F
irst, let me formally congratulate the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce
for your monumental accomplishment last year. Unification of two historic and proud
organizations into a single entity was, no doubt, a challenging task but one you accom-
plished with style to the benefit of many.
I appreciate this opportunity to address the members of the United Corpus Christi Cham-
ber of Commerce and I am grateful for the support of the voters in our recent Mayoral
election. As I noted in my remarks when sworn in as Mayor on May 18th, I am convinced
that government alone cannot solve our problems. We, as communities, are going have to
work together to solve our local issues. To that end, I have already contacted Alan Wilson,
your chair, to discuss how the UCCCC might partner with the city to evaluate alternatives
and recommend solutions to one key issue – a long term funding approach for residential
streets.
Like many, if not most, cities across the country we face a web of challenges associated
with aging infrastructure, deferred maintenance and increasing state – federal environ-
mental and other regulations. Over the last few years, the City has funded and adopted
plans for all kinds of improvements, but turning these plans into action takes resolve, fund-
ing and sometimes tough decision-making. Voters have been supportive and generous,
but our City Council is mindful that there are limits to acceptable levels of bond debt, the
tax rate and user fees. We need the input and help of the UCCCC, as a voice of business
and as valued members of our community, to tackle these issues and move forward.
UNITEDCORPUSCHRISTICHAMBER.COM
18