In my last update on the January 18th meeting of the Commission, I failed to include details on those addressing the Commission through public comments at the Commission meetings. We talked about being aware of the parties most interested in the subject -- as they could be possible collaborators in any public forum LWVAA might consider. I want to also point out for those newer to LWVAA, that each city election LWVAA has collaborated with the Austin City Clerk and Ethics Commission to present candidate forums. The City secures all of the locations, and LWVAA conducts the forum. You may wish to approach them about a similar collaboration on this. Just an idea...
Thus far, there have been few citizens to come before the Commission in the Public Communications period before each meeting. It is always taken as the first item of the meetings before getting into the agenda. Thus there will be no need to hunt around for this information...it's right up front.
11-16-2023 Meeting - Speaker was Ed English who didn't identify himself as representing any group, but as one with experience gathering petition signatures. His suggestions included not increasing the numbers of petition signatures required, as he claimed it would be impossible for any but the ultra wealthy companies to gather them. There is audio but no transcript.
12-14-2023 Meeting - Speaker was Chris Harris, representing the Austin Justice Coalition. This was the group that organized the petition drive for one of the Prop A amendments last year. There is a audio and a transcript of his comments online. His major points - the confusing labeling of the propositions on the ballot (two both labeled Prop A) and opposition to increasing the number of signatures required.
01-08-2024 Meeting - Speaker was Kathy Mitchell, representing Equity Austin who was also involved in last year's Prop A battles. Her comments can be heard or read by going here.
Also of interest is the Austin Monitor coverage of the January 8 meeting, found at this link.