Buddy's Place
Mike Martinez's Inconsistencies
RECEIVED Sat., April 28, 2012
Dear Editor,
Austin Energy: The incumbents have delayed a proposed rate increase of 13%-plus until just after the May 12 election. Martinez has made it clear on the campaign trail that he is for no cuts at AE, so that means a big rate increase – after the election.
City Finances and Taxes: Martinez made no significant reservations at the recent fiscal year 2013 city budget hearing in which 2% property tax increases and 25%-plus building permit fee increases were proposed by the city – for a vote after the election. There is also the issue of prevailing Austin property taxes doubling in the past decade, much of which Martinez voted in favor of.
Gentrification: Martinez’s new, more than 5,000-square-foot house on East 11th Street next to 800-square-feet houses is a prime example of it. Meanwhile, Austin property taxes have almost doubled while Martinez has been on the council.
Capital Metro: Martinez’s other main public responsibility where the workers below Martinez tellingly endorse his opponent Laura Pressley.
APD Police Matters: As the consummate politician, Martinez has only given lip service to the issues of excessive use of force, but has not insisted on a preservation of life standard for APD with the community.
Austin can do much better.
Austin Energy: The incumbents have delayed a proposed rate increase of 13%-plus until just after the May 12 election. Martinez has made it clear on the campaign trail that he is for no cuts at AE, so that means a big rate increase – after the election.
City Finances and Taxes: Martinez made no significant reservations at the recent fiscal year 2013 city budget hearing in which 2% property tax increases and 25%-plus building permit fee increases were proposed by the city – for a vote after the election. There is also the issue of prevailing Austin property taxes doubling in the past decade, much of which Martinez voted in favor of.
Gentrification: Martinez’s new, more than 5,000-square-foot house on East 11th Street next to 800-square-feet houses is a prime example of it. Meanwhile, Austin property taxes have almost doubled while Martinez has been on the council.
Capital Metro: Martinez’s other main public responsibility where the workers below Martinez tellingly endorse his opponent Laura Pressley.
APD Police Matters: As the consummate politician, Martinez has only given lip service to the issues of excessive use of force, but has not insisted on a preservation of life standard for APD with the community.
Austin can do much better.
Brad Parsons
Laura Pressley volunteer
Laura Pressley volunteer