Actions of a former West Lake Hills City Council member and former city planner are raising ethical and legal concerns since it appears he is representing a client he may have begun a business relationship with while still employed by the city. Davin Fillpot, who now works as a private architect, is representing Keller […]
Jo Clifton
Jo Clifton is the Politics Editor for the Austin Monitor.
Posted inDevelopment, Local Politics
Tovo, Martinez disagree with Mayor over rejection of incentive deals
After learning Monday that National Instruments and Dropbox terminated economic incentive agreements with the city, Austinites learned Tuesday that a third company, U.S. Farathane, also ended its participation in the program which gives companies tax breaks or fee waivers in return for promises of good wages and other benefits for new employees. For Mayor […]
Posted inResources
Task force hears water options, some likely unpalatable
With lake levels dropping and no end in sight for the current drought, Austin Water Utility officials are putting some creative strategies on the table designed to add to and maximize the city’s water supplies. It seems likely that the utility will have to utilize some of them, with cost being a major consideration. […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Martinez to emphasize affordability, mobility in campaign for Mayor
Though he won’t be formally launching his campaign for Mayor of Austin until April 5, Council Member Mike Martinez did expand on his Tuesday night “announcement to announce” he was running. Martinez told those gathered Wednesday outside City Hall that he would be formally launching his campaign April 5, starting with a main news […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local Politics, Transportation
SOS files criminal charge against Daugherty over SH45 SW information
Bill Bunch, executive director of the Save Our Springs Alliance, filed a criminal complaint Monday against Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty. The complaint signed by Bunch was filed on behalf of SOS with County Attorney David Escamilla. SOS alleges that the Precinct 3 Commissioner destroyed, removed or altered public information in his possession related […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Morrison says she will not run for Mayor
Council Member Laura Morrison, who has served on the Austin City Council for nearly six years and has been considered a likely candidate for Mayor on the November ballot told the Austin Monitor today that she has decided against the race. Morrison, 59, said decision was a difficult one for her. “I love this […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Shea wallops two opponents in Early Vote
Former City Council Member Brigid Shea took a commanding lead tonight with nearly 65 percent of the Early Vote over her two opponents, Garry Brown and Richard Jung. Out of 7,173 votes cast, Shea had 64.94percent. Jung was a distant second with 19.56 percent and Brown had 15.5 percent. Veteran political consultant Peck Young […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Politics, Uncategorized
Two more tech companies seek incentives from state, city
Both the City of Austin and the Office of Governor Rick Perry announced two separate economic development incentive proposals Thursday that they say would bring 640 new full-time jobs and a capital investment of more than $15 million to Austin. The tech companies are Websense, Inc. and Dropbox, Inc. According to the city’s Economic […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Some complain of ‘packing’ Democratic clubs for endorsements
There was an unusually fierce internal battle at Saturday’s endorsement meeting of the Central Austin Democrats. Essentially, the argument was over the fact that numerous members of the University Democrats had joined Central Austin Democrats, ostensibly so they could vote in Saturday’s endorsement elections. This is not the first time this sort of thing […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics, Uncategorized
Patsy Woods Martin announces for Mayor; others are waiting
The founder of I Live Here, I Give Here, Patsy Woods Martin, announced late Thursday that she has officially thrown her hat in the ring to be the next Mayor of Austin. Trained as a chemist, Martin, 59, lists herself as a social entrepreneur, mother, wife and community leader. Martin has worked as a […]
Posted inElections, Local Politics
Possible candidate Martin spends $50K exploring run for mayor
Presumptive mayoral candidate Patsy Woods Martin has spent more than $50,000 in exploring a run for mayor of Austin next November, according to a campaign finance report filed Wednesday. While candidates are prohibited from raising money prior to six months before their election, they are allowed to explore a candidacy and spend their own money. […]
Posted inLocal Politics, Resources
Morrison calls Austin Energy governance debate top 2013 issue
Though, in her estimation, it “wasn’t so much an event as it was a long, drawn out conversation,” Council Member Laura Morrison puts the Austin Energy governance discussions toward the top of her list of major 2013 events. She says the discussion between the Council and the community about the utility’s oversight was important, […]