Austin City Council District 7 Runoff Forum
This one is in overtime! Let's see how the candidates responded
One open Austin City Council seat needed a runoff and I recently caught up with the two District 7 candidates—Mike Siegel and Gary Bledsoe—to see where they both stand on a wide range of topics: everything from I-35 expansion to housing affordability to Bon Jovi.
(NOTE: Early voting has already started and Election Day is Saturday, December 14th.)
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1. What is the best thing about living in District 7 and the most unique challenge facing District 7?
Bledsoe: The diversity that makes District 7 special. It serves as a symbol of what we can be, hosting parts of the Old Hancock Plantation and the Waters Park Neighborhood where the first freed African-Americans were able to purchase and own land, but also contains the Domain, the center of our tech industry, and the advanced research happening at the JJ Pickle Center which are symbols of our future city. There are so many good and wonderful people here now who share our belief in Austin being a special place.
One unique challenge is public safety. This is especially true in District 7 where the staffing of our police sector is 37 percent vacant, creating huge problems for police response times, patrol efficiency, and public safety. A second challenge is affordability which is causing too many of our residents to be displaced.
Siegel: The best thing about living in District 7 is the people. The most unique challenge facing the district is how to manage growth in a way that respects the quality of life that brought folks here while creating room and opportunity for the generations to come.
2. What is one thing in Austin that's over-funded and one thing in Austin that's under-funded?
Siegel: Our City has committed $3B to police over the next five years, but doesn’t plan to spend even one-tenth of that amount on homeless services and support, even though the top public safety concern for many residents is homelessness.
Bledsoe: The Texas Legislature is the most over-funded thing in Austin. From billionaire backers to special interests, the #txlege has too much money chasing too few good ideas. They need to return to a time when local control was a bedrock principle of our government and stop filing bills to take away our city authority and focus on managing our Foster System or and Child Protective Services.
The one area of under-funding that must be addressed is our transportation system. Austin has to view our transportation needs as a system, not one or two shiny projects that divert critical resources from everyday funding needs. We must improve our road maintenance and repairs. There are potholes in District 7 that have been neglected for far too long. We also must fund efficient public transportation like rapid bus lines, special services for the elderly, disabled, and others who need a little extra time. Finally, we need to make sure our bikes, scooters and other personal transportation commuters are safe and welcomed as part of the solution to our overall system, and this can be done in ways that will actually improve traffic flow and not impede it.
3. Are you for or against the Austin I-35 project as it currently stands and why?
Bledsoe: It seems like it is going to happen whether I like it or not so the smart thing is to work on how best it can be implemented with the least negative impact on our community. A similar cap and stitch program worked in Dallas, and, realizing that costs are an impediment, we need to explore improving on those ideas in a cost efficient manner while at the same time reconnecting east and west Austin into a whole Community. The plan presents challenges to our people and our environment so we must come together to address this as a community. If there are challenges to the plan, those need to play out in the courts before the project begins. Ultimately, there will be huge environmental and social consequences according to what is planned. We need to do what we can to ameliorate concerns and listen to all communities. However, we don’t have unlimited funds. Taxpayers aren’t like faucets, you just can’t turn them on when you need more money.
Siegel: Against. It’s bad for our City and it’s bad for the planet. A sane implementation of our Interstate highway system would be to send big trucks and long-distance traffic around Austin, not through it. The current plan will exacerbate the 1928 plan that segregated Austin while missing a huge opportunity to connect neighborhoods and improve air quality within the city limits.
4. Fill in the blank: "Public transportation in Austin __________________________."
Siegel: is in its infancy. It must be protected and allowed to grow.
Bledsoe: is woefully underfunded. So much time and attention is being applied toward a few high-dollar projects that we seem to have forgotten about the need to fund our day-to-day priorities. The City needs to make sure Cap Metro is focused on improving our rapid bus lines, making our specialty transportation services for seniors and the disabled more efficient, exploring dedicated bus lines and on demand transit, and expanding bus service to meet the needs of a growing population. In addition, we need to fix potholes, repair streets, and complete our sidewalk network so we can travel safely to the places where we live, work, worship, and play inside our great city.
5. What would you do to make Austin more affordable, including but not limited to housing?
Bledsoe: I will focus on responsible development that increases housing density; builds the types of housing more affordable to our workers, teachers, government workers, first-responders, and creative community members; but also provides options for developers to move quickly through the permitting process if they provide community benefits to help achieve these goals. While we can improve the permitting systems, we will not compromise on ensuring we develop in an environmentally compatible way that keeps Austin a special place for existing Austinites, our neighborhoods, and ensures new neighbors moving here will be able to enjoy the benefits of our great city for generations to come.
Siegel: Improve the availability of housing for all income levels, in all parts of the City, by reducing unnecessary barriers to new construction and by continuing to subsidize truly affordable housing.
Improve public transportation by protecting Project Connect from legal and legislative attacks and by expanding the proposed light rail lines to the airport, Crestview Station, and across the City over time.
Reduce utility costs by investing in weatherization of multifamily rental properties and finding other opportunities to conserve water and electricity.
6. In 10 years Austin will be _____________?
Siegel: a model for how growth can be managed in a way that is fair for working families, sustainable for the environment, and respectful of our City’s values.
Bledsoe: a place we can still afford and are proud to call home. If I am elected, I will help ensure Austin will be a special place that is home to creatives, teachers, but also Fortune 100 tech companies who continue to change the world. And of course, my beloved Longhorns will be playing for their next national championship in football, volleyball, swimming and diving, and softball and baseball.
7. An ideal day in Austin is spent _____________.
Bledsoe: walking my dogs, enjoying my neighborhood and trails on my bike, and eating at one of the 100s of small restaurants that make up District 7. Of course, nothing makes my day like avoiding that traffic in MoPac during our expanding rush hour, by changing my schedule or getting on the toll road—if necessary?
Siegel: walking along Shoal Creek, eating at one of our great restaurants, enjoying live music, and spending time with family and friends.
8. What is your favorite Bon Jovi song and why?
Siegel: Sorry, I grew up listening to Hip Hop music!
Bledsoe: It could be It's My Life because I have always stood my ground and helped others rather than backing down. I could easily say Livin' On A Prayer because during this campaign so many people have talked to me about holding on and taking a shot as we walk hand-in-hand.
But, I am going with I'll Be There for You because that is a theme for my campaign. These five words I'll swear to the voters of District 7 - I'll be there for you. If you give me one chance, I will live for the air we breathe and the water to make sure we are not thirsty. I can't buy back yesterday, but I can promise you tomorrow will be better for all citizens of District 7.
There is a big difference in this race. Siegel is changing his positions faster than the toll rate changes in rush hour. He will - and likely is - saying anything to get elected.