On September 24, Island Matters reported on an accusation made against City Councilman Joseph Ricco. Resident Randy Algoe made a claim during September 14 council meeting where Algoe alleged Ricco approached his friend and told him, "He (Algoe) better get it through his head that he better do whatever we tell him to do or else he will never get anything done in the city again." Algoe did not give the name of who made that alleged comment regarding Ricco.

Island Matters reached out to Ricco and City Secretary Angelique "Nikki" Soto for comment regarding the accusation since the council cannot interrupt or talk back during public comments. Mayor Patrick McNulty responded on Ricco's behalf by posting a link to Ricco's response via social media on Island Matter's Facebook page.

On his Facebook page, Ricco said, "I was disappointed with his public comments riddled with hearsay accusations. But I believe it is the responsibility of every resident and business owner to follow the ordinances and laws of the City Of South Padre Island and great State of Texas, unless a proper variance is granted through the responsible committees. I think that the Council has been more than supportive of Mr. Algoe by allowing him a change of use for his property. I am perplexed how a minor issue of painting some parking stripes became such a hot topic even after two council members volunteered to buy and paint the stripes for him."

Despite Ricco's public comment neither confirming nor denying the threat against Algoe, Algoe has stated publicly that he has never requested a change in the use of his property. He expressed disappointment in the response of the Mayor and Councilman Ricco. "They complained that they didn't think it was proper for me to say what I said in public comments. Well, that's exactly what public comments are for."

He also defended his First Amendment right to criticize his local government. "And by cutting me off as they did and telling me that this isn't the appropriate place for this, they are using political correctness to silence me and deprive me of my right to confront my government on redress of grievances," stated Algoe.