Three former Austin mayors and six local environmental organizations have announced their opposition to Proposition F, the charter amendment that would change Austin’s Council-manager form of government to a system that would eliminate the city manager and give the mayor the power to hire, fire and supervise department directors, including the city attorney. Former mayors Lee […]
Elections
Posted inBonds & Propositions
Should mayoral election be moved to presidential years?
When voters cast their votes on the May 1 ballot, they will have a chance to weigh in on the question of whether Austin’s mayor should be elected in November of presidential election years, instead of on a cycle that puts the mayor’s race on the ballot with the election of the governor. Proposition D […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
Prop H critics want more inclusivity in ‘democracy dollars’ program
Advocates for local immigrant workers have come out against the “democracy dollars” ballot proposal set to go before voters in May, and are pushing City Council to pass an ordinance expanding its eligibility if the initiative succeeds. Proposition H would create a city-funded campaign finance program giving $25 vouchers per Council race to registered voters, which […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
Prop G’s extra Council seat could mean gridlock if strong-mayor proposal fails
As voters ponder the eight ballot proposals they will see at the ballot box in May, City Council’s move to split the question of installing a strong mayor from the addition of a Council seat appears to have opened up a big can of “What if?” The biggest question is what Council meetings will look […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
‘Democracy dollars’ proposal looks to spread influence, participation in elections
Opinions are mixed about the potential impact of a ballot proposal that would provide city dollars to residents to fund local political campaigns, but proponents agree the intention is clear: to bring more people from throughout Austin into the political process. Proposition H on the May ballot would create a so-called “democracy dollars” program; residents living […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
Proposition C explained
Last month, City Council approved the language for seven ballot propositions Austin residents will cast votes for or against on May 1. Among them was Proposition C, an initiative that would transfer oversight power of the Office of Police Oversight from the city manager to City Council. The ballot language reads as follows: Shall the city […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
Most of City Council opposes ‘strong mayor’ plan
Nine City Council members so far have come out against Proposition F, the “strong mayor” proposal on the May 1 ballot. At a press conference Wednesday hosted by Austin for All People, a group opposed to the proposition, several Council members explained the reasoning behind their stance. “There’s no evidence that there is some problem […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
Firefighters push for passage of arbitration amendment with Proposition A
Most politically involved Austinites are thinking about Proposition B, the camping ban, or Proposition F, which would eliminate the current city manager form of government and create a “strong-mayor” system. But Austin firefighters are hoping voters will pay attention to and support Proposition A, their request for a binding arbitration amendment to the city charter. […]
Posted inElections
Eckhardt, activists target ballot access bills in play for state lawmakers
Voters in Texas face the prospect of restricted access to the ballot box in coming years, with a group of Republican-proposed bills in the state Legislature drawing heavy criticism from Democrats and others concerned about increased obstacles to voting. The possible impact of the bills, and the prospects for pieces of legislation intended to protect […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
No on B aims to fight with Republicans
A new political action committee called Homes Not Handcuffs has announced its presence in Austin with an email declaring that “every part of Travis County’s big tent Democratic Party” is joining together to oppose Proposition B in the No on B campaign. Proposition B would prohibit camping in most areas of the city and allow […]
Posted inLocal Politics
Voices of Austin censured for breaking campaign finance laws
The nonprofit Voices of Austin violated city law by campaigning against Proposition A last year, the Ethics Review Commission ruled on March 10. The commission voted to censure the organization, the most severe rebuke at its disposal. Nonprofits are not allowed to advocate for or against ballot measures or political candidates, but Voices of Austin […]
Posted inElections
New PAC starts to fight strong-mayor plan
It’s that time of year, Austin voters. The redbud trees have come out, signaling spring. Also coming out in time to remind us that we have choices to make in the May election are people paid to knock on our doors. So don’t be surprised when a block walker from Restore Leadership ATX knocks on […]