Category Archives: Uncategorized

(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

(Community Matters) I’m a huge fan of fully funding education. And, I’m not sure the fiscal stimulus program is where we should be paying operating expenses. But I damn sure don’t think this is where subsidies for student lending organizations should be embedded. Hoping (though less & less optimistic that Congress able to deflect the lobby) that we’ll weed out many of the more brazen pieces of candy in conference.

To those Republicans who argue that this supports their concerns and is why we shouldn’t be trying Keynsian tactics, where the hell where you when trillions were wasted in Iraq/Afghanistan rebuilding not to mention the worst earmarks in history? Tax cuts and decreased regulation got us here, teetering on another great depression. Yes, I realize some are better off today. Difference is that the rest of us care that most are not, most are much worse off, many without jobs and retirement savings. And, of course, I’m not talking about all Rs, but to those who fail to acknowledge the failure of GWB, his “policies” and who continue to call for tax cuts over stimulus spending.

(Community Matters) Very pleased to see BHO, Clinton, Mitchell & Holbrooke reaching out and working in concert. The world does need to see another face of the USA. President Obama’s interview with Al Arabiya a smart move. Our willingness to engage Iran, further militarily engage Afghanistan and to even our hand in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will serve our world and country well.

(Community Matters) I’d appreciate your comments. thx

(Community Matters) Bipartisanship doesn’t mean compromising on basic philosophical approaches to rescuing our economy or implementing social policies.  The GOP purports to have found their fiscally responsible religion but they got us where we are by abdicating all oversight and responsibility to history’s worst president and his administration.  And, they continue to trumpet their tired old rhetoric for more tax cuts.  

                                         photo: NYTimes

Neverthless, President Obama spent a good part of today in caucus with Republican members of Congress.  Seeking input and explaining his position is being bipartisan.  And, I’m glad he earlier this week was honest enough to remind the GOP that he’d won, they lost.  The ideas he promoted during the election were voted on and approved by the American people.