Flannigan hosts anti-Props A, B campaign event at city-funded field office

A Facebook Event for a Sunday afternoon caught our eye several weeks ago. Rather than drop it like its hot, we ruminated on it. But we had an election to worry about and kept our cool.

Now, a month after a neighborhood campaign event hosted at the City of Austin District 6 Field Office recommending voters reject Travis County proposition A and City of Austin propositions A and B, it's on us if we do not say something about how this whole situation stinks.

Given, we're not attorneys nor are we qualified to give legal advice to Austin City Council member Jimmy Flannigan or "Team D6," but we are wondering how a city-funded Field Office was allowed to become the base for a political campaign for and against local ballot propositions from the Nov. 5 election. Literature, customized for Travis County and Williamson County residents, featured Flannigan's campaign logo and "recommendations" (which are actually worded "vote no" or "vote yes").

In all fairness the event was held well-after office hours and on a weekend. But we wonder if a Republican campaign would be allowed to use the field office for whatever amount the Flannigan campaign paid for it (even if the cost is free)?

Below are some screenshots. Click on the first image to see the Facebook Event page (as long as it stays up).

Before we open up the city code of ethics or put in a call to the Field Office, we want to know what the court of public opinion thinks. Leave a comment and let us know where you stand.

Above: Screenshot of Facebook Event page in question.

Screenshot of handout offered to Travis County residents. 

Disclaimer: The writer of this article previously worked for District 6 as a constituent services director under Councilman Don Zimmerman.