Karen Valentine
Name: Karen S. Valentine
Age: 65
Occupation (If you are retired please describe your career. If you are self-employed, please describe your current work.) Retired! I retired from the Aransas Princess here in Port Aransas in October of 2023. Currently I am the owner of a small bookkeeping business with previous work as Bookkeeper, Accountant, Property Management and every aspect of a bar and restaurant imaginable through college!
Brief bio
University of Texas in Arlington; Bachelor’s Degree, with my focus on Accounting. Served on the Board for the Tarrant County Apartment Association, as well as instructed Marketing and Management Classes for the Association. I was commissioned by the local Crime Watch Group and wrote the first Multi Family Crime Prevention Workbooks that were distributed throughout the State of Texas. I have worked on two larger Forensic Accounting Tasks with a CPA firm in Arlington. In addition, have been audited for my work on an annual basis for years, ensuring correct accounting procedures and adherence to the companies policies. I also served on the United Way of Tarrant County Board for several years. I am currently the Secretary for the Port Aransas Parrot Heads, ARK Turtle Rescue and Nesting Volunteer and a member of PAPHA and The Garden Club as well. And my most cherished thing is the Moonfire, Deno stepped down in November and in January I took over with an amazing support group and here we are!
How long have you lived in Port Aransas?
I moved here in October of 2021 in my RV, which I had been traveling in and working remotely, coming to Port Aransas for several years in the winter. I then moved into the Palladium in December of 2021 to a handicapped unit as I had to have a hip replaced. Everything went great and here I am! It was never a need to own, as I am just one person and as I age, yardwork and maintenance are not really things I want to spend my time on!
Have you held public office before? No
Why are you running for the Port Aransas City Council?
I have the time and the knowledge to give my wonderful city. It has always been important to me to serve my community, through volunteering or community engagement. When I first got involved and found out how we raise money for our kids and schools and community,
I was hooked! I haven’t missed a parade or a fundraiser yet! I have cooked for National Night Out, I have helped with every parade for the past 3 years, I have supported so many Salty Paws fund raisers and The ARK and Friends of the ARK, I go to the First Friday at the Art Center, I AM part of the Community!
Describe your qualifications for serving on the council. Why should people vote for you?
First and foremost, No Decision I Make while on City Council will put a dollar in my pocket. I have no business interest on this Island. What decisions I make will be in the best interest of all of us, not some of us! Past that, my accounting background and ability to look at the long-term picture will be valuable assets, particularly during these unusual financial times we have right now. I have been through the 1980’s housing crises and the fall of the Savings and Loans, gas rationing in the 70s, stock markets crash and rebuild. I understand the value of some fiscal conservancy as we continue to move our city forward. This Island was rebuilt by FEMA and Grants, as we move away from those larger government programs are we prepared for the future? What will our reserves have to look like? There are so many questions ahead for us all. Let’s bring some additional wisdom to the Council as they are going to be making some very critical decisions for our future.
I also feel very strongly that my Property Management background will be a strong knowledge base in confronting some of the STR issues we have today. I strongly believe the good STR management should be rewarded and the bad should be fined and brought into compliance with the city through registration and HOT Tax collection. This program is to be adhered to by all, not just some. I also feel very strongly about the city being able to inspect and ensure compliance with existing ordinances to be able to verify the city is in fact collecting all the money it is due.
What do you see as the main issues facing the City of Port Aransas, and how would you tackle them, if elected? Please be specific.
Right now, one of our big issues is obviously water, some proposals I would like to see brought to the council and Planning and Zoning are catchment systems on new builds. This is such a huge thing at a small cost to be able to provide water for landscape, golf cart rinsing, boat rinsing etc. Perhaps a moratorium on new pool installs, landscaping with anything other than Xeriscape while we study this issue and come up with sustainable solutions. As it was mentioned, yes, we are an end user but if we are not actively involved in solutions then we will get what the larger provider gives us, right now that has included no new Subdivisions in Houston and San Antonio areas. We must be an involved part of the solution! Desalinization plants are also a huge topic, it will be my duty to stay informed and provide our community with important updates and how to get involved in being a part of these decisions.
In addition to water, I believe the economy is going to be a bit of a factor in our tax revenues for the coming year. While our guests to our island have been staying for a little less time per visit and spending a little less, they still come! Let’s keep our fun, quirky Old Town just like it is! This is what our Guests come to see, the local bars and live music of the island are huge draws! Our local restaurants are amazing and always have huge lines! This is a testament to the success of our hard-working small business owners. I would love to encourage more, whether through economic development zones, with lower tax burdens or some type of incentive to build, open and stay! In the last two years we have opened three new chains and one new very successful small restaurant, I would like this to have been three new small businesses and one chain location! Let’s focus on parking issues in Old Town! The city must do better on parking for our small businesses.
This is again what makes us unique! It’s time we support our local businesses as a city, show up, go out and support your community, I’ll see you out there!
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