Meet the candidates running for Austin City Council District 8

Why are you running for this office and what is your top priority?

I am fed up with endless, wasteful spending that shows no viable results or accountability. Main issues are public safety including filling open positions at APD, Fire and EMS. Homeless strategies must yield positive measurable results. Setting forth a maintenance program for vital infrastructure systems.

How do you view city spending and taxing, and would you pursue any specific fiscal strategies in office?

Out of control with no thoughts to unintended consequences on taxpayers and affordability. Define the difference between “Wants and Needs”. Work on reducing the Bond debt and reducing the city deficit. Support all audits on programs in order to determine performance outcomes meet set standards.

What are the top mobility challenges in your district, and how should they be addressed?

Severe imbalance in public transportation in neighborhoods as approved under Project Connect. Establish neighborhood circulators in order to connect riders to transit services. Some of the most traveled roadways are in major disrepair. Coordinate mobility projects in order to sequence projects versus redoing projects and wasting taxpayers’ money.

How would you grade the city’s current work on affordable housing and development policy, and why?

C- Lacks transparency, clarity, accountability and viable results. Development policies made without public consideration. Yes, the public gets to speak after the decisions on changes have been made, ignoring public comment. HOME has failed to produce affordable housing. Has mainly provided dense expensive six figure housing units.

Why are you running for this office and what is your top priority?

Austin needs leaders who show up, listen, and deliver results. As a Commander for ATC-EMS, ICU nurse, and labor leader, I’ve seen where City systems work and where they fail. My top priority is making District 8 more affordable, safe, resilient, and responsive to residents.

How do you view city spending and taxing, and would you pursue any specific fiscal strategies in office?

Residents deserve a City government that spends responsibly and delivers results. I would support regular audits of every City department, outcome-based budgeting, and greater transparency around spending. We should scrutinize fees and contracts, prioritize essential services, and pursue efficiencies before asking taxpayers for more.

What are the top mobility challenges in your district, and how should they be addressed?

The top mobility challenges in District 8 include a lack of sidewalks and connectivity, the need for greater transit options, and improved trail and bicycle infrastructure. It is also critical to make better connections between housing, transit, and other mobility options in the district.

How would you grade the city’s current work on affordable housing and development policy, and why?

While Austin has made meaningful investments in affordable housing, much more needs to be done. There needs to be a focus on providing deeply affordable and family-friendly housing. At the same time we need to expand home repair and eviction prevention programs to keep residents in their homes and communities.