Issue(s): Affordability, Land Use

With Council’s decision to end CodeNEXT, how do you envision moving forward to update Austin’s land development code?

Issue(s): Affordability

How will you help address the affordability problems in Austin?

Issue(s): Affordability, Housing

How will you address Austin’s housing shortage? What regulations will you change to allow more housing where people want to live?

Issue(s): Mobility

What is your vision for the future of high capacity transit in Austin?

Issue(s): Mobility, Public Safety

Moving forward, what role should dockless mobility play in Austin?

Issue(s): Innovation

What steps will you take to support modernization and digitization of operations within the City of Austin?

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity, Social Equity

What do you see as the City’s responsibility toward addressing the digital divide in Austin, and what steps would you take to bridge that divide?

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity, Innovation

How can the City support the continued growth and success of Austin’s tech sector?

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity, Innovation

How can the City better work with Austin’s tech community to bring innovative approaches to civic challenges?

Issue(s): Affordability

Affordability is discussed a lot in our community. How do you define affordability?

Issue(s): Affordability, Housing

Where should we be allowed to build multifamily apartment buildings? Should we allow it in more places in central Austin?

Issue(s): Mobility

Will you consult with us on appointments to the Planning Commission and Cap Metro Board of Directors?

Issue(s): Land Use

Do you support more by-right zoning entitlements?

Issue(s): Affordability, Housing

What is your position on homestead exemptions?

Issue(s): Affordability, Housing

How would you maximize the efficacy of the $250M affordable housing bond (assume that it passes)?

Issue(s): Affordability, Housing

What can the city do to lower average rents or at least decrease the rate of growth of average rents?

Issue(s): Mobility

How can we maximize transit ridership and decrease reliance on cars?

Issue(s): Land Use

What three items would you most like reform in our current zoning code?

Issue(s): Environment

As climate change and fast-paced growth proceeds in Austin, there is growing concern to both secure water supply for the future while conserving a finite resource for our region. Will you pledge to support an Austin future that prioritizes conservation, reuse, and local water supplies, and to oppose actions that would require pumping of groundwater in either the Edwards Aquifer or the Carrizo/Simsboro aquifers east of Austin beyond a sustainable level that matches rates of recharge? Rate your support on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most support and 1 being the least.

Issue(s): Land Use

For Austin City Council District 1: How would you have voted on the Delwau Campgrounds Project in District 1?

Issue(s): Open Government

When the Council considers an agenda item that includes granting fee waivers or waivers of environmental standards, a.​ will you pledge to push for public agenda notices that clearly set out proposed fee waivers whether or not it is required by the Texas Open Meetings Act? And, b.​ , will you pledge to help ensure that staff- granted waivers are reported to Council? (Note: District Judges said that the postings for Pilot Knob – which did not mention over $100 million in fee waivers, and the Champion tract agenda item – which did not mention waivers from the Hill Country Roadway Ordinance and Lake Austin Watershed Ordinance – should have included public notice of those waivers.) Rate your support on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most support and 1 being the least.

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity

Do you agree that Austin desperately needs a united front of officeholders, local businesses and voters to “make growth pay for itself?” (Note: An example is the passage of full water impact fees implemented on new developments in 2013. See the huge benefits below. Mind you, these benefits would have disappeared had the “Pilot Knob fiasco” been allowed to stand.) $300 million collections years 1-10 (already raised $150M in first 5 years) $45 million less debt service Fiscal Year 2018 15% lower customer bills Rate your support on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most support and 1 being the least.

Issue(s): Affordability, Housing, Land Use

Do you agree that increasing housing supply is only one side of the supply-demand equation for beating back Austin’s affordability crisis, and that Austin should refrain from subsidizing growth during times of rapid growth so as to reduce demand growth to levels that can be met with new supply? If so, in the Candidate Response section below, please tell us your ideas for ways to make Austin’s growth pay for itself. (Hint: You can refer to any of the materials parked on this page from the years of work conducted by local developers, Brian Rodgers and Ed Wendler, Jr., especially the power point at the bottom of the page Total Accounting and Impact Fees.) Rate your support on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most support and 1 being the least.

Issue(s): Affordability, Economic Opportunity

Will you refrain from supporting any economic development projects that do not adhere to a 90% local hiring requirement​, unless they are related to addressing a security threat to the Austin area? (Note: 2014 Candidates Steve Adler and Greg Casar approved this idea in ChangeAustin.org’s candidate questionnaire. To our knowledge, neither have attempted to fulfill this promise.) Rate your support on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most support and 1 being the least.

Issue(s): Open Government

Will you refrain from voting to allow the City Manager to execute contracts for controversial projects like the Soccer Stadium on public land and demand a final review and vote of the Council? (Note: This letter from open government attorney, Bill Aleshire, to the City Attorney, warns about the legal problems that are likely ensue after a final lease or contract is signed with Precourt Sports Ventures.) Rate your support on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most support and 1 being the least.

Issue(s): Open Government

Will you pledge to propose an ordinance or charter amendment to end the practice of the Chamber of Commerce or any other private trade association from negotiating public subsidy deals for the City of Austin without a super-majority vote of the City Council? — like the one going on right now for bringing the Amazon H2Q to the Austin area? (Note: This IndyAustin blog linking to the Austin Bulldog on the secretive Amazon negotiations by the Greater Austin Area Chamber of Commerce and Amazon for the City of Austin.) Rate your support on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most support and 1 being the least.

Issue(s): Land Use

Do you support the right of Austin voters to vote on the sale, lease, or conveyance of any City-owned land that will be used as a sports and/or entertainment stadium? (Note: We recommend this Statesman commentary by UT Professor, Nathen Jenson, for context to this question.) Rate your support on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most support and 1 being the least.

Issue(s): Affordability, Economic Opportunity

Will you refrain from supporting any economic development projects that do not adhere to a 90% local hiring requirement​, unless they are related to addressing a security threat to the Austin area? (Note: 2014 Candidates Steve Adler and Greg Casar approved this idea in ChangeAustin.org’s candidate questionnaire. To our knowledge, neither have attempted to fulfill this promise.) Rate your support on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most support and 1 being the least.

Issue(s): Land Use

Do you agree that the ballot language proposed for two ballot petitions – the CodeNEXT petition and the Austin Efficiency Audit – was misleading to the voters of Austin and if so, will you help clarify to voters what these measures really mean – regardless of how you might vote on them? (Note: This article in the Austin Bullldog is a helpful review. Also note: the Texas Supreme Court ruled on August 27 th , in favor of the city of Austin – see KUT report here.) Rate your support on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most support and 1 being the least.

Issue(s): Land Use

Will you pledge to immediately reconvene the Charter Revision Commission to revisit its recommendations and to discuss how to ensure its most important recommendations are placed on the next available city ballot? (Note: This helpful article in the Austin Bullldog explains how Council inaction put the kibosh on major reforms that should have been on the November ballot. The most egregious omission to us at IndyAustin was Recommendation 4 – which would close a loophole currently preventing petitions to repeal controversial Council decisions like the Precourt Soccer Stadium or the 2008 $2.3B biomass boondoggle – aka Voter Referendum. Read our Referendum page here.) Rate your support on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most support and 1 being the least.

Issue(s): Land Use

Do you agree that the ballot language proposed for two ballot petitions – the CodeNEXT petition and the Austin Efficiency Audit – was misleading to the voters of Austin and if so, will you help clarify to voters what these measures really mean – regardless of how you might vote on them? (Note: This article in the Austin Bullldog is a helpful review. Also note: the Texas Supreme Court ruled on August 27 th , in favor of the city of Austin – see KUT report here.) Rate your support on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most support and 1 being the least.

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity

Which bond Propositions on the November 2018 ballot do you support or not support? Check each that you support. Briefly explain your position.

Issue(s): Affordability, Land Use

In a recent poll, residents of Austin cited rising property taxes as a major issue they face, iconic business are having to close their doors and longtime residents are moving out citing rising property taxes. Some have also cited homelessness as an impediment to business. How would you slow or stop the increase in City property taxes, encourage other taxing entities to do the same, and balance the requests for more funding coming from the City Departments and the public? One example of the request of more funding is to expand social service contracts to meet needs, including to provide more supportive housing programs. How do you balance less taxes and increased demand for social services? Please explain.

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity

Do you support a budget at the effective tax rate so home and business owners continue to benefit from the “growth dividend” and pay the same amount in property taxes as in the previous fiscal year? How do we balance this strategy with meeting the needs of people struggling to access services due to a lack of service capacity? How do you prioritize additional funding? Where would you look for efficiencies? (Y/N; Explain)

Issue(s): Land Use

As you know, the City unsuccessfully tried to change the code, what do you believe needs to be done differently to achieve a better code? Will you support working to revise the land development code to provide and allow for predictability and deep affordability? (Y/N; Explain)

Issue(s): Land Use, Open Government

Would you support a policy requiring the City’s Development Services department to achieve its goal of 90% permit review completion within 15 business days across all departments/disciplines by April 2019? (Y/N/Explain)

Issue(s): Affordability

Do you support maintaining affordable utility costs across Austin Energy and Austin Water that adheres strictly to the City’s affordability goals for Austin Energy, which require AustinEnergy rates to be in the bottom half of Texas ratepayers and minimizes increases to two percent per year for each rate class? (Y/N Explain)

Issue(s): Open Government

What is your collaborative vision when working with other governmental entities (Travis County, State of Texas, Central Health, etc.)?

Issue(s): Affordability

Solutions to homelessness exist – they require scaling up social services and housing programs, including the pathways from shelter to housing. To date, Austin has not identified adequate funding to address this challenge. How would you work to identify the funding needed?

Issue(s): Affordability, Housing

Council adopted the Strategic Housing Blueprint last year, calling for 13,500 new units annually over 10 years. This gets us to break-even in terms of need. Would you support amending the City’s proposed Strategic Housing Plan to increase the number to at least 15,000 housing units per year for 10 years, keeping the breakout across income levels and including permanent supportive housing for those chronically experiencing homelessness? (Y/N; Explain)

Issue(s): Affordability

Many low-income families and persons experiencing homelessness have debt to the utility companies, which are now barriers to their ability to securing housing. Would you support increasing debt forgiveness programs for 3-4 years to help more people access housing? (Y/N/Explain)

Issue(s): Innovation

Austin has long since been perceived as a town of creative innovators. Given the City’s recent regulatory attempts with the sharing and gig economy (Uber, AirBnB, Scooters), what is your position on how the City should handle emerging technologies and emerging markets? What is your view, generally, on the conflict between consumer demands and government interests? Similarly, when non-profits secure grant funding for innovative social solutions that requires a local match, what is your view on city funding being available for the match?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion, Economic Opportunity

One of the best ways to make Austin more affordable is to ensure we have a diverse set of industries which provide local, skilled and the hard-to-employ talent the opportunity to compete for jobs that have a career ladder. The Austin City Council is considering adopting a revised economic incentive policy, expanding the previous one-size-fits-all policy. If the Austin Chamber of Commerce presents a company that meets the criteria for an incentive as set by City Council policy, will you vote to support incentivizing jobs for both small operators and large in our city? How will you monitor success with the provision requiring employment of the hard-to-employ?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion

Austin has experienced growth but some constituencies have been left behind. What is your vision for the City’s role in funding/supporting the nonprofit network that provide much needed social services? What is your plan for addressing disparities and inequities in our community?

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity, Open Government

Council has passed 2 resolutions supporting an annual increase of about 2-3% for social service contracts in order to ensure that service agencies can keep up with rising costs of doing business and maintain service capacity. Would you direct the City Manager to include this annual increase in the budget for contracts meeting their performance targets? (Y/N/Explain)

Issue(s): Mobility

How will you coordinate with regional partners to meaningfully address our increasing traffic level? What is your long-term vision for addressing traffic in Austin, and what would be the immediate first actions you would champion as a City Council Member to address the crisis?

Issue(s): Mobility

Transportation is the second highest family cost. When it is difficult to move freely around Austin, access to services and economic opportunities are limited; time spent commuting leaves less room for family obligations and socializing; and Austin becomes a more frustrating place. Do you support the items below? (Please mark each one you agree with)

Issue(s):

Why do you identify as a Democrat?

Issue(s):

Please share your experience and involvement in the Democratic Party in Travis County.

Issue(s): Housing

Affordable housing is a major problem in Austin. Large numbers of people who work in Austin cannot afford to live in Austin. Many families are moving outside the city to find affordable housing. Do you have any ideas to help create more affordable housing or to make existing housing more affordable?

Issue(s): Criminal Justice

Although Austin has remained a relatively safe city, there have been far too many shootings of African American men. What kind of changes would you institute at APD to reduce the number of officer-involved shootings and reduce the degree of mistrust that exists between the African American community and the police?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion, Social Equity

A respected University of Texas study has found that Austin is the only high-growth city that is losing African Americans, both in terms of numbers and percentage of the total population. Do you consider this a problem? If so, what would you do to reverse or stabilize the decline?

Issue(s): Health & Human Services

Rising property taxes are a growing concern. There are a number of people who believe taxes are high because the city provides not only essential city services (police, fire, etc.) but non-essential services (social service contracts, education funding, etc.) If elected, how would you prioritize what is or is not an essential city service?

Issue(s):

Which Democratic value speaks to you most?

Issue(s): Housing, Public Safety, Social Equity

What are the most critical issues in your district and how will you address them?

Issue(s): Environment

What is your top environmental concern and how would you address it?

Issue(s): Land Use

Explain what important aspects of the land development code revision you support.

Issue(s): Affordability

What policies do you support to make Austin a more affordable place to live for all residents?

Issue(s): Mobility

In 2013, the City of Austin launched its bike share program, Austin B-cycle, with a $1.5 million federal grant matched with $500,000 in private donations. Since its launch, the program has set national records for bike share systems, and has been financially self-sufficient in its operations. But the program faces ongoing challenges as it strives to maintain an efficient, equitable system in a rapidly evolving market. As a Council member, will you support additional funding mechanisms, from the City of Austin or other local, state or federal sources, to grow Austin’s B-cycle system?

Issue(s): Mobility

Please tell us briefly about your recent experience with riding a bike. How many times have you ridden in the past month? The past year?

Issue(s): Mobility

Are there other potential changes to the Land Development Code that you would support in order to promote cycling, walking, and transit?

Issue(s): Arts & Culture

District 1: The 2016 Mobility Bond included funds for evaluation of the Northern Walnut Creek Trail Phase 3, which would connect the end of the Northern Walnut Creek Trail to the Southern Walnut Creek Trail. Assuming the project proves feasible, would you work to identify and secure funding for design and construction of this trail?

Issue(s): Mobility

City staff have proposed a new Street Impact Fee that would apply to new development. Presentations to date indicate that proceeds from the fee could be used only for street improvements that increase automobile capacity. Would you work to ensure that any such fees could be used to support other modes of transportation, including biking, walking, and transit?

Issue(s): Mobility

In the face of climate change, congestion, and other problems associated with cars, a growing number of cities have been eliminating parking requirements for new development. Would you support eliminating parking requirements West Campus, South Central Waterfront, and Transit Oriented Developments, and stepping up the management of on-street parking in & around those areas as needed?

Issue(s): Mobility

In 2017, Austin’s Bicycle Advisory Council asked that all city departments work to provide reasonable accommodations and access for effective pedicab service during events and in traffic plans. Pedicabbers continue to face difficulties during special events, including a lack of dedicated lanes and staging areas. As a Council Member, will you take action to support the use of pedicabs and other non-automotive vehicles at special events?

Issue(s): Mobility

Austin’s Bicycle Master Plan has spurred the development of hundreds of miles of bike lanes and street safety improvements throughout the city. These improvements have calmed traffic and created an affordable, healthy transportation option for Austinites. Do you support the full funding and implementation of Austin’s Bicycle Master Plan?

Issue(s): Mobility

Do you support the implementation of dedicated, protected bicycle facilities on Shoal Creek Boulevard?

Issue(s): Mobility

The city code currently prohibits the use of motor-driven devices on trails. But it allows electric bikes, scooters, and similar vehicles in bikes lanes if they are powered by a motor with a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. Would you support a code amendment to allow some electric vehicles on trails?

Issue(s): Mobility

Austin’s Urban Trails Master Plan uses existing trails and creates new trails in public green spaces to connect on-street bike and pedestrian facilities, establishing a citywide network of safe bicycle and pedestrian routes. Do you support the full funding and implementation of the Urban Trails Master Plan?

Issue(s): Open Government

As a candidate, what are three top priorities on your platform that you would like to tackle and what are you doing currently to work on these issues?

Issue(s): Public Safety

What are your views on Austin’s accessibility for those with disabilities and the city’s compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA)?

Issue(s): Land Use

(for City Council/Mayor) After much controversy, CodeNEXT was scrapped from consideration without leaving a solution to the affordable housing crisis in Austin. While much of the discussion has been on homeowners, the majority of Austinites are renters, particularly a significant portion of the population being young residents. What policies would you support to protect students and young renters from being taken advantage of?

Issue(s): Criminal Justice

(for City Council/Mayor) As an organization, we stand in solidarity with the community organizations that proposed a clear list of reforms that were then entirely ignored, except for one in the last proposed police contract. Will you commit to sitting down with organizations like Austin Justice Coalition and Black Lives Matter to pledge your support for true reform within the Austin Police Department and the next police contract?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion

Millennials are projected to become the largest population of eligible voters yet many cite low millennial voter turnout as an obstacle faced by the Democratic Party. How have you as a candidate reached out to millennial voters to encourage more youth voter participation?

Issue(s): Criminal Justice

What are your views on police misconduct and if elected, what policies would you support to prevent misconduct by law enforcement?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Texas is arguably the largest concentration of young residents in the city of Austin, yet the area has only been granted two polling locations. What is your stance on adding more polling locations to college campuses?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion, Economic Opportunity

Many Young Democrats get involved with the political process by taking on positions with campaigns both in an unpaid and paid capacity. What has your campaign done to ensure fair labor practices or equal opportunities for young Democrats on your team? (ex., Offering living wage, school schedule flexibility, paid internships etc.)

Issue(s): Mobility

Traffic congestion and accessibility is an ongoing issue in the City of Austin. Have you ever taken public transit or used a bike lane and if not, why?

Issue(s): Open Government

In 120 characters, explain why Young Dems should vote for you.

Issue(s): Social Equity

Do you support a zero tolerance sexual harassment policy on your campaign and would you support harassment free policies or trainings in your workplace should you be elected?

Issue(s): Affordability, Diversity & Inclusion, Economic Opportunity, Housing, Mobility, Social Equity

What policies will you advocate to address the increasingly unaffordable housing, transportation, and utility costs that are economically segregating our neighborhoods?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion

What policies will you advocate to accommodate and welcome the full abundance and diversity of people who aspire to live in Austin’s neighborhoods?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion, Social Equity

What policies and approaches will you advocate to promote neighborhood improvement, and avoid neighborhood protectionism, as Austin changes and grows?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion, Social Equity

How will you resolve policy issues and cases that come before you when the wishes of some incumbent residents in a neighborhood conflict with the interests of other residents and the larger, city-wide community?

Issue(s): Arts & Culture, Environment, Land Use

What’s your favorite park in Austin? Why?

Issue(s): Arts & Culture, Environment

Do you consider parks an important community asset? Why?

Issue(s): Environment, Land Use

Parkland dedication fees are one mechanism by which the city funds park acquisition and improvements. What is your stance on parkland dedication fees, and are you in favor of maintaining them during the Land Development Code updating process?

Issue(s): Arts & Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, Environment

Ensuring equitable access to quality parks for all Austinites is a key priority for Austin Parks Foundation. How might you work as a decision-maker for both your district and the city as a whole to move the needle on equitable access to quality parks?

Issue(s): Arts & Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, Environment

Austin Parks Foundation is continuously involved in community engagement to ensure that our projects and work align with community values and needs. What is your philosophy on community engagement, and how would you engage with the community to ensure that their needs around parks and open space are appropriately addressed?

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity, Open Government

What do you believe the role of private partners should be in maintaining and improving public parks? What actions would you take to strengthen and improve public-private partnerships?

Issue(s): Arts & Culture, Environment, Public Safety

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department faces $125 million in deferred maintenance each year, ranging from playground maintenance and aquatics needs to mowing and servicing trash and recycling receptacles. What would be your strategy for addressing this need?

Issue(s): Criminal Justice

What is your strategy to end cash bail in Austin?

Issue(s): Health & Human Services

How can the city support affordable, safe, and convenient childcare options?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion, Housing, Mobility

Please characterize your support for an ambitious plan to reduce cost of living and allow residents more freedom to live in the neighborhood of their choice, through allowing a variety of home types in all neighborhoods (particularly west and central Austin) and eliminating residential occupancy limits which stigmatize and harass the poor. Please characterize your support for an ambitious plan for 2020 bond issue for light rail, to increase access for those who cannot afford to maintain a car.

Issue(s): Affordability, Housing

What will you do to affirmatively further fair housing in Austin? By that we mean how will you actively desegregate the city — economically and racially — so that every resident can seek opportunity and not be held back by a system which has pulled up the ladder of opportunity.

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity, Education, Social Equity

What would you propose to ensure all children receive a quality early childhood education and all early childhood educators receive a living wage with benefits?

Issue(s): Health & Human Services

Should Austin city council pass a resolution in favor of state-level single payer (the Healthy Texas Act)?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion, Immigration

What steps would you take if elected to protect undocumented residents by directing our local police to not cooperate with ICE in raids, access to public schools, courthouses or other public buildings to the extent possible by law? Also would you commit to vote against measures to promote any form of cooperation with ICE such as 287g?

Issue(s): Public Safety

Austin is one of the worst cities in the nation in terms of police accountability and violence against residents. What will you do on City Council to fight against the police state in which we currently live?

Issue(s): Affordability, Housing

Austin DSA has come out in favor of a $300 Million Affordable Housing bond to help combat displacement- do you support this bond proposal? Additionally, what other measures would you take as a council member to help promote affordability and housing Access?

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity, Innovation

In February, Austin became the first city in the south to guarantee its workers paid sick days. What are the next changes you would push for to further expand the rights of the working class?

Issue(s): Health & Human Services, Social Equity

How will you ensure the implementation of the Age-Friendly Austin Action Plan, passed by the Austin City Council on November, 13, 2016?

Issue(s): Environment

What will you do to implement the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2027, which was adopted by the City Council in Oct 2017?

Issue(s): Health & Human Services, Social Equity

What is your position on providing a cost of living increase for City of Austin retirees? Give specific actions you will take.

Issue(s): Affordability, Housing

November 6, 2018, Austin voters have the opportunity to pass a $925 million bond package which includes $250 million for affordable housing. How do you plan to expand and promote the development of diverse housing options that are affordable for seniors of different income levels?

Issue(s): Affordability

What is your position on strengthening the defined-benefit pension annuities for current and future City of Austin retired employees? Give specific actions you will take.

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion, Public Safety

What are some ways you will expand City of Austin programs to protect seniors against abuse and fraud?

Issue(s): Health & Human Services, Social Equity

What is your position on providing increased funding for retiree health care for current and future City of Austin retired employees? Give specific actions you will take.

Issue(s): Criminal Justice

What measures will you take to ensure that seniors do not face barriers to exercising their right to vote? If an incumbent, what steps have you taken to remove barriers to seniors’ voting?

Issue(s): Health & Human Services

What will you propose to improve health services for seniors?

Issue(s): Mobility

What do you plan to accomplish with the $160 million of the $925 million bond package that is proposed for transportation to assist seniors?

Issue(s): Affordability, Land Use, Open Government, Social Equity

With your knowledge of Austin Energy, do you believe that the City should retain control of Austin Energy or should Austin Energy be sold to a private operator or be operated as an independent enterprise? Please explain your answer.

Issue(s): Land Use

With regards to expedited permitting for construction projects, do you support the current City policy of requiring large commercial projects to adhere to Better Builder Standards as set forth and monitored by the Workers Defense Project? Please explain your position.

Issue(s): Open Government, Social Equity

Would you favor the implementation of a professional Board of Directors to manage Austin Energy operations instead of the Austin City Council, similar to the model used by San Antonio’s publicly owned utility, potentially eliminating undue political influences from the management of the utility?

Issue(s): Affordability

If elected to the City Council, what would be your priorities for the City of Austin budget process? If you were not able to identify additional revenues to fund your priorities, what are some current city expenses that you would be willing to support reducing in order to fund your budget priorities?

Issue(s): Affordability, Open Government

Do you support or oppose the independent, third-party efficiency and budget audit of the entire City Government, including the public utilities, on the November 2018 ballot? Briefly explain your position.

Issue(s): Affordability, Economic Opportunity, Land Use

Just recently, the City Council approved a negotiation and executive of a contract between the City and Precourt Sports Ventures, to bring a world-class Major League Soccer franchise and stadium to Austin. What is your position on the soccer deal?

Issue(s): Affordability

Should the City adopt a system of public campaign finance, called Democracy Vouchers, as was proposed by the Charter Review Commission? Democracy Vouchers (explanation?)…

Issue(s): Land Use

Changes in the Development Services Department and a simplified and streamlined land development code would be steps in the right direction toward meaningfully addressing Austin’s affordability issues caused by an antiquated Code and convoluted and expensive development process. What additional actions would you take to more effectively reform the process ensuring it achieves the goals set out in Imagine Austin?

Issue(s): Innovation

Austin has long since been perceived as a town of creative innovators. Given the City’s recent regulatory attempts with the sharing and gig economy (Uber, AirBnB, Scooters), what is your position on how the City should handle emerging technologies and emerging markets? What is your view, generally, on the conflict between consumer demands and government interests?

Issue(s): Affordability, Land Use

The current land use code has allowed for East Austin to be treated differently than Central, West, and Southwest Austin. Development intensity and density that is allowed in East Austin is prohibited in other parts of town, partly causing displacement and gentrification. What are your general thoughts on displacement and gentrification? What do you think about this policy of the City? Would you propose changing it? Why?

Issue(s): Open Government

Should Austin change from a Council-Manager form of government to a strong Mayor form of government? Please explain your position.

Issue(s): Land Use, Mobility

Do you support expansion of major highways and corridors in Austin, such as I-35 and South MoPac. Please, briefly explain your position.

Issue(s): Affordability, Housing

Council adopted the Strategic Housing Blueprint last year, calling for 135,000 new unts over 10 years. This gets us to break even in terms of need. What will you do to mitigate housing affordability? Would you support amending the City's approved Strategic Housing Blueprint to approve the construction of at least 15,000 housing units per year for 10 years, with at least 25% affordable housing for households at 80% Median Family Income (MFI) and below, including 200 Housing First Permanent Supportive Housing units per year; and 25% “missing middle”/workforce housing at 140% MFI.?

Issue(s): Affordability, Economic Opportunity, Land Use

Given the increasing financial difficulties of small and iconic businesses from rising property taxes, to increase regulatory costs, do you believe the City Council should enact wide-sweeping human resources policies on local merchants and businesses, such as mandatory paid sick leave or predictive scheduling, on all businesses working in Austin? Please explain your position.

Issue(s): Affordability

One of the best ways to make Austin more affordable is to ensure we have a diverse set of industries which provide local, skilled talent the opportunity to compete for jobs that have a career ladder.The Austin City Council is considering adopting a revised economic incentive policy, expanding the previous one-size-fits-all policy. If the Austin Chamber of Commerce presents a company that meets the criteria for an incentive as set by City Council policy, will you vote to support incentivizing jobs for both small operators and large in our city?

Issue(s): Affordability, Land Use

The process for permitting and inspecting building projects in Austin is notoriously slow and adds significantly to the increased cost of living. As a City Council Member, what measures would you support or bring forward to address this ongoing and costly problem?

Issue(s): Land Use

A recent poll showed that the majority of Austin residents believe that we need to proactively plan for growth. What was your position on the current land use code. And what process would you support going forward to revise the land development code? Please explain your position

Issue(s): Land Use

As parking in the Central Business District becomes scarce and unaffordable, do you support reforms to require new development to include ample parking as part of the design? In general, what is your plan to address parking challenges downtown?

Issue(s): Land Use

Would you support the City’s Development Services department goal of 90% permit review completion within 15 business days across all departments/disciplines by April 2019? Please explain your answer.

Issue(s): Land Use

Do you support or oppose the petition initiative ordinance that would require a waiting period and subsequent voter approval before future comprehensive revisions of the City’s land development code, such as CodeNext, become effective?

Issue(s): Affordability, Housing

Do you support or oppose the $250 million affordable housing bond (Proposition A) on the November 2018 ballot? Briefly explain your position.

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion, Social Equity

This is a question that recurs every election cycle. Asian Americans are the fastest growing community, comprising nearly 7% of the Greater Austin population. However, Asian Americans are underrepresented on boards, commissions and committees addressing issues and policies pertaining to the city, the county or the state, though some improvements have taken place in the past 2-3 years. To address this disparity, what steps do you plan to take to nominate additional Asian-Americans to serve on boards, commissions and committees?

Issue(s): Arts & Culture

Do you support or oppose the $128 million library and cultural centers bond (Proposition B) on the November 2018 ballot? Briefly explain your position.

Issue(s): Land Use

Do you support or oppose the $149 million parks and recreation bond (Proposition C) on the November 2018 ballot? Briefly explain your position.

Issue(s): Affordability, Land Use

Do you support or oppose the $184 million flood mitigation and open space bond (Proposition D) on the November 2018 ballot? Briefly explain your position.

Issue(s): Health & Human Services

Do you support or oppose the $16 million health and human services bond (Proposition E) on the November 2018 ballot? Briefly explain your position.

Issue(s): Public Safety

Do you support or oppose the $38 million public safety bond (Proposition F) on the November 2018 ballot? Briefly explain your position.

Issue(s): Mobility

Do you support or oppose the $160 million transportation infrastructure bond (Proposition G) on the November 2018 ballot? Briefly explain your position.

Issue(s): Open Government, Social Equity

Do you support or oppose the charter amendment election (Proposition H), regarding term limits and process of removal of Planning Commission members, on the November 2018 ballot? Briefly explain your position.

Issue(s): Affordability

In a recent poll, residents of Austin cited rising property taxes as a major issue they face, iconic business are having to close their doors citing rising property taxes. How would you slow or stop the increase in City property taxes, encourage other taxing entities to do the same, and balance the requests for more funding coming from the City Departments and the public?

Issue(s): Public Safety

Public safety is a core and essential function of local government, ensuring Austin is the one of the safest big cities in the country. But public safety is also the largest driver of General Fund costs. How would you balance the need to provide the best public safety services while also controlling constraining taxpayer costs?

Issue(s): Affordability

Would you support an effective tax rate budget and only use the growth dividend rather than increasing taxes on homeowners?

Issue(s): Mobility

How will you coordinate with regional partners to meaningfully address our traffic crisis. What is your long-term vision for addressing traffic in Austin, and what would be the immediate first actions (beyond conversations) you would champion as a City Council Member to address the crisis?

Issue(s): Affordability

Austin Energy transfers 12% of non-fuel operating revenues to the General Fund transfers which increases utility bill costs, making Austin utilities less affordable than some utilities in surrounding cities. What are your thoughts on reducing or eliminating the General Fund transfers from Austin Energy to the City of Austin? Please explain your answer.

Issue(s): Affordability

Do you support maintaining affordable utility costs for Austin Energy and Austin Water that adhere strictly to the City Council established affordability goals, which require Austin Energy rates to be in the bottom half of Texas ratepayers and minimizes increases to two percent per year for each rate class?

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity

Asian-Americans are eager to ensure that economic development will benefit all citizens in the city, county and state level, including M/WBE, HUB and affirmative action programs. Do you commit to regular communications with the Network of Asian American Organizations (NAAO) and to actively seek input in addressing these issues?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion

Mental health is often cited as a root cause, so what do you plan to propose to address this issue? The plight of individuals covered under DACA is precarious and uncertain with no certainty of a solution in the near future: Please describe what steps you envision that you plan to take, if any, that includes the needs of Asian Americans and those from other countries who are caught in the DACA trap.

Issue(s): Environment

As Austin grows in size, stature and economic strength, sustainability becomes a topic of ever- increasing emphasis to all Austinites: Would you support Austin’s drive in such areas as greater use of renewable energy and in reducing Austin’s carbon footprint, etc.?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion, Economic Opportunity

The Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce is a key organization supporting Asian American businesses in Austin and in their outreach to Asian countries as evidenced by their support of the mayor’s recent trip to Asia. Do you agree to work with GAACC at the city or county level to promote economic development of the city at large and Asian American businesses?

Issue(s): Arts & Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, Social Equity

The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) opened in 2013, thanks to the vision and hard work of the city and Asian American community leaders. Its charter is to promote cultural enrichment, provide social services and expand educational development for the entire community in the city and county. The Asian American community has worked with city management in developing culturally significant programs at the AARC and together, we have made AARC the most sought after city-owned facility in Austin. We are now re-starting our work to update the Master Plan on Phases II and III. The City has also completed a task force (Bond Election Advisory Task Force) that has recommended some funds for this effort: but it is not deemed to be sufficient. Do you commit to work with the Asian American community to include requested funds in the 2018 bond and to promote further the development of the AARC?

Issue(s): Mobility

Transportation problems affect all Austinites including Asian Americans who use the busy / clogged roads and highways and those who need mass transportation to address their mobility needs. The mayor and his staff have reached out to the Asian American community to seek their participation, feedback and support in solving mobility issues starting with the upcoming bond election: Will you commit to working with the Asian American community to include their needs as part of a solution that satisfies the needs of all Austinites now and in the future?

Issue(s): Public Safety

There has been an epidemic of gun violence in the schools around the country and nothing concrete has been done to change the trajectory of this violence. If elected / re-elected, what steps do you plan to propose to protect children and innocent citizens from any further violence?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion

As Austin grows in size, stature and economic strength, sustainability becomes a topic of ever- increasing emphasis to all Austinites: How do you plan to involve the Asian American community, individiduals and businesses alike, to ensure that their ideas and interests are part of the solution going forward?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion

The internship program instituted by APAPA and IACT is proving to be a success story in promoting greater participation and interest in elected offices in the city, county and state- level among Asian American youth,. Would you agree to support greater internship opportunities at your office for Asian American HS / college-level youth?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion

The City of Austin and Travis County have a goal of reflecting the ethnic diversity of the community they serve; however, less than 1% of city or county executives are Asian Americans. Will you implement checks and balances, and review procedures to correct any inconsistencies or unfair treatment of Asian Americans in the workforce, including problems that may arise from a lack of understanding of cultural differences?

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity, Housing

Asian-Americans are eager to ensure that economic development will benefit all citizens in the city, county and state level, including M/WBE, HUB and affirmative action programs. Do you commit to supporting these programs?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion

The City of Austin and Travis County have a goal of reflecting the ethnic diversity of the community they serve; however, less than 1% of city or county executives are Asian Americans. Will you regularly monitor the numbers of employed Asian Americans in diversity reports, and can you describe how you could help to close the gap when necessary? And would you consider meeting with Asian American leaders to review progress in this area?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion

The City of Austin and Travis County have a goal of reflecting the ethnic diversity of the community they serve; however, less than 1% of city or county executives are Asian Americans. Do you commit to greater representation of Asian-Americans in government by increasing hiring, training and promoting of qualified Asian-Americans?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion, Social Equity

The Asian American community is extraordinarily diverse. Many recent Asian American immigrants who have come to this region to build new lives and participate in the American Dream require assistance in understanding the services provided by city, the county and the state, as well as local laws, disaster preparation and emergency response. In other parts of the country, including the District of Columbia, New York City, Salt Lake City and Quincy, MA, they have appointed dedicated staff to assist Asian American communities. Are you in favor of appointing dedicated staff to address the needs of the Asian American community at the city, county and state level?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion, Economic Opportunity

The Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce is a key organization supporting Asian American businesses in Austin and in their outreach to Asian countries as evidenced by their support of the mayor’s recent trip to Asia. Do you agree to continue your support for the GAACC at or above current levels in the coming years if elected / re-elected to the City Council?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion, Social Equity

As Austin grows in size, stature and economic strength, sustainability becomes a topic of ever- increasing emphasis to all Austinites: Would you consider appointing Asian Americans to any commission or task force directed at creating strategies for the future in this area?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion

The Asian American community is extraordinarily diverse. Many recent Asian American immigrants who have come to this region to build new lives and participate in the American Dream require assistance in understanding the services provided by city, the county and the state, as well as local laws, disaster preparation and emergency response. In other parts of the country, including the District of Columbia, New York City, Salt Lake City and Quincy, MA, they have appointed dedicated staff to assist Asian American communities. Are you in support for translation support for key city / county / state documents to assist these immigrants in selected languages with the greatest reach into these communities?

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion

How familiar are you with the culture and diversity of Asian Americans here, and what steps do you plan to take to enhance your understanding and to stay abreast of issues that are important to Asian Americans?

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity, Public Safety, Social Equity

Do you support the Austin Firefighters Association right to improve the hiring process within the collective bargaining environment?

Issue(s): Open Government, Social Equity

Describe your business background or experience and how that will that impact your ability to serve as Council Member/Mayor?

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity, Open Government

Are you seeking an endorsement from the Austin Central Labor Council and why?

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity

Have you ever had the opportunity to adopt “just cause” policies as an employer? If so, did you adopt that policy? Why or why not?

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity

What are your thoughts on the state intervening in local control as it pertains to labor?

Issue(s): Open Government, Social Equity

What two main issues of your campaign do you want to accomplish during your first term, which is most relevant to the Labor movement and union households?

Issue(s): Open Government, Social Equity

What is your philosophy of governance when it comes to the roles and function of the office you are seeking?

Issue(s): Affordability

How do you plan on prioritizing city employees during the budget process?

Issue(s): Open Government, Social Equity

Please list your primary voting history for the following primaries (for example: Democrat, Republican, did not vote)

Issue(s): Economic Opportunity

Have you ever been employed where you were eligible to join a union? If so, did you join? If not, why did you not join.

Issue(s): Diversity & Inclusion, Education

How would you address the issue of declining enrollment in Austin’s schools and bridge the achievement gap across AISD?

Issue(s): Affordability, Diversity & Inclusion, Health & Human Services

What role can Austin play to improve access to affordable healthcare?

Issue(s): Affordability, Diversity & Inclusion, Mobility

How do you plan to accommodate low-income neighborhoods who need alternative transportation methods?

Issue(s): Affordability, Land Use

How would you improve access to affordable housing for both renters and owners in Austin?

Issue(s): Affordability, Mobility

How do you plan to to improve access to public transportation and ensure its affordability?

Issue(s): Affordability, Land Use

How can legislation improve access to affordable housing?

Issue(s): Affordability, Health & Human Services, Innovation

How can you make healthcare more accessible and affordable to the large population of small business owners and entrepreneurs in Austin?

Issue(s): Criminal Justice, Diversity & Inclusion, Immigration

How would you counteract anti-immigrant sentiment to make our local communities welcoming to all?

Issue(s): Criminal Justice, Immigration

As a majority-minority state, what role do you see Austin playing in the long-term conversation around immigration and migrant rights?