Brewster McCracken |
Brewster McCracken
Occupation: Attorney
Web site: www.brewstermccracken.com
Endorsements: Capital Area Progressive Democrats, South Austin Democrats, Stonewall Democrats, Texas Environmental Democrats, Travis Co. Democratic Women (dual), University Democrats, Austin Lesbian/Gay Political Caucus, Austin police and firefighter associations.
Notable quote: “Here’s why Smart Growth has a bad name: Intel, Vignette, and CSC. We need to change the matrix to include a local business component [such as] dedicating some portion of it to local businesses, loan guarantees for local businesses, and adding an affordable housing component. If we do that we can create a world-class environment.”
Margot Clarke |
Margot Clarke
Occupation: Former state director, League of Conservation Voters Education Fund
Web site: www.margotclarke.com
Endorsements: Central Austin Democrats, West Austin Democrats, Travis Co. Mexican-American Democrats, Travis Co. Democratic Women (dual), NOW/Texas, Austin Sierra Club.
Notable quote: “My principles have been formed through my experience working in nonprofits and growing up in Austin. My work in the nonprofit world has influenced my interest and commitment to improving social services. It’s a service to the people that’s paid for by the people — it’s a not-for-profit enterprise.”
Scott Marks |
Scott Marks
Occupation: General counsel, affordable housing consulting firm
Web site: www.scottmarksforaustin.com
Notable quote: “I’ll be a passionate advocate for neighborhoods and the environment and of single-member districts if we can ensure minority representation. Barton Springs is closed, but no political leader is responsible. A reason for abysmally low election turnouts is people don’t feel a connection to one particular council member representing their area. I want Barton Springs in my district so I can protect it.”
Jason Pate |
Jason Pate
Occupation: Residential real estate agent
Web site: www.jasonpate.com
Notable quote: “I’m a concerned citizen who wants to make a difference. … The reason I’m running is because we have a dismal 1% growth over the last 12 months, as well as over 6% unemployment, and, of course, the deficit. I support helping local businesses by [the city] giving them tax incentives — and not just to the national chains.”
Robert Singleton |
Robert Singleton
Occupation: University Co-op
Web site: none
Notable quote: “I’m running mainly because I’m confused. I’m confused about why it is that when we elect good, solid, progressive candidates, their positions seem to change. I want to find out if there are some things that can be done, or if there are structural barriers that prevent them from getting things done.”
Steve Swanson |
Steve Swanson
Occupation: Construction/design consultant
Web site: none
Notable quote: (On the city development process) “I believe that the development industry, with the design and consulting industry, is available to the city and staff to authentically dialogue and deliberate about ways to eliminate the red tape but still achieve the same goals. I’m hopeful that a collaborative spirit can be developed in this process.”
Carl Tepper |
Carl Tepper
Occupation: Commercial real estate
Web site: www.carltepper.com
Notable quote: “I’m much more conservative than the other council members. I would have voted no [on the resolution] against the war. There are a lot of disparate groups … who are very well represented on council. But … there is a more conservative thread of people, probably 40% of this community, who have no representation. I will change that.”
This article appears in April 18 • 2003.