Prop A and Prop B
Both Proposition A and B received majority voter approval from Austin voters, setting the stage for what some fear may be a significant tax hike. Prop A is the $7.1 billion transit overhaul of Capital Metro. It includes a permanent 25% spike in city property taxes. Mayor Steve Adler says this will go a long way in addressing transportation needs and more in Austin.
“To really do what’s necessary for climate change, to really reach to provide mobility equity in our city. I think everybody should be real proud,” says Adler.
Prop B is the lesser of the two. At $63 million, this bond will go to fund sidewalks, bike lane construction, along with other safety improvements.
Austin City Council election results
Some familiar faces are returning to the Austin City Council dais. Five seats have been in play this year. In District 2, Delia Garza will not be returning because she’ll be assuming the role of county attorney unopposed. So in that seat there will be a new face in, Vanessa Fuentes.
In District 6, where Jimmy Flannigan has been facing three challengers, only one remains. That’s Mackenzie Kelly. Kelly was forced to the December runoff with Flannigan.
In District 10, Alison Alter will go head to head with Jennifer Virden in a run off for that seat. However, incumbents Greg Casar and Leslie Pool have both secured commanding victories within their respective district’s.
New district attorney
Jose Garza will now be Travis County’s new district attorney after claiming 70% of the vote over GOP challenger Martin Harry. Garza has the backing of groups like the Democrat Socialist Austin Justice Coalition and local elected officials like Greg Casar. He’s currently the executive director of the Workers Defense Project, and he handily defeated incumbent Margaret Moore back in July to secure the Democrat nomination.
Commissioners Court goes blue
Travis County Commissioners Court will no longer have any conservative representation. Current Precinct 3 Commissioner Gerald Daugherty is stepping down and that’s cleared the way for former Ending Community Homelessness Coalition Executive Director Ann Howard to secure victory over Becky Bray. Precinct 1 incumbent Jeff Travillion has been re-elected and Andy Brown will become the new county judge after defeating GOP challenger Michael Lovins.
Travis County Sheriff re-elected
After winning in 2016 first, incumbent Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez has been re-elected. She was first elected to that post after running a campaign largely in support of refusing to cooperate with federal immigration officials. This was another of the local races that really was never close. Hernandez has beaten Raul Vargas with more than 70% of the vote.
New Williamson County Sheriff
In Williamson County there will be a new sheriff at the helm after Sheriff Robert Chody fails to beat back a challenge from Mike Gleason. Speaking with CBS Austin, Gleason says he thinks Chody’s handling of the Javier Rambler death played a big role in the results.
“The voters just agreed with me overwhelmingly tonight that they are not happy,” says Gleason.
The race wasn’t really close here at any point, either. It was among the first local races to be called last night. With 100% of precincts now reporting, Gleason has secured 56% of the vote.
Wilco commissioner’s court
The Williams County Commissioners Court will look no different after both incumbents seeking reelection cruise to victory. In Precinct 1, Terry Cook claimed almost 58% over Nikki Gonzalez. In Precinct 3, Valerie Covey’s 63% was more than enough to win another term over challenger Sharon Cummings.
John Cornyn re-elected
On the state level, Texas Senator John Cornyn wins the toughest race he’s ever faced for re-election. Senator Cornyn won his last re-election in 2014 by over 27%. This one was closer to 10%. In his victory speech on Zoom, he said he was glad we had this fight.
“Whether I earned your vote or whether you were pulling for my opponent. I’m honored and committed to serving and representing all Texans. My goal as your United States Senator is simple. Continue to make Texas a place of exceptional opportunity for all,” says Cornyn.
After conceding, Cornyn’s challenger MJ Hegar released a statement about the race, saying they sent a message to a previously safe senator that he answers to us.
House of Representatives stays red
Former State Senator Wendy Davis has once again been defeated in her bid for public office. This time after challenging Central Texas congressman, Chip Roy. This race was somewhat of a back and forth slugfest, with Davis actually leading Roy at certain points. However, Roy has managed to secure nearly 52% of the vote, guaranteeing the Republicans yet another term in the US House of Representatives.
This news and more on News Radio KLBJ:
https://omny.fm/shows/klbjam-flash-briefing-1/am-newscast-11-4-20
The Business of Business : Austin is a weekly podcast with the goal of providing practical advice for SMB owners and managers on a variety of topics including advertising and marketing, operations, tech, news and trends, management and finance. The podcast is hosted by KLBJ-AM veteran Kenny Rahmeyer and features a conversation with a subject matter expert.
