Louis C. Herrin III

Experience: worked in state government for more than 35 years; president of the home and school at St. Louis Catholic Church; finance board member at St. Ignatius Catholic Church; co-chair of the Campus Advisory Council at Johnston High School

512-567-9489 • www.louisherrin.com

What would be your top priorities if you are elected?

Crime and homelessness is my top priority. We need a greater police presence and become more familiar with the citizens in the area. We need to encourage the state to handle individuals that are mentally ill by placing them in mental facilities. Those who are homeless due to illness or loss of job, we need to set up job training and temporary housing.

How should City Council approach affordable housing in District 4?

We need to build more living units, but in District 4, there are only about 100 acres available to be developed at this time. At the current growth rate for the city, we need to build approximately 15,000 living units each year. Last year, only about 5,000 living units were built.

Gonzalo Camacho

Experience: traffic/transportation engineer, small-business owner, active member of Northfield Neighborhood Association, past board member of Please Be Kind to Cyclists, active participant of ProductCamp Austin, consultant for neighborhood associations and business organizations in Texas

What would be your top priorities if you are elected?

1) Property tax relief and stop the indiscriminate increase of property taxes. 2) Formulate an alternative to the horrible mobility bond that is being proposed, including immediate action items. 3) Develop community safety strategies such as re-introducing neighborhood storefronts for APD. Generally, encourage an environment of open and honest dialogue that engages District 4 in a kinder and more gentle community.

How should City Council approach affordable housing in District 4?

We should improve the city’s accountability by implementing a more responsible and efficient budget. We should reduce obstructions for building affordable housing. We should have a city government that prioritizes the economic health of working and fixed-income families. I would champion free public transit for Austin residents, including seniors, school-aged children and those with disabilities. Adding property taxes and bonds (debt) is not what District 4 or the city should promote.

Gregorio "Greg" Casar (incumbent)

Experience: former community organizer, council member

What would be your top priorities if you are elected?

I will continue to fight for economic opportunity, social justice and the rights of the everyday person. With a federal government in gridlock and a statewide government dominated by people who stand against our common interests, I believe it is up to city leaders to make our community safer, more just and more prosperous for everybody.

How should City Council approach affordable housing in District 4?

I’m dedicated to getting Austin off the list of most economically segregated metros in America. Alongside my colleagues, my office has authored and sponsored over a dozen initiatives to preserve existing affordable homes, produce new below-market and at-market rate housing units, and focus on spreading affordable options throughout the city.

Some answers were edited for length.