(Man, I'd hate to lose the comments on Burnt Orange Report. We've had some awesome discussions here. Good thing it's only the Statesman's comments. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
Message to Users
For technical reasons, reader blogs and story comments will disappear from our site as of August 31, 2011. The blogs themselves and comments on them can not be preserved.
I want to express our thanks for being part of our online presence. If you decide to continue blogging on another platform, please feel free to send us an email with the new web address at readerblogs@statesman.com and we'll have you on file for when we reach this portion of our new site buildout.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. I would be happy to assist you.
Maira Garcia
Social Media Editor | Austin American-Statesman
mgarcia@statesman.com, 512.912.2512
South Austin has no geographic representation on the Austin City Council when, based on population, it should have at least three city council members. Now the proposed redistricting plans will leave South Austin with three different Congressmen and three different State Senators with South Austin having very little impact on who is elected from these districts.
Meanwhile, down at City Hall, a Council Member actually proposed that an election system with geographic seats with council members still elected At-Large. This off the wall proposal was an alternative to the several mixed district plans (6-2-1, 8-2-1, & 10-2-1) that a majority of the council has indicated they might support and are considering more closely.
Voters in South Austin have a direct impact on who is elected as their State Representative, County Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, Constable, and School Board Trustee. A united South Austin made the difference in Congressman Doggett's last election. For the most part, South Austin will be now stuck with the choices made by voters in Central/West Austin and San Antonio in most of the other contested races that are not either elected on a countywide or statewide basis.
The ironic thing is Central/West Austin got craved up again in pieces just like South Austin this time with this proposed congressional map. The proposed lines for District 25 are a perfect text book example of political gerrymandering and an insult to the citizens of Travis County. The late Congressman Jake Pickle's thirty one years of effective service is conclusive evidence of the value and clout produced by Travis County being represented by one US Congressman.
The Senate Select Committee on Redistricting will be held Friday, June 3rd in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.016 beginning at 9AM. This will be our chance to speak out against this map. Although I am recovering from surgery from fracturing my left knee cap in three pieces, I am planning on attending and will either speak or at least fill out a witness card in opposition to this abomination. Please join us if you can, this is a very important issue for all of Austin and Travis County.
(This is your reminder to vote Early or on May 10th! - promoted by Matt Glazer)
Drove past the Randalls on Ben White this morning. After seeing the political signs posted out front, I decided to early vote for May 10th elections at that spot. Got in and out in seven minutes. The Travis County Clerk's Elections Division is doing a great job running the combined elections for the city, school district, and ACC.
Since the election day polling place for my precinct is moved frequently, I always vote early at a grocery store. It's less time and less hassle. Thanks Dana.
Quick and Easy Update by Matt: Here are some links to make your life even easier:
Also, Burnt Orange Report will be sharing its endorsements soon. They might just surprise you (especially if your name is Wells Dunbar and you write for the Austin Chronicle).
Is it just me? I think the State of Texas is using a sledge hammer when a fly swatter may have worked. Does something need to be done about the child abuse charges in El Dorado? Yes, sexual exploitation of teenage girls or any child will not be tolerated in Texas. Should nursing babies and children under the age of ten be separated from their mothers? No, unless there are compelling circumstances.
A highly questionable anonymous call was the basis for the warrant to seize these children. This whole mess needs to be resolved as quickly as possible in the best interest of the children. Regardless of the religious beliefs of those involved, state laws need to be enforced and US Constitutional rights need to preserved.
Unless there is compelling evidence and circumstances to the contrary, the children under the age of ten should be returned to their families as soon as possible. Then detailed hearings focusing on the danger potential of the children over the age of ten should be conducted, on a case by case basis, with each child having a court appointed attorney to represent them. Child Protective Services needs to present their evidence in court hearings and cease the media circus. The appropriate response now for CPS should be " no comment, we have an ongoing investigation in progress".
Last Thursday, the Southwest Austin Democrats met to endorse in the May municipal elections. The following candidates were endorsed for the Austin City Council:
185,703 total voters for March 4th Democratic Primary. Total turnout for the runoff election not looking very good. Looks like D hardcores and R crossovers will determine election results in Travis County this time around. Where are the new voters??
The Austin Progressive Coalition has received about half ($10,000) of its reported campaign funds from one law firm -- Nix, Patterson, & Roach of Dangerfield, Texas - in one check last Monday (see Texas Ethics Commission reports).
Wouldn't you like to know which candidate APC is fronting the money for? So would I.
