Daily Archives: 05/01/2008

(Community Matters) The ethics of local campaigns continue to deteriorate. The Culleton /Meeker ads and Jennifer Kim’s inauthentic jibes about Randi Shade’s supporters, who, as the AAS reports, Jennifer first solicited here.

Some of my dear friends – some with whom I helped launch LiveableCity – are misled in their choice of which candidate will help protect & balance neighborhoods, jobs, the environment, our quality of life. I’ve held back in my comments re: Jennifer because we’ve been friends. However, compounded by the hypocrisy reported today, I will point out, Jennifer’s teetering leadership of the Affordable Housing Taskforce – to which she appointed me – waffled between supporting affordable housing advocates to in the end being wowed by opponents of affordable housing for downtown. Only after Randi entered the race did Jennifer work to get the watered down recommendations to the council dais and to include downtown affordabiity requirements.

Today we read that she personally solicited the support of business leaders who, having turned her down, she now condemns. Jennifer’s lack of maturity (exhibited in her council relationships, tantrums at traffic stops & airport security, and most recent challenges with truth telling) is a liability. Regrettably, she hasn’t grown in her position as you’d expect – well, at least not until the last few months when she’s had an oppponent.

Randi’s been an authentic political progressive for the 15+ years I’ve known her. She’s an enlightened, successful internet entrepreneur who understands that Austin’s quality of life – Barton Springs, our neighborhoods, our funky unique culture – give us the competitive advantage to maintain a healthy & vibrant economy. She doesn’t recreate herself according to the political winds.

(Community Matters) Super duper meeting this afternoon with potential partners for rehabing Chestnut homes of low-income, elderly, longtime residents of the Chestnut neighborhood. Some of the proceeds from Tom & Lynn Meredith’s donation of land and a portion of profits from Chestnut Commons here are earmarked for this project. Mike Cook, Rudy Green and I are the advisors for these Austin Community Foundation affordable housing monies. Currently sounding out potential partners for this important project.

(Community Matters) State reps Mark Strama and Donna Howard spent 1 1/2 hours today with the Education Funders group briefing us on the legislative process and points on advocacy. Very helpful insights. This new group launched by the KDK-Harman Foundation, Webber Family Foundation and Greater Texas Foundation.

(Community Matters) No big surprise after the invites which facilitated Rev. Wright’s speeches during the last week have also been traced to other Clinton supporters. Now, sources of illegal robo-calls in North Carolina, Arizona, Vermont, Wisconsin and Michigan also traced to Clinton supporters here. Sad really. Willing to scare voters and tear the country apart. Yeah, just what we’ve come to expect.

(Community Matters) The very cool company, Sweet Leaf Tea, is showing its moxy in social entrepreneurship as well. They’re helping kick off a national food drive by donating nearly 1,000 cases of tea. Their founder, Clayton Christopher, as well as the company is well known for dedication to good causes. Just a couple of weeks ago, EF’s Alyson Stolpman rode with the team in the MS 150. Clayton’s a 2006 E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year. They regularly donate to EF events, including our upcoming Spring Service Day benefittng Lifeworks.