Shea to announce bid for Austin mayor, campaign treasurer says

Former Austin City Councilwoman Brigid Shea is tossing her hat in the ring for the 2012 Austin mayoral race.

An Austin environmental activist who co-founded the Save Our Springs Coalition in 1991, Shea served on the City Council for one term from 1993 to 1996.

"I want City Hall to preserve Austin's unique characteristics," she stated.

Shea said she has been speaking with people in the community for months and has received feedback indicating a desire for new a direction and vision for the city. She said people are weary about current leadership being focused on insiders, deals and favors.

"Apparently, no one else was going to run," she added.

Shea said she plans to focus on preserving the quality of life in Austin, including sensibility to affordability concerns.

"Actions from City Hall are straining people's budgets," she said.

Shea specifically pointed to the proposed electric rate increases, explaining that she was heavily involved from 1993 to 1996 during the last rate increases.