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Dear Editor,
    In his recently released campaign ad, Kirk Watson claims he “never stops, and never backs down.” In addition to donning a motorcycle helmet, Kirk dons the false mantle of a leader who never quits. His leadership record, however, falls well short of his rhetoric.
    Kirk Watson claims to be a champion who has always fought for our rights, but reality shows that every time Kirk Watson has had an opportunity to move on to greener pastures, he has taken it.
    He left Austin in the middle of his second term as mayor to unsuccessfully run for higher office, then he left in the middle of his term as state senator to take a plum position as dean of the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs, and then he left the University of Houston because the COVID-19 pandemic made his job “too hard.” Now, he is running for mayor of Austin two decades after quitting the same position as a fallback after a long career.
    I have a tremendous amount of respect for Senator Watson and his service. Still, I have to observe that he’s had his attention distracted by new opportunities. With the crisis we are facing in this city, we cannot afford a mayor who views City Hall as a fallback option. At this critical time, Austin needs a mayor who is singularly focused on Austin. Time and time again, Celia Israel has shown us her commitment to finishing a job.

Dear Editor,
    Kirk Watson’s TV ad portrays him as a progressive, and one of his claims is that he fought for racial justice. But what does that mean in 2022?
    The battle for racial justice is not just with the Trumps and Abbotts and Patricks of the world. That’s not enough. We need leaders with the courage to confront our own unconscious bias, and what’s baked into our civic and social systems. That takes courage because it invites backlash. If you want to see racism in Austin, look at the policies that have made Austin the most economically segregated city in the country.
    If Kirk Watson fought for racial justice, what were the results? The median racial wealth gap in Austin ensures inequality. These issues were not addressed. Police misconduct and brutality continue to this very day. Those are the most public issues of inequality and social injustice. Kirk Watson has been in a position to address these issues. Based on his impact, does he really deserve a second chance?
    Rep. Israel brings a new focus and new look at these very same issues of racial and social justice based on solutions and best practices. Her bold stance on these issues deserve the opportunity to address them.
    Celia Israel has shown her ability. She doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. She listens, asks questions, and has proven she’s willing to do the work. I want a mayor who understands it’s 2022 and has the ability to not just “get things done” but balance the scales to make this city work for all of us.