Is there a conflict? Corpus Christi councilwoman answers questions about Aransas Pass desalination project

Corpus Christi City Councilwoman Kaylynn Paxson is facing questions about a possible conflict of interest involving her work in Aransas Pass and her role in decisions about Corpus Christi’s future water supply.

RELATED: Paxson cleared to continue Aransas Pass work while serving on Corpus Christi City Council

Paxson also does economic-development work for the City of Aransas Pass.

Corpus Christi is considering several options to secure its future water supply, including desalination. Paxson has participated in those discussions and has voted on the proposed Inner Harbor desalination project and a federal grant application that could have provided up to $120 million toward the project.

Questions about a possible conflict surfaced after information was provided indicating Paxson’s economic-development work in Aransas Pass could involve a potential marine desalination project and the possible sale of water.

Paxson strongly disputes that characterization.

“I’m not working on one to sell water in Aransas Pass. That is fake news and it would not require an abstention from a vote of any Desal project in the City Of Corpus Christi,” Paxson said.

Paxson acknowledged there is a potential desalination-related project concept in Aransas Pass but said she is not the person selling the project.

“There is a potential investor who may have made suggestions that I reported, there is not a DESAL project that I am selling in the city of Aransas Pass,” Paxson said.

Paxson was also asked whether her work in Aransas Pass could create a conflict when she participates in Corpus Christi decisions involving desalination.

She said there is no conflict because Corpus Christi does not do business directly with Aransas Pass.

“Also, we don’t do business with the City Of Aransas Pass through the city of Corpus Christi. We sell water to San Patricio so there’s no conflict there,” Paxson said.

Former Corpus Christi City Councilman and current Nueces County Commissioner Mike Pusley said elected officials should consider not only whether an actual conflict exists, but also how the situation could appear to the public.

“As the old saying goes, perception is always worse than the truth and so I think in those situations you’re always better if you think there’s a conflict that you not participate in the vote in your elected position,” Pusley said.

Paxson maintains there is no conflict of interest and says she is not involved in selling desalinated water in Aransas Pass.

The questions come as Corpus Christi continues evaluating major desalination projects as part of its long-term strategy for securing the city’s water supply.