Issue: Arts & Culture

Q Many Texas working families live in areas of Austin where our community centers are in dire need of improvements. We would love to be able to provide places for our children to learn arts, music, and to learn more about their culture, and where the community gathers together. We would also love to include services for adults such as workforce development referrals and classes. Would you support investing more into community centers?

Asked by Workers Defense Action Fund

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

Asked by Austin Ahead

Q 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?

Asked by Asian American Resource Center

Q 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?

Asked by Asian American Resource Center

Q Are you aware that a permanent director of the City’s animal center still has not been named, that six key positions at the animal center have remained vacant and unfilled and that the City’s No Kill status has come into jeopardy as a result?

Asked by Texas Pets Alive!

Q 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?

Asked by Austin Parks Foundation

Q Do you consider parks an important community asset? Why?

Asked by Austin Parks Foundation

Q 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?

Asked by Austin Parks Foundation

Q 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?

Asked by Austin Parks Foundation

Q What’s your favorite park in Austin? Why?

Asked by Austin Parks Foundation