Place 3

(l-r) Jennifer Kim, Margot Clarke, Mandy Dealey, Gregg Knaupe

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Jennifer Kim

Background: Small business owner (Computer Moms franchise) with degrees from Texas A&M and Princeton (public affairs). Worked as a legislative aide to state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, and as an economic development specialist with the U.S. Dept. of Commerce. She has served on the city’s Social Equity Commission and Commission on Immigrant Affairs, and is active in local business organizations.

Campaign Funds: $23,920 in contributions; $16,404 cash on hand

Endorsements: Austin Association of Professional Firefighters, Black Austin Democrats, Travis Co. Democratic Women, Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association, Network of Asian American Organizations, Desis for Texas (South Asian PAC), Austin American-Statesman

On the Issues: Has emphasized making Austin more “affordable,” including a focus on affordable housing and restraining tax growth; would accept performance-based business incentives but emphasized working for small business economic development and a more efficient transportation system, and has strongly opposed the water treatment plant planned for Balcones Canyonlands. Opposes converting existing highways to toll roads, and says the smoking proposal is up to the voters.

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Margot Clarke

Background: Daughter of Eleanor Custis and legendary UT law professor Charles Alan Wright; has worked as a software developer and (years ago) as the manager of a New Mexico bar, but is best known for her work in local nonprofits, including Planned Parenthood, League of Conservation Voters and, most recently, the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. She has an M.A. in public affairs from the LBJ School, and has been an environmental organizer and progressive activist for many years. Ran for Council in 2003, defeated in the runoff by Brewster McCracken.

Campaign Funds: $25,666 in contributions, $13,750 self-loan

Endorsements: Austin Neighborhoods Council, Austin Women's Political Caucus, Austin Lesbian/Gay Political Caucus, Austin Toll Party, Black Women's Political Caucus, Capital Area Progressive Democrats, Central Austin Democrats, Northeast Travis Co. Democrats, Sierra Club, South Austin Democrats, Southwest Austin Democrats, Stonewall Democrats, Texas NOW PAC, Travis Co. Democratic Women, Travis Co. Green Party, West Austin Democrats, The Austin Chronicle

On the Issues: Has made public participation the watchword of her campaign, and wants to make local and regional government more responsive to citizen input and reaction. Emphasizes affordable housing, supporting small local businesses over incentives for major corporations, and of course stresses environmental protection. She refuses toll-road related contributions (and is endorsed by the Toll Party, although she disagreed with them on the recall). She supports the proposed smoking ban, calling it simply a public health issue.

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Mandy Dealey

Background: Raised in Sunnyvale outside Dallas; came to Austin 20 years ago and has pursued a considerable career as a philanthropist, focusing on the arts and social services. Has served as a board member on numerous local philanthropic and arts organizations, and associates her interest in public service primarily with her work as a board member of Planned Parenthood and the local and state Mental Health Associations; also served on several commissions devoted to social services and the arts. Has a UT B.A., and M.A. in public affairs from the LBJ School and training in land conservation.

Campaign Funds: $26,430 in contributions, $25,000 self-loan

Endorsements: Austin Lesbian/Gay Political Caucus, South Austin Tejano Democrats, University Democrats, Austin Women's Political Caucus, The Austin Chronicle

On the Issues: Has emphasized what she calls Jackie Goodman’s legacy on the council, pointing specifically to a focus on health and human services. She’s issued perhaps the most detailed policy analyses of any candidate, ranging from homelessness, housing affordability, toll roads, health care, environmental protection to public safety, with an emphasis on pragmatism and her experience dealing with city institutions. Opposes converting existing highways to toll roads, while acknowledging toll roads as part of the future transportation mix. Supports the proposed smoking ban, calling it a public health issue.

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Gregg Knaupe

Background: Originally from Texarkana, a UT grad (psychology) and attorney (Univ. Houston) who clerked with Bowie and Harris Cos. district attorneys. Active in state Democratic politics (served as a legislative aide to Rep. Barry Telford, D-DeKalb), and is currently Vice President for Public Affairs with the Texas Hospital Association. Also worked on the campaign promoting the creation of the Travis Co. Hospital District.

Campaign Funds: $50,685 in contributions, $15,000 self-loan

Endorsements: Austin Police Association, Austin-Travis Co. EMS Employees Association, Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, Austin Central Labor Council, Small Business Group, St. Edward's University Democrats, Austin Home Builders Association, Building Owners and Managers Association of Austin, Black Women's Political Caucus

On the Issues: Has emphasized protecting Austin’s quality of life, and is advocating a local academic health center as both a health and human services and economic development initiative. Wants to establish a city ombudsman for small businesses, and advocates drawing down more state and federal health care dollars for city social services. Opposes tolling existing highways, and opposes the smoking ordinance as disrupting the “stable regulatory environment” needed by local businesses. On the THA’s advocacy of the Prop. 12 tort reform, he says he was necessarily a public advocate but personally voted against it.

Campaign funding info is accurate as of the most recent filing date, April 7. Note that some organizations endorsed more than one candidate in a particular race.