Martinez, Casar gain new endorsements

Environmental organization Clean Water Action announced Monday night that it was endorsing Mike Martinez for Mayor. David Foster, Texas Director for Clean Water Action, released the following statement: “Clean Water Action believes that Mike Martinez has accumulated the depth of experience working with city staff and the community to make him uniquely suited to lead the City of Austin at this critical juncture of its history. He has earned our trust and we encourage our members to vote for him.” Foster said the other major candidates for Mayor, Sheryl Cole and Steve Adler, “would probably serve the city well as mayor.” However, he added, “We ultimately chose Mike because of the experience he has gained from six years’ service on the council, his demonstrated support for deepening Austin’s commitment to clean energy and water efficiency, his ongoing efforts to keep water and electric bills under control, and not least his grit.” Martinez was one of four Council members who supported building Water Treatment Plant 4, which will go on line soon. However, according to Foster, Martinez admitted that the decision to build the plant was based on inaccurate assessments by city staff of lake levels and per capita water usage. Also Monday, the Austin Firefighters Association announced that it was endorsing Greg Casar for City Council District 4. Firefighters had previously said they would wait until the runoff to make an endorsement in that race. Firefighters president Bob Nicks said, “Greg Casar has proven that he can succeed against any odds, previously as an advocate for working families and now as a candidate. We are excited to join over 40 other endorsing organizations in supporting Casar for City Council.”