CANDIDATE Q&A
Get to know candidates running in November’s midterm elections
2022 VOTER GUIDE
COMPILED BY BEN THOMPSON
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 75 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
FULL Q&AS AVAILABLE ONLINE
AUSTIN MAYOR
Questionnaire not returned by deadline ANTHONY BRADSHAW
JENNIFER VIRDEN
GARY S. SPELLMAN
Occupation: Real estate broker and design-build remodeling general contractor Relevant experience: UT Austin grad- uate; lifelong Austinite; independent real estate broker; general contractor www.jenniferforaustin.com
Occupation: Cosmetic manufacturer Relevant experience: N/A 512-814-0292
PHIL CAMPERO BRUAL
CELIA ISRAEL
KIRK WATSON
Occupation: Realtor, state represen- tative Relevant experience: Texas state representative; Environmental Board, Police Monitor Board and Bond Adviso-
Occupation: Government student Relevant experience: government major, Capitol intern, City Hall meeting attendant, an actual renter 512-709-8098 www.philforaustin.com
Occupation: Attorney, public service Relevant experience: Austin mayor; Texas state senator; Hobby School of Public A airs dean; Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce chair 512-542-9744 www.kirkwatson.com
ry Commission service www.celiaforaustin.com
What aspects of the city’s land development code, if any, would you propose to review?
What aspects of the city’s land development code, if any, would you propose to review?
Questionnaire not returned by deadline
As I have stated before , Austin is a 10/1 split, so as mayor I will rst get super familiar to what has been called an outdated code, then look to the council for their best ideas based on the needs of their districts and move on from there for a plan.
We must increase the supply and diversity of housing (including more [accessory dwelling units], duplexes and townhomes—al- ways respecting existing deed restrictions), simplify the [land development code] (while preserving existing entitlements and protest rights), streamline permitting, and permanently cut COA development fees by more than 50%. ... Explore redevel- opment of existing commercial properties that are no longer at highest and best use to signi cantly expand housing supply, possibly with greater use of [vertical mixed-use]-type projects.
Mutlifamily housing is a must. Many homeowners are paranoid about skyscrapers being open right next door, but really there are duplex options, triplex options, and so many more that would achieve what this city needs and not jeopardize neigh- borhoods. For overall policy updates, the city of Austin needs to update all code on [a] 20-year or even 10-year basis. 1984 development codes hurt this city and cause Code Next to fail.
We must update our outdated land-development code com- prehensively, but in the meantime, we must move forward today with policy changes that will combat sprawl and increase housing supply and housing choice. We must provide new housing opportunities of all types in all parts of Austin. We can allow more housing on and near transit corridors, streamline processes for small multifamily projects citywide and incentiv- ize more density while also preserving existing homes.
Among the reforms I support are creating designated hubs of den- sity where the city requires development minimums as opposed to setting limits; reducing compatibility and parking requirements in targeted areas; and making it easier to subdivide and/or redevelop single-family lots with appropriate duplexes, [accessory dwelling units], or more. [T]o respond to Austin’s ongoing growth, I believe council must take every possible step to increase housing options while protecting the character of existing neighborhoods.
How would you promote accessibility, transparency, and trust between City Council and the public?
How would you promote accessibility, transparency, and trust between City Council and the public?
We need to force every department, every project, and even City Council to have monthly or even weekly reports on prog- ress, spending and whatever else. The city needs to see where the money is and how it’s being used. If we can allow a nger to be pointed at a speci c place, then responsibility and account- ability can be achieved.
If only some Austinites have easy access to their government, but not all, then we are not doing right by our constituents. I want a robust public engagement from the city that considers Austinites of all council districts, abilities, languages, work schedules and child care needs. Additionally, I want to be out in the community whenever possible and directly accessible. Only with greater ac- cess and transparent communication can we create a government that works for all.
I am a strong advocate for open government and am proud to have played a leadership role in promoting transparency and accountability at both the local and state level. As mayor I would continue this work with an emphasis on ensuring that Austinites have easy access to policymakers and sta , and that the city is broadly and proactively sharing complete information about everything from budgeting to zoning to capital improvement projects.
Questionnaire not returned by deadline
A priority of mine is to restore trust between City Hall and the pub- lic. Years of not genuinely listening to the public, and City Hall’s spin, have eroded trust in the mayor’s o ce. Regarding accessi- bility and transparency, some solutions are: stop moving popular agenda items to the last items of the night, restore testimony to more than one minute per speaker and publicly post all “back-up” at least 24 hours in advance of council meetings.
We already kind of do that with the televised meeting. Another great way is to have the City Council appear more frequently on the local news explaining what and why major decisions are being made. For Austin to hit its full potential, its citizens must become more engaged.
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