Run-off Election for Place 4
(Photo credit : animation guild.org)
7/12/2020
South Padre Island is holding a runoff election. Early voting began December 2nd and runs until December 15th. Election day is December 19th.
Incumbent councilwoman, Alita Bagley, won a total of 549 votes in the general election, while the challenger, Lydia Caballero, earned 357 votes.
Due to COVID-19 circumstances, Bagley announced via Facebook that she would not be holding public events. “I would like to let everyone know that I am always available via phone, email, or in person to answer questions, discuss issues, and hear concerns. Due to COVID-19 issues, I will not be holding any public events,” wrote Bagley.
Island Matters requested interviews from both candidates.
Below are interview responses from Councilwoman Ms. Alita Bagley.
Since you were one of the driving forces behind the implementation of South Padre Island’s Form-Based Code, what are your plans on keeping that vision (as far as beautification) alive post HB 2439?
House Bill 2439 is a state law prohibiting restrictions on building materials that went into effect Sept. 1. The new law takes away much of a city’s ability to have aesthetic design standards for new or re-development. Although I can understand the arguments made for implementing the law (as it could potentially contribute to higher building/remodeling costs), I believe it is a detriment to a town that wants to have some level of community standards and uniformity. The City of South Padre Island’s FBC was created to reflect our community’s vision for the area. Many public workshops were held, and residents and businesses came together, looking towards the future and what they wanted to see our community look like.
Since we are a tourist destination, the look and feel of our city is a large draw for our visitors in addition to the beach. The majority of the regulations concern building materials and we are currently waiting on an opinion from the Attorney General on our ability to enforce a color palette. We continue to create a pedestrian friendly business area with sidewalks, lighting and landscaping, and encourage new and re-development to create welcoming, visible places of business.
Our members also identified the development of an SPI app. Is there any interest in that among city council members or staff?
I think the idea of a user-friendly app is a wonderful option. I am not aware of any discussion thus far among staff or Council, however, there are several social media pages which are dedicated to providing information on activities, restaurants, the music scene, etc. The Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as the Chamber of Commerce do an admirable job providing information to our community and visitors as well. I do believe; however, an actual app may be more appropriate coming from the private sector rather than the city.
You are the most prominent “tree hugger” on the council. Our members also want to incentivize a more “tropical look” for our island. How can SPI achieve a more tropical look?
Although I believe a ‘tropical look’ is desirable for our community, I believe, more importantly, in creating ‘native’ habitat. We live in an extremely important region of North America due to the fact that we are a major flyway for birds and butterflies. Unfortunately, South Texas is not naturally tropical in regard to what most people consider tropical, i.e. palm trees swaying and beautiful flowering plants. Yes, those can be added for aesthetics, but native plants preserve biodiversity.
Our native wildlife, especially birds, butterflies, pollinators, and other organisms, evolved with the plants here. Many can only feed on plants they co-evolved with. Unfortunately, unwise development has led to an abundance of exotic (non-native) plants replacing natural areas. If we have little or no native plants, we become an ecological desert for the pollinating insects that are essential to our survival. Not only do we help to support nature, we support our economy by providing an environment which attracts hundreds of species of birds and butterflies, which in turn attracts hundreds and thousands of visitors to view them.
We have participated in the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge by which the city pledges to add native vegetation to our dune system, which provides stabilization and protects upland property. We have created educational brochures on the importance of planting native vegetation in our gardens and yards, and are continuing to improve public areas with plantings, such as in the medians. Without native plants, our wildlife is at risk of extinction.
The trash on the Island is a never-ending problem. Has this been magnified by the COVID-related layoffs? If so, how can we turn the corner?
I don’t believe it has intensified due to cuts in staffing. We still continue to have beach litter patrol. We have tried to enforce through fines and warnings. We have tried to educate the public through signs, campaigns, etc. but it continues.
I have always said, ‘We are not your mother and should not have to pick up after you,’ but yet, we continue to be forced to do so. I think we all have a responsibility to keep our home clean and this is our home. Unfortunately, not everyone adheres to that belief. What can we do?
I strongly believe we need to enforce our litter laws stronger. However, year after year, we seem to cave to complaints of harassing our tourists. It is difficult and typically I do not have the support from others to come down on people harder. Sorry.
Your website, under important issues to our community, includes supporting business. “Businesses need the support of city leaders by making sure they understand the struggles facing them.” How should our city support small businesses?
Businesses need support of the city in several ways. One is to provide good infrastructure, roads, sidewalks, lighting, that encourages people to be out and about and visiting our businesses. We need to provide a secure and safe community where people are comfortable visiting and staying. And, we need to provide services such as Planning to provide ease for businesses to expand, Public Works to ensure we are making repairs, keeping our streets clean and inviting, and Environmental Health Services to ensure businesses are providing safe and healthy environments for their patrons. The Convention and Visitors Bureau is there to make sure we are marketing our community and bringing patrons to our businesses.
Your website https://www.alitabagleyspi.com refers to the Capital Improvement Plan. Could you tell us,
- Are we on schedule?
- Yes, I believe we are on schedule. The Capital Improvement Plan is available on the city website as well as a section which details what projects are completed, underway, and in the works.
- Who is the Asst. City Manager?
- No answer was given to this question.
- What is the most important upcoming project on this plan?
- We have many projects which are of the utmost importance, it is hard to pick one, but Laguna Blvd. is definitely a priority
Below are the interview questions sent to challenger Lydia Caballero
In the past you were on the Parks & Keep SPI Beautiful Committee and it was short lived. You attended 2 meetings, then missed 3, followed by a resignation letter. Would this affect your attendance serving on City Council?
No comment
What shortcomings did you see in the present City Councilwoman Alita Bagley’s performance on council?
No comment
What do you see as the biggest issues facing City Council?
No comment
What would be some of your priorities?
No comment
What are some things that need attention?
No comment
The current council has instituted procedures to nearly eliminate transparency in local government. Is transparency important to you?
No comment
What would you do to increase transparency in local government?
No comment
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Island Matters | P.O. Box 2778 | South Padre Island, TX 78597
