Possible dark money connections subject of new ACC annexation exposé video

The most recent video from the campaign opposing the proposed annexation of Pflugerville ISD into the Austin Community College district asks some pointed questions as they dig deeper into campaign filings.

According to their analysis of donations to "Pflugerville PFriends 4 ACC," the video suggests there may be undisclosed "dark money" via an entity called "ACC Works." Watch the video to see how deep this rabbit hole goes. And, as always, let us know what you think (or what you uncover) in the comments below.

Dukes retaliates with lawsuits on anniversary of charges being dropped

A lawyer using the legal system to punish her enemies is one of those dog-bites-man stories.

In other words, it's par for the course for outgoing Rep. Dawnna Dukes to drop some paperwork to attack those who blew the whistle on questionable activities in her state office.

But what makes this a man-bites-dog story is whom she is suing -- and on the one-year anniversary of the dismissal of her charges, at that. According to the Austin American-Statesman, Dukes is suing:

• Statesman reporter Sean Walsh. 
• Travis County DA Margaret Moore. 
• Former Travis County Rosemary Lehmberg.
• An un-named state auditor's office employee.
• Three former legislative staffers.
• and for $7.8 million in personal and business losses, "mental anguish," etc. 

(Hopefully she won't sue the Tracker, now!)

Read more about the suit here:
https://www.statesman.com/news/20181024/rep-dawnna-dukes-sues-prosecutor-statesman-3-former-aides

Here's a summary of "The Dukes Chronicles" so far:

Pflugerville ACC supporters latest to join the outside money club

KXAN this week unveiled a new interactive tool to chart where the money comes from in local elections. To no one's surprise, a good share of East Austin candidate money comes from our more affluent West Austinites.

Read more:
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/despite-10-1-austin-city-council-one-area-funds-most-campaigns/1541568841

While this report focused on the 10 districts in Austin (10-1 is still a good idea) our neighbors in Pflugerville are facing an influx of outside cash of their own.

According to the Tracker's quick analysis of the campaign finance filing for the S-PAC "Pflugerville Pfriends for  ACC" shows that the majority of the contributors are not from Pflugerville. The money comes from San Antonio, San Marcos, and (of course) Austin.

By contrast, the opposition to the annexation, Pflugerville Residents for Responsible Taxation, are clearly a homegrown operation according to our search, scratching together enough for an impressive media campaign (even a billboard on a busy highway) and sending volunteers to poll sites on a regular basis.

Pflugerville ACC opponents up the ante with high-profile campaign

Plenty was said in our last post about why a proposed Austin Community College District expansion may not be a good deal for the taxpayers. Getting the word out on these kinds of local bond proposals is usually a difficult task with limited funds, few volunteers, no public relations savvy, and ...

Wait, is that a BILLBOARD we see off FM 1825?

Well, then ... things are looking good for the opposition.

For those curious, the billboard is located along FM 1825 facing "the Pfield" just across from Pflugerville High School. Go take a selfie!

How to stop Beto from texting you

Funny, but this may not help stop the texts!

If you received an unsolicited text from Congressman Robert Francis "Beto" O'Rourke, it's not too late to take action to stop future political texts (from any candidate) from constantly buzzing your phone.

Here are seven helpful tips for those annoyed by campaign calls and texts to consider: 

1. If you receive an unwelcome political call, kindly say "No, thank you, I appreciate your time, and please remove me from your list," then hang up. Chances are this is a volunteer calling and they won't push very hard. And if they're paid employees, they're likely temporary workers who aren't earning much for their time. If you respond angrily then you run the risk of being listed as against -- information which can be shared and even sold to other campaigns and companies which collect data. 

2. If you receive an unwelcome text from a campaign, do not reply! The campaigns already have records of who voted (via voter rolls from the primaries) but what they're hoping to do is identify new and "likely" voters from any number of data sources. If you respond, for or against the cause or candidate, you're now on a list. Campaigns realize that a growing number of cell phone users prefer text messaging over voice calls -- particularly younger voters -- and they are building texting databases. 

3. If you receive an unwelcome email, immediately look for the "Unsubscribe" link -- usually at the bottom of the message. They or their email blasting service are required by law in most cases to remove your email address. And be sure to keep your personal email off of social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and websites (do a web search for your own name and contact info and see what pops up). Consider setting up a special email account to check at your own convenience for sign ups, political news, and other updates so it doesn't disrupt your business or day-to-day living.

4. Jealously guard your cell phone number! Check to see that your phone number is not listed on social media. If signing in at a political event, rally, or convention leave it blank or use an office or a landline number that can easily roll to voicemail. This applies to voter registration cards as they fall under open records laws and can easily be obtained by campaigns. Candidates, PACs, and parties will often share your info with one another, and once they have your contact information then it tends to spread. 

5. Sign up on the Do Not Call registry. Even though campaigns and political parties have more legal leeway on this, you can keep private companies which gather personal data from reaching you. 

6. Beware of "push polls." It's fine to participate in polls conducted by recognized polling companies, but if it comes in a generic format asking for your stance on various issues it's best to just hang up. There's a strong chance that a generic poll is designed to either identify your number as a likely voter or to "push" a candidate or campaign. 

7. Consider using a call screening method to stop unwanted calls. You can sign up for NoMoRobo.com to stop calls on VOIP lines or TrueCaller.com to screen calls to cellular or landline phones. Google Voice can serve as your own personal receptionist!  You may also sign up for caller ID services and anonymous call rejection with your phone provider, if available, often at a small additional fee.

Do you have a strategy of your own to share? Leave it in the comments below!

This fall's sample ballot is here

What you see is what you get with a sample ballot. If you're wondering what your ballot will look like on Nov. 6 (or during early voting from Oct. 22 through Nov. 2, or via mail-in starting Monday, Oct. 15) the Travis County Elections Division has released the general, city and municipal, and special district sample ballots. Click here to view them.

Google may be cracking down on free speech, but that's free enterprise

God bless the Internet. The creation of American free enterprise and unchained innovation, based on already decades-old military technology, the World Wide Web is  a prime example of how freedom can not only transform the world but improve lives.

Despite all the fake news, pornography, and dark web activity we've come to fear, the advantages of interconnectedness are too numerous to mention here.

We'll stop the ode and revert, instead, to a jeremiad of sorts regarding the unintended consequences of its success.