Mendoza: This could be a long campaign

Capital Metro vice-president Dianne Mendoza came out of the gates with her guns blazing for her run for AISD Board of Trustees Place 9, touting the endorsements of former mayor Ron Kessler and current Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez. Slight problem: Kessler was never mayor and Martinez didn’t endorse her.

In a press release, Mendoza’s campaign staff announced that “[she] has already received the endorsement and support of the following cadre of well respected leaders” including Martinez. Talking to his office just a few minutes ago, they confirmed that she had called Martinez before she filed to see if he was OK with her running. He said yes, but his staff firmly pointed out that this was not an endorsement.

At a push, that could be counted as “support”, but what about Kessler, who is described as “Honorable Ron Kessler, Former Mayor of Austin”? Well, the former chairman of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce probably enjoyed the promotion.

We’re waiting for clarification from Mendoza’s campaign.

This article appears in March 5 • 2010.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.