Many of our readers would probably not believe us when we say that this endorsement above all others was the most difficult to make. In fact, while we were prepared to offer endorsements in the council races weeks now, our staff did not settle on a consensus until recently. We debated issuing no endorsement or a joint endorsement but felt that neither properly accounts for political realities or our personal feelings.
In addition to the paragraph cited in our Place 1 endorsement, we wish to reflect on these words written by KT after the conclusion of last year's municipal elections. This quoted text is important to read to understand the context of this endorsement.
This is an open mayoral seat, a chance for Austin voters to step up, engage the candidates, and pick someone to lead their city that expresses what they want to see in their city. It's a free for all, and a chance to really select a Mayor in a different way than we select our council members. There is something that draws in and engages an expanded set of voters in selecting a Mayor, and it's an opportunity to have a much different conversation about who we are as a city and where we want to go.
Austin is a unique place- with energy, with youth, with growth, with different ideas of what it's future should be. Our mayor should be someone who reflects that. A mayor with character. Just like Austin.
I recognize there are prospective candidates from the current council, as many as three. But this race should be much more than a simplistic insiders debate over "Brewster or Lee" which I find rather small-picture and for the most part, unexciting.
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All said- this our chance to elect a new mayor without it being under a cloud of scandal, without particular local issues driving the race, or without certain ballot questions taking priority. Who knows, that could all change in a year, but for 2009, my personal feelings about the race for mayor are ones based upon thinking beyond the insider narratives of today.
This is largely the problem with this year's Mayoral race. The insider narratives of a year ago, possibly even longer, haven't changed in the slightest. This race has been entirely about "Brewster or Lee". The only other major challenge comes from a candidate immediately unacceptable to us (and hardly "new and inspiring") in the form of Carole Strayhorn, who was a joke from the beginning.
For now, the political realities of Austin prevent Brewster McCracken's message from reaching electoral victory, even as a majority of the staff finds it more in sync with our call for a leader who inspires the city. At the same time, we're not entirely convinced that Brewster McCracken is the right messenger for his own message. But that point is muted by the fact that Austin's campaign finance laws and as a result, it's consistently traditional electorate, have made it impossible for all leading candidates to have a real conversation about the future.
Cookie cutter elections lead to cookie cutter campaigns. Let us hope that we reform or shock the system soon lest cookie cutter campaigns lead to cookie cutter candidates.
All this said, we believe Lee Leffingwell should, and will be the next Mayor of Austin. We stand by that. Even though Leffingwell's spent less time on the city council then Brewster McCracken, we feel he is more in tune with the citizens and other key community members who will work together to move the city forward. We have no concerns about where his loyalties lie, whether we can trust his word, or if he will work to protect and enhance the average citizen's quality of life as Mayor. Lee is relatable, he is humble, and he is grounded.
There is something to be said about candidates that get elected with concerns about their ability to represent the eclectic citizenry that makes Austin, Austin. We remember a candidate that could have been described as moderate, steady, or even milquetoast who stepped into office without a runoff against more entertaining contenders. We call him Mayor Will Wynn. And even those who had concerns recognize that he's become the Mayor we are proud to call Austin's own. (And that extends beyond jumping off bridges or doing the Thriller).
We agree with Brewster McCracken on this: The office of the Mayor is about promoting Austin.
But what is Austin? The people are Austin. Without you, there is no Austin.
Lee's in it for Austin because he's in it for you.
That's why we endorse Lee Leffingwell for Mayor of Austin.
Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races. Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement.
We are encouraged by the fact that regardless of whether Perla Cavazos or Chris Riley is elected to fill the remainder of Councilman Lee Leffingwell's term, the City of Austin will be in good hands. Judging from the split nature that the endorsements from across Austin have run in this race, voters are enjoying the opportunity to pick a side and vision that best fits their views (as well as doing so with a minimum of personal attacks or politics). Similar to the rest of Austin, our staff has supporters on both sides of this race.
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.
The values expressed in that statement strongly guide our choice of Chris Riley over Perla Cavazos in this election. Our staff has met with and talked directly with the candidates on multiple occasions. We see how the candidates have reacted to questions in multiple forums. Those interactions and experiences lead us to the following conclusions.
Chris Riley wants, needs, and deserves to be on the city council. His passion for good city government is obvious. His vision for a model next-generation city that respects our environment is clear. His values are rooted in the Austin of old, the one he was born in raised in, while his education and lengthy public service give him the credibility to plan for the Austin of tomorrow. Chris Riley brings more than a new vote to the council, he brings a new perspective. He lives what he advocates.
The City Council we elect this year (combined with Randi Shade and Laura Morrison newly elected last year) has a high likelihood of governing Austin well into the next decade. Chris Riley's energy and enthusiasm for "what could be" is needed to create a working coalition that will turn the tide against mediocre, consensus driven policy bereft of imagination at city hall.
Call Chris Riley a geek, call him a nerd; either way we'd also like to call him "Councilman".
Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races. Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement.
We wish more councilmembers would be like Mike Martinez. In the past three years, if one looked for the dynamic voices and proactive members of the council Mike Martinez would have been hard to miss. He's provocative, engaged, and invovled in the community. There's not question he's willing to lead and we hope he continues to do so in the future wherever his persuits and interests take him. He's not been shy about expressing his Democratic bonafides and we're not shy in expressing our support for his re-election.
We enthusiastically endorse Mike Martinez for Place 2.
We recognize there is little need for us to issue an endorsement in an uncontested race, but Bill Spelman is a candidate who deserves endorsing.
A former councilman and current University of Texas professor, Spelman will bring to the city council an intelligent, balanced perspective having both served inside and outside city government in the past decade. Rather than coming to the table with a preconceived bias or opinion, we feel that Spelman will draw on a wide ranging store of personal knowledge and experience to guide his reasoning.
No one has to teach Bill Spelman how to dig into the background data that should guide decision making on the council. What he does not know, he will find out. This is evident in his campaign's continuing efforts to host forums and work sessions to garner feedback and information from a wide variety of regional groups and interests. Spelman needs only to vote for himself to get elected, but it is refreshing to see a candidate who is already living the job we are going to elect him to do.
We enthusiastically endorse Bill Spelman for Place 5.
Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races. Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement.
We have a solid consensus on our staff of two things in relation to the Place 6 race. The first is that Councilwoman Cole could be more proactive, more agressive, and more engaged on behalf of her constituants. Cole has worked on the Waller Creek Redevelopment project, an issue that needs leadership if the businesses and parkland along that zone are ever to become something of which our city can be proud. In its current state, Waller Creek is like a scar across downtown, one that needs tending to and we hope Cole will lead on the issue during her next term.
That said, we agree that the council will not be any better served by replacing Cole with her opponent Sam Osemene. Osemene has been agressive in pointing out faults with Cole's leadership and little else. Providing a contrast in politics is necessary but it is not enough to earn our votes.
As such, we endorse Sheryl Cole for re-election to Place 6.
Over two dozen community groups in Austin have endorsed Laura Morrison for Austin City Council Place 4. Today we add our name to that list.
Early Vote starts today and we are encouraging our Austin readers to join the Austin Chronicle, Austin American Statesman, Democratic Clubs, Austin environmental groups, Better Austin Today, and the Austin Neighborhoods Council in supporting Laura Morrison.
Morrison has shown she can lead; with her years as the President of the Austin neighborhoods Council she earned the respect from friends and foes alike. She leads by earning people's respect and getting them involved in the discussion. She has the professional background in mathematics and more recently Public Health Disaster management to bring to a new voice to the city.
She has quietly built a network of support with her advocacy for open government and government accountability, while working to protect the voice of Austin Neighborhoods and Democrats.
She has put together a broad coalition, winning 27 endorsements across the community, virtually every democratic club, almost every African American and Hispanic group endorsing, and environmental and neighborhood groups.
She has proven she can organize by building the team to put progressive ideals successfully before the voters. While her opponent is focused primarily on development outside of town, Laura's top concern is protecting the quality of life of the people living here today.
She has quietly played a leading role in dozens of important community efforts including Save Town Lake, Helping to East Austin neighborhoods to organize to protect their neighborhoods, and many more.
Morrison is a proven leader and strong advocate for Austin. As the Early Vote begins, we encourage you to vote for Laura Morrison for Austin City Council Place 4.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On April 8, Texas Democrats voting in the runoff election have an easy choice to make in the only statewide runoff race on the ballot for Texas Railroad Commission.
The clear choice in this race is Dale Henry (D-Lampasas).
Dale Henry is not only the candidate who is most qualified for this position, but the candidate who gives Democrats the best chance for unseating incumbent Michael L. Williams in November.
Although you cannot tell such from its name, the Texas Railroad Commission is one of the state's most important consumer protection agencies. It has an important responsibility to protect Texas consumers from the physical and environmental dangers posed by the oil and gas industry.
The Texas Railroad Commission has abdicated that responsibility. Dale Henry pledges to change this, and make public safety and environmental protection top priorities for the agency that, over the last several months, has been chided by the media and even state appeals courts for its failure to act in the best interest of Texas consumers.
A retired petroleum engineer with more than four decades in the oil and gas industry, Henry has a unique understanding of both the responsibilities and the failures of the Texas Railroad Commission. He is a true progressive, and Burnt Orange Report wholeheartedly recommends him to Democratic Primary voters in the April 8 runoff.
To view all of BOR's endorsed candidates, click here.
John Lipscombe is the best choice for County Court at Law #8. As with other races, the most obvious reason for this is his strong lead in the endorsement race, but there is so much more. John is a good hearted, justice minded man, with a vision for this new seat. As John says it:
I have a vision for the future of this court which goes beyond traditional roles and obligations. It is time to institute a program of treatment, rather than punishment, as policy for non-violent offenders.
So beyond John's goodness, vision and endorsements, why did we at BOR endorse him as the best candidate?
1) Licensed Attorney practicing law in Travis County for 21 years
2) Over 4 years as research attorney for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
3) 17 1/2 years working as Travis County Prosecutor
4) Over 16 years as Trial Court Chief
5) Tried over 150 jury cases, and hundreds of other trials and hearings
6) Managed dockets in every criminal misdemeanor court in Travis County
7) Disposed of tens of thousands of criminal cases during tenure
County Court at Law #8 is a newly created misdemeanor Court. The majority of these offenders are young adults, that have made a bad decision or two. What most impresses us at BOR about John is his vision:
I have a vision for more effectively managing and helping these offenders in a way that will decrease recidivism, promote public safety, and ultimately save tax dollars by reducing jail overcrowding.
In addition to the Court's regular docket, I plan to create an evening docket for offenders in these groups. These probationers will meet with me, after work and school, to discuss their recovery issues-successes as well as setbacks. Treatment, support, accountability, and communication-these components are proven to promote rehabilitation much more effectively than incarceration.
This kind of positive, treatment based approach is what we need so much more of in our Country which now incarcerates more people per capita than any other. John is our endorsee, and definitely the kind of man we need as a Judge in Travis County.
To view all of BOR's endorsed candidates, click here.
Scott Ozmun is the only Democrat in the race for 353rd District Judge. Actually, this is kind of true. Scott has an opponent in the Democratic Primary, but she has a Republican candidacy record among other things. Really, this should be enough, but Scott is also the most qualified candidate in the race.
Scott first entered into politics in 1984 as a volunteer for a State Representative race. He has since served as a precinct chair, been a member of the Finance Council of the TCDP, and served as our TCDP Chair from 2000-2004.
Professionally, Scott has practiced civil trial law for over 21 years and worked as a briefing attorney for the Texas Supreme court. He is Board Certified in bothe Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Scott is also the President-Elect of the Austin Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), and is on the Board of Directors of the Austin Bar Association and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.
Impressively, Scott served as President of the Boards of Volunteer Legal Services, the Legal Aid Society of Central Texas, and the Austin Young Lawyers Associaion.
Now before you get the idea that Scott's support within the legal community is of a partisaned nature, know this - Scott was voted "Best Qualified" by 90% of the voters in the Austin Bar Association Judicial Preference Poll, and his list of supports come from a diverse group of lawyers.
What it comes down to in this race, however, is that Scott is the only Democrat in this contested Primary. Madeleine Connor, Scott's opponent, ran as a Republican candidate against Charlie Baird in 2006 for a criminal district court seat. She voted in the Republican primary in 2004 and 2006 and she has never voted in the Democratic Primary in Travis County. Someone needs to remind Madeleine Conner that this is the Democratic primary. That someone would be the voters.
This one is easy, Burnt Orange Report endorses Scott Ozmun.
