With four of six Austin City Council races to be decided in a December runoff election, the city is sponsoring a night of public forums Nov. 30 allowing Austinites to hear from remaining candidates before heading to the polls.
Face-offs in the runoff election include Celia Israel and Kirk Watson in the mayor's race; José Velásquez and Daniela Silva in District 3; Ryan Alter and Stephanie Bazan in District 5; and Zohaib "Zo" Qadri and Linda Guerrero in District 9. The November general election saw incumbent Council Members Natasha Harper-Madison and Paige Ellis earn their second terms in District 1 and District 8, respectively.
The city, its volunteer ethics commission and the League of Women Voters Austin Area will host the Nov. 30 forums for each race the night before early voting begins Dec. 1. Austin said the forums will be held in a "friendly debate" style, and the one-night session follows a series of general election forums held citywide in September and October.
Anyone interested in submitting a question for candidates to answer—either specific to a council district or of citywide relevance—can email [email protected] or call 512-451-6710.
