Leaders from a variety of community and political advocacy groups voiced their support Tuesday for Proposition H, the ballot proposal popularly known as “democracy dollars” that is intended to bring public financing into local elections. Members of Austinites for Progressive Reform, which helped in the initial push to create the ballot proposal, Common Cause Texas […]
May 2021 election
Posted inBonds & Propositions
Ranked-choice voting proposal faces legal, legislative questions after May election
There are two questions at play for Proposition E, which would seek to create ranked-choice voting in city elections. One of those questions will be decided by voters in May, while a larger one will likely play out between city administrators and lawmakers at the Capitol over whether the election format is legal in Texas. […]
Posted inElections
Ballot item backers report $100K in donations
Austinites for Progressive Reform, the group that’s sponsoring propositions D, E, F, G and H on the May 1 ballot, has reported raising more than $100,000 since the beginning of the year to fund its campaigns. The group has spent more than $50,000 and has cash on hand of more than $69,000, according to its […]
Posted inBonds & Propositions
Mayors, environmental groups oppose strong-mayor plan
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 […]
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
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. […]