A Note To Readers
At the Austin Independent we cover a range of local and state issues and try to do so in a factual, thoughtful and even entertaining fashion. As a small publication, however, our publication schedule can vary. So we suggest signing up for email alerts. That way you won’t miss any stories. It’s free and we will not send you anything other than the alerts. Thanks, Daryl.

Sign Up For Email Alerts
"*" indicates required fields
Does Prop Q Failure Mean Budget “Cuts?” Plus Eating on the Dais, Restoring Trust and Texas Ds Buck National Trend
I am going to begin this week with something I imagine most readers don’t expect. That is a discussion of etiquette; specifically the eating habits of the Austin City Council during their meetings. I decided to speak out on this topic after seeing a few people...
Prop Q Meets Its Fate
Mayor Kirk Watson was well prepared on election night, with a pre-written concession speech. It was an unprecedented defeat for Watson and the entire Council, except for Marc Duchen who refused to go along with the crowd. Duchen voted against putting Prop Q on...
Prop Q Heads to the Finish Line
OK folks, this is our final Prop Q pre-election coverage. It’s long, but I’ve broken it up into reasonably sized sections. First of all, there was a surprise plot twist as the campaign headed into the final stretch. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton — displaying...
The “Inherent Tension” Between Taxes and Affordability – Plus a Look at Campaign Contributions in the Prop Q Election
As the election on a City property tax increase (Prop Q) nears, opponents are beginning to hammer the point that the increase will affect the “affordability of Austin” — particularly for residents already on the verge of not being able to afford to live within the...
The Silence of the Shams
I can’t put it off any longer. It’s time to begin our coverage of the Prop Q election. That’s the election item on whether to raise the City of Austin property tax to the tune of $201 more per year on the “typical homeowner.” That $201 comes on top of a $268.23...
City of Austin Debuts New Logo To Harsh Reviews
Just after we put our last issue to bed and announced a week off, the the City of Austin came out with its new logo. At first I thought it was a joke when I saw former Council Member Mackenzie Kelly say online that it was about to happen. But, no. Within moments Kelly...
True Stories
Eckhardt Cleared in “Judicial Conduct” Complaint, But The Right to Disparage City Council Is Under Attack
A panel of Republican judges clears Sarah Eckhardt, and displays a sense of humor. But, a few local Democrats want to stop disparagement of the Austin City Council.
JFK Jr. a No-Show; Doggett Announces for New Austin Seat; Casar vs Rodriguez in District 35; and More
Observing emergent Texas Fascism. JFK Jr. a no show in Dallas. Lloyd Doggett announces for new Austin seat. Rodriguez vs Casar.
COVID Deaths Reach Civil War Levels – Do General Grant’s Words Fit Today?
As COVID deaths near Civil War levels we ponder whether the words of General Grant can apply today. Plus an examination of the dominant media narrative on national Democrats.
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.








