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Council’s Lone Republican Loses Seat – Plus a Heretical Look at the Wisdom of November Elections for Mayor and Council
Given how long it’s been since the election I’m guessing that most readers already know how the District 6 race (far northwest Austin) turned out. Incumbent Mackenzie Kelly lost to challenger Krista Laine by less than 1,000 votes, 51% to 49%. I’m just going to...
Demographic Dreams of Texas Democrats Crash Into Reality Along the Border
The day before the election last week I made a rare foray into commenting on national politics. I mean, it was the presidential election. Everybody has a take on that. Given the widespread feeling that the race was a toss up, I listed five reasons Donald Trump might...
Why Trump Might Win, Why Harris Might Win – A Last Minute Look at Factors That Could Determine the Outcome
The Austin Independent is primarily a journal about local government and politics, but we reserve the right to occasionally comment on national affairs. It has been a long time since we did so, but now seems like the right time. What follows is just a list I made of...
Watson Delivers the Police Contract — As Election Nears
Well, love him, hate him, or indifferent, you have to give Kirk Watson credit for getting the police contract over the finish line. It passed on a vote of 10 to 1 (Zo Qadri voting no) after an even more raucous than usual public hearing. It wasn’t just Watson. This...
Chito and the Man
Chito Vela’s perception of public safety seems to defy reality – plus a quick look at the real estate deal added to the police contract package.
The Kirk Watson Vision Test – Part 3 – Police Contract 2024
This is the third and final installment in our series about the Kirk Watson Vision Test. For more on what I mean by the vision test see Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 focuses on how in 2023 Watson sided with far left activists to kill a proposed four-year contract between...
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.
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