(Bump. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
These are our 2008 endorsements.
Click here for our current 2009 endorsements.
Burnt Orange Report offers up the following endorsements based upon a weighted consensus of its editorial board. Those working for or with personal conflicts in any given races have recused themselves.
The Big Picture: We will be honest in saying that our decision making process for the Austin City Council races is, in large part, not based upon specific issues, votes, developments, or ballot questions that have come before the council. While important, the greatest challenge the city council has faced in recent years is its evolution into a mediocre, consensus driven body, often bereft of the passion, hope, and big-city vision which powers its citizens and creative economy on a daily basis. This is not to say that every member must be a champion or an advocate- it is just to say that an occasional clash of ideas based upon personal philosophy rather than personal politics would be nice.
This said, the weighted consensus of our staff recommends the following candidates.
City Council Place 1: Lee Leffingwell
Three years ago, Lee Leffingwell came into office as Austin's Place 1 city councilman with scattered and ineffective opposition. In two weeks, he will return to the dais in similar fashion.
Rarely taking the limelight as others are prone to do on council, Leffingwell has served Austin well enough, working the system behind the scenes to effect positive change for the city. We appreciate his efforts towards a greener, more sustainable Austin through less-flashy programs and development. He leads more than he follows on council and serves as fatherly (and at times grandfatherly) voice of reason and consensus. The council needs a steady hand and Leffingwell provides one.
But it is for many of these same reasons that this endorsement (and others by local publications) appear to be lacking in energy. Leffingwell's calm demeanor makes him an affable candidate, difficult to run against, but equally difficult to promote. If he hopes to be Austin's mayor someday, we hope he injects his campaign and leadership style with the energy that is effervescent among the city council electorate.
As to his opponents? Allen Demling is entertaining and smart. He promotes a positive pro-Austin campaign that is overshadowed by the fact he's had his campaign turned into a caricature. Jason Meeker is driven and aggressive, a stark contrast to the incumbent, but has been stymied by the fact that few outside of his activist world see his campaign as anything but a personal single-issue soapbox.
We endorse Lee Leffingwell for Place 1.
City Council Place 3: Jennifer Kim & Randi Shade
Like much of Austin, our staff is split in this race, our Editor's employment on behalf of Jennifer Kim notwithstanding (and not included). The split is for good reason between two good candidates. As mentioned in our preface, the council needs more passionate voices, and either candidate has proven to us that they will provide that on the dais.
Incumbent Jennifer Kim has been an independent voice and vote on the city council, opposing the consensus at times, and occasionally as a minority of one. While some decry her votes as political, we appreciate any member who is willing to stand on their own two feet and think for themselves on council business. She has worked toward solutions for small businesses, affordable housing, and issues affecting neighborhoods. While difficult to satisfy the political needs of the highly diverse Asian-American community in Austin, the council and community are better served by her representation. We support a council diverse not only in opinion, but in ethnic make-up given it's current all at-large configuration.
Randi Shade, as Kim's primary challenger, has been up-front in saying this race is between her and the incumbent. Shade, as a business owner and woman, will retain representation for those groups on council, but if elected would give Austin's large gay and lesbian population a voice in city government. Open, energetic, and bright- Shade carries little pretense with a personality and work-style that will engage positive discussion among parties with business before the council. While some may be wary of her resistance to be pinned down on hypothetical specifics, we see this as her recognition of the complexity of governance. Shade's admission that sometimes the best answer is not a quick answer does contrast with her opponent, who at times has given more than one answer to issues in her first term on council.
In an ideal world, there would be a place for both Kim and Shade on the council. We endorse both of their campaigns.
City Council Place 4: Robin Cravey
Perhaps the most interesting debate over the future of Austin is represented by the candidates running for Place 4. Every known (and unknown in the case of Ken Vasseau) community of interest is represented in some form of fashion here. From development to neighborhoods to environmentalism to urban planning to sheer entertainment- voters have the choice of any of the above in this election.
But one candidate stands above the rest in blending the balance of qualities we seek in a councilmember- Robin Cravey. Independently (and unbeknownst to each other) our staff collectively settled upon Cravey as our one choice among six in this race.
His personal history is as diverse as it is long in Austin. It arcs across touchstones of our community- from Friends of Barton Springs to Save Our Springs, from the Zilker Neighborhood Association to the Zilker Elementary PTA, from the Daily Texan to Ecology in Texas and Tilted Planet Press. Cravey is no stranger to city politics having hands on experience with the Planning Commission, Councilmember Daryl Slusher, and Mayor Pro Tem Max Nofziger and his Democratic credentials are some of the most visible in the field.
His bio aside, Cravey's vision is rooted in Austin's environmental movement. He has a sincere desire to see growth occur in a manner consistent with those natural values. Cravey isn't interested in capturing the city in a morass of NIMBYism (or letting it run wild with unfettered development). His campaign may not have the most money or the most consultants, but it has far and away the most unique, down to earth engaging candidate. We believe it's time for that to matter again in Austin's cookie cutter council campaigns.
Robin Cravey embodies the spirit and essence of Austin. We enthusiastically endorse him for Place 4. |
