Mayoral Race

For the Mayoral race, we asked questions in the following categories:

1) List significant past and current environmental or political group affiliations and memberships which would be meaningful to our members. Describe role and responsibility.

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
I SERVED ON THE CITY OF AUSTINS ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD FOR NEARLY FIVE YEARS AND WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN SHORTLY AFTER I BEGUN SERVING IN LATE 1999. PRIOR TO THAT, I HAD PARTICIPATED IN MANY MEETINGS OF VARIOUS LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. The only group that I am a member of is the School For All Children Act and I am the President and Founder. You can learn more about this group at www.sfaca-national.org. Candidate did not return survey.


SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING

2) The City recently adopted a "zero-waste" plan that, if implemented, could eliminate or greatly reduce our need for future landfills. Do you support this goal? If elected to office, would you commit to working to see that a local Materials Recycling Facility is located in the Austin area, requiring greater recycling mandates for multi-family and business properties, making the “Pay As You Throw” rates more progressive, and initiating a curbside composting program?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
Yes Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. According to my research the states that mandate that all citizens and businesses recycle have lower greenhouse gas emissions and are some of the most beautiful states to visit. These are all the things that we want Austin to be, so I would support legislation that would mandate all businesses local government entities and residents have to recycle all recyclable items. The legislation that I would propose would require that compost materiel be separated from recyclable trash Candidate did not return survey.

3) A controversy erupted recently over the apparent reversal of Council policy by city staff in the case of the BFI landfill expansion application. Do you believe staff acted appropriately in this matter? How do you think the city should proceed on both the BFI and the WM expansion applications?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
THE CITY WILL CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONTESTED HEARINGS ON
BOTH CASES, ADVOCATING TO INCLUDE THE RESTRICTIONS CONTAINED IN THE RESTRICTIVE COVENANT (RC) INTO ANY ACTION THE TCEQ MIGHT APPROVE WITH REGARD TO THE PERMIT APPLICATION IN THE BFI CASE. THE RC CONTAINS BOTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS AND A DATE CERTAIN FOR LANDFILL CLOSURE (NOVEMBER 2015). THE CITY WILL CONTINUE TO OPPOSE OUTRIGHT THE EXPANSION PERMITS REQUESTED IN THE WM APPLICATION. IN NEGOTIATING THE TERMS IN THE BFI CASE, FINAL APPROVAL BY COUNCIL SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOUGHT BEFORE FORMALLY ENTERING THE AGREEMENT. 		Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I don’t think that the City Staff acted appropriately. I also feel that the City Council did not reprimand the City staff responsible for this enough. I feel that the City Council should do what they can to try to reverse this measure if it is not too late, as well as put measures in place to ensure that another incident like this does not happen again. Candidate did not return survey.

4) Following an April 2008 City Council resolution to reduce the number of plastic bags entering the city’s solid waste stream by 50% by June 30 2009, a handful of major retailers announced a voluntary program to reduce their use of plastic bags and expand recycling of bags. However, most of our largest retailers—including Home Depot, Lowe’s and CVS—are not participating. Without their participation, it is not likely that the goal of reducing plastic bag use by 50% can be met. If the voluntary program does not attain a reduction in plastic bag use of 50% or more by June 30 2009, would you support a phased-in ban of non-compostable plastic bag use among major retailers?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
IF THE STATED GOAL IS NOT MET, I WOULD STRONGLY ADVOCATE FOR A BAN FOR MAJOR RETAILERS. HOWEVER, STATE ACTION WITH REGARD TO A STATEWIDE BAN COULD BE ENACTED BEFORE THE 2009 TARGET DATE, WHICH WOULD SUPERCEDE CITY OF AUSTIN ACTIONS. IN THE MEANTIME, I AM CONVENING A MEETING OF OTHER LARGE RETAILERS, INCLUDING THE ONES YOU MENTIONED, IN THE HOPES THAT THEY WILL PARTICIPATE AND HELP US MEET OUR STATED GOAL. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I am opposed to mandating companies to stop using plastic bags because banning the use of plastic bags is not the solution. Instead I would propose a City ordinance that mandates that all residential, business and government entities must recycle all of their recyclable waste. Candidate did not return survey.


WATER QUALITY AND CONSERVATION

5) Do you support allocating significant money in the next general bond package for purchasing conservation lands over the Edwards Aquifer in order to improve water quality?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
I HAVE SUPPORTED BOND MONEY FOR OPEN SPACE AQUISITION IN THE PAST AND WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE THAT OBJECTIVE. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. Yes Candidate did not return survey.

6) Do you support a codified Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) plan, in which developers can transfer development rights on properties located over the Edwards Aquifer to properties in the Desired Development Zone? Do you believe such rights should be bankable and saleable?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
I WOULD CONSIDER LIMITED TDRS, BUT WOULD SEEK TO ENSURE THAT THE EFFECT OF THIS TOOL IS BENEFICIAL TO AQUIFER WATER QUALITY. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I don’t believe that these rights should be transferable and these rights should not be bankable and saleable. Candidate did not return survey.

7) Do you commit to, when in the city's power, requiring all developments over the Edwards Aquifer to comply with the city's minimum standards on impervious cover and water quality controls (for example, the West Park PUD proposal in Oak Hill)? Will you vote to oppose up-zonings (increases in density) for such projects?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
FOR THE REMAINING LESS THAN 20% OF UNDEVELOPED LAND IN THE CITYS JURISDICTION WITHIN THE BARTON SPRINGS ZONE, I WILL SUPPORT SOS LEVEL WATER QUALITY AND IC RESTRICTIONS. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I will not approve any development over recharge zone property. Candidate did not return survey.

8) The Austin Water Utility is planning to build Water Treatment Plant 4 with a capacity to treat 50 million gallons per day at the beginning and expanding this capacity to as much as 600 million gallons per day. The AWU estimates that ratepayers will experience an increase of 12-15% in their water bills to pay for WTP4. Conservation measures taken by the City last summer succeeded in lowering water usage beyond expectations, calling many in the community to question the need to proceed with WTP4 at the this time.

The City’s Water Conservation Task Force, composed of a wide variety of stakeholders, has compiled a list of additional steps that the city can take to conserve water, each of which would cost less per gallon of water saved than the per gallon cost of new water procured by WTP4. Do you support implementing the recommendations of the City of Austin's Water Conservation Task Force before proceeding with WTP4, in order to delay and perhaps prevent altogether the need to build it?
More Details:
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/downloads/Final%20WCTF%20Recommendations-web%20version.pdf

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
AS THE SPONSOR OF THE CITYS WATER CONSERVATION TASK FORCE, I WILL SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF VIABLE RECOMMENDATIONS BY THAT GROUP TO FURTHER ENHANCE WATER CONSERVATION. CURRENT PROJECTIONS BY THE WATER UTILITY SHOW A NEED FOR ADDITIONAL CAPACITY FROM WTP4 BY 2014. SINCE WTP4 IS A PHASED PROJECT, ADDITIONS BEYOND THE INITIAL 50MGD CAN BE DELAYED BEYOND SCHEDULE WHEN CONSERVATION POLICIES ARE IMPLEMENTED AND PROVEN OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS. HOWEVER, THE LOCATION OF THE WTP4 WILL RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT ENERGY SAVINGS OVER A SIMILAR SIZE PLANT ON LAKE AUSTIN OR DOWNSTREAM. CURRENT ESTIMATES ARE THAT GREEN HOUSE GAS REDUCTION WILL BE APPROXIMATELY 13.5% BY LOCATING THE PLANT AT THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS, AND THIS FACTOR IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE CITYS OVERALL ENERGY CONSERVATION AND CLIMATE PROTECTION PLAN. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. Yes Candidate did not return survey.

9) The city's water conservation program has achieved some initial success with a broad-based strategy including public education, summer watering restrictions, leak detection/repair, and toilet/shower head replacements. Will you support at a minimum increasing the Water Utility’s percentage of budget devoted to conservation from 3% up to 4%, to match the Energy Utility’s commitment to funding conservation?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
Yes Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. Yes Candidate did not return survey.

10) Recent reports of excessive summer lawn watering by a small but significant number of Austin water customers have led to suggestions of raising rates more for excessive use, to incentivize conservation. Would you revisit the progressive rate structure to fairly discourage water waste?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE. THE COUNCIL APPROVED A TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATION TO ADD A FIFTH TIER TO THE RATE SCHEDULE WITH STEEP INCREASES FOR HIGHER WATER USAGE. THE NEW RATE SCHEDULE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED SOON PENDING A REQUIRED COST OF SERVICE STUDY. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I would revisit the progressive rate structure to determine if this is something that the City should or should not adopt. Candidate did not return survey.

11) There are many ways to facilitate rain water harvesting and water re-use, cutting down on our need to pump and treat so much water. What would you do to encourage water re-use? Would you support mandatory rainwater collection for new developments?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
Whereever feasible, yes. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I would consider the matter but we have to remember that due to air pollution even rainwater needs to be treated in order for it to be used for human consumption. Candidate did not return survey.

12) Will you oppose debt-financing of toll roads in the City’s Drinking Water Protection Zone, where such debt depends for repayment on projections for significant future increases in car trips per day from expanded Hill Country sprawl development?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
YES. EACH SEGMENT OF THE APPROVED TOLL ROADS WITHIN THE DWPZ SHOULD BE SELF-FINANCING. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I do not support toll roads at all. Candidate did not return survey.


ENERGY GENERATION AND EFFICIENCY

13) Do you believe that the current trend of global warming is anthropogenic (human driven) and represents a threat that the city needs to respond to (Y/N)? If yes, how would you factor carbon emissions into your votes on other issues, such as water, zoning, annexations, and service extension requests?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
YES. CLIMATE PROTECTION AND GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION HAS BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE A PRIMARY CONSIDERATION IN ANY ACTION I TAKE ON COUNCIL. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I do think that global warning is caused by human activity and represents a threat that the City needs to respond to. I feel that the best way to effectively deal with carbon emissions is to implement carbon emission caps and penalties for companies that exceed the cap levels. Candidate did not return survey.

14) FUNDAMENTAL DIRECTION: What should be the fundamental direction for supplying Austin’s future electric energy needs? Please pick one option and elaborate on your priorities when answering this question.

  1. LONG-TERM INCREMENTAL CHANGE: continue operations of Austin Energy’s existing fossil and nuclear power plants for at least 12 years and meet growth by adding a mix of new fossil fueled and renewable energy resources (consistent with Austin Energy’s DRAFT Generation Plan)
  2. IMMEDIATE BUT GRADUAL TRANSITION: begin immediately to reduce fossil fuel use, end investment in long-term ownership of new fossil fuel plants, and place a higher priority on expanded energy efficiency and renewable energy.
  3. RAPID TRANSITION TO CLEAN ENERGY: Significantly reshape AE’s budget to place a higher priority on efficiency and renewables than fossil fuel & nuclear; begin to divest from ownership of power plants that do not support the City’s long-term goals; start to invest heavily in expanded energy efficiency and renewable energy, with a focus on systems that are local and innovative.
  4. OTHER

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
I WOULD CLASSIFY MY POSITION AS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN (b) AND (c). I VOTED RECENTLY IN FAVOR OF THE CITYS PARTICIPATION IN LARGE CONTRACTS FOR BIOMASS AND SOLAR ENERGY AND AGAINST A NUCLEAR ENERGY CONTRACT THAT I FELT WAS NOT FISCALLY PRUDENT. I CO-SPONSORED THE CITYS CLIMATE PROTECTION PLAN AND STRONGLY SUPPORT OUR PURSUIT OF AUSTIN ENERGYS RENEWABLE ENERGY GOALS. I ALSO SUPPORT THE ONGOING WORK AUSTIN ENERGY IS DOING TO INVENTORY OUR GREENHOUSE GAS USE AS A CITY AND RAPIDLY DECREASE THOSE EMISSIONS. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I choose option C because I do not support Nuclear power or fossil fuel electric plants. I also believe that we need to act as quickly as possible to transition to renewable energy. Candidate did not return survey.

15) Twice in the past year, Austin Energy has been approached about expanding the capacity of the South Texas Nuclear Plant. Given the range of available options and the information publicly available, do you believe Austin Energy should have participated in the expansion project? If the expansion proceeds without Austin’s participation and its resulting power is offered for sale to Austin Energy through a purchase power agreement, will you consider such an agreement?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
I OPPOSED THE EXPANSION PROJECT BECAUSE I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE FINANCIAL IMPACT ON THE CITY AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE CITY LACKED THE LEVERAGE TO CONTROL THE FUTURE OF THE SOUTH TEXAS NUCLEAR PLANT, AND BECAUSE THERE ARE STILL OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH NUCLEAR POWER. THE ENVIROMENTAL CONSIDERATONS WOULD STILL BE A PROBLEM WITH REGARD TO A PURCHASE POWER AGREEMENT, SO IT IS VERY UNLIKELY THAT I WOULD CONSIDER IT. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. No Candidate did not return survey.

16) Do you support Austin’s continued ownership of the Fayette coal plant? If yes, then please explain why and outline how Austin can reduce carbon emissions significantly with this plant still operational. If no, then please explain how you would transition away from it. (Austin currently owns part of a coal plant near LaGrange that produces 35% of the City’s electric energy but 71% of our electric utility CO2 emissions.)

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE CITY CANNOT REASONABLY EXPECT TO MEET ENERGY DEMAND WITHOUT THE INCLUSION OF FAYETTE. WE SHOULD, HOWEVER, DEVELOP A PLAN TO PHASE IT OUT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I do not support our ownership of the Fayette coal plant and I believe the City should help businesses and residences move towards solar and wind technology. Candidate did not return survey.

17) The Energy Efficiency Retrofit Task Force concluded last year recommending mandatory retrofits for multifamily buildings that exceed a maximum threshold of energy use. But other types of rental dwellings such as duplexes and office complexes were not addressed.

Rental buildings are generally less efficient with water and energy use than owner occupied buildings. Tenants do not want to make investments in a building they don't own. But landlords will usually not make investments in efficiency because they not pay the utility bills. Will you support mandatory, cost-effective energy and water conservation retrofits for residential and commercial rental buildings?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
OUR CURRENT PLAN CALLS FOR MANDATORY ENERGY AUDITS, WHICH WOULD, COUPLED WITH A GOOD REBATE PROGRAM, INCENTIVIZE VOLUNTARY UPGRADES. ENERGY UPGRADES ARE A VITAL PART OF THE CLIMATE PROTECTION STRATEGY, AND FUTURE STRATEGIES WILL DEPEND UPON AN EVALUATION OF VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE EFFORTS. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. Yes, as long as the resident renting the property does not have to pay for it. Candidate did not return survey.

18) Do you support Austin Energy's Pecan Street Project, an experimental program charged with growing our clean energy industries, expanding green collar jobs, and "developing the energy grid of the future"?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
Yes Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I do support the program but I don’t think the City should focus all of its resources on growing our economy solely in this manner, but I feel that we need to encourage economic growth in diversified ways to ensure that Austin can withstand future downturns in the economy. Candidate did not return survey.

19) The total budget for Austin Energy’s Climate Protection Program is currently $805k/year, of which salaries make up 68%. Many believe that the goals of the plan are sound, but after a year and a half of funding, insufficient tangible progress has been made. How do you think we can best improve on our implementation of the Austin Climate Protection Plan?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
ULTIMATELY, I THINK THE CITY SHOULD DEVELOP AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL TEAM WHOSE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY WILL BE TO IMPLEMENT THE CLIMATE PROTECTION PLAN. IN OUR CITYS CURRENT FISCAL CLIMATE, IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO DEDICATE CITY STAFF TO THAT ENDEAVOR FULL-TIMEWE WOULD HAVE TO HIRE ADDITIONAL STAFF TO FULFILL THEIR DUTIES, AND WE ARE HAMSTRUNG FROM DOING SOBUT I THINK WE CAN BEGIN DEVELOPING SUCH A TEAM EVEN NOW, HAVE THEM MEET ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE, AND UPDATE BOTH COUNCIL AND RELEVANT BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ON THEIR PROGRESS. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I feel the best way for the City to move towards protecting our environment is to mandate recycling for all residential, business and local government entities in order to quickly and effectively make real progress towards protecting our environment. Candidate did not return survey.


AIR QUALITY

20) Last year, the COA signed a contract to buy 250,000 gallons worth of corn-based ethanol blended fuel to use in its vehicle fleet. Considering the fact that the corn-based fuel has uncertain air quality benefits and considering worldwide corn fuel production distorts both price and availability of this important food crop, would you support not renewing this contract in the future?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
I SUPPORT THE CITYS ADOPTED POLICY OF CARBON NUETRALITY IN THE VEHICLE FLEET, AND AGREE THAT ETHANOL SHOULD BE PHASED OUT. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. Yes Candidate did not return survey.

21) Austin/Travis County is currently monitoring ozone levels in excess of the new Federal Ozone Standard. The Texas Emission Reduction Program (TERP) is a grant program designed to reduce ozone-forming and soot emissions from diesel engines by upgrading or changing out engines with older emissions technology. The Central Texas Region has not gotten their share of these grant funds in recent years as compared to Dallas/Ft. Worth ($84 million out of a total of $110 million) due to a lack of applications. Would you support hiring a contractor who could both promote this important program and help write grants as well?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
Yes. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I would not support hiring a contractor to do this. The City could do this much more simply and easily by simply hiring a grant writer to help us apply for grants we are qualified for. Candidate did not return survey.


LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION

22) Austin has one of the worst rates of Vehicle Miles Traveled of any city our size and vehicle emissions are a proportionally large source of our locally generated ozone-forming emissions. What will you do to help reduce VMT and promote multi-modal transit? Will you provide alternative commute incentives for city employees beyond what is already offered (subsidized bus passes)? Do you support the current commuter and light rail initiatives being discussed and implemented by the CAMPO and Cap Metro boards? How aggressive will you be in advocating for expanding rail system capacity?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
I DO SUPPORT A RAIL ELECTION, AND HAVE ALREADY STATED MY PREFERENCE FOR A TRANSPORTATION BOND REFERENDUM IN 2010 WHICH COULD, PENDING APPROVAL BY VOTERS OF A RAIL COMPONENT, INCLUDE FUNDING FOR RAIL. I WILL ALSO AGGRESSIVELY PURSUE FEDERAL TRANSIT FUNDING FOR RAIL AND BRT. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. To help reduce VMT and promote multi-modal transit I would help to create more bike lanes, work with the Austin Police Department to keep cars from parking in bike lanes as well as work to make Capital Metro affordable again while improving the quality of service Capital Metro provides. I would not provide alternative commute incentives for city employees beyond what is already offered due to the fact that most non-city employees make less money than city employees so new incentives should go to benefit the citizens that most need it. I do not support the current commuter and light rail initiatives being discussed and implemented by the CAMPO and Cap Metro boards because it only increases profits for the corporation and does not take into consideration the cost on our citizens or the quality of service provided. If Capital Metro pays for expanding rail system capacity solely on its own I would be very aggressive to support it. Candidate did not return survey.

23) Envision Central Texas promoted the philosophy commonly labeled "smart growth", a plan of directing future growth into dense nodes and corridors away from environmentally sensitive areas. Do you support this vision? How successful do you think the city has been in implementing these goals? How do you think the city can improve on its implementation?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
I SUPPORT ECT, AND SUPPORT LEGISLATIVE ACTION TO BETTER ENABLE THE CITY TO ENFORCE IT. I WOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE ECT TO PARTICIPATE MORE DIRECTLY IN ADVOCATING FOR THIS VISION IN LOCAL PROJECTS. I THINK THE CITY HAS MADE GOOD PROGRESS ON IMPLEMENTING THE ECT VISION THROUGH AN ORDINANCE FOR TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT, A PLAN FOR VERTICAL MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT WHERE APPROPRIATE. THIS PLAN CAN BE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED WITH BETTER MASS TRANSIT. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I do support these goals but I feel that the current plan does not offer the grandfather clause protection necessary for currently existing residential properties. Candidate did not return survey.

24) Current zoning ordinances, which create separation of land uses, can work directly against goals of creating compact, mixed use, pedestrian and bike-friendly communities. What do you think we should do to address this from a planning and zoning perspective?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
I CONTINUE TO SUPPORT INCREASED DENSITY IN APPROPRIATE PLACES, WHILE RESPECTING THE VALUES OF LOCAL NEIGHBORHOODS IN SITING DENSITY. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I feel that we need to re-evaluate the current zoning laws and propose amendments that reflect the needs of Austin instead of letting our laws continue to favor the needs of past generations. Candidate did not return survey.

25) SH 130 has opened up Eastern Travis County for massive development without a strategic plan. What would you do to foster responsible development in the areas controlled by the City and work with neighboring governmental entities to ensure that this once-in-a-lifetime clean slate is developed in a way that leads to the type of development that preserves agricultural growing capacity and reduces the need for driving.

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
I SUPPORTED LEGISLATIVE ACTION IN THE LAST SESSION TO PASS LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ENABLE THE CITY TO GUIDE GROWTH IN A COMPREHENSIVELY PLANNED WAY IN THE SH 130 CORRIDOR. I CONTINUE TO SUPPORT SIMILAR LEGISLATION IN THIS SESSION AS I BELIEVE IT IS ESSENTIAL. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I feel that we need to prevent as much development as possible until we have finished neighborhood plans for all areas of the City and the new Comprehensive Plan. Candidate did not return survey.

26) Environmentalism is a wide field covering a broad range of issues. Recent zoning cases, such as the Wildflower Commons PUD, illustrate the importance of considering a development holistically when evaluating its environmental impact. How do you balance the goals of protecting water quality, air quality, and energy use when evaluating a project? Is there one aspect of environmental protection you prioritize over the others?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
I HAVE LONG BEEN AN ADVOCATE FOR CLEAN WATER, PARTICULARLY IN THE BARTON SPRINGS ZONE, BUT ALL OF THESE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ARE IMPORTANT AND INTER-RELATED. FOR EXAMPLE, INCREASED VEHICLE TRIPS AFFECT BOTH WATER AND AIR QUALITY. WATER CONSERVATION IMPACTS NOT ONLY PROTECTION OF WATER RESOURCES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS AND THE ECOLOGY OF REPARIAN ENVIRONMENTS, BUT SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTS ENERGY CONSUMPTION (AWU USES MORE ENERGY THAN ALL OTHER CITY OPERATIONS COMBINED), WHICH IN TURN IMPACTS GHG EMISSIONS (SINCE MOST OF CURRENT ENERGY PRODUCTION CAPACITY IS STILL FOSSIL FUEL BASED. IN EVALUATING THE ENVIROMENTAL ASPECTS OF ANY PARTICULAR DEVELOPMENT, WATER AND ENERGY ARE PRIME CONSIDERATIONS IN DETERMINING ENVIRONMENTAL SUPERIORITY. GREEN BUILDING, NATIVE LANDSCAPING, REDUCED VMT ALL THESE AND MORE ARE VITAL CONSIDERATIONS. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. If a project is designed from the beginning to best protect water quality, air quality, and energy use it would complement the environment instead of our current policy of designing projects based around everything but water quality, air quality, and energy use. I feel that you can not say that one aspect of environmental protection is more important than any other. Candidate did not return survey.

27) Regarding the Wildflower Commons PUD, it will presumably return to Council in August for another hearing. What concessions by the developer would lead you to vote for the project’s proposed zoning? Do you have a range of trip limits, residential units, impervious cover, office/retail square footage, or other mitigation items you’re looking for?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
THE PROJECT WOULD HAVE TO DEMONSTRATE REDUCED IC, PRESERVATION OF OPEN SPACE, ADEQUATE SETBACKS FROM CEFS, ABSENCE OF DESTINATION RETAIL OR OFFICE SPACE, REDUCED VT AND VMT, BANNING OF NOXIOUS USES, REDUCTION OF COMMERCIAL SPACE, AND NO INCREASE IN RESIDENTIAL VTS, INCLUSION OF GREEN BUILDING, NATIVE LANDSCAPING, WATER AND ENERGY CONSERVATION IN GENERAL JUST TO NAME A FEW. I BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE EXISTING BRADLEY AGREEMENT, BUT ANY ADJUSTMENT TO THAT AGREEMENT WOULD HAVE TO CLEARLY DEMONSTRATE ENVIRONMENTAL SUPERIORITY. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I would vote against the proposed zoning solely on the fact that it is located on aquifer re-charge zone property. Candidate did not return survey.

28) Interregional rail could help reduce CO2 emissions and pollution caused by cars and airplane trips between cities. Do you support the Austin-San Antonio Intermunicipal Rail District?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
Yes Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I would support the Austin-San Antonio Intermunicipal Rail District as long as it is not paid for with tax dollars or City funds. Candidate did not return survey.

29) Increasing pedestrian and bicycle commuting are one of the most cost-effective ways of reducing congestion, transportation-related pollution, and increasing public health. Yet bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure has historically been underfunded in Austin's budget and bond packages. Will you commit to increasing the amount of funding bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure receives out of the larger transportation budgets? Would you support creating a dedicated, permanent funding stream for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
DURING THE NEXT BUDGET WRITING PROCESS, I WILL CERTAINLY LOOK FOR WAYS TO INCREASE AND DEDICATE FUNDING FOR BICYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. Yes, I will commit to increasing the amount of funding bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure receives out of the larger transportation budgets. I would also support creating a dedicated, permanent funding stream for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Candidate did not return survey.

30) Public education on cycling options and safety has been proven to significantly increase ridership in cities such as Portland. Do you believe the city should take a leading role in providing public education for cycling as a commute option?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
YES; I SPONSORED AND SERVED ON THE STREET SMARTS TASK FORCE AND WHOLLY SUPPORT AN EFFORT BOTH TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS ON BIKE-COMMUTING AND TO COMPLETE OUR TRAIL NETWORK TO ENHANCE THAT BIKE-COMMUTING EXPERIENCE. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. Yes Candidate did not return survey.

31) CAMPO is currently proceeding on Right Of Way acquisition and Design of SH45 SW, a highway extension that crosses directly through several miles of the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. In addition to the direct effect of the road and its users, its construction will result in indirect pollution due to nearby residential and commercial development that will spring up after completion. Do you pledge to vote against this project should you sit on the CAMPO board?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
THE STATE HIGHWAY 45 SOUTHWEST PROJECT IS IN THE DESIGN AND ENGINEERING PHASE, AND HAS ALREADY BEEN APPROVED BY TRAVIS COUNTY VOTERS AND CAMPO, TO MY KNOWLEDGE. I WILL LOOK FOR WAYS TO MINIMIZE DETRIMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHEN THOSE OPPORTUNITIES ARISE. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. Yes Candidate did not return survey.

32) TxDOT currently plans for a massive, 12-lane elevated tollway with frontage roads for the area of US290 near the Oak Hill "Y." This expansion will turn Williamson Creek (in the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone) into a concrete ditch for much of its flow through Oak Hill. In addition, it will accelerate the sprawl of housing developments into Hays County, further polluting the aquifer. Do you pledge to work with TxDOT to seek a downsized plan for this road segment and, barring that, vote against the plan should you sit on the CAMPO board?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
YES. IF GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, I WILL SUPPORT AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE PLAN FOR THE ROAD. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. Yes Candidate did not return survey.


ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

33) As we speak, Pure Casting in East Austin is polluting its neighbors every day, including the children at Zavala elementary school, and HHSD is planning on building an incinerator at the East Austin animal shelter location, above the objections of the neighborhoods and the contrary to the Govalle/Johnston Terrace Neighborhood Plan.

These two issues exemplify a history and the continued institutionalized environmental racism that we as a community still live with. If elected, will you confront the continuing institutionalized racism that still exists in Austin today and oppose these issues, moving swiftly to shut down and relocate Pure Casting, and to oppose the building of an incinerator at the East Austin animal shelter location?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
YES. THE CITY HAS ALREADY REQUESTED A TCEQ EVALUATION OF PURE CASTINGS, AND I WILL NOT SUPPORT AN ANIMAL INCINERATOR. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. Yes Candidate did not return survey.


PARKS AND RECREATION

34) Do you support spending bond money on acquiring the Lions Municipal Golf Course from the University of Texas? How much resources should the city expend in pursuing the tract?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
I FULLY SUPPORT WORKING WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS TO ENSURE THE PRESERVATION OF LIONS MUNY AS A PUBLIC GOLF COURSE. WE ARE CURRENTLY DISCUSSING THE BEST MECHANISM FOR DOING SO. I SPONSORED A COUNCIL RESOLUTION TO EVALUATE ALL POSSIBLE MEANS TO PRESERVE LIONS. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I do not support the City’s acquisition of the Lions Municipal Golf Course. Candidate did not return survey.


URBAN FOREST

35) An up-to-date urban forest inventory is critical for identifying areas that need mitigation from the Urban Heat Island Effect and also help the city reach its carbon sequestration goals. Will you press for staff to conduct a complete urban forest tree inventory and see that an urban forest management plan is developed?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
Yes Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. Yes Candidate did not return survey.


FOOD AND SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

36) Would you support a city-led program of public education and incentives for community and private-yard food gardens? Would you support purchasing guidelines that give preference to vendors who will source local and/or organic food when establishing City-related contracts (ie Convention Center, Zilker Concessions, etc.)

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
Yes Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I would support city-led public education for community and private-yard food gardens. Yes, I would support purchasing guidelines that give preference to vendors who will source local and/or organic food when establishing City-related contracts. Candidate did not return survey.


GOVERNMENT OPENNESS AND TRANSPARENCY

37) The AustinGo website redesign and transparency initiative has progressed slowly and provided little indication of what specific features it will eventually provide. Can you describe your vision of how the project should proceed and which transparency features you will demand to be implemented?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
THE PROJECT, WHICH I SPONSORED, IS STILL IN PROGRESS. I HAVE ALSO RECENTLY PROPOSED THAT ALL CITY FINANCIAL INFORMATION BE POSTED ON-LINE IN A SEARCHABLE FORMAT. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. I personally feel that all City documents should be on the City’s website along with every cent the City spends and what it was spent on should also be on the City’s website, as well as a list of all the City’s Boards and Commissions members and minutes from Boards and Commissions meetings. Candidate did not return survey.

38) The City Charter specifically grants citizens of Austin the right to approve debt on its municipal utilities, including Austin Energy and Austin Water Utility. But this Charter provision has been ignored for about 10 years, even though Austin voters have never rescinded it. Will you, as a City Councilmember, respect Austinite's right to vote on their utility finances as specified in the City Charter?

ARTICLE VII. FINANCE. § 11. REVENUE BONDS.
All revenue bonds issued by the city shall first be authorized by a majority of the qualified electors voting at an election held for such purpose.

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
THE CHARTER PROVISION HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY STATE LAW, AND THE CHARTER PROVISION HAS BEEN HELD BY A COURT TO BE IN CONFLICT WITH THAT LAW, AND IS THEREFORE INVALID. I DO THINK THAT CERTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO AVOLUNTARY REFERENDUM BY VOTERS, AND SUPPORTED A RECENT COUNCIL RESOLUTION TO PUT ANY NUCLEAR OR COAL POWER PROJECT BEFORE THE VOTERS BEFORE CONSIDERING IT. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. Yes Candidate did not return survey.


CITY ORGANIZATION

39) Do you support and will you initiate the creation of a Sustainability department, headed by a Chief Sustainability Officer, with Assistant City Manager-level authority and City Auditor-like oversight, who can be the director of the water and energy conservation, air quality and climate protection programs, as well as review policies, budgets and procurement to uphold our commitment to sustainability?

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
YES. WE DO NOW HAVE A SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER IN THE AUSTIN ENERGY ENTERPRISE. PREVIOUSLY, THIS OFFICER WAS IN THE TRANSPORTATION, PLANNING, AND SUSTAINABILITY DEPT. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. Yes Candidate did not return survey.


WILD CARD

40) If you have any other positions/ideas to share, or if you'd like to provide a link to further information, enter them here:

Lee Leffingwell Brewster McCracken Carole Keeton Strayhorn Josiah Ingalls David Buttross
The sum of all local policy is global policy. Candidate did not return survey. Candidate did not return survey. You can read every questionnaire I have been given so far along with my answers on my website at www.josiahingalls.com. Thank you for including me in this process. Candidate did not return survey.