For the city’s budget, I know firsthand as a former city employee — and from the city auditor’s reports and on-going investigations — that the city’s bloated budget stems from waste, mismanagement, inefficiencies, and poor prioritization, which occurs when Council does not engage in enough questioning and oversight. I voted against Prop Q for those reasons. Austin must offer the essential services of an American city – safety, mobility, recreation – in a way that serves the majority of Austinites. A line-item review of the city’s budget, programs, and processes will move us closer to that goal.

I have a record of delivering more for less. As an Assistant Director overseeing capital improvement projects, I saved the City of Pflugerville millions of dollars by eliminating unnecessary consulting costs, implementing more efficient processes, and improving designs of infrastructure projects. I know how to get it done.  

 

The city fees have become too high, especially for homeowners, small local business owners, and non-profits. I will continue to advocate for a fee structure and review process that is not a financial burden for those that are just trying to live and make a living in Austin.  

 

For the city’s projects, we need to prioritize maintenance and critical infrastructure projects that improve the everyday Austin experience (e.g., sidewalks, pothole repair, flooding, roadway & public safety, parks maintenance, animal services). The city does not have unlimited funding: we need to focus on needs first before optional wants. I will continue to insist on close monitoring of and public involvement in capital improvement projects to ensure timely and efficient progress of well-designed projects. Designs should consider the future operations & maintenance costs of the projects.