This week, District 10 voters will get their second opportunity to pick a City Council candidate in a runoff that pits incumbent Alison Alter against candidate Jennifer Virden. With seven names on the District 10 ballot, a December runoff was almost guaranteed. Alter has represented the district since beating former Council Member Sheri Gallo in […]
Elections
Posted inLocal Politics
Commission reprimands PAC that opposed Prop A
The city’s Ethics Review Commission voted unanimously last week to send a letter of reprimand to one of the political action committees that opposed Proposition A on the Nov. 3 ballot. Local Democratic consultant Mark Littlefield filed 12 separate complaints against Our Mobility Our Future PAC, alleging violations of the city’s campaign finance ordinance. Jo […]
Posted inElections
After big win, Travillion ready for next four years
Although Travis County Commissioner-elect Jeff Travillion won reelection with nearly 76 percent of the vote, he doesn’t dwell on that, saying simply, “It is gratifying to be invited back.” Then he’s off, talking about his plans for the next four years, starting with transit. Travillion, who is Travis County’s representative on the Capital Metro Board […]
Posted inElections
County Judge-elect Andy Brown eager to start new job
Travis County Judge-elect Andy Brown is getting ready to start his new job. The most likely date for his first day on the job is Nov. 17, since commissioners will be canvassing the vote this week. Democrat Brown, who will serve the remainder of former County Judge Sarah Eckhardt’s term, won with 70 percent of […]
Posted inElections
Ann Howard getting ready for new job
Ann Howard, Travis County Commissioner-elect for Precinct 3, was getting to work Thursday, learning more about the job she will officially begin in January. Howard said commissioners will canvass the vote from Tuesday’s election in the next week to 10 days, making her election official. However, she will not take a seat on the court […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
Prop B walks, rolls, rides to victory
In addition to passing a historic mass public transit system under Proposition A, Austin voters also approved Prop B, a $460 million active mobility bond that will allow the city to make significant progress toward completing the bike lane network, filling missing sidewalk gaps and improving traffic safety. In total, 260,706 votes were cast in […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
What’s Project Connect’s first stop after Austin voters handily pass Prop A?
Before any shiny new train and bus lines hit the streets of Austin, the less glamorous work of planning and administration must begin. City Council and the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors will meet next month to discuss appointments to a new local government corporation that will oversee the transit expansion, known as […]
Posted inElections
Williams ends Larsen’s tenure at aquifer district
In her first race for office, Christy Williams defeated longtime Board Member Bob Larsen, winning a seat on the board of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District. Williams, who serves on the city’s Water and Wastewater Commission and is an environmental scientist by occupation, won the seat with nearly 76 percent of the vote. Williams […]
Posted inElections
Voters pass Project Connect transit plan
With the passage of Proposition A, voters have given the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority the green light to build out the core elements of the city’s first mass transit system over the coming decade as part of a $7.1 billion initial investment in the $10 billion Project Connect system. Capital Metro Board Chair Wade Cooper […]
Posted inElections
Fuentes coasts to victory in District 2
Political newcomer Vanessa Fuentes was headed toward a victory in the District 2 race Tuesday night after the early vote was counted, showing her with more than 56 percent of the vote. Her two competitors, David Chincanchan and Casey Ramos, each had less than 20 percent of the vote. A fourth candidate, Alex Strenger, had […]
Posted inElections
Casar headed toward easy victory
Council Member Greg Casar was headed toward an easy reelection victory Tuesday night after winning two-thirds of the early vote. Casar, who has held the District 4 seat since 2015, faced two opponents who had little money and messages that obviously did not resonate with the mostly minority district. The early vote, which included 65 […]
Posted inElections
Flannigan and Kelly to face off in December
District 6 is primed for a runoff between incumbent Jimmy Flannigan, who won just over 40 percent of the vote, and challenger Mackenzie Kelly, who earned just over 33 percent. Unlike other City Council districts, a significant portion of the far northwest district is conservative, as its electoral history illustrates. So it’s unsurprising that Flannigan, […]