Page Two

The U.S. Census may seem like a dull topic, especially for a cover story, but from this next census all things flow. This next Legislature faces the very serious issue of redistricting. Given the state's extraordinary growth, this will involve not simply redrawing boundaries but adding new districts (at least one for the U.S. Congress). If the Democrats keep their margin in the Texas House and pick up a Texas Senate seat, they will have a lot more impact on redistricting. If they lose their majority in the House and remain in the minority in the Senate, their impact will be minimized.

Regardless, Texas is changing. What was once a Democratic state is now a Republican one. I don't think this change in party allegiance mirrors much of a bedrock political change; this state has usually been conservative. But this party shift has made this ever more pronounced. Unfortunately, one of the consequences of Republican control is increased Austin-bashing.

The city's and region's leadership will be under increased pressure to navigate through a hostile Legislature. The census is the first step down a long and ugly road that will change the nature of Hill Country politics. As I wrote last week, if the city goes to single-member districts, this political sea change will be even more pronounced.

The census has numerous other impacts as well, which Mike Clark-Madison explores in his article this issue. Read it. The census is relevant to your life.

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In the nepotism-gone-wild section of this week's column, I have to mention that my wife Anne S. Lewis' cousins, the Sklar Brothers, are coming to town to play the Capitol City Comedy Club. I first met them at family functions, where they couldn't resist doing schtick (but very funny schtick). But who would have really thought they would find their way through the labyrinth of the professional comedy world? Anne recounts their adventure in this issue.

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SXSW approaches. The Music Poll is being tabulated. The Musicians Register is being prepared. The Music Awards are booked (for a lineup, see Ken Lieck's column). On February 25, we'll publish the 2000 Musicians Register. That will indicate the start of the madness. Then, before we know it, SXSW 2000 will be over.