Community Matters

(Community Matters) Good HBR article

(Community Matters) “Not enough people spoke out. It was a tough time, some folks were scared. Some folks were just busy. Some were indifferent. And because not enough spoke out, the line between right and wrong started blurring and shifting until a critical mass of people had crossed over. And then it was too late.” – Mayor Steve Adler at yesterday’s ADL Jurisprudence Breakfast

Mayor Adler’s comments seem especially well timed:

It’s great to be with you today, to join in honoring —— and in celebrating the mission of the Anti-Defamation League.

 We do that, today, by honoring leaders who exemplify the courage and compassion that help keep democracy healthy in good times and in tough times.

Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson, former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court,

Catherine Q. Morse, General Counsel for Samsung Austin Semiconductor.

The ADL all about preserving democracy as well. And it does this by securing just and fair treatment for not only the Jewish people but, by its stated mission first written 100 years ago, to secure just and fair treatment for all people.

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(Community Matters) Proud of Mayor Steve Adler for floating a strawman then responding quickly and responsibly to public & colleagues’ input. As a result, the Mayor has pulled off the table the idea of raising civic funds through a foundation. Instead, he and the City Manager have identified unfilled and already funded City of Austin positions which can transfer to the Mayor’s office.

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(Community Matters) okay . . . definite risk of over exposure, and still . . . also very flattered to be profiled with my husband in the new issue of Austin Way Magazine. 

the article says I helped introduce Mayor Castro to President Obama. Should have said I met Mayor Castro while seeing him on behalf of the President.

(Community Matters) Extraordinary honor being recognized by HRC for the work we do together in this community. Receiving an award in honor of Bettie Naylor is especially delightful. Following in this honor such dear friends as Gary Cooper & Richard Hartgrove and Alisa Weldon & Lynn Yedell all the more meaningful. And Mayor Adler proclaiming February 21, 2015 Eugene Sepulveda & Steven Tomlinson Day, well . . . that’s just a cherry on top.

There were two very restless, near sleepless nights leading up to yesterday. What birthed is my realization that the end game isn’t just constitutional equality (as I’ve always thought); it is for every transgender, gay, lesbian and bisexual American in every nook & cranny of this country to be safe, to not fear others finding out who they really are or who they love.

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Loved sharing the evening in the J. W. Marriott ballroom full of so many friends – at our table: Cari Anderson & Tish Smith, Suzanne Deal Booth, Congressman Joaquin Castro, Charles Duggan, Diane Land & Mayor Steve Adler, Cameron Lockley and Kimberley Wilson Vincent. What a treat that Senator Kirk Watson emceed and Aimee & Ed Cunningham presented; they’ve each inspired and engaged us in the work of equality & social equity. . . and very dear friends including: Michael Mitchell, Judge James Arth, Sarah Goodfriend & Suzanne Bryant and Michael Barnes & Kip Keller. (Lynn Meredith wasn’t in the room but I received a text from S. America during the event and felt her & Tommie with us in spirit!)

How lucky am I to share this life with such an extraordinary man who loves, empowers & inspires me. I love you Steven Robert Tomlinson. 

(Community Matters) First same sex marriage in Texas and it’s between two dear friends (Sarah Goodfriend & Suzanne Bryant) and our dearest friend Michael Mitchell issued the license!

Austin American Statesman story

(Community Matters) It Pays to Have a Leader with the Nimbleness & Commitment to Innovation of an Entrepreneur: Reminds me of our best entrepreneurs – they’ll throw out a strawdog for comment and reply, then emerge with the best plan. About time we stir things up and try new ways in Austin, Tx. 

“I’ll be asking for three to five FTE’s [full-time equivalent employees] for rest of fiscal year that the City Manager says are available in the existing budget (at no additional new cost to taxpayers),” he texted.

(Austin Monitor: Friday, Feb 20): After hearing strong opposition from his colleagues as well as others, Mayor Steve Adler is proposing a complete revamp of his plan for additional staffing in the Mayor’s office.

(Community Matters) incredibly flattered by this write up

story here

2011 profile here – Deep Connection

(Community Matters)  I was just struck by the question – has the American treatment of Muslim prisoners (water boarding, simulated sodomy & other atrocities) contributed to the spiraling atrocities we are seeing today?

(Community Matters) Such an encouraging trend to see more & more CEOs recognizing the primacy of customer, employee and community interests right up there with those of shareholders. I believe this is in the long term beneficial interests of shareholders anyhow. ‪

Unpacking Corporate Purpose: A Report on the Beliefs of Executives, Investors and Scholars (Aspen Institute)

#‎Culturati‬

(Community Matters) It’s long been a tradition to celebrate my birthday with Tana Christie (& Margaret & Robert & Milinda when we can). Last year and this year, that’s meant celebrating in Santa Barbara – what a treat. Last year Michael Mitchell joined us. This year Paula Cramer & Warren happened to be in town (from Philadelphia). Joe was there the first night but had to travel the rest.

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(Community Matters)

Enlightening article on Amazon, Why Amazon Has No Profits (And Why It Works) by Benedict Evans.

With the growth of ecommerce to overall retail sales and the favorability of who buys online, I’m liking Bezos bets and thinking Amazon’s success less cyclical than brick & mortar retailers. (good summary on demographics of US online buyers,The Surprising Facts About Who Shops Online And On Mobile).

Hat Tip: Brett Hurt