(Randi Shade is the incumbent candidate in Austin's City Council Place 3 race. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
Greetings, Burnt Orange Report readers!
I know you've all been busy watching the ongoing Texas Legislative session, paying attention to what's going on in Washington, and thinking about how we will be impacted. I wanted to take a few minutes to talk about the ongoing City Council elections here in Austin, though, which will also have an impact on our lives (though hopefully for the better!). I was glad to see Michael Hurta's post drawing attention to the ongoing races and wanted to come on BOR to talk with you about my re-election campaign.
It's been an exciting first term, and it's been an honor to serve the city I love so much. I am proud to run an office that is accessible and responsive to citizens citywide. And while I know it isn't possible to agree with every person on all the issues, it is possible to have thoughtful debate and make decisions that are driven by fairness and common sense. My record reflects that approach, and I'm glad to share some highlights from my first term with you here.
Prioritizing Reliable City Services: I protected core services and expanded public safety personnel even in tough budget cycles; improved social service contracts to support our most vulnerable neighbors; and advocated successfully for improved parks maintenance citywide.
Helping Grow Our Economy: I helped bring good jobs to Austin and expand local businesses; increased City support for small, minority, and women-owned businesses; prevented excessive regulation of mobile food vendors; and helped create a City music office to support Austin's music industry and improve issues between venues and neighborhoods.
Protecting Our Natural Resources: I set aggressive renewable energy goals while capping utility rate increases; helped launch the Pecan Street Project to drive smart grid technology and clean energy research; supported long-term water treatment capacity while pushing for tougher water conservation goals; prevented a proposed project in the Barton Springs Recharge Zone; and helped increase funding available for tree planting and parkland conservation.
This is everybody's Austin. My office is always ready to work to help citizens from across our City. Whether you're new to town or a long-time activist, I'll listen, get the facts, and use common sense to solve our problems.
In a second term, my priorities will continue to be providing core city services that make our neighborhoods safer and cleaner, and running an office that is responsive to solving problems at City Hall for citizens citywide.
But you don't have to take my word for it -- here's a video featuring just some of the folks who've contacted my office seeking help, and their experiences.
I'm proud of my record, and proud of the work I've done in my first term. In my re-election campaign, I'm honored to have been endorsed by 22 diverse community organizations, including the Central Labor Council, Austin Police, Firefighters, and EMS Associations, Austin Progressive Coalition, Capital Area Asian American Democrats, Capital City Young Democrats, Central Austin Democrats, Circle C Area Democrats, Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association, League of Bicycling Voters, North By Northwest Democrats. St. Edwards Democrats, Stonewall Democrats, University Democrats, The Victory Fund, and the West Austin Democrats. I hope to gain all of your support, and keep working hard in a second term.
Before you vote, please take some time to visit my campaign website to learn more about my background, to read my answers to the many questionnaires from candidate forums, and to see my broad base of support from over 800 individuals. And if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact my campaign!
