Cole begins re-election campaign, says ‘more work to be done’

A wide variety of supporters, more than 100 strong, braved the cold temperatures last night to show support for the re-election of Place 6 Council Member Sheryl Cole.

 

Cole told the crowd gathered at Primizie Osteria on East 11th Street, “The past three years have taught me so much and the guidance and support of so many people in the community have made my first term a success.”  Among those saluting Cole was Mayor Will Wynn, who introduced State Sen. Kirk Watson, who then introduced Cole. Mayor Pro-Tem Brewster McCracken and Council Member Randi Shade also attended the campaign party.

 

Cole told her supporters, “I’m running again because there is more work to be done and I have a responsibility to help the city weather through this economic downturn. Transportation, parks, and economic development are all critical areas where I know I can continue to serve Austin.”

 

Those have been some of Cole’s top priorities since being elected to the Place 6 seat in 2005. “I’ve worked really hard on Waller Creek and I’m proud of that progress,” she said. “I’ve worked really hard in promoting CFL’s (compact fluorescent light bulbs). I’ve worked really hard on helping to improve public safety and on affordable housing.”

 

Cole’s focus on environmental issues was reflected by those in the crowd of supporters at her campaign launch party, including Jim Marston of Environmental Defense, Brandi Clark, Environmental Board Chair Dave Anderson, and Environmental Board Members Mary Gay Maxwell and Mary Ann Neely.

 

Several people involved in downtown development issues were also at the party, including attorney Chris Riley and developer Perry Lorenz, as were local business leader Beverly Silas and neighborhood activist Kathie Tovo. Many of the city’s prominent African-American leaders also showed their support, including Gary Cobb, Wilhelmina and Exalton Delco, Byron Marshall, and Police Monitor Cliff Brown.