This year’s primary ballots include several local contests that should not be ignored by anyone who cares about Travis County in terms of growth, the environment, transportation, or criminal justice issues. The Chronicle makes no pretension to editorial objectivity in its coverage; and, given our ideology, we tend to endorse Democrats in most contested elections. For that reason, although both the Republican and Democratic primaries are being held March 14, our endorsements are limited to Democrats running in contested primary elections. Early voting runs through March 10. For more primary election information, contact the Travis County Democratic Party, 477-7500; Travis County Republican Party, 478-9800; or the Travis County Elections, 473-9553.
State Representative, Dist. 48
Ann Kitchen
Southwest Austin residents should consider themselves lucky to have two candidates as qualified and committed as Ann Kitchen and Mandy Dealey vying to represent them in the District 48 seat being vacated by retiring Rep. Sherri Greenberg. Both boast a long record of community involvement and political activism, particularly in the fight for affordable health care. The candidates agree on virtually every substantive issue, from environmental protection and the SOS Ordinance, to school vouchers, to the need for affordable health insurance. That said, however, we’re endorsing Kitchen to carry the torch for Greenberg. Why? Kitchen has Dealey beat in two key areas: her hands-on legislative experience and her ability to articulate her positions on crucial legislative issues. Kitchen’s impressive background has earned her our endorsement.
State Representative, Dist. 50
Dawnna Dukes
As East Austin’s representative since 1994, Dukes has proven her commitment to her community by taking strong (and sometimes unpopular) stands on issues including environmental justice, juvenile crime, and equity in education. Dukes came into her own last year both as a legislator and as a bona fide activist, fighting for stronger state oversight of city-owned landfills, full funding of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and greater parental involvement in education. Although Dukes’ opponent, Stella Roland, has some political experience, she hasn’t demonstrated an ability to stand up under the kind of daily pressure she would face in the Lege. Dukes’ impressive record makes her the clear moral victor in this year’s contentious struggle for power.
Judge, 53rd District Court
Scott Jenkins
This is the only judicial race with a wide-open seat, and Jenkins is our choice to fill the vacancy. A practicing lawyer for 21 years, Jenkins has the greatest depth of civil litigation experience, which should serve him well on the bench. We also like the fact that Jenkins has demonstrated his ability to switch gears from advocate to mediator, as he has devoted the better part of his practice in recent years to mediating civil cases. Jenkins’ Democratic opponent, Susan Haney, is also well-versed in civil litigation work. We believe, however, that Jenkins’ experience and mediation background give him the clear edge.
Judge, County Court-at-Law No. 5
Gisela Triana
Of the 18 candidates who applied to fill the unexpected vacancy created in this court last year, Triana was the top choice of the Travis County Commissioners Court. Now Triana is seeking voter approval to continue doing the job she started last December. She has our vote. Triana’s prior work as a justice of the peace and a part-time municipal court judge has given her valuable hands-on experience. And her active involvement in service organizations and professional groups demonstrates her commitment to her community. Triana’s challenger is Gus Garcia Jr., a criminal defense attorney with strong name i.d., thanks to his father’s long history as a public servant. Beyond his name, however, we know very little about Garcia as a person because he has no record of community involvement. While we like Garcia and believe he would make a good judge, we would prefer to see him earn this position from the ground up. Triana deserves to stay on the bench.
Constable, Pct. 1
Luke Mercer
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That pretty much sums up our feelings about this constable’s race. Mercer has proved himself to be a competent, hard-working constable with a strong base of loyal support. Two other Democrats are also running for this seat: Flynn Lee, who until recently served as chief deputy under Mercer; and Michael Carter, a longtime Austin police officer. While either of these candidates would likely make a good constable, Mercer has our endorsement this time around.
Constable, Pct. 4
Maria Canchola
This race started attracting attention in January when Maria Canchola began collecting the lion’s share of endorsements from local political groups. Why, we wondered, is incumbent Rocky Medrano being shut out? But the difference between the candidates is obvious: Canchola is progressive and forward-thinking, while Medrano appears to be stuck in a time warp. Canchola, a senior deputy constable in Pct. 5, promises to bring her technological skills to this office to create a more efficient, automated system for processing and serving civil papers and eviction notices, and handling Class C misdemeanors. It’s time for new blood in Pct. 4. Canchola has our vote. 
This article appears in March 3 • 2000.