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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
How Much Embarrassment Can Texas Take? (OK, Probably A Lot More)
Ken Paxton sues to overturn the presidential vote in four other states. Mayor Steve Adler makes the Daily Show.
Adler Met His Match You Know, On the Beaches Down in Mexico
Mayor Steve Adler’s vacation trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico — from where he urged his fellow Austinites to stay home — makes national and international headlines.
Trump Continues to Hide Out and Claim Fraud as Country’s Problems Mount
It’s been almost three weeks since the election and President Donald Trump continues to hide out in the White House with almost no public events on his schedule. Also, the man who prides himself on being such a tough guy has not taken a single question from reporters...
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