for Historic Museum
  - September 4, 2019
    - Presentation of Johnson Study for Convention Centre Expansion (Sports Tourism)
  - September 18, 2019
    - Workshop for expansion of Convention Centre (Sport Tourism)
    - Submission of Wind Water Sports Park for CMP Cycle 25 grant
  - October 2, 2019
    - Approved additional services for Johnson Study regarding Convention Centre Expansion.
    - Authorized CM to negotiate contract for design of Skate Park.
  - October 16, 2019
    - Authorized CM to negotiate contract for design of Wind Water Sports Park
  - November6, 2019
    - Approved Resolution to add Laguna Madre Area in to the MPO (2nd Causeway)
    - Awarded Contract for Padre Blvd Medians
    - Approved funding for expansion of tourism opportunity feasibility for Birding Center (Aquarium - Family and youth tourism)
    - Approved contract for surveying services for Laguna Blvd
  - January 8, 2020
    - Approved lease for Historic Museum
    - Update on Laguna Blvd Improvement Project
  - January 22, 2020
    - Update on Johnson Study for Convention Centre expansion, development of committee for recommendations of design and manageable amenities (Sports Tourism)
    - Approved contract for design of Wind Water Sports Park
    - Approved submission of Base design of for Park to TPWD
    - Update on Skate Park design status
  - April 15, 2020
    - Review of Budget and concerns regarding COVID-19
    - Approved CM to begin reviewing budget reductions due to COVID-19
  - May 12, 2020
    - Approved Laguna Blvd Improvements for submission of BUILD Grant
  - May 20, 2020
    - Update on Wind Water Sports Park
    - Update on Laguna Blvd Improvement, overall concept was presented
    - Awarded contract to construct Tompkins Park Phase II improvements minus Skate Park
  - June 17, 2020
    - Update on Future Medical Provisions (Hospital)
  - July 1, 2020
    - Approved design services for sidewalk expansion to Wind Water Sports Park
  - July 15, 2020
    - Approved letter in support of EDA grant for Historic Museum
    - Approved final design of Skate Park, proceed with construction drawings
  - July 22, 2020
    - 1st Open house for Laguna Madre Improvements
  - July 29, 2020
    - 2nd Open House for Laguna Madre Improvements
  - August 5, 2020
    - Approved sidewalk width to Wind Water Sports Park at 10’
  - August 11, 2020
    - 3rd open house for Laguna Blvd Improvements
  - August 19, 2020
    - Approved design concept for Laguna Blvd Improvements

You have made yourself unavailable to the press and forced all questions through the City Secretary. In our small town, shouldn’t elected and appointed officials be as available to the citizens when they are in office as they are when they are seeking office?
- The City has a policy of all media request. Request go through the City Secretary/PR. The reason for this is simply so that the City produces one message rather than individual messages. There is no special treatment. Many people (non- media) send questions and statements directly to myself and fellow council member. I try to answer all questions and acknowledge the statements.

Your website states that you will host a joint workshop with the City Council and the CVB to focus on Youth Sports Tourism. Why did you wait this long for such an obvious opportunity?
- I believe youth sport tourism is a tremendous opportunity for SPI, as noted with the focus of the Convention Centre expansion. During COVID it has been impossible to bring youth sports to SPI and we are disappointed that we had to cancel several events that promote this type of tourism. We have signed intent letters for basketball tournaments in November/December working with UTRGV to bring these events back too SPI.
Also, on your website is a commitment to have 24/7 healthcare on the island, but the city has avoided involvement with a privately funded Emergency Room. What is your plan?
- I am still and have always been a supporter of medical services for SPI. I have attended multiple meetings with Doctors, administrators, and investors regarding the medical services. Below is a recent update from Dr. Ybarra regarding his hospital.
  - "Hi
    Trying to correct architectural design to fit space.
    Working with healthcare attorney and hospital consultant to craft a way to have specialty physicians as investors in building and land.
    Because of ACA and stark laws, physicians cannot invest in hospital operations itself.
    I want specialty physicians that have first or second homes on island and willing to come to island at least a half day a week to see patients at clinic and willing to assist in transfers for higher level of care until we can add on operative capacity, cath lab, etc.
    So, we’re moving along, a lot of money in project and it’s going to be aligned with the populations needs. The community health needs assessment was perfect for this project. I’m excited.
    Thanks for asking. Feel free to share. We will have a sign on property soon and a mini ceremony then a formal ground breaking once planning is complete.
    Take care"

On your website, you wrote, “I hope this election is focused on the positives of OUR Island!” How do you plan to handle the negatives (bad press from County Judge, storm sewers not connected to street drains on Padre Blvd., dangerous pedestrian intersections)?
- The negative press has been all over beach communities since the pandemic. The county judge and I have a good relationship and understand both sides of the issues. We have been running social distancing ads for SPI highlighting the island natural beauty and activities that are safe to practice at this time. We have earned a lot of goodwill from our advertising campaign and are ready to present a full marketing program, when the time is ready.
- Our storm drains are connected and they drain to the Bay, our issues is when there is a high tide and we have rain, there is nowhere for the water to go? I don’t understand the false narrative that are drains are not connected?
- Pedestrian crossings are being added to Padre Blvd to improve safety. The median project is an example of creating safe crossings on Padre Blvd. We are going to create a pedestrian friendly lane with the Laguna Improvements.

Is the mayor the cheerleader for the island or the problem-solver for the island?
- The Mayor serves both positions, but problem solving is the main task, especially when we have such great staff that can perform their jobs promoting the Island.

(Editor’s Note: Since Mayor McNulty was offered the opportunity to answer his questions in writing, the same opportunity will be offered to Mr. Buntin. Mr. Buntin’s answers will appear in a subsequent issue.)