Tommy Moore jpg.jpg
ACND.jpeg

ROCKPORT — Five area residents filed to run for three different Aransas County Navigation District Board positions as the filing deadline was on Aug. 17.

According to information received from the ACND on Aug. 18, Martin Diaz De Leon, current board vice chair, and Jerilyn Hibler have signed up to run in Precinct 2, current Precinct 4-4A commissioner Long Nguyen has also filed to run along with Josh Wilson in that same precinct.

For the At-large position, Matt Lynch has filed as current At-large commissioner Tommy Moore withdrew his filing on Tuesday. Moore has served on the commission since 2008.

“As a fierce defender of Little Bay and government accountability, I believe the ACND is back on the right track,” Moore said in a state to the Rockport Pilot. “When I learned that Matt Lynch had filed to run for the at-large position, I knew I could step back with confidence that he would work to steer the District in the right direction.”

The five candidates will be on the general election ballot, which is set to take place on Nov. 3.

Tommy Moore’s full statement

“After 18 years of serving Aransas County as your ACND Commissioner At-large, I have decided not to seek reelection in November. 

As a fierce defender of Little Bay and government accountability, I believe the ACND is back on the right track. 

I filed for reelection to be sure the at-large position would continue to work towards accountability along with the restoration and development of District assets to serve the public. 

We are back to pursuing grant assistance enabling the District to leverage our reserves to meet our environmental and infrastructure challenges as we have in the past. 

We are making great progress on developing the Rockport Harborfront. I expect a Master Plan Request For Proposals(RFP) to be let this Fall inviting a competitive array proposals. Not only will this ensure the best value but enable the District to offer longer lease terms that are more attractive to developers. 

When I learned that Matt Lynch had filed to run for the at-large position, I knew I could step back with confidence that he would work to steer the District in the right direction.

I have known Matt and his family for many years. His background, experience, and love for Aransas County is what is needed in the at-large position. 

Instead of a political race, he and I will work together to continue the relationships established with the state entities charged with assisting the District to prepare for the future. 

I will continue to support responsible stormwater management to restore and protect our valuable recreational and navigation assets.

I thank Aransas County citizens for trusting me over the last 18 years to help lead the entity charged with protecting and improving our county’s most valuable tourism and economic development assets with minimal burden on our tax payers.“

ACND Commission holds regular meeting

The commission also held its regular meeting on Aug. 17, unanimously approving multiple items and postponing two others.

The commissioners approved the use of the Laural Street festive grounds for National Night Out on Oct. 6 and also the interlocal cooperation agreement for tax assessments and collection of property tax with Aransas County. The commissioners also approved the appointment of ACND Acting Executive Director Janine Loney and Vicki Leowe as investment officers for the organization.

The commissioners postponed discussion on the ACND’s updated harbor regulations and an amendment for the ANCD’s investment policy.