https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2008-02-08/589936/

Demling's First Campaign Win?

By Wells Dunbar, February 8, 2008, 3:43pm, Newsdesk

We know a brutal brodown will ensue this Saturday at Misprint Magazine's 2nd Annual Beard and Moustache contest. (Honestly, who doesn't long for that halycon period of late-nineties, early-oughts scenestery, when bowl haircuts and lots of black where the hallmarks on hipsterdom, instead of the neon Manson Family look of today? But I digress.)

City Council candidate and beard farmer Allen Demling's done such a job of psyching out his Place 1 opponents – incumbent Lee Leffingwell and recently declared Jason Meeker – that neither are even entering. Here's his gloating press release:

AUSTIN, TX – Future City Councilman Allen "Councilman" Demling announced today that he welcomes Jason Meeker to the race for City Council Place 1.

"I welcome Jason to the race and I hope he has enough time to catch up on the issues that are affecting the people of Austin. I have been hearing rumors for months that he wanted to challenge me for the seat. I look forward to hearing his stance on topics other than big box retailers," said Demling.

Demling is running for the Place 1 seat on a broad platform centered on improving transportation, responsible growth and environmental concerns. He welcomes the challenge of additional opponents in the race and feels that it can only strengthen the dialog. He hopes that the people of Austin will thoroughly research the positions of all candidates and then make an informed decision on May 10th.

"Jason Meeker has already conceded the most important contest of 2008—the Misprint Magazine Beard and Moustache Contest," noted Demling, referring to Meeker's campaign announcement speech. "While I have not officially won this contest yet, I definitely plan on being a fierce competitor."

Allen and his campaign staff will be at Club DeVille on Saturday, February 9th for the 2nd Annual Misprint Magazine Beard and Moustache competition. His next campaign event is scheduled for February 22nd and will be held at the Scoot Inn.

ABOUT ALLEN "COUNCILMAN" DEMLING
Allen Demling graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. It was during his studies that he fell in love with Austin. Allen is currently employed at the prominent Austin technology firm National Instruments. He is a member of the Austin Cycling Association, the Austin Regional Group of the Sierra Club, the Travis Audubon Society, and the Human Rights Campaign.