Austin City Council Election Endorsements

Saturday, May 31 is Election Day in the city council run-offs, Places 5 and 6. There's a list of polling places and lots of other election information on the city's Web page, http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/election/ -- for yet more, check out the Chronicle's Web Elections Board at /election/.

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Place 5: Bill Spelman. Spelman is recognized as a strong environmentalist, but he also possesses a refreshing breadth of knowledge in matters pertaining to public safety, transportation, and urban planning -- three areas that are of utmost concern to our community. Homebuilder Manuel Zuniga, who won the largest share of the votes May 3, has backing from Austin's Latino constituency who are passionate about keeping Place 5 a Hispanic seat. While we promote more diversity on the council, Spelman's urban planning experience makes more sense for Austin's future.

Place 6: Willie Lewis. Eric Mitchell has shown little regard for his constituents, and he's been the most divisive factor on the council. It's his way or no way, and that's no way to be a councilmember.