Let's Not Lose Sight of the Facts

My Opponent Attempts to Distract from an Unpopular Promise

There has been much to-do in the last few days about a supposed anonymous automated call from my campaign, and my opponent is attempting to use this to distract from the fact that she is taking unpopular stands that will have a direct effect on city services and your taxes.

First, let me confirm that my campaign did do an automated call to voters about Randi Shade's promise to police and firefighters for increased staffing while seeking their endorsement. This call went to voters who received a mail piece about this same issue and used the same language in the mail piece. I do not believe we were being deceptive in any way.

More importantly, my opponent's objections to the call and resorting to calling me a liar show how concerned her campaign is that we are pointing this issue out.

On January 24, the editorial board of the Austin American Statesman reported on the police and firefighters associations making their City Council endorsement. They said," It was highly disappointing that Cid Galindo and Randi Shade, two of the candidates endorsed this week, promised - in writing - to increase public safety staffing without knowing the rest of the city's needs or financial limits."

I agree with these sentiments. It is irresponsible to make such promises without knowing the financial condition of our city.

Our City budget is now facing at least a $20 million deficit. At the same time, we have the highest paid police and firefighters in the state. I think we need to ensure we are taking care of all the city staff, providing essential services, and balancing the budget before making more promises.

I hope I can count on your support so I can continue to stand up for our community values which start with our budget.

I Choose to Stand with the Citizens of Austin Instead of Corporate Retailers

Austin Taxpayers Should Not Have to Pay for Tax Breaks for Tiffany's and Neimann Marcus

In the last week, it appears the slowing economy is beginning to effect Austin. City staff released estimates that we will be facing a $20 to $34 million shortfall in the city budget.

On the campaign trail, I've often been asked how we are going to deal with this shortfall. Are services going to be cut? Are taxes going to go up? While the answers to these questions will be clearer in the coming months, one thing is certain: the citizens of Austin have been stuck with a taxpayer boondoggle in the form of subsidies given to corporate retail at the Domain.

Over $65 million in subsidies were offered to developers at the Endeavor Group by the Austin City Council before I was elected. I believe giving subsidies to corporate retail is a mistake, but fortunately we don't have to be stuck with a deal that, I believe, hurts small business while failing to significantly aid the local economy. Part of the agreement the City of Austin made with Endeavor was that payments are subject to future appropriations, and according to a subsequent settlement agreement, the city is not required to give these corporate tax breaks if we do not want to.

Well, I believe our citizens are hurting and will not stand by and let services be cut and taxes go up while Simon Mall receives the benefits of these tax subsidies.

That's why I oppose paying out these subsidies and support giving the voters of Austin the ability to vote on whether to continue this subsidy plan.

My opponent does not support letting the voters decide, and she supports paying out the over $65 million in subsidies to The Domain. At the same time she is receiving a significant amount of money to finance her campaign against me from the developers that pushed this deal on the City.

My opponent and I disagree on this point.

I will stand up for Austin tax payers on this issue because I believe it is the right thing to do.

Austin Environmental Leaders Criticize Randi Shade's Comments on Negotiating SOS

Shade's comments show a lack of understanding in fight to preserve Barton Springs

Earth Day is meant to mark a day of global awareness. It is a day for all of us to think about our world and community and aspire to do better. Sadly, this Earth Day was marked with concern and uncertainty as strong environmental leaders voiced their concern and dismay over what my opponent had to say about the Save Our Springs Ordinance.

Former Mayor Gus Garcia, Former Councilmember Brigid Shea, Former State Representative Ann Kitchen, Bill Bunch, and Robin Rather, all of which are leaders in the environmental community, sent this letter saying (you can read the full letter here):

"We were stunned to hear last week Austin City Council candidate Randi Shade said at a public forum that she thought the City should have compromised with developers instead of passing the SOS ordinance. This statement shows a shocking ignorance of the history of the ordinance and a disregard for the will of the Austin voters."

The Save Our Springs ordinance was a landmark achievement. It has preserved our cities natural beauty and the jewel of Austin-Barton Springs.

"Over the years through many battles, the citizens of Austin have fought to preserve the Springs. The most famous and widely supported action was the passage of the Save Our Springs Ordinance in 1992.

This ordinance was put on the ballot by citizen initiative after decades of attempted negotiation with the developers who were building over the watershed. After foot dragging and watered down solutions offered by the developers as well as a hostile City Council majority that had sided with these developers, the public was forced to take this step because negotiations failed.

The community made clear its will with the overwhelming passage of the SOS ordinance that the Springs were to be protected, not bargained away."

We cannot take a risk with our most precious resource, and it is troubling that Randi Shade would form such potentially damaging policy views based on watching a movie instead of consulting the people that lived through the period. Ms. Shade's statement made to the Real Estate Council of Austin seemed geared towards pleasing her developer audience instead of sound policy. Coupled with the financial support she has received from many developer leaders and her lack of a public record on environmental policy, it is unclear where she would stand on a difficult vote.

"A decade and a half ago, we all took a stand against what we saw as a wrong being done to a public treasure. It sure didn't win us any points with the City Hall insiders, but it was the right thing to do. Sometimes principled stands are the only thing to do."

That is why I want to continue to stand up for our community's values at City Hall. We can still fight to protect what we love about Austin, but I can't do it without your help.

Please help me with a financial contribution so we can make sure the voters of Austin know about my record and the special interests funding my opponents campaign. I also need your help leafleting your neighborhood and calling your neighbors to let them know you are supporting me. Finally, please don't forget to go vote early now through Tuesday, May 6 or on Election Day, Saturday, May 10.

I'm sure not perfect, but I want to continue to stand up for you on the City Council. I humbly ask for your help.