District 3 Council Member Pio Renteria now has two challengers who would like to unseat him in the November election. Real estate broker James Valadez, who describes himself as a native Austinite, filed his appointment of campaign treasurer on Friday and released a press statement attacking Renteria without naming him. The statement says in part, “District 3 has been poorly represented, underserved, and is under siege. Because I work as a real estate broker, I have seen firsthand what is happening in District 3. You deserve a more responsive Council Member working to preserve your quality of life in Austin.” Valadez has served on the city’s Board of Adjustment as well as the Community Development Commission. It appears from his press statement that he is opposed to the greater density that Renteria supports. Also running for the District 3 seat is Jessica Cohen. Her campaign treasurer is Benjamin Corwin. Corwin described Cohen as a person who does tech work in the medical industry and volunteers in the arts community. In addition to supporting the local music and arts scene downtown, Corwin said Cohen is also concerned about homelessness, traffic and affordable housing. Corwin described Cohen as the first transgender candidate to run for Austin City Council. However, that distinction goes to District 9 candidate Danielle Skidmore.
Jo Clifton is the Politics Editor for the Austin Monitor. More by Jo Clifton