Competition heats up for District 4 seat

Jose “Chito” Vela, who was the first to jump into the race to replace Council Member Greg Casar, who is running for Congress, now has some competition for the spot. Monica Guzmán, policy director for GO! Austin/VAMOS! Austin has designated Randy Teich as her campaign treasurer. Guzmán, who holds a BA in political science from St. Edward’s University, has several years of organizing experience. Also joining the race is Amanda Rios. Her treasurer is Natalie Cuccia, who is closely aligned with Save Austin Now, the group that sponsored last spring’s successful reinstatement of the anti-camping ordinance and this November’s failed attempt to force the city to spend many more millions of dollars to hire more police officers. Rios wrote on Facebook that “Austinites must stand up on a bipartisan basis and fight back for our beautiful city. That’s why Austinites formed Save Austin Now and that’s what we’re fighting for. And we’re just getting started.” The special election for District 4 is slated for Jan. 25. Whoever is elected will serve through the end of 2024.