Council Races Get Batty

Well, the odds given by one commenter were pretty good. The Better Austin Today PAC issued their city council endorsements: Jason Meeker in Place 1, over incumbent Lee Leffingwell; and Laura Morrison in the wide-open Place 4 race. In Place 3, neither incumbent Jennifer Kim, or main competitor Randi Shade cleared the 60% approval mark, meaning the group did not endorse. They also declined to release the vote breakdown in Place 3, or any of the either races.

After the fold, BATPAC's press release – practically verbatim to what was said at their press conference today. So, esteemed commenters, whaddya think? Is the Meeker-mentum moving? Or are these endorsements just so much guano?

Statement of the Better Austin Today Board of Directors

Endorsements for May 2008 Austin City Council Election

March 18, 2008

Better Austin Today is pleased to announce our first endorsements for City Council.

As an organization comprised of neighborhood, small business, environmental, social equity and other community leaders, Better Austin Today’s vision for Austin’s future encompasses a wide range of issues. Thus, winning our endorsement requires candidates to go beyond appealing to a single constituency or limited area of City policy. Instead, our broad coalition of interests ensures that anyone we endorse is a “best all-around” candidate who will bring a comprehensive view to office and act with the big picture in mind and a commitment to open, inclusive government.

ENDORSEMENTS

Better Austin Today endorses Jason Meeker in Place 1 and Laura Morrison in Place 4. We do not have an endorsement in Place 3 since none of the candidates in that race garnered 60 percent or more of the vote of our Board of Directors, which is the minimum required for us to make an endorsement.

Jason Meeker is a fresh voice for change in Place 1. Meeker’s passion for ensuring all stakeholders have a seat at the table is exactly what Austin needs to counter the insider mentality and special interest domination of City Hall. Meeker is a successful independent businessman who understands the critical role of entrepreneurs in our local economy. He has the vision Austin needs and a reliable commitment to crafting inclusive solutions that stands in stark contrast to the current Council.

Laura Morrison is far and away the best choice for Place 4. Morrison has a long track record of working to make Austin a better place for everyone. She is best known for her stellar service as the President of the Austin Neighborhoods Council, where she consistently demonstrated sound judgment, a keen intellect, deep respect for differing opinions, and a willingness to fight tenaciously for policies that protect Austin’s environment and neighborhoods. But Morrison’s qualifications go beyond neighborhood and environmental interests. She understands the importance of smart economic policy and giving social equity issues the attention they deserve. Morrison has the right combination of vision, integrity and know-how that Austin needs.

NEXT STEPS

We now turn our efforts to raising money and recruiting volunteers to help Meeker and Morrison win election. If you believe it is time for a change at City Hall, we invite you to join us as we work to get Austin back on track. Better Austin Today is excited about this opportunity to re-establish balance at City Hall and to reclaim local government for the public interest.