South Austin Dems issue endorsements

More than 150 members of South Austin Democrats came to El Gallo Restaurant on South Congress Tuesday night to make their preferences known in races for the Austin City Council, Austin Community College board and the Austin Independent School District board. The group voted to endorse Mike Martinez for Mayor; Delia Garza in District 2, Sabino ‘Pio’ Renteria in District 3; and Ann Kitchen for District 5. They also chose Kathie Tovo over Chris Riley to represent District 9 and Eliza May for District 8. They endorsed Mark Williams for ACC Place 1 and Jade Chang Sheppard for ACC Place 2. In the AISD board races, Paul Saldaña won the endorsement in District 6 and Yasmin Wagner got the nod in District 7. There was no endorsement for the Place 9 at large seat. SAD President Alicia Del Rio said only candidates who have voted in Democratic primaries were asked to attend. Del Rio said SAD has $4,000 to spend on a mailer for their endorsed candidates.