Statesman on city council races | by GlennM
The Statesman had a lead story on how we'll be losing two staunch environmentalists on the City Council when Slusher and Goodman's terms are up.
Then they endorsed pro-business Kim for the Place 3 seat.
... But the one who stands out and receives our endorsement is Jennifer Kim, 32, a small business owner with solid experience in government. Kim owns a franchise of Computer Moms, a high-tech operation providing information and support to businesses and consumers. Kim has also done stints with the U.S. Department of Commerce and for state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo.
Kim, a Texas A&M graduate with a graduate degree from Princeton, has experience in economic development that would benefit Austin. Her campaign is centered on fiscal restraint, sharing costs with Travis County and improving transportation options.
The other candidates have good credentials, too. Mandy Dealey has long been a fixture in Austin's non-profit universe, working on children's issues, mental health initiatives and more. Gregg Knaupe, 36, is an attorney with the Texas Hospital Association and a knowledgeable candidate. Margot Clarke, who ran for council in 2003, has worked with Planned Parenthood and the Sierra Club.
All four candidates have excellent qualifications, but Kim has the mix of aggressiveness, openness and experience that would most benefit the city.
Personally, this has swung me even further into the Margot camp.
They also endorsed Leffingwell and Dunkerley.