Incumbent Joe McComb is one of the few candidates running for mayor with actual city government experience.
“I’m the only candidate that’s got the experience, I’ve got a lot of public service behind me,” said McComb. “I think I’ve got demonstrated leadership through thick and thin, both in good times and the bad.”
Born and raised in Corpus Christi, McComb graduated from W.B. Ray High School, and attended Del Mar College before transferring to Stephen F. Austin University. After college, McComb came home to help run the family moving business, McComb Relocation Services.
A long-time public servant, McComb served on the city council, and as a Nueces County Commissioner before being elected mayor in a special election last May.
McComb says he’s proud of his service as mayor.
“We think we’re on the right track, we’re moving it forward,” he said. “Things don’t happen real fast in government, but we’ve gotten a sense of urgency beginning to permeate the council and permeate the staff so we can get some things done, and the public can see it.”
With McComb leading the council, the city re-implemented its street maintenance program, and started work on residential streets.
“The complaints have gone from potholes to all the construction, which is good,” said McComb. “It means we’re making progress.”
Mcomb is also proud of the fact Corpus Christi hasn’t been under a water boil since he took office.
“We’ve taken the steps necessary, put the people in place, the processes in place,” said McComb. “Knock on wood, we haven’t had any more water issues there.”
But McComb considers water the city’s number one issue. More specifically, finding an abundant source for the region, which is why he supports efforts to bring desalination to the Coastal Bend.
“We just feel like we’re on the threshold of making Corpus Christi the leader in water management, and securing an uninterruptible water supply,” said McComb.
At 71, McComb knows public service is coming to an end, but he says he’d like a little more time to see his vision through.
“I think we’ve got some exciting days ahead of us,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it, and hope I get the opportunity to continue to serve as mayor.”
