Naked City

The campaign season begins in earnest when mutual promises to "take the high road" fall by the wayside. Last week, Gov. Rick Perry and Dem candidate Tony Sanchez exchanged charges of drug-laundering and corruption; U.S. senatorial candidates Ron Kirk and John Cornyn argued over who more thoroughly despises Saddam Hussein; and attorney general candidates Greg Abbott and Kirk Watson began the music of slamming jail doors. It's election time in Texas. (Illustration By Doug Potter)

This Week's Headlines

Scary Haiku:

West Nile in Austin!

Dead birds, killer mosquitoes!

Apocalypse now?

The City Council approved the settlement with Stratus Properties by a vote of 6-1, ending a bitter and protracted battle. But the drama at City Hall isn't over yet, folks: There's more negotiation -- and Stratus development -- to come. See the coverage starting on p.22.

Council began budget talks this week. Can we "bridge the gap together," or will we continue to demand services many citizens don't want to pay for? p.16.

Council's health care subcommittee, chaired by Betty Dunkerley, held its first meeting last week to review draft legislation that would create a local hospital district. A joint city/county citizens' steering committee is working on getting a health-district referendum on the November 2003 ballot.

The AISD Board of Trustees appears ready to side with the teacher's union in a call for larger pay raises. Can Forgione find the money? p.19.

Capital Metro proudly announced this week that it scored nearly flawless marks in its latest performance audit, required by the 1997 state law that overhauled the scandal-plagued transit authority. Ridership has increased 32.6% since 1996, costs are down, and accountability to the public is up, says Cap Met and President/CEO Fred Gilliam. The Cap Met board will hold a public hearing on the audit at its Aug. 26 meeting.

After agreeing, then declining, to serve as a plaintiff in the suit filed by the SOS Alliance and Circle C Neighborhood Assoc. against Stratus Properties, the Circle C Land Corp., and the city, the Save Barton Creek Association decided Monday to act as a friend of the court.

Miss Teen Texas, 17-year-old Julia Anderson of Arlington, was forced to give up her crown this week after being arrested for public intoxication.