As drought conditions continue to dominate state and local headlines, attention is turning to the Corpus Christi City Council and how it is handling the city’s worsening water situation.
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“Incumbents are going to have a case that they’re going to have to make as to why they should be kept in office with the situation being so dire,” said political analyst Dr. Bill Chriss.
Chriss says that for those running for City Council in the upcoming general election, industry experience will play a major role in determining who wins a seat.
“Prior connections to city operations and can demonstrate some credibility — with respect to solving problems. (That person) is going to have a leg up,” he said.
With mounting pressure from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and a recent drop in the city’s credit rating from stable to negative, there is uncertainty surrounding Corpus Christi’s ability to secure water resources in a timely manner.
Chriss says voters are looking for stability.
“I think we’re going to have a relatively high turnout this year because I think people are motivated to vote,” he said.
Former Corpus Christi Fire Chief Robert Rocha has officially announced his run for the District 3 seat. With 12 years leading one of the city’s largest departments, Rocha says his experience sets him apart.
“I was the Fire Chief during Hurricane Harvey, during the ice storm, during the water shortages before, during the water boils — I was part of the executive team making decisions,” he said. “I’ve got experience making decisions, I don’t have any problem doing that.”
Chriss says it is still too early to determine who may have a solid advantage in the general election.
He also expects the mayoral race to be a close one.