(Reporter Gene Davis assisted in the preparation of this story.) By the end of business Monday, the Austin City Clerk’s Office had assisted 76 78 Austinites wishing to serve their community as members of the new 10-1 City Council. There were a number of new entrants into the races, as well as a number of would-be […]
Jo Clifton
Jo Clifton is the Politics Editor for the Austin Monitor.
Posted inWhispers
Smith to run without opposition
Craig Smith, longtime member of the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer District board of directors, is the lone candidate to file for the Precinct 5 seat in the November election. District General Manager John Dupnik said Monday there are three candidates on the ballot to fill the vacant Precinct 2 seat: Blaine Stansberry, Terry Newton and […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Statesman endorses plan for homestead exemption; Martinez, Cole react
The American-Statesman in its Wednesday edition came out in favor of a 20 percent homestead exemption as proposed by mayoral candidate Steve Adler. The other major contenders, Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole and Council Member Mike Martinez have criticized Adler’s plan to grant a 20 percent across-the-board tax exemption for homeowners because the wealthy would […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Council meetings to consider utility fund, rail ballot, flood buyouts
The Austin City Council will hold two special called meetings this week, one Thursday following the Council Committee on Austin Energy, and one Friday at 1p.m. Thursday’s meeting includes consideration of whether to allow the utility to transfer $30 million from its operating fund to its strategic reserve fund. Staff has requested the action in […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Government, Transportation
TxDOT won’t withdraw draft of SH45 SW environmental study
The Texas Department of Transportation has refused to suspend or withdraw the draft environmental impact statement, called an EIS, for the roadway design of SH45 Southwest, as requested by Austin City Manager Marc Ott July 23. In addition, TxDOT has declined to extend the period of time during which citizens can comment on construction of […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Adler files for mayor, cites proposal for homestead tax exemption
Attorney Steve Adler announced a proposal for a sweeping change in the city’s property tax system Monday as he filed the documents necessary to get a place on the ballot for the mayoral election in November. Standing before a small crowd of supporters outside the city clerk’s office, Adler said, “This is a great city […]
Posted inLocal Government, Transportation
City asks TxDOT to stop SH45SW environmental impact statement
City Manager Marc Ott has asked the Texas Department of Transportation to withdraw its current draft environmental impact statement of State Highway 45 Southwest and suspend its technical review. In making the request, Ott cited three “pending critical environmental studies,” which the city believes must be considered in the evaluation of the impact the road […]
Posted inWhispers
Morrison quashes rumor
Contrary to rumors, Council Member Laura Morrison has not declared her support for District 4 candidate Laura Pressley. Morrison said she has a favorite in that race and plans to announce her choice later this summer. But she said that choice is not Pressley. So far, Morrison has endorsed her colleague Kathie Tovo over her […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Former State Rep. Kitchen leads fundraising in District 5
Former State Rep. Ann Kitchen has greatly outpaced the other candidates in the race to represent South Austin’s District 5. Her contribution and expenditure report show she has raised more than $42,000 and lent her campaign $20,700. After spending nearly $40,000 she had about $23,000 remaining June 30, the final day of the reporting period. […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Adler takes big money lead over Martinez, Cole in Mayor’s race
Months before the mayoral field was set, those who opine on such things predicted candidates for Mayor would spend big money on the race. With four months to go, that only seems true for one candidate, attorney Steve Adler. Adler, who has never run for public office before, has to overcome the hurdle of being […]
Posted inEnvironment, Resources
Water task force recommends finding more ways to save water
After months of tedious and lengthy meetings, the city’s blue ribbon task force assigned to make recommendations on how Austin should deal with an ever-shrinking water supply unanimously approved a report to City Council Wednesday. The major message from the Austin Water Resource Planning Task Force to the Austin Water Utility and citizens was: […]
Posted inLocal Government, Local Politics
Public Integrity Unit investigating former West Lake Hills city planner
The Travis County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit has opened an investigation into allegations surrounding a former city planner for West Lake Hills who is now in private practice as an architect. Assistant District Attorney Greg Cox confirmed the inquiry Tuesday but said he could not offer any details of an ongoing investigation. […]