Monthly Archives: January 2009

(Community Matters) Since I am no longer a catholic, I don’t often publicly comment on Vatican doctrine or its theology. I resisted opining on Pope Benedict XVI’s lifting of excommunication for a holocaust denying “bishop”. Nevertheless, the Pope’s strong statements in support of Judisam and solidarity with Jews as well as Williamson’s apologetic letter speak well for damage recovery. Posted from my blackberry

(Community Matters) An interesting and enlightening piece from Mother Jones’ David Corn who I met in DC last week and whose wife & children used our parade tickets (they were thrilled, they were in the bleachers where Pres. O and Michelle started walking)

(Community Matters) The Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce was invited to participate in a White House meeting, along with Fortune 50 corporate chiefs, on the stimulus plan.  excellent

(Community Matters) One of my all time favorite artists, Pierre Bonard, at the Met. Doesn’t include many of my favorite pieces I saw at the Tate in the late 90s or in DC late 2002, though many of the pieces in the current Met exhibit I might not have seen.  hmm . . . 

(Community Matters) Hard to imagine a justifiable reason.  Where we’ve bailed out the firms, they should be repaid or the government loans and bailouts repaid immediately.

(Community Matters) I’m endorsing Chris Riley for Austin City Council Place 1.  Chris is a longtime community activist, a Harvard and UT Law grad, a Planning Commission member as well as involved in parks & rec, the Downtown Alliance, is a founder of Car Share, a bike rider and all around smart & good guy.  

(Community Matters) My apologies to the Viva Las Vegas organizers, who are raising money for a favorite nonprofit, AIDS Services of Austin.  I rsvp-ed I’d be at tonight’s happy hour, but it’s been a very long day and I just petered out.  Not to mention that my car didn’t start as I was leaving to give my presentation to the Acton MBA’s.  Thank gosh for Michael Robertson who loaned me his car.  

(Community Matters)

(Community Matters) . . . . this evening at the Belmont. Diverse group of constituencies represented including business, social activists, gay/lesbian leadership, neighborhoods, progressive, real estate, legal and academic.  If I’m not mistaken, council member Sheryl Cole has even endorsed Brewster, which – in my memory – is rather unusual and speaks volumes.

Nikelle Mead and Mayor Pro Tem Brewster McCracken

Brewster talked about the need for prudent fiscal management, job creation, investment in local businesses and infrastructure.  Didn’t dig at any of his opponents and did distinguish himself in proactive positions and fiscal prudence.  Obviously, his conservative 2009 budget position that fire & police pay regrettably had to be capped this cycle has already cost him their endorsements. And, his position contrary to cm Leffingwell that we should not issue hundreds of millions in bonds this year given fiscal challenges may not be as popular either but, both positions serve our city well at this time.

Thom Singer & Martha Smiley (campaign treasurer)

Martha Smiley is Brewster’s campaign treasurer and introduced him with a rousing endorsement. Martha (a former UT regent, a high tech entrepreneur and accomplished attorney) noted the difference between Brewster and other candidates, citing Brewster’s forward vision and capabilities.

former Clean Energy Incubator ED, Richard Amato & ST

Social/community activist, Anne Wynne & PR execs Dave & Emily Shaw

(Community Matters) Super breakfast with my friend, Professor Bill Spelman this morning and I’m endorsing him for reelection to Austin City Council.  Bill brings experience, scholarship and a long, strong commitment as a progressive Austin leader.  So far, no opponents. Hope it remains so.   

(Community Matters) Sad to have gotten the call earlier today from Rick Cofer announcing he’d decided not to run for Austin City Council.  He was a strong candidate and we had lots of strong commitments for financial and voter support.  Nevertheless, I appreciate Rick’s introspection and realization that this early after legal school, he should put off elected office to pursue other career opportunities.

(Community Matters) Good gosh, gotta love Nov weather. Our electricity usually averages $400 – $500, only $170 last month – and we bought into Green Energy (late). Go November, Go November