I am Proud To Endorse Jennifer Kim

Very bad endorsement (1.00 / 1)

Jennifer Kim has swung with the winds - leaving her fellow councilmembers out to dry for doing a responsible, but difficult, thing in defending the city code against a meritless, irresponsible, and malicious, but very popular lawsuit. Had the city council done what Rather suggests regarding Northcross, we'd be setting ourselves up for an incredible legal liability from Lincoln (in other words, we'd get sued by them and lose, big-time, with huge consequences, both short and long-term).

I thought Robin was from the correct wing of SOS - not the bunch who bankrupted themselves through another ill-conceived legal adventure. Was I wrong?

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by: m1ek @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 18:02:19 PM UTC

Long, downhill slide (3.00 / 1)

I agree Rather used to be a common-sense SOS person and someone I looked up to as a fellow small businesswoman active in the community. I don't know what happend but something did. If you remember she came out at the last minute for those goofy, ill-advised, poorly worded charter amendments that went down 3-1 just two days later. But like a year or two prior she supported the Domain subsidies. She played a key role in ousting Beverly Griffith because she wasn't "effective" but now she supports Jennifer Kim?? And Laura Morrison??

None of this makes a lick of sense and I can't help but wonder what the underlying philosophy she is espousing exactly, if there even is one. I hate to say it but I never even listen to her anymore because the next time she'll be saying the opposite.

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by: BeatrixKiddo @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 18:51:58 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I'm not getting involved in the city races but... (2.00 / 1)

I do have to agree that most all of the alliances in the primaries and the city races this year don't make sense. There's no clear picture of "who we should all support" or slates of progressives, etc.  It makes my head hurt and I look forward to it all being over.  

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

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by: Karl-Thomas Musselman @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 18:56:58 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

It makes your head hurt? (2.00 / 1)

Good! I think it can only be considered a good thing that people are using their brains a bit and thinking for themselves. Democratic voters are considering the candidates thoughtfully and coming to their own conclusions about who to support. This is far better than of falling into the usual herd mentality about who to support in a Democratic primary or city race raced based solely on who party leaders (or blogs) say we should support. It's good for Democracy and I don't look forward to it being over.  

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by: janevieu @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 19:24:23 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

so far... (2.00 / 1)

there hasn't been a clear progressive choice emerge.  Partially, this is because we don't know enough about some of the candidates.  Shade has a formidable supporters list, but I know almost nothing about her other than the short resume she's posted (which mentions she's on the board of the Chamber of Commerce -- scary thought for Austin liberals).  Galindo inspires equal parts hope and dread in different people.  Cravey is promising, but other than the environment, I'm not aware of his positions.  Osemene and Weiss are largely unknown.

Of the candidates we do know, Leffingwell is milquetoast -- he has many of the right positions, but by appearances isn't very energetic in fighting for them.  Demling (I know him, but not the greater public) is energetic and has the right positions, but is untested.  Meeker just led RG4N into a brick wall.  Kim has been very active the last year (but did almost nothing her first 2), but it feels like she's a chicken running around with her head cut off -- no coherent direction to her maneuvering.  Morrison is a well known advocate for greater neighborhood power, which may or may not be a progressive position, depending on your opinion (in my opinion, the ANC has at best a mixed record).  Of course, we all know Gale.

The Public Safety Unions just went with Leffingwell/Shade/Galindo.  Their endorsement usually signifies the position of the business community, so take that as you will.

BATPAC is probably going to go with a Meeker/Kim/Morrison slate.  While I have respect for many of the members of the new group, I have to disagree with them.  I'm looking at Demling/Shade/Cravey right now with the caveat that I need a lot more information between now and May.

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 22:13:35 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Cravey versus Galindo (1.00 / 1)

I wouldn't waste a vote on Demling, but it's defensible.

The biggest problem for me right now is figuring out whether Cravey is more of a Laura Morrison or a Cid Galindo. I'd probably prefer Cid overall, but I'd hate even more to see get Morrison elected.

Cravey hasn't elucidated the differences between himself and Morrison enough to make me comfortable with him, though; and Galindo has nearly nothing out there (same thing, to be fair, with Shade, although Anybody But Kim at this point).

Why are all these guys spending more time on facebook than on updating their web sites with stuff about their policy preferences anyways?

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by: m1ek @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 22:43:36 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Demling (2.00 / 1)

> I wouldn't waste a vote on Demling, but it's defensible.

True, most people wouldn't take the plunge just yet, but I work with him, play basketball with him, and informally advise him on his campaign, so I wholeheartedly endorse him. :)  Of course, if the race gets close between Leffingwell and Meeker, I might have to make a more pragmatic decision.

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 00:19:41 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Oh great (1.00 / 1)

Now I feel guilty for making fun of him a bit.

At a bare minimum, allow me to suggest that you advise him to work on his website - grammar and spelling - and remember that the city council has only an indirect and minor influence on Capital Metro (barring the ultimate threat - the one which I tried to get them to consider after they unveiled the Ausitn-screwing commuter rail disaster).

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by: m1ek @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 00:29:57 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

website (2.00 / 1)

most of the stuff I've helped him with are administrative (what a campaign does, what he needs to do paperwork-wise, how the endorsement process works, how the media works, etc.) and issue/policy geared (there's an incredibly broad scope of background knowledge a candidate has to have to be credible and effective).  I've given him my opinion on issues, but he should and does do his own thing, sometimes counter to my advice.  regarding the website, I have a couple of issues with it (it's too gimmicky for me), but haven't really paid much attention.  I don't think we've talked much about non-bike transportation -- so far I've mostly been debriefing him on environmental politics, ECT, and neighborhood stuff.  Which page are you specifically referring to RE: Capital Metro?

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 01:10:30 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Cravey differentiates (0.00 / 0)

I'm always a little bemused when people ask me to differentiate myself from Laura Morrison, since she really hasn't said anything.  That's one clear way that I can differentiate myself from her, in that I talk about issues.  Look at my website (robincravey.com).

Another way I differ from all the other candidates in my race is in my depth of experience.  I started working on Austin and environmental issues in 1970.  And I've been doing it ever since.  Now, I'm ready to take it to the next level.

I don't want to alienate Cid or Laura.  If I'm elected, I want to represent them, too.

One thing you can count on is that mine will be a campaign of ideas.  I'm going to have a clear positive message and tell the truth.  Week by week I'll be laying it out.

Another thing you can count on is that my council office will be open to the people.  I'll be listening to you and bringing your ideas to the dais.

Don't expect me to make campaign promises.  I don't need to bargain for support.  When I speak, it's out of my heart and mind.

-Robin Cravey

Robin Cravey

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by: Robin Cravey @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 02:42:55 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Issues (1.00 / 1)

I know Morrison's stand on density - she's against it, although she'll say she's for it when it's compatible. I know Cid's stand on density - he's strongly for it (as am I). I've read your site and you're saying the same things that Morrison's said while at the ANC - the problem is that it's very easy to claim "I support density when it's compatible with preserving existing neighborhoods" because the dependent clause means different things to everybody.

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by: m1ek @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 14:08:01 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Density (2.00 / 1)

I don't think you found that quote on my site.

I want to talk about issues with plain words, but I realize that some people need to see issues through the prism of our current shibboleths.  

I favor increased density with a purpose, or with several purposes.  The purposes are to stop sprawl and to make it possible for people of all classes to live near their work and to get services near their homes.  Besides saving the land and reducing the driving, density has many other benefits.  "It will transform the city, reducing traffic congestion, air pollution, noise, pavement, oil imports and our part in climate change. It will give us air sweet enough for a baby to breathe."  (from my website)

I favor preserving our neighborhoods, but not in amber.  A city renovates or it decays.

-Robin

Robin Cravey

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by: Robin Cravey @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 19:35:01 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thanks (0.00 / 0)

FWIW, I wasn't trying to imply I found the quote on your website - it was a paraphrase of what essentially everybody says at one time or another. The important thing is to say "I support THIS density, but not THAT density" and make sure that the this and the that are explained and differentiated well enough.

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by: m1ek @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 19:48:54 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You know... (1.00 / 1)

I've heard that excuse and part of the problem is with a landowner controlling the development of their property. All this could have been averted had the city forced the developer to cough up BIG bucks for traffic improvements or rezone the property to residential/LIGHT retail.

City staff have driven much of this. Jennifer and Mike have been two of the VERY few standing up and saying 'no'.

More specifically, would Lincoln have collected sometime in 2030 AFTER the final appeal? More than one way to play the legal game. I've watched companies go bankrupt fighting a municipality. Better, stronger companies than Lincoln.

 

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by: McBlogger @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 01:42:28 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

more Wal-Mart (1.00 / 2)

The neighbors had never expressed any interest in getting the site rezoned until they found out who the tenant was - they didn't care when it was going to be redeveloped as a conference center (the whole thing; not the smaller project that ended up getting built); they didn't care when the mall was empty.

As for "forcing the developer to cough up BIG bucks"; if the TIA didn't show intersections failing, the city can't do that without getting sued (and losing).

As for the strategy of 'winning' by attrition, that's unethical, and would subject us to the baleful eye of the Capitol to boot.

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by: m1ek @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 14:10:21 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Wait... (0.00 / 0)

your actually mentioning ethics in relation to Wal Mart. That's a hoot.

It's funny, but I've heard this argument about 'no one complained until it was Wal Mart' argument before and it doesn't water. Had it been a Target, it more than likely would have drawn a similar reaction because the most common complaint I hear about this retasking is that it's going to jam up traffic even worse than it already is. A conference center would create decidedly less traffic than a Wal Mart.

Was a TIA even done? If so, what was the methodology. I'd love to take a look at it.

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by: McBlogger @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 19:10:16 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Dude (1.00 / 1)

You need to get around more. It's been non-stop action at a combination of my blog, the Austin Contrarian, and the Chronic. Here's a couple from me and AC:

http://mdahmus.monkeysystems.c...
http://mdahmus.monkeysystems.c...

http://austinzoning.typepad.co...

And, no, had it been a Target, opposition would have been muted. And no, the traffic won't be jammed up - it isn't jammed up now by any reasonable urban standard.

Yes, a TIA was done by the standard methodology - and found that no intersections would fail, although Burnet/Anderson would be close - without any mitigation. Wal-Mart has offered mitigation.

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/new...
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/new...

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by: m1ek @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 19:58:54 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

seriously... (0.00 / 0)

have you been on Anderson lately?

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by: McBlogger @ Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 06:04:29 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Yes (1.00 / 1)

Have you been on any other major E-W streets between 183 and Ben White lately? Anderson is practically rural in comparison.

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by: m1ek @ Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 13:22:19 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

A disturbing trend for BOR (2.00 / 1)

i dont know much about robin, but thats about as milquetoast of an endorsement as ive ever read, and if i knew nothing about the two candidates, id be leery to support anyone based on that post.  but since i know jennifers record, which is basically a pandering-way-after-its-too-late-to-change-anything record like recently on the northcross walmart and even the city manager process, the endorsement rings hollow.  then to gently dig at the opponent, who is actually older than jennifer, has more education and real world experience, is pretty funny.

jennifer doesnt get along well with the other councilmembers, gets along even worse with her own people...someone recently said, in reference to guiliani, that you can judge someones character by how much his kids like him (i guess his kids hate him).  maybe you can get some insight into someones character by how many staffmembers and life coaches they go through--in jennifers case, thats like 4?  in 3 years?

im more concerned that BOR is allowing any tom dick and harry to get up and make endorsements in supposedly nonpartisan races.  i could understand if someone did some research and found some exciting stuff about a candidate, but random endorsements as a way to play in local, essentially democratic primaries, seems silly, and makes me not want to visit back until the primarys are over.  its stupid, bloody, and self-defeating, and the stuff ive seen recently of shoddy investigative journalism and BS endorsements cheapens the site.  its a disturbing trend and i hope the editors clamp down on it before it really gets out of control.  

or at least acknowledge who has a contract with what campaign and thats why were getting biased coverage that slams fellow democrats.

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by: Blah @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 19:25:13 PM UTC

I don't understand (0.00 / 0)

Matt promoted the post, and Matt made the clear notice that he's supporting Kim. What more do you want?

I don't see any shoddy journalism in this post, I don't see any mean-spirited attacks in this post, I don't see anything that can be qualified as self-defeating in this post. The only place I see any of that stuff is in the second paragraph of your comment.

If I saw something that was even remotely close to needing to be clamped down on, that'd be one thing. But this post is one user's perspective -- one user that uses a real name. If you want more perspectives, get involved.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 19:31:09 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I don't either (0.00 / 0)

im more concerned that BOR is allowing any tom dick and harry to get up and make endorsements in supposedly nonpartisan races.

Did we ask Robin to make an endorsement for Jennifer Kim? Is that what is being implied? I'm so confused.

What is this, hate on BOR staff week? God this job can be damn unpleasant at times.

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

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by: Karl-Thomas Musselman @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 19:46:32 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Just made a post (0.00 / 0)

Check it out.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 19:47:07 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Our Focus (3.00 / 2)

I try and put all of my biases out in the open.  They in no way effect the content of the site, but better to be safe than sorry.  

I am proudly working for Laura Morrison, but you see posts from Robin Cravey on the front page.  I am working for John Lipscombe, but you hardly see anything on the site about him other than me reporting my bias.

The real question is whether Rhandi is engaging  the BOR community.  She isn't.  It is hard to give a ghost any coverage or promote any of her phantom stories.  I don't even get press releases to write about.

This is the same critique we get about the TX-10.  Dan Grant and his campaign get a lot of front page time, and it is because he is engaging the BOR community.  Not because we have taken sides.

While I will continue to support Jennifer and her campaign, that support doesn't not mean we will not cover all aspects of the city council races. If you have a critique on endorsements or the race, I encourage you to write a journal and let me, KT, or Phil know via e-mail and we will all be happy to look at it and possibly front page the story.  

There are nearly a dozen front page writers to prevent group think or one persons bias from dominating the front page. As always we appreciate your input.

Help build a progressive movement in Texas. Join Progress Texas.

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by: Matt Glazer @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 20:05:36 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Coming soon... (2.50 / 2)

Thanks to Matt for placing a priority on this local race.  I strongly support Randi is this race, but it's good to see that BOR has put a spotlight on this election.

The blog community will be happy to know that the Randi Shade campaign will soon be engaging the netroots early and often.  As a former internet entrepreneur, Randi obviously understands the value of online advocacy.  But we're still in the very early stages of this campaign, and Randi's been a little busy focusing on the fundamentals.  

For those who missed it, Randi outraised Jennifer in the first fundraising report.  Given the inherent benefits of incumbency in Austin city council politics, that's unprecedented.  Council members usually have no problem getting re-elected in Austin, and Randi's strong fundraising numbers shows just how frustrated Austin voters are with Jennifer's lackluster term.

Over the next few months, there will be lots of blog material about this election for BOR readers to chew on.  This is an important race, and we have a unique opportunity to elect a true civic leader who won't wait until election time to engage the voters.  As a council member, Randi will actually lead on the tough issues of the day instead of engaging in cheap last-minute publicity stunts.

As Randi introduces herself to the BOR community, I hope that she will receive the same front-page courtesy that Jennifer's campaign has received.  Voters deserve to hear both sides of the debate.

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by: Ian @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 21:30:26 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thanks Ian (0.00 / 0)

Of course we will be fair and give this race full coverage.  Thanks for this information.

Help build a progressive movement in Texas. Join Progress Texas.

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by: Matt Glazer @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 21:38:33 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You mean... (1.00 / 2)

that Randi's fundraising numbers show how frustrated developers are with Jennifer? Good. Developers has bid up prices to unsustainable levels in Central Austin and someone has to put a brake on them. I guess they're kind of upset that Jennifer isn't the 'go along, get along' gal.

In Austin, if you have a half a brain, you support the person 'business community' (whatever the hell that means) DIDN'T endorse.

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by: McBlogger @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 01:38:06 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Oh the irony (3.00 / 1)

Did you even look at the fundraising reports?

Not only does Jennifer have developers donating to her, but she also has them bundling for her.  Maybe I only have "half a brain", but this Place 3 race doesn't seem as simplistic as you imply.  Developers donate to incumbents, and Jennifer is no exception. And let's not forget that Jennifer's opponents in 2005 labeled her the "developer" and "toll road lobby" candidate. Needless to say, this 2008 race won't be decided along typical environment vs. developer lines.  

Instead, this race is all about leadership, or Jennifer's lack-there-of.  As Kedron pointed out up-thread, Jennifer has been AWOL until this election year.

Randi is a serious alternative.  But don't take my word for it.  I encourage undecided Austin voters to take the time to get to know Randi.  She's a great Austin activist who will work hard even when the election spotlights aren't on. She's friendly, down to earth and she'll shoot you straight.

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by: Ian @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 06:52:15 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Sure... (1.00 / 1)

why do you think I made the comment:)?

It's funny you should mention the tolls. Jennifer's voted exactly as she said she would, including her vote on the Phase 2 TIP. It's interesting that not long after that vote I heard the name 'Randi Shade' mentioned in concert with Place 3.

As for being AWOL, I saw her at things all the time in 2006 and 2007. She's even been to several KAB and DFT meetings to discuss issues before the council and answer questions, n ot to mention just showing up to have a drink and listen to whomever is speaking that night. Honestly, what more could she have done? I've seen Kedron at TED meetings, but at few of the others. Maybe that's why he has seen her.

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by: McBlogger @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 19:20:25 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Your original accusation (0.00 / 0)

was that Jennifer was the green candidate and Randi was the developer candidate.  Good to see that we've now moved away from that false narrative.

Now, you're shifting the discussion to:
"Honestly, what more could she (Jennifer) have done?"

Well, I'm glad you asked.  Over the next few months, we'll have ample opportunity to discuss that very question.  Stay tuned...

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by: Ian @ Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 06:29:29 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Jennifer is not the anti-developer candidate (1.00 / 1)

After she was sworn in, one of the first things she tried to do was delay and stop the construction of Town Lake Park at the behest of the developers who donated to her first campaign.

At RECA's bidding, Jennifer Kim opposed the Riverside conversion in what is now Town Lake Park, arguing that it should wait until every redevelopment plan for the central Town Lake corridor was fully accounted for (and by that she meant the complete high-rise redevelopment of Riverside Drive between I-35 and South First, and whatever remains of Barton Springs Road).  Kim said that since Central Park has roads through it, Town Lake Park can, too.

She compared Town Lake Park to the Shoal Creek Bikeway conversion and claimed that stakeholder input in municipal projects leads to public backlash and discouraged citizen and stakeholder participation in municipal projects in general.

But then comes an election year, and suddenly she's the neighborhood's best friend.  Pretty convenient.  

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by: Jobu @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 15:45:53 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I would disagree with that assessment (1.00 / 1)

First, no one had any kind of a comprehensive plan or even idea about what it would look like in 2005. Since many people already had the land, it made a lot of sense to delay until a comprehensive plan could be generated. As for roads through a park in an urban area, YEAH. You do realize we don't have an effect east/west corridor through Central Austin. Riverside is used to a large extent AS that corridor.

I don't see any of this as particularly developer friendly, I see it as common sense.

It's interesting that you've not mentioned her support for DPA programs that help low income borrowers afford housing.  

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by: McBlogger @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 19:28:23 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

How long is long enough? (0.00 / 0)

Town Lake Park was approved by voters in 1998.

Construction was set to begin in 2005 before Kim was elected.  After she got elected, she tried to delay construction and pretty much used the same bullet points as RECA used in their justification for delaying construction.

Thank God her people skills prevented her from convincing the rest of council to support the delay.

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by: Jobu @ Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 20:17:57 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

it's at least semi-newsworthy (0.00 / 0)

Endorsements by notable Austin activists are newsworthy.  Whether or not they belong on BOR I guest depends on how big the endorsement is, and how much BOR readers care about Austin city politics.  At any rate, Robin Rather is very well-known in Austin progressive circles.  I have no problem with it being on the front page.

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by: Kedron Touvell @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 22:19:43 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Agreed (0.00 / 0)

Endorsements are newsworthy, and I'm a big fan of Robin Rather.  On this particular race, I respectfully disagree with her, but I think it's healthy for BOR to shine a spotlight on her endorsement.  

Randi will also be rolling out some big endorsements as well, and voters will benefit from reading a variety of perspectives regarding this important race.

Kedron, your post up-thread is excellent.  Your unique perspective on city council politics provides an extra layer of insight for voters to consider.  

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by: Ian @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 22:55:42 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

here is your trend: (1.00 / 1)

this milquetoast endorsement post

the post where the one guy spends 5 pages attacking the one noriega opponent.  do we really need to read why some guy cant take another democrat seriously?  is noriega in that much trouble that he cant debate the guy and we have to read random people opine and slam dem opponents on blogs?  really?  (id like to know if that guy is involved in the campaign)

the post last week about what was basically the teams system at the secretary of state, but used to bash nelda spears.  yea, thats shoddy journalism when you dont even know what teams does, how every registrar and tax-assessor collector in the state hates it (even repubs), its slow, over budget and behind schedule.  the only thing you can fault nelda for is going on record calling it how it is instead of no commenting like her fellow registrar collectors.

etc.  

thats all from the last few days.

so yea, im concerned that were two months from the primary and four from city council elections and this is already becoming the standard BOR content.  

but thank you guys for responding.

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by: Blah @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 21:38:53 PM UTC

two months from the primary (0.00 / 0)

sounds like it's about that time that random people roll out support or opposition to random candidates.  it's the primaries, random people are choosing between random candidates in the same party's election.

Call me crazy, but I bet around September you'll start seeing random people rolling out random attacks on Republican candidates.  I bet around December you'll see random attacks and support for people running for speaker.  I bet around January you'll see random attacks and support about various pieces of legislation.

It's the cycle, it happens every time.  In other news, the sun also rises.

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by: Joe @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 21:49:57 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Well (0.00 / 0)

If you think that's shoddy journalism, you ain't seen nothing yet.

Now, a very great man once said that some people rob you with a fountain pen.

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by: Phillip Martin, Progress Texas @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 22:34:29 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Important point (0.00 / 0)

"There are nearly a dozen front page writers to prevent group think or one persons bias from dominating the front page. As always we appreciate your input."

Thanks Matt. There is nothing worse than "groupthink" except someone that can't accept a dissenting opinion gracefully.

Example of not accepting a dissenting opinion gracefully...Mitt Romney and the poor shmuck AP reporter who had the audacity to say a lie wasn't the truth. Follow up non-graceful exibition...Romneys campaign flunkey with the same brow beating technique.

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by: Geezerthink @ Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 21:48:49 PM UTC

Ken Weiss Running For Austin City Council Place 3 (0.00 / 0)

Ken Weiss running for Austin City Council Place 3

**** He is running against Jennifer Kim and Randi Shade. ****

Did you know that ....

Ken Weiss has lives in Austin Over 38 years! Jennifer Kim and Randi Shade combined have not lived here longer than Ken Weiss.

Ken Weiss has operated two small family businesses right here in Austin. Jennifer Kim and Randi Shade can talk about their dot coms all day long but they were not here in Austin.

Ken Weiss went to school here. He attended Pflugerville School District, ACC, Concordia University and is working on a Masters in Business.

Ken Weiss has served in the Texas Army National Guard as an officer for over 5 years, right here in Austin. Can Jennifer Kim or Randi Shade say they have military experience?
Ken Weiss was in charge of all the shelters in San Antonio during Katrina. Ken Weiss was their for the victims when they stepped off the bus at 3a.m. in the morning with nothing but the clothes on there backs. Ken Weiss helped the victims find food, shelter, clothes, medical care, and future housing after the shelters closed. Where was Jennifer Kim and Randi Shade when all this was going on?

What Ken will do for Austin?

- Ken is working hard to protect the environment. He knows the challenges that small businesses face and wants to help them succeed in Austin. He will make sure that Austin remains safe by providing the equipment and personnel the city's protective services need including Ems, Fire, and Police. He will work hard to keep Austin's highways free and from not turning into toll roads. Ken will also eliminate waste from the city budget and by doing so will save you tax dollars!

Ken Weiss loves Austin! Ken Weiss grew up here, went to school here, and lives here. It you love Austin as much as Ken Weiss does, then you'll help him win place 3, where he can make the decisions that are best for Austin, its' neighborhoods, and its' citizens.

You can help right now by making a contribution, volunteering and then on May 10, 2008 vote for Ken Weiss. With the help of concerned citizens like you, we can make Austin truly a better place for all to live!
"The Citizens don't want or need another politician to run Austin. What Austin needs is someone with the proven business sense and leadership skills that I have shown to get the job done efficiently, effectively, and economically." Ken Weiss

Let's change city government and make it responsible to the citizens of Austin!
If you like these ideas, tell your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors about me!

Visit the Website @ weissforplace3.com

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by: Gekco789 @ Mon Mar 24, 2008 at 01:47:49 AM UTC

Ken Weiss Running for Austin City Council Place 3 (0.00 / 0)

Ken Weiss running for Austin City Council Place 3

**** He is running against Jennifer Kim and Randi Shade. ****

Did you know that ....

Ken Weiss has lives in Austin Over 38 years! Jennifer Kim and Randi Shade combined have not lived here longer than Ken Weiss.

Ken Weiss has operated two small family businesses right here in Austin. Jennifer Kim and Randi Shade can talk about their dot coms all day long but they were not here in Austin.

Ken Weiss went to school here. He attended Pflugerville School District, ACC, Concordia University and is working on a Masters in Business.

Ken Weiss has served in the Texas Army National Guard as an officer for over 5 years, right here in Austin. Can Jennifer Kim or Randi Shade say they have military experience?
Ken Weiss was in charge of all the shelters in San Antonio during Katrina. Ken Weiss was their for the victims when they stepped off the bus at 3a.m. in the morning with nothing but the clothes on there backs. Ken Weiss helped the victims find food, shelter, clothes, medical care, and future housing after the shelters closed. Where was Jennifer Kim and Randi Shade when all this was going on?

What Ken will do for Austin?

- Ken is working hard to protect the environment. He knows the challenges that small businesses face and wants to help them succeed in Austin. He will make sure that Austin remains safe by providing the equipment and personnel the city's protective services need including Ems, Fire, and Police. He will work hard to keep Austin's highways free and from not turning into toll roads. Ken will also eliminate waste from the city budget and by doing so will save you tax dollars!

Ken Weiss loves Austin! Ken Weiss grew up here, went to school here, and lives here. It you love Austin as much as Ken Weiss does, then you'll help him win place 3, where he can make the decisions that are best for Austin, its' neighborhoods, and its' citizens.

You can help right now by making a contribution, volunteering and then on May 10, 2008 vote for Ken Weiss. With the help of concerned citizens like you, we can make Austin truly a better place for all to live!

"The Citizens don't want or need another politician to run Austin. What Austin needs is someone with the proven business sense and leadership skills that I have shown to get the job done efficiently, effectively, and economically." Ken Weiss

Let's change city government and make it responsible to the citizens of Austin!
If you like these ideas, tell your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors about me!

Visit the Website @ weissforplace3.com

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by: Gekco789 @ Mon Mar 24, 2008 at 01:48:34 AM UTC

Ken Weiss the Alternative to Jennifer Kim and Randi Shade for Place 3 (0.00 / 0)

Ken Weiss Running for Place 3

Ken Weiss on the Issues:

Environmental

- Present a proposed form of recycling of light bulbs containing mercury for proper disposal by the city and citizens of Austin.  

-Present the idea of changing city owned street lamps from mercury  vapor bulbs to L.E.D. bulbs. Citizens of Austin should understand that cost of L.E.D. light bulbs are more expensive, however, L.E.D. bulbs typically have life spans of up to 100,000 hours, thus providing a much brighter light bulb while saving money by replacing bulbs less often and the money spent to have crews replacing those light bulb several times over the life of an incandescent bulb. Also, L.E.D. bulbs are up to 95% more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and typically contain no mercury. Meaning you can run 10's or even 100's of them for the same cost of one regular incandescent bulb.

- Austin needs to look into the possibility of using solar and wind generation whenever possible. I'm proposing that all new development be self sufficient for their lighting needs by utilizing solar (PV cells)or wind generation, battery packs, and LED lights. This would allow a building to be completely off the grid for lighting need. Buildings would only use grid power for machinery, televisions, washers and dryers, air conditioning and refrigeration
and other high power consumption equipment.

- Eventually, due to growth, Austin will need another power plant to  help maintain electrical sustainability. I will propose utilizing solar and wind generation at all possible chances, but even this may not keep up with demand. I propose that we consider utilizing natural gas co-generation power if and when we need another plant. Natural gas power plants are only second to nuclear in air quality and co-generation plants are up to 65% efficient. Here's how they work. They use natural gas as a fuel which is primarily Methane gas. As the gas is burned in the combustion chamber, it is combined with oxygen as the accelerant, and this process basically turns the natural gas turbine, producing power. The hydrogen in the natural gas is combined with the oxygen creating H2O or water and because of the high temperatures, creates steam. This steam is them pumped to a steam generator producing yet more power from the waste produce of the first generator.

- Another process we should consider is having a waste to energy plant. Austin currently leads the state in recycling efforts, however, not everything is recyclable yet.Instead of filling up our landfills with plastic bottles 3 through 7,styrofoam,and other non recyclable products,why not incinerate them to produce energy until away to recycle them is found. We would be able to kill two birds with one stone. This could be a very viable solution to the problem of opening up the Webberville landfill (No Webberville landfill) and will add years of future use to our existing landfills. Second, we could produce the energy that Austin needs. For those of you unfamiliar with Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plant,check out the links under the links page. We could incinerate 1 ton of trash and reduce that to 300-600 pounds of ash, and the ash has values such as becoming bricks for homes, asphalt for streets, or even fertilizer for farms and gardens.

-Protecting our natural resources is a high priority for Ken, however, Austin needs to make sure that the SOS (Save Our Springs) ordinance is fair to all those involved and effected. Compromises can be made. For example, a business that was built before the SOS ordinance may have been built with 85% impervious cover and no environmental pond, but could be redeveloped to say 50% impervious cover with an environmental pond, as well as other updates, such as a rain water collection system, L.E.D. lighting, and solar or wind power generation systems.Keeping and adding additional green and park space as Austin grows. This keeps Austin beautiful and citizen friendly.

Small Businesses

- Austin needs to be more attractive for small business to prosper by being proactive with the small business community, for instance issues dealing with site planning and the sign ordinance. Often, these items are too restrictive and cost prohibitive for small business owners to obtain and comply with.

- Austin may indeed benefit from hosting small business forums where small business owners can bring potential problems to the city's attention, such as ordinance or traffic concerns. I propose the city sponsor once a year or every six months, small business forums, seminars, and workshops. Let's bring together the Small Business Administration, SCORE, ACE, the Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, and the Small Business Development Centers from the City of Austin and the local Universities. Let's give small business a chance in Austin.

- Ken will also propose Austin do a study on providing small businesses that want to expand or grow, possible rebates for 6 months on utility bills and city sales taxes. These rebates could help to some extent with advertising expansion, hiring a new employee, or whatever the business may need. I will also see to it that no more big businesses ever get another dime in tax payers money as subsidies of any kind.

- Austin needs a Council Member who understands the unique problems that small businesses face. Ken knows first hand the problems faced everyday by small family operated businesses.  

Subsidies to Big Businesses

- There should be no subsidies for big businesses in Austin. I will propose a small business stimulus package to promote small business growth and expansion. The stimulus package includes city sales tax, rebates, and utility discounts for a specific period of time to off set the cost of growth and expansion.

Community Protective Services

- Ken will make sure that Austin's Fire department has a plan of action for  high rise and condo building fires and be sure they have the necessary equipment and personnel to handle Austin's growth.

- Ken will make certain that Austin's Fire department has a plan of action for fighting brush fires in the west Austin/Loop 360 area. As Austin continues to grow, we could have a potential situation similar to California. We need to be ready for any event no matter where in Austin.

- Make sure that the Police department also has the necessary equipment and personnel to protect Austin for crime spiraling out of control.

Sigle Member Districts

- Ken Weiss believes that city council should not tell the citizens of Austin what type of Government they should have.

"Government founded by the people, for the people."

- Ken would like the voters to have a say and so he wants this to be placed on the ballot and have the voters decide.

Neighborhood Planning

- Ken Weiss believes that the neighborhoods in Austin should have a say on what development and businesses are in their neighborhoods. The neighborhoods know what is best for their neighborhood.

- Ken will make sure that every neighborhood is treated fairly and equally!

- Ken will support neighborhoods in the planning stages and make sure each neighborhood has the zoning laws and regulations.

City Budget

- Ken Weiss will cut wasteful spending and use that money on other things like the human services, environment, affordable housing, tax breaks for elderly and or freeze for elderly and transportation.

Transportation

- Ken Weiss supports mass transit and wants to Revamp Capital Metro to a hub and spoke system.

- Ken wants to cut down the times that it takes buses to get from one side of town to the other.

- Ken support lite rail and riding bikes and new lanes for bikes.

Toll Roads

- Ken will work extremely hard to keep Austin's highways FREE for everyone. Although, Ken doesn't oppose toll roads, he does oppose the use of tax-paid right-of-way. The reason for toll roads is generally because the road is build with no or very little state or federal funding. The tolls are used to pay for the acquisition cost of right-of-way and to pay for and/or supplement the cost of contruction. This does not happen when you use tax paid for right-of-way and take away a precious free roadway. We need more major roadways and those should not be tolled.  Austin does need some viable solution to it's traffic problems now as it will only get worse in the future.

- We need to make sure that existing toll roads are reworked to allow for just as easy access for free highway user not wanting to use the toll road. Take these intersections for example, State Highway 130 / US Highway 71 and State Highway 130 / US Highway 290. There are now more lights to congest traffic at these locations while, eventually there will be easy access on and off ramps for the toll road while the users wanting to use US 71 or US
290 will have to wait for lights.

- No managed lanes on MOPAC (Loop 1). Managed is another word for toll and we don't need to lose existing free roads to toll roads. However, a H.O.V. (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane might help, if it is added as a forth lane of traffic. But, to take away an existing lane would be ridiculous.

Vertical Mix Use

- Ken believes that Vertical Mix Use is good for density and development but is bad for small businesses because small business then can not afford to be in the neighborhoods. VMU's take away affordable older retail space. Howerver, if a a neighborhood in Austin wants VMU's in their neighborhood Ken will support their decision and will make sure that the neighborhoods have all the information they need to make an educated decision on VMU's.

Like Ken's views on the issues then check him out on the website weissforplace3.com !!!!!!  

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by: Gekco789 @ Tue Apr 01, 2008 at 06:46:58 AM UTC

Ken Weiss the Alternative to Jennifer Kim and Randi Shade (0.00 / 0)

weissforplace3.com

Check out the website!!!!!

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by: Gekco789 @ Tue Apr 01, 2008 at 06:47:57 AM UTC