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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.

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Nobody Wins – Proposition B and Homeless Encampments

by Daryl Slusher | Apr 18, 2021 | Austin Elections, City Council 2021

In any other election season a proposal to change Austin’s form of City government would likely gather the most attention. Not so this year as the tents of homeless people line Austin roadways, sidewalks and parks. This situation results from a City Council decision...

Strong Mayor Pro and Con – In the Words of Campaign Leaders

by Daryl Slusher | Apr 18, 2021 | Austin Elections, Strong Mayor Initiative

This story marks the Austin Independent’s final pre-early voting coverage of the strong mayor proposal. Early voting starts Monday April 19 and ends Tuesday April 27. Election day is Saturday May 1. To review, in earlier coverage we laid out the principle that...

Did Somebody Say “Strong Mayor?” – If So, It Was Not the Strong Mayor Campaign

by Daryl Slusher | Apr 14, 2021 | Strong Mayor Initiative

For today’s installment in coverage of the strong mayor proposal I want to return to the approach described in an article on the subject back in July. There, I laid out some principles to guide the Independent's coverage, writing that “changing the form of government...

Strong Mayor Initiative Nears a Vote – Draws Improbable Coalitions of Opponents and Supporters

by Daryl Slusher | Apr 13, 2021 | Strong Mayor Initiative

The homeless camping issue is so controversial, visible and seemingly intractable that the proposed rollback of the Austin City Council’s June 2019 repeal of the City’s camping ban long ago became the marquee item on the upcoming May 1 City Charter amendment ballot....

Council Takes Step Toward New Police Cadet Class — Final Decision Remains

by Daryl Slusher | Mar 31, 2021 | Police and Public Safety

On March 25 the Austin City Council moved a step closer to authorizing a new police cadet class beginning June 7 — after over a year without a cadet class. The vote was eight to one with two Council Members abstaining. Council Member Greg Casar voted no while Mayor...