‘This community has given me so much, and I am committed to working hard for the families, seniors, and small businesses that call District 2 home.’

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A native Corpus Christi resident, volunteer, and community leader has announced that she will be running for Corpus Christi City Council in November. 

Laura Flores Commons will challenge incumbent Sylvia Campos for the District 2 seat, announcing her candidacy Wednesday in front of a room full of supporters. She told 3NEWS she is running because believes the current council is too divided.

“I think it was needed — there’s a bit of divisiveness on the council right now, and they’re making some really big decisions for the City,” she said. “I just feel it would be best if we had a council that could work together.”

She said her main priorities will be the ongoing water woes, and the safety of the public and it’s servants.

“Our water situation is a priority right now — finding a long-term solution to our water problem. That might include diversification in our water supply,” Flores Commons said. “Public safety is also very important to me — making sure CCPD and CCFD are fully funded and have what they need to keep our city safe, and to keep themselves safe.”

Flores Commons is the widow of former Refinery Terminal Fire Company Captain Douglas Commons (RTFC members were in attendance to support her announcement), her son is a firefighter in Arlington, and her daughter is an officer with the Corpus Christi Police Department. Public service seems to run in the family. 

“We have a lot of public servants in my family,” she said. “I’m very proud.”

Flores Commons was recently appointed to the Corpus Christi Water Conservation Committee, and thinks it’s going to take a multi-pronged approach to solve a complex problem.

“I think it’s a combination of a lot of things,” she said. “We can’t rely on surface water anymore, which is why diversification is so important. It’s not only about desalination. We also have to source groundwater and conserve water — although I will say we cannot conserve our way out of this problem. It’s not just about conservation — it really is about diversification and finding water wherever we can.”

Flores Commons has never held elected public office before, but she’s no stranger to leadership. 

She has served on the Ethics Commission, the Landmark Commission, and the Human Relations Commission, and also served as president for CASA of the Coastal Bend, the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi, and the Del Mar College Emergency Medical Service Programs Advisory Committee. She currently stands as Secretary for the Ronald McDonald House and sits on the Heart Association Board.

“I am running for City Council because I believe District 2 deserves a strong voice that listens and will be part of the solution to our water crisis. I will bring people together, work every day to protect our neighborhoods, and fix our streets by making common sense decisions,” Flores Commons said. “This community has given me so much, and I am committed to working hard for the families, seniors, and small businesses that call District 2 home.”