A closed-door meeting about desalination hosted inside Buc Days headquarters on Monday drew vocal protests from community members who say they were left out of a key discussion involving public resources and trust in government. The private gathering, described in an invitation as a forum to “restore trust in local government,” was co-hosted by Councilman Mark Scott and the Coastal Bend Coalition.
In attendance were Councilman Roland Barrera, Nueces County Judge Connie Scott, State Rep. Denise Villalobos, and several local business leaders. Organizers said it was not an official city function, but critics say the presence of elected officials raised concerns over transparency and public access. “This meeting may not be put on by the city, but we’re seeing state-level officials while we’re forced to be out here,” said protester Jake Hernandez with the Texas Campaign for the Environment.
Councilman Scott acknowledged the meeting was intentionally selective, aimed at business leaders, and said he limited invitations to avoid violating quorum rules.“I’ve been actively inviting community members to come listen from a desal perspective, to give them an update,” Scott said. “So would we have been allowed inside? No — it’s for business people.” Scott added…