Two At-Large City Council Candidates In Corpus Christi Striking Hard On Hispanic Radio and Media: David Loeb and Brent Chesney

Two Popular City Council at large Candidates Are Striking A Chord with the Hispanic Community:
David Loeb and Brent Chesney
Corpus Christi, Texas -- Businessman David Loeb, 27, a political newcomer, and Brent Chesney (former city councilman and part owner of the Corpus Christi Rayz) are gaining ground quickly as candidates for the City Council at-large positions. The reason: because they have turned to a net of veteran Hispanic politicos and other long forgotten sectors in the area to bounce ideas with the citizens; they want to both learn how to fine tune their campaign strategies. They indisputably want to help the residents to assist them in identifing themes to incorporate in their platforms, themes that carry a lot of emotional weight to better the lives of the average Jose and Maria in the ignored enclaves of Corpus Christi.
A newcomer’s campaign is quickly snowballing. David Loeb – young, smart, responsive to the multicultural community – has done his heartfelt best to identify reoccurring themes that reliably exemplify the Hispanic presence in the city. “I didn’t just throw my hat into the political arena to become a public personality, but to bring out the best in every sector of Corpus Christi and make sure they have a voice,” he said.
Loeb, who has served on the Corpus Christi Planning Commission from 2007 through January, 2009 – has been part of a family that has a long history in this region. He is the son of Leon Loeb, who founded Landlord Resources (a management company) where he himself (i.e., David) serves as Vice-President. “Our generation should help this community evolve, not digress,” he shared a highlighted thought running through his mind.
One Hispanic businessman, who has known him a long time, chimed in: “David (Loeb) does not only think on his feet but is able to see the social issues and concerns with his heart. He is a young man filled with the vital inspiration of putting together a better community and is packed with the essential good judgment to begin to proactively map out a workable and sensible plan to accomplish such goals.”
Loeb has served on the Downtown Management District Board of Directors and has served on the city Board of Adjustment. He is also one of the founders of the Bay Area Smart Growth Initiative.
He symbolizes the vitality the city needs -- he asking the “tough questions” to make sure the city government is spending money wisely. “We need and I will seek concrete programs for maintaining our parks, public buildings, and roads. We currently spend massive resources on replacement of facilities and utilities because we do not budget and maintain these services properly. When we do maintain them they will last longer, make our city look better, and save us money. A city that doesn't maintain and improve its basic services will not attract new investment and jobs,” he provided more insight.
His vision for downtown: “Having a vibrant city core is essential to our long term prosperity. A great downtown encourages tourism and adds to the quality of life for people who live in Corpus Christi. I support the idea of a 24 hour downtown neighborhood with urban residences, office workers, entertainment, tourism, and cultural amenities co-existing to create a vibrant and strong community.”
His outlook for dealing with old neighborhoods: “Large parts of our older neighborhoods and commercial areas have vacant land or buildings. Every one of those that we redevelop becomes an economic contributor to our tax base. In order to encourage this I support removing the disincentives for growth and offering limited short term incentives.”
“Will he sell out?” some have asked. “I don’t think so said businessman Butch Escobedo. I feel he has the financial security to remain balanced and not kowtow to any charged vested interest group.”
His view on compensation: “I'll accept $6,000, and nothing more. No cell phone, no healthcare, no reserved parking at City Hall, no free trips, no hotels, no tickets. I'll bring a sack lunch and my own diet coke to meetings. I won't advocate or vote for more money for council members. I am running to make this a better community.”
Also, former Councilmen Brent Chesney, 45, who served from 2001 to 2007 is seeking another term on the council. He is the former president of First American Title (Corpus Christi Division), former business manager of Hunter & Handel, PC, and former Chief of Staff for State Representative Todd Hunter. He is part owner of the Corpus Christi Ice Rayz.
Chesney said that this municipality needs leaders in the best sense of the word: “We need leaders who are not afraid to make decisions and to move this city forward. I will do my best to inclusive and let all parties that want to be heard be allowed to so we as representatives can make more conscientious decisions."
Adopt Fiscally Responsible Policies on the Council, Attract High Paying Jobs, Support Programs to Prevent Juvenile Crime, Improve Street and Road Maintenance, Support A Balanced Budget – how many are the things that Chesney says if elected he will continue to support.
Chesney has stated that he is doing his best to connect with the synergy and dialogue of both groups and persons who want to model a collective vision for the future. “This is a plan we cannot impose on the people as many politicians have done in the past, but a plan that stems from the heart and soul of the entire community.”
Brent Chesney is married to Ashley and has two sons.