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I'd like to offer my strongest possible support for Jennifer Kim's reelection to the Austin City Council in May. Also, I would like to explain why her opponent, Randi Shade, may be flying under the radar and would not be a good choice.
For those who don't know me, I would like to present a brief introduction. In the mid-nineties, I was elected twice to the State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC) representing Senate District 14. I worked at the Travis County Democratic party for some time, where I helped organize rallies for Bill Clinton, Al Gore and others. I am a cofounder of North by Northwest Democrats which was born in my kitchen. Also I have worked on numerous local issues - fighting Exxon Mobil and BP Amoco to prevent the Longhorn Pipeline and pushing Wal-Mart off the aquifer, to mention a couple. I am a former board member of Save Our Springs Alliance. But I'm sure, no matter what I've done, I'm certain to invite some enmity by writing this (yawn).
Recently, I have worked with the Stop Domain Subsidies group to prevent the City of Austin from doling out 65 million of taxpayer dollars to Simon Properties, the largest mall developer in the US, to support high-end retail. As you may know, we successfully completed a petition drive to put the issue on the ballot in November. Twenty-three thousand Austinites signed the petition and we recruited nearly 500 locally owned businesses such as Alamo Drafthouse, Book People, and Waterloo Records. It is through this effort we came to meet Randi Shade.
Our founder, Brian Rodgers, met with Ms. Shade four or five times. At the end of the day, we concluded she is not a good choice for Austin. She began our discussions as "seemingly" supportive of our efforts and over time began to oppose our efforts. This was deeply disturbing to us. One reason, perhaps, is that she is accepting contributions from the few folks who would like to see us fail, like the original developers of the Domain. She claims her campaign contributions have no impact on her ability to lead. We're not so sure. Perhaps more disturbing is her inability to stick with an issue with any kind of conviction. We certainly don't need any more wafflers in any form of government.
In October, Jennifer Kim cast a very difficult vote that was in every sense courageous. In her role as a member of the Capitol Area Metropolitan Organization (CAMPO), she voted to oppose the toll road plan. Her vote was vindicated later when TXDOT admitted to a billion dollar "error" - meaning there would be less money available to build needed roads in Central Texas. Meanwhile, supporters of the toll road agenda are gleefully inundating Ms. Shades campaign coffers with contributions. What does this mean exactly? Perhaps nothing, but do we want to find out after she's elected?
Besides, Jennifer has been a stalwart supporter of the environment, neighborhoods and especially small, locally owned businesses. I have a difficult time wondering why we would elect anyone else at this time.
I think Ms. Shade is adopting the new paradigm in Austin politics as a campaign strategy. The strategy goes like this: Don't commit too much, appear a little left of center, be involved in the community (but not anything too controversial or verifiable) and let the voters project their own beliefs on the candidate. I'm not certain what we have in Ms. Shade and I don't think anyone else does either. I have heard from many folks who tell me that Ms. Shade's responses to queries at the forums are often times "I'll have to get back to you on that" or "I need to to learn more about that." That doesn't give me much comfort. I prefer candidates who exhibit some core belief system or values. I hope you do too.
Please support Jennifer Kim this May. And please feel free to hold Ms. Shade's political feet to the fire - like we do every other candidate in this town.
Thank you.
Jeff Heckler
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