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Monday, January 24, 2022 by Tai Moses
Don’t shoot the messenger
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but if you own a home or business property, your property taxes are due – and must be postmarked by – Monday, Jan. 31. However, with more than 160 new residents flooding into Travis County every day, all of that extra mailed-in paperwork has the tax office and the postal service scrambling to keep up. That’s why Travis County is urging residents to pay their taxes online using the simple eCheck system available at TravisCountyTax.org. It costs only a buck and instantly emails you a proof of payment receipt. Child’s play! As Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector Bruce Elfant explains, “There are other ways to pay, but eCheck provides a contactless way to pay your taxes and is much safer than mailing in your payment.” Too scared to open your property tax bill? You’re not alone.
Monday, January 24, 2022 by Tai Moses
Trail Foundation seeks creatives
The Trail Foundation is putting out a call for artists to collaborate with artist Stacy Levy, Austin-based curators Public City and TTF on the design and installation of an eco-art project called “Common Waters.” The project is part of TTF’s Arts + Culture Plan and “will merge artistic components with ecological function” along the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. TTF invites people with nearly every type of creative ability to apply, according to the announcement: “This call is for (but not limited to) visual, literary, spoken word, music, sound design, performance, dance, textile, and environmental arts backgrounds; designers in the fields of environmental, fashion, graphic, industrial, and similar design fields; as well as people who practice creative cultural traditions.” Phew, have we left anyone out? Find the full application packet here. Applications are due Feb. 4.
Friday, January 21, 2022 by Jo Clifton
Early voting ends today in District 4 race
As of Wednesday night, 1,199 voters had cast ballots in the City Council District 4 race – that’s less than 3.5 percent of those registered in the district. Voters who do not make it to the polls before 7 p.m. tonight (here are the early voting locations) can vote on election day, Tuesday, Jan. 25. So far, five of the seven candidates to replace outgoing Council Member Greg Casar have filed campaign finance reports that were due Tuesday. Those reports cover the period from Dec. 17 to Jan. 15.
Candidate Jade Lovera reported total contributions of $8,250. That amount included $135 in cash donations received on Dec. 18 and $500 in cash received on Dec. 23. It is not unusual to see small amounts of cash listed on campaign finance reports. In fact, there’s a specific line on page 2 of the report that asks for “total political contributions of $50 or less (other than pledges, loans or guarantees of loans), unless itemized.” Lovera reported $30 in that category, not the $635 one might have expected. Lovera told the Austin Monitor that on both occasions people contributed cash in a jar that was passed through the crowd. Yet, it is not clear whether this reporting passes muster for two reasons. Political consultant Alfred Stanley, who is not working for any candidate in this race, referred to the Texas Ethics Commission rules, which states, “A candidate, officeholder, or specific-purpose committee may not knowingly accept from a contributor in a reporting period political contributions in cash that in the aggregate exceed $100. Violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.”
It may be true that these contributions came from multiple people, but Stanley agreed that collecting $500 in cash in allowable amounts was a little bit more difficult to believe. City regulations also prohibit any individual from donating more than about $400 per campaign. Also assisting Lovera is a political action committee that has sent out a mail piece attacking José “Chito” Vela. The group, Voices for District 4, spent $35,000 to oppose Vela and support Lovera. It received its funding from two other political action committees, the City Accountability Project and the Restore Leadership ATX PAC.
The other candidates to file their financial reports on time were Monica Guzmán, Amanda Rios, Melinda Schiera, and Vela. Guzmán reported contributions of $8,666 and said she was maintaining about $14,000. Guzmán also had good news from the environmental group Clean Water Action, which recently endorsed her candidacy. Rios reported collecting $4,850 in contributions and had about $3,300 in the bank. Schiera reported that she had raised a little more than $600, but had no money in her campaign account as of Jan. 15. Vela, who has garnered the most endorsements and contributions, reported raising a little less than $37,000 and still had about $29,000 in the bank. Candidates Ramesses II Setepenre and Isa Boonto had not filed reports as of Thursday afternoon.
Friday, January 21, 2022 by Tai Moses
Unchain that doggo
The state’s new animal welfare law, the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, went into effect this week. The law, which passed with wide bipartisan support in both chambers, protects dogs from being chained or tethered and requires that dogs kept outside have adequate shelter and drinking water. According to the Texas Humane Legislation Network, the act “establishes basic standards of shelter and care for dogs left outdoors and clarifies existing law to promote the safety of animals and the people around them without increasing criminal penalties.” Stacy Sutton Kerby, a spokesperson for THLN, said, “We have fought for many years to pass this law and are absolutely thrilled about the difference it is going to make in the lives of dogs as well as Texas residents.” Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., who authored the act in the Senate, said, “This winter, it is crucial for us to remember that as cold fronts come through, bring your dog inside from the dangerously cold temperatures and/or snow. If we have a repeat of last year’s freeze, this law will help save the lives of many outdoor dogs.” Learn why chaining poses a risk to both dogs and humans here. To report a chained dog, or any other kind of animal abuse, call 311, or 911 if it’s an emergency.
Friday, January 21, 2022 by Tai Moses
Still not vaccinated? Get the shots!
Remember when you had to make an appointment and then wait in a long line to get the Covid vaccine? Well, getting vaccinated these days really couldn’t be easier. Travis County, Austin Public Health and their community partners continue to host a variety of free and extremely convenient Covid vaccine distribution events every week. No appointments are required! Simply check out the handy online calendar and map to find the date, time and location of a nearby vaccine event. All Austin Public Health sites offer the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, including third doses for the immunocompromised and booster shots. Four APH clinics offer pediatric vaccinations. If you’re receiving your second or third dose or booster, bring your CDC Covid-19 Vaccination Record Card so it can be updated. If you’re still on the fence, all we can say is, jump off! Getting vaccinated is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make, for your own health and for the health of those around you.
Thursday, January 20, 2022 by Tai Moses
The grid, a year after Uri
Who could forget the unprecedented events and aftermath of last February’s deadly winter storm and the failure of the state energy grid? With the first anniversary of the storm around the corner, many Texans are wondering whether the grid is more prepared this year in the event of severe winter weather. To find out, the Austin chapter of the League of Women Voters and state Rep. Gina Hinojosa are hosting a listening session with ERCOT interim CEO Brad Jones to answer community members’ concerns about grid reliability. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. Register here to receive the Zoom link. Questions may be submitted in advance to LWVAustin@LWVAustin.org until midnight tonight.
Thursday, January 20, 2022 by Tai Moses
Free Covid test kits now available
As you may have heard, the Biden administration is sending free Covid-19 test kits to the American public. Each household is eligible for one order of four rapid tests. You can order the test kits through the Postal Service or CovidTests.gov. Shipments go out later this month and areas of the country that are experiencing high rates of Covid will be prioritized. The administration is also solidifying plans to partner with pharmacies around the U.S. to distribute 400 million N95 face masks free, to anyone who needs them. Stay tuned for more details.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022 by Tai Moses
Map pinpoints how we roll
Austinites now have a way to let the city know precisely where they’d like to see improvements in the city’s walking and bicycling infrastructure. The handy online tool is called the ATX Walk Bike Roll Public Input Map, and according to the city’s news release, it allows residents to “pinpoint where they’d like to see improved street crossings, new bikeway and urban trail routes, and where barriers need to be addressed.” Assistant City Manager Gina Fiandaca said the new mapping tool “presents a unique opportunity to evaluate all of our active transportation plans at the same time. Our residents know their streets best. We need this ground-level feedback from the Austin community to make the most of this opportunity and get these plan updates right.” The tool will be accepting feedback through March 6. Learn more about the ATX Walk Bike Roll initiative.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022 by Tai Moses
Can Big Tech give back better?
The Austin Forum on Technology and Society is no stranger to stimulating discussions. The forum’s next online discussion starts with a provocative question: How can tech companies contribute to social good? Moderators Chelsea Collier and Jessica Sager will tackle the topic of tech companies’ booming fortunes and soaring stocks while pointing out that “this prosperity is not shared by all. In tech, women and people of color are underrepresented and under-compensated. For those not in tech careers/companies pressures on rising costs of living squeeze tight margins even more. These disparities can significantly increase inequities for marginalized communities.” However, given the “proper mindset and tools, the tech community can both continue to achieve and contribute to the social good. We are here to share ways that companies and individuals can give back.” Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m. Register in advance on Eventbrite and receive the Zoom link.
Tuesday, January 18, 2022 by Jo Clifton
Still few voters in District 4 race
Voters in City Council District 4 have been reluctant to vote in the special election to choose the successor to Council Member Greg Casar, who is running for Congress. As of Sunday night, only 742 voters – just a little more than 2 percent of those registered to vote in the district – have cast a ballot. Perhaps voters are worried about catching Covid-19, but only 13 showed up Sunday at the Chinatown Center. There were 41 voters all day at the city’s Permitting and Development Center, and just five at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center. Early voting continues through this Friday and the election is scheduled for Jan. 25. Candidates Monica Guzmán, José “Chito” Vela, Jade Lovera, Amanda Rios, Melinda Schiera, Ramesses II Setepenre, and Isa Boonto are counting on the voters of District 4 to make a decision. Find a list of polling locations here.
Tuesday, January 18, 2022 by Tai Moses
Tune in to the Monitor’s D4 candidates forum
Attention, District 4 residents! The Austin Monitor and KUT are co-hosting a virtual forum tonight at 7 p.m. to introduce the seven candidates running for the District 4 City Council seat formerly held by Greg Casar, who resigned from Council to run for Congress. Only residents of District 4 in North Central Austin may vote in this special election. Early voting is now underway, and the election will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 25. The forum will be streamed live on YouTube and on KUT.org. Have a question for the candidates? Use this form to submit a question and then tune in tonight to hear the candidates’ answers.
Tuesday, January 18, 2022 by Jo Clifton
Democratic clubs announce more endorsements
South Austin Democrats, one of the larger local Democratic voter clubs, has announced endorsements for the March 1 primary election. Those include state Rep. Eddie Rodriguez for U.S. Congress District 35, longtime U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett for District 37, Travis County commissioners Brigid Shea and Margaret Gómez for reelection to Precinct 2 and Precinct 4, respectively. The group also endorsed Lulu Flores for Texas House District 51 and Dyana Limon-Mercado for Travis County Clerk, as well as incumbent Rebecca Bell-Metereau for State Board of Education District 5. The judicial endorsements include Beth Payán for Place 4 on the 3rd Court of Appeals. The following were endorsed for Travis County district judge seats: Daniella DeSeta Lyttle (District 261), Jessica Huynh (District 331), Brandy Mueller (District 403), Catherine Mauzy (District 419) and Laurie Eiserloh (District 455). The group also endorsed Dimple Malhotra for County Court at Law No. 4, Mary Ann Espiritu for County Court at Law No. 5 and Denise Hernandez for County Court at Law No. 6.
Meanwhile, Austin Environmental Democrats has endorsed most of the same candidates, including Payán, Lyttle, Huynh, Mauzy, Eiserloh and Malhotra. The group announced a dual endorsement for Denise Hernandez and Leslie Jane Boykin in County Court at Law No. 6. There was no endorsement in the race for County Court at Law No. 5. The Environmental Democrats also endorsed incumbents Yvonne Williams, justice of the peace in Precinct 1, and Nick Chu, justice of the peace in Precinct 5.