Lee Leffingwell responds to a question at the NAAO mayoral forum
April 21, 2009 | Yvonne Lim Wilson
Advertisements
Elastik Pixel Web design. Works with local Austin businesses to create their custom Website vision. Get your free online estimate or call (512) 680-8142.
Austin mayoral candidates addressed about 50 members of the Asian American community on topics ranging from jobs, traffic and the Asian Resource Center during a special mayoral candidate forum.
The forum, held at Akins High School on Sunday, April 19, was sponsored by Austin South Asian monthly community paper, the Network of Asian American Organizations and the Indian American Coalition for Texas.
Local real estate investor David Buttross said he aims to cut wasteful spending and, as mayor, would work without pay. "Do you want a politician in charge of your money, or do you want a businessman in charge of your money," he said.
City Councilman Lee Leffingwell talked about focusing on basic needs such as creating and saving jobs, traffic, public safety and more openness. "In these troubled economic times, we need a steady hand," he said.
City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Brewster McCracken talked of developing economic growth in digital media, film and other industries while also serving current needs. "We can tackle today's challenges while moving forward," he said.
Carole Keeton Strayhorn, a former Austin mayor and Texas Comptroller, emphasized budgeting skills and spoke of the need to bring in a medical school to Austin. "I will put healthcare over headlines," she said.
When asked about interactions with the Asian community, each pledged to listen, as well as meet with groups and individuals.
Leffingwell said he would continue his commitment to appoint Asians to board and commissions. He also said he wants to hold periodic council meetings in different neighborhoods to be more accessible to various groups, as well as start a mentoring program for young people. "The Asian population is growing and multi-faceted. It's not something you look at as one large group," he said, adding, "I appreciate what you do and I intend to help."
McCracken talked about how important the Asian population is to Austin and agreed that more Asians should be appointed to boards and committees. He added that close partnerships with members of the Asian community would be helpful to developing relationships with companies in Asia.
Buttross cited his experience living in different countries and his Lebanese heritage. On the subject of minority contracts, he said that the city process needs to be simpler so small businesses can better compete. "My answers are not for just the Asian community. I'm not going to promise something to one group. We need to embrace all immigrants," he said.
Strayhorn said the Asian American community needs to be notified on issues and included in the decision-making.
On the subject of the Asian Resource Center, Leffingwell, McCracken and Strayhorn all expressed their support for the creation and completion of the center. Buttross (who answered first) failed to directly answer the question, leading one to wonder if he was familiar with the issue.
Attendees said it was helpful to meet the candidates and hear them speak on a range of topics.
"It was helpful to know the candidates and understand the backgrounds. It gives us a rough picture to see all the candidates at one forum," said Zia Syed.
Lau Tran said that, for him, the speeches were a bit hard to follow, but he responded best to David Buttross.
"What he said was from his heart. He didn't have to flatter the Asian community," Tran said.
Chagambhai Finavia said he was most concerned about traffic, but did not come away with a clear winner.
Ahsan Chowdhury of the Texas Bengali Cultural Alliance said the forum was helpful, but more is needed.
"We need multiple forums," he said.
Phil Hoang, president of the Network of Asian American Organizations, which co-sponsored the event, said it's important for the Asian American community to be informed, not just on issues specific to Asians, but on a broad range of topics.
"We started with a question about high tech in the city and ended with a question about traffic problems," Hoang said. "We work together with the city instead of asking what the city does for us."
As a network of fourteen different organizations, the NAAO will not be endorsing any candidates.
ADVERTISEMENTS
Satay, the Asian cookery in Austin, TX.
Camp Lucy Event Center features restored buildings imported from Vietnam.
Chinatown. New downtown location. Dim Sum. Sushi. Tea. Spirits.
4 comments
Brewster McCracken has worked against the Asian American Community and its interests since he has been on the City Council. His past comments and actions show that he is totally against the Asian American Community in Austin. Given the past history with him, it would be very difficult to trust him.
Asian American Community should not support him in this Mayoral election.
David,
Here is a link to election info for Austin.
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/election/
Hi David, thanks so much for your comment. Election date is May 9. Early voting begins April 27 so get out there and vote!
Regarding the comment from Buttross about who do you trust with your money, a politician or a business man ... is he paying attention to the current financial crisis in America? So we just trust business people with our money who talk about cutting expenses? We need more vision than that.
Also, when is the election? Didn't see it in the article.