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Council Election Results – Mostly More of the Same
If you like the current make-up of the Austin City Council then you should be really happy with the recent Council election results. In fact it looks like the Council “progressive” supermajority — the one that merged progressive politics with the best interests of...
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.
True Stories
Texas Garners Multiple National Headlines – Human Toll from Abbott’s Pandering Mounts – There Goes Robert E. Lee
The casualty count from Governor Greg Abbott’s pandering mounts while Robert E. Lee finally goes down in Virginia.
So Long Arnold Garcia
I want to begin today’s column with a few words about my friend Arnold Garcia, former Editorial Board Chairman at the Austin American-Statesman. Arnold passed away from pancreatic cancer on August 12. The Statesman did a superb job of giving him his due, in a story...
APD Still Pretty Mum on Charges from Garza and Garza – Watson May Run – Candlewood Update – Abbott Still Endangering Public Health
APD sort of responds to property crime questions. Candlewood purchase update. Abbott’s dangerous pandering. Watson may run again for Mayor.
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