Corpus Christi City Council: At-Large Candidate

RUDY GARZA JR.
CURRENT DISTRICT 5 COUNCIL MEMBER
Age: 63
Occupation: Owner of Garza Rentals, a company that rents properties
throughout the city
Professional licenses/certifications: Certification as a purchasing
manager through the National Association of Purchasing Managers, 1987

Candidate Questions
1. Why are you running for this position? What do you expect to accomplish?
"I serve because Corpus Christi is my home and where I’ve chosen to raise my family. I want
to help create greater opportunities for our young people including my own kids and
grandkids. I chose city council in particular because I have a desire to improve the
performance of city government and I enjoy working as part of a team. The At-Large
position allows me the opportunity to address concerns across the city. I primarily focus on
infrastructure because I believe strongly in leaving things better than we found them. I
don’t believe that we should leave all of our current issues for my children or grandchildren
to deal with."

2. Describe the purpose and role of the position you seek.

"The purpose of the role is to help the council develop a vision and adopt policies that will
help the city manager and staff to achieve that vision. As an At-Large councilperson I would
work to help all districts have opportunities that can improve their economic condition and
quality of life."

3. Please describe your view on the role of government.

"The role of our city government is to provide the basic services that no one else can
provide to our citizens in the most efficient and economically responsible way possible.
This includes public safety, streets, water, wastewater, gas and storm water services.
Everything else is an added bonus as the prosperity in our community grows."

4. How did your values, experience, education and upbringing shape that view? 
"I was raised in a very modest conservative home in a three-room apartment inside a
warehouse. We didn’t have money to spend on lavish things. My dad taught us to be happy
with what we had, work hard for those things we didn’t have, be honest, God fearing and
respectful of others. The best government in his viewpoint was a limited government so
that people were responsible for their own happiness and determine their own destiny.

My experience in purchasing taught me to consider each purchase an investment made with

the company’s dollars. My job was to ensure we provided the largest return on investment
for our stakeholders. I try always approach decisions made on council in that way. I’m there
to work on behalf our citizens. It’s my job to help ensure they get the best possible value
for their tax dollar."

2018 General Election

 Corpus Christi City Council: At-Large Candidate
MICHAEL HUNTER
INCUMBENT AT-LARGE COUNCIL MEMBER
Age: 31
Occupation: Commercial insurance broker with Carlisle Insurance

Professional licenses/certifications: Licensed as general lines insurance

agent — including life, accident, HMO, health, property, casualty

Candidate Questions
1. Why are you running for this position? What do you expect to
accomplish?
"I am running for office to serve the community that I was born and raised in. City
council at-large gives me a great opportunity to represent the entire city. Maintain
strong economic growth, fix as much infrastructure as possible, and to make sure
we have a diversified and clean water source."

2. Describe the purpose and role of the position you seek.

"The role of a city council member at-large is to represent the city as a whole and to
make the best decisions available that will contribute to everyone’s benefit."

3. Please describe your view on the role of government.

"I believe that local government’s role is to provide the goods, services, and needs
of what the citizens want. Some examples are public safety, clean water, solid
infrastructure, and recreational facilities or properties."

4. How did your values, experience, education and upbringing shape

that view? 
"I grew up in Corpus Christi. I spent most of my time either in school, in sports, or
with my family and friends. The most important thing that I learned growing up here
that will affect my role as a council member was the sense of community through
classmates, teammates, family and friends. When we worked together we were
always able to accomplish more."

2018 General Election

 Corpus Christi City Council: At-Large Candidate
PAULETTE GUAJARDO
INCUMBENT AT-LARGE COUNCIL MEMBER
Age: 46
Occupation: Independent insurance agent

Professional licenses/certifications: Licensed financial broker; licensed

insurance agent in property, casualty, life and health

Candidate Questions
1. Why are you running for this position? What do you expect to
accomplish?
"A. To continue to serve our citizens as an advocate for Public Safety, improving/maintaining
critical infrastructure needs: streets, drainage, water and waste water. The power of this
position lies in connecting with our citizens; B. I have the time, energy and passion to continue
representing the city as a whole; C. Adequately staffing our police and fire departments by
way of long-term strategic plans. I will continue to address the critical needs of our streets,
bring fiscal responsibility to the budget process and build partnerships that will help our city’s
social issues; D. Continue to stay focused on the safety and protection of our families, provide
safe water, and a secure long-term supply of water. Lastly, bring leadership and direction to
the infrastructure issues, including streets. I believe these priorities must be met in a fiscally
responsible manner that will lead to economic development opportunities."

2. Describe the purpose and role of the position you seek.

"The purpose and role as an at large representative is to represent all citizens of
the City of Corpus Christi.  My intent in serving on City Council is to contribute to a
functional body that addresses the needs of our City in order to facilitate
prosperity for our citizens."

3. Please describe your view on the role of government.

"My view is simple.  Less intrusion, more action.  We must also provide more direct
and concise information to our citizens while providing first class customer service.
We are accountable to every resident in Corpus Christi."

4. How did your values, experience, education and upbringing shape

that view? 
"My values, experience, education and upbringing shaped my views in many ways.  I
grew up in a family that gave back to the community and this is fundamental to who
I am and how my husband and I raise our son. Watching my parents make the most
of every dollar while raising four children allowed me to appreciate the value of
fiscal responsibility.  The fifteen years in owning my business, gave me insight and
invaluable knowledge which helps me in my role on Council today."

2018 General Election

Corpus Christi City Council: At-Large Candidate
JOHN GARCIA
Age: 42
Occupation: Director of sales at Comfort Suites

Candidate declined to participate in

questionnaire.

Corpus Christi City Council: At-Large Candidate

BRANDEY BATEY
Age: 44
Occupation: Homemaker/volunteer

Candidate declined to participate in

questionnaire.

Corpus Christi City Council: At-Large Candidate

KAYLYNN PAXSON
Age: 28
Occupation: Food and beverage manager at Port Royal Ocean Resort
and Conference Center

Candidate declined to participate in

questionnaire.

Corpus Christi City Council: At-Large Candidate

DAVID BOATRIGHT
Age: 54
Occupation: Accountant

Candidate declined to participate in

questionnaire.

2018 General Election