By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Former South Padre Island Mayor Barry Patel is seeking a return to City Hall, announcing this week that he will challenge incumbent Mayor Patrick McNulty in the Nov. 4 election.
Patel, who served on the City Council beginning in 2012 before serving as mayor from 2013 to 2016, said he decided to run after becoming increasingly concerned with the city’s direction over the past several years.
“I think it’s time for a change,” Patel said. “I think I can contribute positively.”
Patel said his campaign will focus on fiscal responsibility, government transparency and long-term planning for the island.
“I think we do need more transparency on the City Council,” he said. “Large amounts of money are being expended right now on things that I’m not sure the residents of South Padre Island are agreeable to.”
He also said he believes city leaders should be more responsive to residents and fellow council members during meetings.
“If you’re watching the City Council meetings, you’ll see they’re not always being respectful of people who come before the council or fellow council members who ask serious questions,” Patel said. “People deserve respect, and they deserve answers.”
A longtime island resident and businessman, Patel has owned businesses on South Padre Island for more than 30 years. He owns four hotels — the Marriott, Hilton, Sand Rose and La Copa — along with approximately 30 short-term rental condominiums. A pharmacist by training, Patel moved permanently to the Rio Grande Valley in 1998 after previously living in New York and Texas.
Looking back on his previous administration, Patel pointed to what he considers major accomplishments, including reducing the cost of convention center renovations from an estimated $30 million to about $3.6 million, securing approval of a 2% venue hotel tax to fund future tourism-related projects, completing Gulf Boulevard improvements and obtaining state grants that helped advance the Padre Boulevard reconstruction project.
He argued that while those efforts left future city councils with significant financial resources, the city has since strayed from its original vision.
“I think we’ve lost the vision of creating a South Padre Island that’s safe for residents and visitors,” Patel said. “Where do we want to be five years, 10 years, 20 years from now? I don’t see a vision right now that takes us there.”
Among the issues Patel said he wants to address are preparing for future population growth, enhancing public safety, improving drainage, beautification projects, parks and recreation, and ensuring the island remains resilient as development continues across Cameron County.
With major projects such as SpaceX, liquefied natural gas facilities and new manufacturing expected to bring thousands of additional workers to the region, Patel said the island must be prepared for increased tourism and traffic while maintaining its quality of life.
“We want to be a welcoming community,” he said. “At the same time, we want people to know we’re a safe community too.”
Despite challenging McNulty, Patel said the race is not personal.
“I’ve known Patrick for quite some time, and he’s a good guy,” Patel said. “I have tremendous respect for Patrick and his family, but I think it’s time for a change.”
Patel said his campaign will emphasize direct engagement with voters through meet-and-greet events beginning in September and one-on-one conversations with residents.
“I look forward to a clean and robust campaign,” he said. “May the best man win. Whatever happens, we’re all committed to South Padre Island because we love the island.”
The South Padre Island mayoral election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4.