The entire Corpus Christi City Council, including the mayor, could change after the Nov. 3 general election. However, the only person who will definitely not be in this picture next year is Councilor Everett Roy (top row, second from left) of District 1, who did not file for re-election. Courtesy photo
Filing begins Monday, July 20, for the nine places on the Corpus Christi City Council, including mayor. Deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, August 17. Also expected to be on the ballot are changes to the city charter, which could make this the last time that all members of the council are elected in the same year for two-year terms. The council has until mid-August to make that decision. The Tuesday, August 11, meeting is its final opportunity to approve charter changes or any bond issues for the November 3 general election.
Two well-known political names already announced for the top spot, which most likely will be a hotly contested race. Incumbent Joe McComb will be challenged by Nueces County Precinct 1 Commissioner Carolyn Vaughn, who resigned from the council last year when she was appointed to a vacant commissioner seat.
A charter review committee appointing in 2019 has this year recommended six charter propositions for consideration by the council. The biggest would be changing council terms to a maximum of four, four-year terms from the current four, two-year terms. Also, terms would be staggered so the entire council would not be up for election at the same time, as it is now.
Another major change would do away with at-large seats for eight single-member districts and the mayor. Currently, the city has three at-large members and five single-member districts.
The new charter would also increase salaries, which have remained the same for the past 30 years.
For details on qualifications to file for a seat on the council, visit the city’s website. The 2020 candidate packets can also be found online. You can also watch a video about how to file for mayor or council.
