Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles had a distinguished career in the legislature, and we unanimously encourage voters to return her to the State House.
Gonzalez Toureilles was an impressive member of the Democratic delegation, and is the best candidate to take on whoever survives the Republican primary in this South Texas district. An attorney, Gonzalez Toureilles chaired the House Agriculture and Livestock Committee in 2009 and is a capable representative for the 43rd, which surrounds Corpus Christi and contains many constituents that depend on farming for their livelihood. Gonzalez Toureilles is absolutely the best choice in the Democratic primary -- her opponent can't stop saying how he wants to vote with the Republicans on key issues -- and best of all, she's the strongest candidate to win this seat in November.
HD-43 is currently held by JM Lozano, the Democrat-turned-Republican who voted against two of Rick Perry's "emergency" items -- Voter ID and the Republican sanctuary cities legislation. Lozano then switched parties to make the best of redistricting, and cash in on big Republican campaign contributions. The Texas Observer reports that since the switch, Lozano has raked in over $40,000 from Republican special interests. Every dollar of that huge fundraising haul is another reason for Lozano to vote against the interests of his district and in favor of draconian Republican policies. Should JM Lozano survive his Republican primary -- which is no guarantee, as he could be the latest GOP nominee to get Victor Carrillo'ed -- Gonzalez Toureilles will be the strongest candidate to face him down in November. Should Lozano win his primary over two Anglo challengers, Gonzalez Toureilles has the advantage of not having to run on the record of Lozano's Wingstop restaurants which are by most customer accounts completely awful. If his constituent services are anywhere near as bad as the service at his wing joints, we've already got this race in the bag.
But this Democratic primary isn't just about who is best to oust Lozano or whatever Republican survives their primary. This endorsement is about who would make the best State Representative, and who will mount the strongest campaign in November to represent the people of HD-43, and that person is clearly Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles.
We enthusiastically and unanimously endorse Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles in the Democratic primary for HD-43, and urge our readers to support her all the way through November.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
Sally Hernandez will work better with county law enforcement and focus the office of Constable Precinct 3 on its core duties. We endorse her for Constable Precinct 3.
Sally Hernandez has an impressive background and strong law enforcement credentials that would make her a solid candidate for any peace officer position. What tips the balance in her favor are concerns over the current constable's difficulties working with the rest of county law enforcement. Hernandez has criticized the incumbent for taking his eye off the ball and says the office should stick to civil process and warrant serving, and work more efficiently with other local law enforcement agencies.
Hernandez has an impressive career in law enforcement, and has worked for Travis County since 1988. She was a deputy in the Precinct 3 office, then worked as an investigator in the District Attorney's office. She is currently the Chief of Investigations in that office, a position which emphasizes her strong managerial skills. Additionally, Hernandez has earned the support of seven law enforcement organizations, suggesting a broad and deep frustration with the incumbent.
McCain is deeply involved in the community in his southwest Travis precinct, and deserves credit for being visible and engaged in the community, not just in campaign season. However Hernandez has raised valid criticisms about his overall management of the office and ability to work with the other constables and sheriff in an efficient manner. We appreciate and admire independence, but the criticisms of McCain fall more into the camp of not working well with others.
Hernandez's campaign has not always made her argument for change fundamentally clear on the campaign trail, however she has managed to earn broad support across the community and in Precinct 3. Public servants need to be able to work with people all across Travis County, and Hernandez's diverse support suggests that community leaders think she's more capable of doing that. Ironically, McCain has criticized Hernandez for winning the lion's share of Democratic club endorsements, citing them as evidence of his independence. Additionally, we are not concerned about her ability to win the district come November given Susan Steeg's victory in JP 3 last cycle in a Republican year. We anticipate vigorous efforts in southwest Travis County for several Democratic candidates to make sure all seats stay blue.
Hernandez offers an opportunity for Precinct 3 to work more effectively with the rest of county law enforcement. We enthusiastically endorse Sally Hernandez for Constable Precinct 3.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
Paul Labuda has gained experience as a peace officer and is the least problematic candidate in the race. We endorse him in Constable Precinct 2.
This race sees a match-up of familiar foes, as 2008 candidates Adan Ballesteros and Paul Labuda square off a rematch for Constable, joined by Michael Cargill, avowed gun enthusiast.
Voters must make absolutely sure not to vote for Michael Cargill, a questionable figure who seems to be using his campaign to promote his concealed handgun training facility. Cargill is not a licensed peace officer, has no law enforcement experience, and does not hold an associate's degree, which Ballesteros has argued disqualifies Cargill from holding the office. His support primarily comes from students involved in the Concealed Carry on Campus effort, and Cargill himself lobbied on behalf of the NRA in favor of the Guns on Campus bill last session. He opposes federal background checks before gun purchases and wants to repeal federal gun free school zones. Additionally, Cargill voted for Debra Medina in the 2010 Republican gubernatorial primary, which in and of itself speaks volumes about the candidate's judgment and Democratic bonafides.
Incumbent Adan Ballesteros has done a good job in office and is actively involved in the community. Ballesteros is a solid Democrat who helped shift several deep blue precincts into Constable and JP 2, which will be helpful in holding the office this fall and electing a Democrat to JP2 in 2014. He has also worked hard to elect Democrats up and down the ballot, as have his deputies in their spare time. However, he remains hounded by allegations that he was involved in smuggling cocaine and fired from DPS as a result. A formal complaint was filed against him for allowing confidential informants to import cocaine, though Ballesteros was never formally charged. We have concerns that these allegations will make it difficult for Ballesteros to hold the seat in November.
Labuda's youth was an issue for him in 2008, but in the intervening four years he has put his peace officer certification to good use as a police officer in the City of Florence. Labuda clearly has a passion for progressive law enforcement grounded in a desire to prevent crimes from happening. He is also actively involved in efforts to prevent underage drinking. Labuda entered the race in March at the end of the second filing period, after many Democratic clubs had already endorsed. Since then he has been able to garner several club endorsements, and owing to his long history of Democratic activism has solid support from a wide range of activists.
The ongoing concerns regarding Ballesteros' past give us pause about Democrats' ability to hold this seat in November, and challenger Michael Cargill is simply unacceptable. We endorse Paul Labuda as the candidate best capable of holding onto this seat for the Democrats.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
Maria Canchola has earned another term as constable in Precinct 4. We unanimously and enthusiastically endorse her for re-election.
Canchola's focus on community engagement is a compelling reason to support her for re-election. She has been a driving force in focusing attention on veteran's issues in county law enforcement, and was instrumental in creating a veteran's court to address the specific needs and issues of veterans who end up in our judicial system. Additionally, Canchola is one of only 19 female constables in the state, a frustrating figure when one considers how many domestic violence issues are dealt with by constables' offices. Canchola is actively involved in mentorship programs in her southeast Travis County district, and has won awards for her community engagement.
Challenger Pedraza is a distinguished former APD officer, who has been endorsed by several law enforcement groups. However, while his campaign started off strong, he has not made a compelling argument for ousting the incumbent, who has a strong record of innovation and improvement. Both candidates are running spirited grassroots campaigns and have earned significant support in the community, and we're glad to see them engaging voters in elections for local offices such as this. Overall, Canchola has earned broader support on the campaign trail, and seems to be mustering more enthusiasm among the voters.
We unanimously and enthusiastically endorse Maria Canchola for re-election to Constable Precinct 4.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
Constable Danny Thomas has done a capable job in his first term and deserves your support over his opponent.
Thomas is a 20-year veteran with APD and a former Austin City Council member. He was elected in 2008 in a crowded field, and has done a capable job with the office. His opponent, Carl Cannon Jr, is a former deputy in the Precinct 1 office who has not made a compelling argument for ousting the incumbent.
We endorse Danny Thomas for re-election in Constable Precinct 1.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg is working hard to reflect our progressive values in office. We enthusiastically endorse her for re-election and urge you to vote for her.
Lehmberg has earned another term in the DA's office, owing to her work to not only prosecute violent offenders, but also implement and expand progressive programs that reflect our community values. As a reflection of her strong first term as DA, Lehmberg has been endorsed by every single Democratic club in Austin, The Austin Chronicle, and a wide range of community leaders. We are happy to add our voices to those calling for her re-election.
Here is just some of what Lehmberg has accomplished in her first term, which demonstrate her commitment to our shared progressive causes:
Deferred Prosecution Program: Lehmberg established a new deferred prosecution program to give first offenders a second chance. We'd like to see this program expanded in a second term.
Fighting Wrongful Convictions: Lehmberg partnered with the Innocence Project at UT's Law School to conduct post-conviction DNA testing and is participating in a field study of new eyewitness identification procedures to prevent false ID's. She has been endorsed by Dallas County DA Craig Watkins, a national leader in these efforts.
Public Integrity Unit: Lehmberg has showed the balance and temperament necessary to keep a Republican legislature funding an office that prosecutes their own members.
Hate Crimes Task Force: Lehmberg is deeply involved in the newly created Hate Crimes Task Force which works with the City, APD, and County to directly address bias-motivated crimes as they happen and work to foster increased safety in targeted communities.
As an openly gay woman Lehmberg provides a role model for the LGBT community -- and all women in law enforcement -- demonstrating that their sex and sexuality need not limit their professional advancement. Furthermore, we do not find fault with Lehmberg's lengthy experience in the DA's office. However, we encourage her to continue to look closely at the programs of her predecessor -- who, admittedly, was in that office for a long time -- and continue to look for ways to improve the office so that it strives to provide the most fair and equitable justice as possible.
Lehmberg's opponent, Charlie Baird, has an impressive career as a progressive jurist. On the campaign trail, Baird has highlighted some serious discontent with the criminal justice system in our minority communities, and in a second term we'd like to see Lehmberg do even more to address those complaints, working in concert with the Commissioner's Court, the Sheriff's office, and especially the Austin Police Department. Criminal justice reform is not the sole responsibility of one individual, and our entire community needs to proactively address these issues, even if it's uncomfortable.
However, while Baird was an exceedingly liberal jurist and remains a die-hard Democrat, we do not feel comfortable putting him in charge of the DA's office. Baird retired from the criminal bench in 2011 (Judge Karen Sage now sits on that court) and so we found it rather head-spinning when he declared for DA so shortly into his retirement. Baird has been quick to criticize the DA's office, however many of the reforms Baird has proposed on the trail have already been tried by the DA's office to no avail.
Additionally, we have serious concerns about Baird's campaign, which appears to be actively working to foster distrust in our entire criminal justice system. While there are clearly areas where Travis County can improve in minority incarceration -- and we thank Baird for emphasizing those -- at times his campaign missives seem more inclined to incite a riot than persuade voters.
Lehmberg is doing an excellent job, and deserves a second term to keep her good work going. We encourage her to remain open to community feedback, and continue working to make the Travis County DA's office a reflection of our community values. We also encourage her to "toot her own horn" more often, to share these good works with our wider community.
We enthusiastically endorse Rosemary Lehmberg for re-election as District Attorney.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
Chief Deputy Carlos Lopez is an experienced law enforcement professional who will continue the excellent service of the office as Constable of Precinct 5. We enthusiastically and unanimously endorse him for election.
Lopez has 30 years of experience as a Chief Deputy, and has been awarded "Deputy Constable of the Year" twice. He is actively involved in the community as a mentor and volunteer. As constable, he pledges to expand the Class C warrant execution program and continue working with the Travis County Violence Task Force to reduce domestic violence in our community.
When Constable Bruce Elfant announced that he would not be running for re-election to Constable 5 -- in preparation for his bid for Tax Assessor Collector and Voter Registrar -- his Chief Deputy Carlos Lopez was quick to announce his campaign for the office. Owing to the strength of his qualifications, Lopez wound up unopposed in the primary and in the general. However, we could not let this opportunity go by without adding our names to the list of community leaders and organizations supporting him for election.
Lopez is an all-around great guy. We have enjoyed interacting with him this campaign season, and while he has some big shoes to fill, we are confident that he is more than ready for the job. We also encourage him to start his own annual fundraiser around some culinary challenge, but suggest that he stay away from ice cream just for the sake of originality.
We enthusiastically and unanimously endorse Carlos Lopez for Constable Precinct 5!
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
We endorse challenger John Sisson because incumbent Greg Hamilton refuses to accept valid policy criticisms that have made Travis County a national leader of deportation of undocumented immigrants, including non-violent offenders.
In politics, a frequent criticism of challengers is that they many tend to run on "single-issue" platforms. We do not believe that is necessarily an accurate representation of openly gay challenger John Sisson, who has made the incredibly high rate of deportation of non-violent undocumented immigrants in Travis County a major issue in his campaign. But even if it was, we still recommend Travis County voters choose him over incumbent Sheriff Greg Hamilton because of the incumbent's failure to sufficiently acknowledge these valid criticisms.
Sisson is a 31 year decorated veteran of the Austin Police Department with a decade of service as an on-the-street patrol officer, two years of SWAT team experience, three years of major narcotics investigations, 43 separate service commendations, and over 4,000 hours of law enforcement training. This solid background of experience lends credibility to his primary policy critique of the incumbent. Forgive us for quoting a competing publication, but the following best expresses the reason why we cannot ask our readers to re-elect the incumbent.
Despite repeated statements from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that its main deportation targets are undocumented immigrants considered threats to the public or national security, more than 1,000 people have been flagged for deportation in Travis County in the past three years after arrests for minor infractions such as traffic tickets or public intoxication, an American-Statesman analysis has found.
Meanwhile, ICE data show that the Travis County Jail has become one of the busiest - and most efficient - deportation hubs in the country since federal immigration agents boosted their presence in the jail about four years ago and later began using a controversial program known as Secure Communities to check the immigration status of everyone booked into the jail.
ICE says it has the money and manpower to deport about 400,000 people a year, so it has put the emphasis on serious felons, repeat offenders, gang members and other public threats, and instructed its employees last year to use more discretion in deciding who to flag for deportation.
And yet in Travis County, twice as many people have been deported after a misdemeanor arrest in recent years than have been deported after a felony arrest, according to an American-Statesman analysis of ICE and Travis County Jail data.
This is Travis County. This is not in line with our values, certainly not as Democrats. While Hamilton has been an effective administrator, and outside of the office is an avid supporter of the Democratic Party, he could do more to oppose these deportations on a political and policy level. His refusal to acknowledge the degree to which this is a problem -- especially in our Hispanic communities -- is disappointing. Thousands of lives and families are affected by Hamilton's policies. If he refuses to address these Travis County residents' concerns, then we encourage voters to give Sisson that opportunity.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
It's time for a change in Precinct 1, if not now, soon. We endorse challengers Richard Franklin and Victor Gonzales.
Incumbent Ron Davis, while a reliable vote on the more progressive wing of the Travis County Commissioners Court, has chosen to once again run a campaign focused on his past achievements rather than any real vision for the future of Travis County government. Just as individual members of our editorial board supported Davis's Hispanic opponent Celia Israel as far back as 2004 for this very reason, little has changed in 8 years. While Davis may proclaim that he is "In Touch With Our Community" on his campaign signs, the reality is that he is in touch with fewer and fewer voters in his diverse and changing district.
We recognize the value of diverse representation on our 5-member county commissioner court. While Precinct 1 is the most heavily African-American district, Black voters are still the minority to both Hispanic and Anglos in the district's boundaries. If voters are ready for a change for a more active and energetic leader to represent East Austin we suggest voters choose Richard Franklin or Victor Gonzales over the incumbent.
Due to both candidates fundraising disadvantages, the most they may accomplish is to force Davis into a runoff, but either would be able to legitimately serve in the office. Gonzales is the current Mayor Pro-Tem of Pflugerville and would represent a rapidly-growing community in Northeast Travis County. Richard Franklin currently serves on the Del Valley ISD School Board and has been aggressively pounding the pavement across the district, garnering the support of some community and religious leaders that have previously backed Davis.
We encourage Precinct 1 voters to send a message by voting against the incumbent and for one of these two challengers.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
We strongly recommend a vote for incumbent Karen Huber over a perennial challenger.
Incumbent Democrat Karen Huber defeated a Republican to make the Travis County Commissioner's court 5-0 Democratic in 2008. Representing the most conservative areas of western Travis County, Huber, a former Republican, has been a strong ally of the more active and forward-looking members of the Travis County Commissioners Court. Huber, one of three women forming the majority on the court, has been fair, independent minded, and an advocate of responsible growth and development. She deserves a second term, and Travis County Democrats should be prepared to work hard this fall to make sure she gets it. This was a seat once held by the late, great Ann Richards, and we need to keep it in Democratic hands.
Her opponent is a perennial challenger in local Democratic politics who would likely lose this seat for Democrats in November.
We unanimously and enthusiastically endorse Karen Huber for Precinct 3 Commissioner, and urge you to work hard to re-elect her this November.
Endorsements are made based on a weighted consensus of the staff, which guides the type and tone of endorsement. Members of the Burnt Orange Report staff employed by campaigns abstain from voting on those races.
Gonzalez Toureilles was an impressive member of the Democratic delegation, and is the best candidate to take on whoever survives the Republican primary in this South Texas district. An attorney, Gonzalez Toureilles chaired the House Agriculture and Livestock Committee in 2009 and is a capable representative for the 43rd, which surrounds Corpus Christi and contains many constituents that depend on farming for their livelihood. Gonzalez Toureilles is absolutely the best choice in the Democratic primary -- her opponent can't stop saying how he wants to vote with the Republicans on key issues -- and best of all, she's the strongest candidate to win this seat in November.
Sally Hernandez has an impressive background and strong law enforcement credentials that would make her a solid candidate for any peace officer position. What tips the balance in her favor are concerns over the current constable's difficulties working with the rest of county law enforcement. Hernandez has criticized the incumbent for taking his eye off the ball and says the office should stick to civil process and warrant serving, and work more efficiently with other local law enforcement agencies.
This race sees a match-up of familiar foes, as 2008 candidates Adan Ballesteros and Paul Labuda square off a rematch for Constable, joined by Michael Cargill, avowed gun enthusiast.
Canchola's focus on community engagement is a compelling reason to support her for re-election. She has been a driving force in focusing attention on veteran's issues in county law enforcement, and was instrumental in creating a 
Lehmberg has earned another term in the DA's office, owing to her work to not only prosecute violent offenders, but also implement and expand progressive programs that reflect our community values. As a reflection of her strong first term as DA, Lehmberg has been endorsed by every single Democratic club in Austin, The Austin Chronicle, and a wide range of community leaders. We are happy to add our voices to those calling for her re-election.
Lopez has 30 years of experience as a Chief Deputy, and has been awarded "Deputy Constable of the Year" twice. He is actively involved in the community as a mentor and volunteer. As constable, he pledges to expand the Class C warrant execution program and continue working with the Travis County Violence Task Force to reduce domestic violence in our community.
In politics, a frequent criticism of challengers is that they many tend to run on "single-issue" platforms. We do not believe that is necessarily an accurate representation of openly gay challenger John Sisson, who has made the incredibly high rate of deportation of non-violent undocumented immigrants in Travis County a major issue in his campaign. But even if it was, we still recommend Travis County voters choose him over incumbent Sheriff Greg Hamilton because of the incumbent's failure to sufficiently acknowledge these valid criticisms.
