Austin City Council exempts themselves from ethics rules?

There may be more to it than what Spectrum News picked up on here:

The draft ordinance gave the City Auditor the ability to investigate the City Council and their staff members for allegations of a violation related to interfering with personnel matters. It was intended to prevent elected officials from pressuring city staff to go against their best professional judgment.
"The city auditor shall hire an external party to investigate the allegation if the city auditor finds that an allegation merits an investigation," the draft ordinance read. 

[...] That means a City Council member, their direct staff and the City Manager are not subject to due process.

Does this amount to a power-grab by city staff or a play for immunity by the City Council (or both)? It's all a tangled mess, but we'll keep an eye on this.

Read more: http://www.twcnews.com/tx/austin/news/2017/02/10/austin-council-exempts-itself--staff-from-ethics-review.html

(Hat-tip: Matt Mackowiak for posting this to Facebook.)

Trump supporter beaten in Austin: Not fake news, in our own backyard

Disbelief filled the minds of many conservative Austinites who read blog posts this week of a 20-something being beaten and knocked unconscious because of a lighthearted Donald Trump cigarette lighter.

We wish this was another example of fake news and "alternative facts." The Tracker verified the details in the report that was originally published in Gateway Pundit.

According to Austin Police Department incident records obtained by the Tracker, the beating took place around 2 a.m. Monday at 1515 Wickersham Lane, steps away from the Riverside Golf Course and near several apartments.

The Tracker contacted the victim, Scott Sauter, a law clerk and newcomer to Austin. Sauter confirmed Gateway Pundit's report. On his walk home from the New Movement Theater comedy club downtown a man noticed the whimsical Trump decoration on his lighter as he lit up a cigarette.

Judge for yourselves: Is this proper behavior?

Ok, Judge Sarah Eckhardt is by no means a judicial figure. She was voted in by a Democrat county electorate to a position traditionally called "County Judge" but is more accurately a county administrator on a Texas constitutional Commissioners Court. She doesn't sit on a "bench" and isn't subject to judicial ethics, contrary to social media pleas to "disbar" her.

This would explain a lot ... if true

This is making the rounds on the Central Texas conservative social media scene this week, but the Tracker cannot verify whether this was an actual offer made via Craigslist. If you ended up with $40 cash money leave a comment! We want in on some of that Soros cash!

The post has since been taken down by Craigslist.

Trailer Park Gang digs into education freedom during School Choice Week

Monday marked the beginning of National School Choice Week, and the Trailer Park Show didn't miss a beat -- even while longtime host James "Slow Pokey" Ritter is still in recovery.

Peggy Venable, a face you may remember from Americans for Prosperity-Texas but who is now an education policy expert with Texas Public Policy Foundation, discussed several important topics to maximizing taxpayer dollars by giving parents (e.g. taxpayers) the freedom to choose where their children receive their public education. She is joined by hosts Marilyn Jackson and Mike Lee.

Learn more about school choice in Texas by clicking the video link above.

We would be remiss to not make mention of a HUGE school choice rally that took place at the Texas Capitol today. Around 4,000 people gathered at the South Steps of the capitol and wore the movement's trademark yellow scarves to support a variety of options to reform public ed. It was organized by Travis County's own Randan Steinhauser and supported by countless other Austin-area activists and educators. Our apologies for not listing everyone! Click here for highlights.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in support of School Choice activists.
(Photo courtesy of Red Sonja of the Conservatives in Action blog)

Conservatives well-represented at KLRU inauguration roundtable

Nubia Devine defending American values

Austin's PBS affiliate, KLRU-TV, hosted a roundtable discussion following the presidential inauguration on Friday. And though the commentary on a PBS station may often track to the left, Friday's community discussion was pleasantly balanced.

Travis County GOP Chairman James Dickey notes that the following persons were among the conservative voices on the panel: winery entrepreneur Ryan Laffen, public relations specialist Nubia Devine, longtime Republican grassroots leader Earl Wellborn, and the Texas Public Policy Foundation's general counsel Robert Henneke.

Watch the entire exchange here, moderated by Austin broadcasting veteran Judy Maggio:
https://www.facebook.com/KLRUAustinPBS/videos/10155763000806038

What do you think? Was it a fair hearing for Republicans? Weigh-in on the comments section below.

Zimmerman launches new radio show

Former City Councilman Don Zimmerman just wrapped up the first episode of his new radio show, "The Taxpayers Voice of Reason."

The two-hour show, to air Saturdays at 3 p.m. on "The Bridge," KTXW-AM, 1120, today featured in-studio guests former Republican candidate for HD 46 Gabriel Nila and this writer as today's co-host. Bob Phillips, host of the station's evening drive program, called in to congratulate Zimmerman on his radio venture.

Callers included local attorney David Rogers addressing immigration and Travis County GOP Chairman James Dickey summarizing his view on local reactions to the presidential inauguration.

A description from the show's website:

Trump's inaugural address: a Rorsach test

Travis County Republican Party James Dickey had a unique take on Donald Trump's first speech as President of the United States.

People’s reactions to it are much less about what was actually said than they are about us, our ideological positions, and the subtext we read into the words because of what we’ve seen and heard from Trump and others in the past.

Read more (and the speech itself) here:

http://jamesrdickey.com/president-trumps-inauguration-speech

Austin inaugurates the new president in its own mellow way (Nothing to see here)

Not-so-mass protest (Courtesy Mark Loeffler)

As a contrast to broken windows and blocked traffic reported in some protests in parts of these United States, Austin retained its trademark casual vibe as inauguration protesters took to the streets.

OK, so a pinata of Donald Trump was lit on fire. That's about as bad as it got, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

Texas Public Policy Foundation reportedly had Black Lives Matter-esque protesters at their watch party/discussion event, but the Austin Police Department was quick to escort them out.

Travis GOP Chairman James Dickey filmed via Facebook Live a "parade" cutting off his commute home from the Travis County GOP's happy hour at Ten Oak. He reports 20-30 in attendance at the happy hour, but warnings to avoid downtown may have cut down on the numbers a bit: https://www.facebook.com/jamesrdickey/videos/10211933716803756

Mark Loeffler took the above shot from his perch in the Stephen F. Austin State Office Building of protesters in not-so-mass numbers along North Congress Avenue -- mostly likely spillover from protests at the University of Texas.

The best view, however, was caught by Austin's own Rob Hale in his visit to the inauguration in Washington D.C. He shares via Twitter (@RobHale15) Executive One leaving with the Obamas on board.

Happy Inauguration Day, Austin!

If you have any inauguration protest or celebration anecdotes you'd like to share, please leave a comment.

Dukes Chronicles: Democrats do right by the public (but more must be done)

"A source" told the Austin American-Statesman that Rep. Dawnna Dukes will be indicted on 15 counts and could face up to a 28-year sentence.

Read more:

http://www.statesman.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/source-rep-dawnna-dukes-indicted-counts-faces-years/pe366o4slS5iqAfNhsMQwI

"Now will the Travis County Democrats take a stand, or will this be another one of those situations in which the Dems in the DA's office stall and maneuver their way to dismissal or a mere slap on the wrist?" "a source" told the Travis Tracker.

Dukes' 2016 Republican challenger, Gabriel Nila, released a statement today:

New Texas Ethics Commission director fond of anti-Trump diaper pin

All polemics and apologetics aside, we understand the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) can often be used as a battering ram against one's political enemies.

Whether or not you agree with that assertion, it is a growing suspicion that the TEC is being used to silence conservative opposition to the powers that be in the Texas Legislature.

So is it a good PR move for an embattled agency to appoint a new Executive Director who brandishes a symbol for opposition to President-elect Donald Trump? See Facebook screenshot below -- and apologies if we have the wrong Seana Beckerman Willing or if that's a special type of collectible safety pin we're not aware of.

Hey Cedar Park: stand by your flag

Was it really worth bringing a well-meaning citizen to tears over? Now come on, Cedar Park!

Given, the winning design of the new Cedar Park official flag is reminiscent of Amsterdam's (see Cedar Park's original flag design contest flyer below -- they were asking for it!) the color scheme is spot-on and matches the landscape of the Texas Hill Country. The design stands out from among the banality of most city flags with nothing more than a city seal or tourism department logo on a plain background.

And then there are historic examples of controversial flag designs that, when proven unpopular, simply faded into obscurity without the need to assail anyone's creativity or revoke their claim to fame. You made a decision, Cedar Park. Now stand by it ... at least for awhile.

Dems silent as Rep. Dukes breaks promise to take 85th Lege oath

Taking an 'oath' of office

Mas triste is the way a Republican challenger described an East Austin state rep's decision not to step down as promised; his plans to celebrate the beginning of a special election for the Texas House District 46 seat postponed indefinitely.

At the same time, Gabriel Nila is not one to mope about eastern Travis following this and another setback on election night in November. Rather, he has his chin up and is looking at Rep. Dawnna Dukes' recalcitrance as an opportunity to build the community.

'Cedar Fever' survival guide: the next best thing to eradication

One possible solution.

Mold allergies have been bad enough to us during this unusual El Niño year.

But Cedar gets the prize for 2016. Cedar pollen (actually, and to be fair to true Cedar trees, Ashe Juniper pollen -- that's Juniperus ashei) hit the second-highest level on record today -- 21,952 grains per cubic meter.

Because Austin exists in a geographic "bowl," the pollen tends to linger around longer than it does elsewhere. And the humidity makes it stick. That bestows upon us a badge of honor as one of the Allergy Capitals of the United States.

The cedar pollen intensity this time of year affects even those who normally do not suffer from allergies. Workplaces report higher numbers of call-outs for cold-like symptoms.

False alarms are raised when "smoke" is seen coming from areas dense with cedar trees -- only for the firefighters to discover it's only the brownish dust from pollen entering the air on a dry, windy day otherwise prone to brush fires.

The trees, as beautiful and beloved as they are around Christmastime, are more than just a health hazard according to some. Even Rep. Paul Workman (R-Austin) authored a bill to loosen tree ordinances on certain species that present themselves as fire hazards, such as the Ashe Juniper. Here's how to get rid of them yourself if you're so inclined.

To fight our annual bout of "Cedar Fever" this writer would like to offer his advice as a lifelong allergy sufferer. See if you benefit from these tips, and if you have your own remedies please feel free to add them to the comments below.

Texas Electoral College puts Trump/Pence over the top

This is why we have an Electoral College.

Though Ron Paul, John Kasich, and Carly Fiorina all reportedly made appearances on the 36 Electoral College ballots cast today in the Texas House of Representatives chamber, it was not enough to stop Texas from putting Donald Trump over the top for President.

As a matter of fact (and without counting liberal bastions California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the District of Columbia), Trump expands his electoral lead over Hillary Clinton by two. This is particularly ironic, because one Texas elector announced he would switch his vote to Clinton/Kaine and another simply quit.

Our friend and local broadcaster Leland Freeman led a small band of conservatives in support of electors keeping their pledges. A modest crowd of liberals clamored for last-minute denial of pledges.

____________
Image credit: Alex Egoshin www.vividmaps.com

Austinite scores national political podcast, column with Washington Times

Matt on Fox 7 doing his thing.

In addition to his popular Must Read Texas service regarding Lone Star State politics, Travis GOP Executive Vice Chairman Matt Mackowiak is venturing out into the national media scene.

See below about the inaugural edition of "Mack on Politics" featuring some guests you may recognize. 

In the inaugural episode of “Mack on Politics,” host Matt Mackowiak interviews longtime GOP consultant, NBC News political analyst, and former Jeb Bush Super PAC mastermind Mike Murphy. They discussed how Trump improbably punched through the so-called “Blue wall” of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, how Hillary wasted her national convention, if he had any regrets about strategic decisions made for Jeb’s Super PAC and whether he has any hope for Trump. 

Then Mackowiak talked to Erick Erickson, former editor-in-chief of RedState.com, radio host for WSB in Atlanta, Fox News contributor, author, and founder of TheResurgent.com about how Trump won, whether the GOP primary was winnable for anyone else, and what Erickson thinks is the state of the conservative movement in the Age of Trump. They also discussed religious liberty and his own foray into conservative talk radio and migration away from Red State to create his own successful conservative site. 

Listen here -- http://m.washingtontimes.com/staff/matt-mackowiak

Troxclair: 'Everyone wins' when SXSW waivers are denied

City Council member Ellen Troxclair will soon become the last conservative standing on the Austin City Council. But that doesn't mean she's ready to back down and start cutting deals on leftist policies. Troxclair remains a voice calling for greater affordability and fairness in terms of how local government levies taxes and fees.

Case in point: Troxclair pointed out in an Austin American-Statesman column today that the City of Austin waives $1.5 million in fees for the SXSW festival -- costs a cash-cow of an event could easily afford.

It is unfair to ask Austinites to put up with these inconveniences [traffic, crowding, etc.] year in and year out — and then be forced to pay for it, too. Our already property tax-burdened residents should not foot the bill for the ever-increasing public safety costs associated with these special events. ...

... According to the city’s calculations, the property tax burden for the median-value home has risen 29.2 percent since 2012. Over that same time period, the median-family income has only risen 3.7 percent. This proportion is wildly unsustainable.

Read more, including a possible alternative, at:
http://www.mystatesman.com/news/opinion/troxclair-taxpayers-shouldn-foot-the-bill-for-sxsw/cQIu0yYPecDWyEBO9jsgkK

Troxclair, the representative of Southwest Austin (District 8), will become the only conservative on the Austin City Council in 2017, with the defeat of incumbents Don Zimmerman (District 6, Northwest Austin) on Nov. 8 and Sheri Gallo (District 10, Far West, etc.) on Tuesday.

An Obama organizer, a Planned Parenthood volunteer, and a radical enviro are on your Dec. 13 ballot; how will you vote?

Stop us if you've heard this one.

A Nevada field director for Obama's re-election campaign, a Planned Parenthood volunteer still in college, and an environmentalist who opposes Austin's growth walk into your ballot booth.

We wish it were a joke. It's a serious possibility that these candidates could win any or all of three influential local elections Tuesday.

The Travis GOP has not endorsed a candidate in the Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, runoff election, and some local conservative voters may feel at a disadvantage when determining for whom to cast a ballot (or whether to show up at all). The Tracker urges its readers to vote anyway, but not without some intel -- and we provide some here in the form of some reverse psychology.

Fortunately, there's a method to determine who conservatives should support that almost never fails. Assuming there's no blue moon forecast tonight, our friends at the Austin Chronicle have released their opinions on who the most liberal and union-backed candidates are. We'll review the highlights for you.

Two Congressional races hang in the balance: Texans to the rescue!

Austin has become an extension of the last major battleground of the 2016 election year.

Three federal runoff races remain -- all to be decided by our neighbors over in Louisiana this Saturday, Dec. 10.

Here's what happened:

Ballot integrity: no longer 'just right wing paranoia'

Clearly, the reasons differ. And greatly. But it's downright refreshing to finally see the integrity of our electoral process gain favor of political parties other than the GOP.

For years, and aside from a few courageous individuals and organizations on the left, the Republican Party has been the vanguard of election integrity. Alas, everything from Voter ID laws to calling for paper trails for electronic voting has been placed by the mainstream press into the same category as black helicopter theories and chupacabra sightings. Liberal detractors would point to the handful of actual, final voter fraud convictions in court as "proof" it wasn't a problem (it's hard to prosecute when you have little to no evidence on which to go on). Attempts to tighten down security at the polling place has been labeled racist, sexist, "class warfare," and even age-ist.

Coverage of allegations of mass fraud would go un-covered for weeks. In one instance, an account of tens of thousands of forged and faked voter applications in Harris County uncovered by the King Street Patriots did not warrant coverage for weeks aside from conservative blogs -- and when it finally caught the attention of the mainstream media ... well, read what happened and make your own judgments.