A comment from Congressman Michael Cloud during President Donald Trump’s rally at the Port of Corpus Christi Tuesday is drawing mixed reactions from city leaders as water security becomes a key issue ahead of the November election.
Cloud took aim at the City Council’s handling of the city’s water challenges, using a cowboy analogy to criticize the city’s progress on finding a long-term water supply solution.
“You can bring a city council to water, but you can’t make it drink,” Cloud said.
Councilmember Roland Barrera said he agrees with Cloud’s frustration, arguing the city has spent years working toward a long-term water solution.
Barrera said Cloud worked to identify federal funding opportunities that could help reduce costs for residents and other water customers across the Coastal Bend.
“He worked very, very hard to be able to create grant funds that would have reduced the cost of the residential ratepayer and all the ratepayers in the Coastal Bend,” Barrera said.
The comments come after the City Council voted 5-4 this summer against applying for up to $120 million in federal Bureau of Reclamation funding for the proposed Inner Harbor desalination project. In September, the council also voted against advancing the project’s design.
Councilmember Mark Scott, who is running for reelection, said he shares Cloud’s frustration with those decisions.
“I thought the congressman’s comments were poignant, spot on, and I share his frustration with the city’s inability to pursue that Bureau of Reclamation grant in particular,” Scott said.
Mayor Paulette Guajardo is running for reelection. She also said she understands Cloud’s concerns, pointing to his efforts to help Corpus Christi address its water challenges.
“We must find a water solution that is drought proof. That is long term and it’s in our backyard by the way. I’m glad he made the remark,” Guajardo said.
However, not all council members agree with Cloud’s criticism.
“With due respect, I think it was unprofessional and it was a divisive remark,” Vaughn said. “First of all, the council is not horses. We make decisions day to day and try and make the best ones we can for our constituents,” said Vaughn.
Councilmember Eric Cantu, who is also on the ballot, pushed back in a written statement, saying residents did not elect him to be a “rubber stamp” for anyone. Cantu said his responsibility is to ask difficult questions and protect taxpayers’ money.
“With all due respect to Congressman Cloud, the people of Corpus Christi didn’t elect me to be a rubber stamp for anybody. They elected me to ask the hard questions, challenge the status quo, and protect their tax dollars. I’ve never been afraid to stand alone when I believe something isn’t right, and I’m not about to start now. You can lead a City Council to water, but that doesn’t mean we should drink the Kool-Aid. My loyalty isn’t to politicians, special interests, or powerful people with deep pockets. My loyalty is to the hardworking taxpayers of Corpus Christi. And as long as I’m sitting in that seat, their voices will come before anyone’s political agenda,” said Eric Cantu.
Outgoing Councilwoman Sylvia Campos also opposes the Inner Harbor proposal, arguing it could harm the bay and the region’s way of life.
“The only thing I can say is the people here are smart and, we know that this water is not for us. We’ve already turned down the Inner Harbor three times, so what is it gonna take?” Campos said.
She also connected the water debate to the upcoming city elections, saying she expects water to be a major issue for voters deciding who will represent them on the City Council.
“…hopefully with this election that’s what is going to be on the ballot is really water, water, water, so who you vote for will determine that,” Campos said.
Councilmember Gil Hernandez, who is running for mayor, said the city’s water supply challenges are complicated and require careful consideration.
“Unfortunately, our water supply issues are complicated. It’s hard for anyone to have a complete understanding of the situation. Congressmen are no exception,” Hernandez said in a written statement.
The disagreement comes as water security joins street repairs as a major concern for Corpus Christi voters.
Proposition B on the November ballot would eliminate a city program allowing large industrial water users to pay a fee instead of drought surcharges.
With several City Council seats up for election, the debate over desalination, federal funding and how to secure a long-term water supply is likely to remain a central issue for candidates and voters.