South Austin voters’ voices were loud and clear on Election Night. Even though the South Austin Republican Club doesn’t align with the results, we want to thank all the candidates that ran, their campaign staff, volunteers, and warriors that worked tirelessly to get out the vote for who we supported.
These next months and years will be critical to saving Austin from the progressive left and making progress for our principles in Travis County. This is going to require everyone to provide effort and resources to dominate the field and turn out everyone we can for the candidates and causes we support.
The hardest challenges will yield the most satisfying victories in times of great adversity. George Washington faced seemingly insurmountable odds when crossing the Delaware River in the dead of winter in 1776. But, with perseverance, focus, and unwavering determination to protect and maintain the principles he found important, we prevailed in one of the most significant ways in American history.
We too have this same chance in Travis County in 2024. The odds may seem stacked against just. The data may not add up. But if we fold now we do a disservice to everything we believe.
Therefore, we can’t back down. We must cross our Delaware River. We must protect what we hold to be true and important.
The fight is not over. We can and will do more in 2024. And, most importantly – We Can Win Austin!
“This morning, Austin Energy had around 3 dozen homes without power, but around by 5:25 a.m. that number jumped to 7,772.” FOX7 “People were seen fighting over food in the dumpster at an H-E-B store in South Austin on William Cannon and I-35 yesterday.” FOX7 “A residential development containing 375 units and rising up to seven floors at the…
Image: FOX7 As Texas deaths caused by opioid use have risen, Austin has installed its first Narcan vending machine. This machine was deployed by the N.I.C.E. Project (More Narcan In Case of Emergency) in conjunction with Sunrise Homeless Navigation. What is Narcan? It is a nasal spray drug that prevents death from overdosing on opioids…
Dallas Emerson, Communications Director & Data Analyst
dallas@southaustinrc.org
Primaries are often ugly—and Republicans’ primaries have been uglier than usual lately.
When politicians disagree on policy or ideas, primaries can be enlightening, allowing voters to partake in choosing the direction of the party, and the evolution of our shared ideology.
When politicians share essentially the same ideas, the debate comes down to one of character; which means that everyone should grab their ponchos, because the mud will be slung.
The Texas Attorney General’s Republican Primary is an example of this phenomenon. Heading into the runoff, Ken Paxton, the incumbent, and George P. Bush, Texas’ Land Commissioner, must be thoroughly examined.
Both are dedicated followers of President Trump’s MAGA movement, with Paxton holding Trump’s endorsement, but Bush is a close ally of the former President as well.
Both men are conservative. Ken Paxton has been a staunch defender of Texas’ rights as a state and fought to ensure that the Federal Government abides by its own laws. George P Bush has worked within his power as Land Commissioner to secure the Southern border during unprecedented waves of immigration in Texas.
Neither could be described as “moderate” or as a “RINO.”
So, we at South Austin Republicans Club have interrogated the character of these two men.
And as a result, we believe Ken Paxton to be compromised in his role as Attorney General, beset by scandal, and in his seventh year of indictment for securities fraud.
The bedrock of our legal system is the presumption of innocence. In no way are we commenting on his innocence or guilt; that is to be determined by a jury of Paxton’s peers.
But the role of Attorney General relies in large part on moral authority, not just a bright legal mind. And after seven years of investigation, Paxton is a tarnished man.
He has faced widespread staff resignation, has chosen to recuse himself from some of his duties as Attorney General, and faces scrutiny regarding ethical violations for the funding of his legal defense fund.
Within weeks of joining the Texas State Senate, his wife, Senator Angela Paxton, filed legislation that would allow the Attorney General to issue exemptions for the very actions he was under investigation for allegedly committing.
Rather than pushing for his day in court, Paxton has sought every delay, every legal tactic to avoid a verdict being reached.
Texas’ credibility is weakened by this spectacle.
He has operated under this cloud for too long, and with his court date approaching, he will, by necessity be focused on his defense, not on the legal needs of the state. Texas needs an Attorney General that can be 100% dedicated to the job at hand.
This brings us to the other man in the race, Land Commissioner George P. Bush.
Son of former Florida Governor, Jeb Bush, George P Bush carries a name and legacy that evokes mixed emotions. While it is unfair to judge a man by his father’s, uncle’s, or grandfather’s actions, it cannot be denied that the Bush family is a dynasty in American politics.
The concept of one family wielding so much power is rightfully unsettling to most Americans. Many Republicans are reflexively distrusting of Kennedys for this reason, and after decades of dominance by the Bush family, the GOP is wary and weary of further Bushes.
Bush is not without controversy of his own; primarily the bizarre, emotionally charged, debate over the Alamo, which Bush was charged with renovating. During this time, it was alleged that Bush wanted to erect a statue of Mexican Dictator Santa Anna—a claim made without any evidence. Bush responded that these rumors were due to his ethnicity, as his mother is a naturalized citizen from Mexico. We do know that Bush wanted the Cenotaph—an absolutely staggering monument to the brave defenders of the Alamo—moved off the Alamo grounds. This plan was defeated.
However, the strongest critics of Bush voice few concerns other than the arcane Alamo fight and his family name.
Frankly, these criticisms have little bearing on his ability to execute the duties of the Office of Attorney General.
George P. Bush, as was previously stated, is a conservative Republican. He has campaigned on further securing the border and cracking down on crime—which he notes has risen under Paxton’s watch.
It is never enjoyable to take sides in an intraparty fight. SARC usually avoids endorsing before primaries as this unnecessarily divides the party, leaving us weaker. And in a city like Austin, we cannot have that weakness.
But sometimes, a line has to be drawn.
In this case, the Executive Committee of the South Austin Republicans Club felt that AG Paxton’s scandal has outweighed his ability to faithfully execute his duties. If he were the employee of a small business, under investigation for fraud, accused of violating ethics, unable to perform all his duties because of these investigations, and his work being judged as suspect because of the scandal he refused to put to rest—he’d be fired. And in this case, SARC agrees; he should be fired.
For these reasons, we the Executive Committee have chosen to endorse George P. Bush for Attorney General of Texas.
###
Press Release: South Austin Republican Club Announces Endorsement for Texas Attorney General
“Roughly a dozen families living at a mobile home park in South Austin who received 60-day notices to leave will be able to stay for the time being after a Travis County judge issued a temporary restraining order Monday.” KUT 5 Fun Things in South Austin – DO512 “A 25-year-old man has been arrested for…
Austin City Council voted to increase their pay by 40% last week by an overwhelming margin. Out of the eleven members, only three opposed this egregious hike in pay; Paige Ellis (D8), Vanessa Fuentes (D2), and the redoubtable Mackenzie Kelly (D6).
Dallas Emerson, Communications Director & Data Analyst
dallas@southaustinrc.org
Keep Voting
Former President Donald Trump released the following statement yesterday, October 13th, 2021:
This message has been received as a threat to the Republican Party; somehow to address the alleged fraud of the 2020 election.
There are those who argue this message is not a threat but, an analysis: Republican voters will stay home because they feel their votes will not count.
While South Austin Republicans Club takes voter fraud very seriously, we cannot encourage people to not vote. The idea that Republican voters should stay home is destructive, and the same attitude that handed two Georgia Senate seats to Democrats in January. When Republicans stay home, Democrats win.
As our club has noted before, there is no evidence of election-altering fraud in Austin. If the powers that be could suppress the vote, we would have never passed Proposition B (citywide homeless camping ban) or gotten a conservative councilwoman elected (Councilwoman Mackenzie Kelly).
As we look to vote for Prop A this year, and electing new councilmembers next year, we cannot allow the questions we have about the 2020 election prevent us from making our voices heard.
Despite how badly we wanted to see Donald Trump reelected, we must honestly and factually take up the many challenges that Republicans face. So that we ensure conservative leaders are elected and conservative policies implemented.
###
“There are those who argue this message is not a threat but, an analysis: Republican voters will stay home because they feel their votes will not count.”
In 2020, the city council removed $150 million from the Austin Police budget. While this author has given special attention in the past to the obscenity of losing our sex crimes unit, there is another element that was eliminated causing all too tragic consequences.
Today, we will specifically look at mass shootings, trying to understand what exactly they are. By striving to understand the horrors that rock our headlines all too often, we may gain insight into how to prevent them.
On November 2nd, 2021 Texans will have the chance to vote on 8 statewide propositions. Austinites will have the chance to vote on 2 city propositions. You can learn about them here and we encourage you to vote!
Texas State Propositions
Prop #1 The 2021 ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment authorizing the professional sports team charitable foundations of organizations sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association to conduct charitable raffles at rodeo venues.”
Lotteries approved in Texas in 1989 for a State Lottery, Charity bingo events, and Charity raffles
In 2015 the list was increased to add major sports teams; Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, Football and Soccer.
In 2017 they added additional sports leagues, NASCAR and other motor sports, and hosts of PGA events.
This amendment adds Rodeo to the long list.
Prop #2 The ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment authorizing a county to finance the development or redevelopment of transportation or infrastructure in unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted areas in the county.”
This is really a change to allow counties to use up to 65% of increasing tax revenue to pay off debt and finance the purchase of land, development and construction of roads and other infrastructure in areas they designate as “blighted” or “underdeveloped”. Terms they get to define. We have already seen where the left is going with “infrastructure.”
Prop #3 The ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment to prohibit this state or a political subdivision of this state from prohibiting or limiting religious services of religious organizations.”
This is an amendment to the Texas Constitution which guarantees freedom of worship. Reading that section (Section 6) I don’t see where there is a prohibition against doing what CA and other states have done – closing churches during emergencies, when people most need them!
Prop #4 The ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment changing the eligibility requirements for a justice of the supreme court, a judge of the court of criminal appeals, a justice of a court of appeals, and a district judge.”
This adds new, more stringent qualifications for the mentioned judges. I am all in favor of doing what we can to make sure our justices are well qualified and experienced. I wish they would make it easier to remove judges that attempt legislation from the bench. But that isn’t covered.
Prop #5 The ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment providing additional powers to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct with respect to candidates for judicial office.”
Currently the Commission can only handle complaints against judges. This amendment would give them power to investigate candidates for judicial offices, as well. On its face it may help inform the voters about candidate misconduct but I wouldn’t count on it’s not being misused for political purposes.
Prop #6 The ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment establishing a right for residents of certain facilities to designate an essential caregiver for in-person visitation.”
Why? This is a sneaky thing. The Constitution already guarantees the rights to have visitors during hospital care – this changes the Constitution to add the word “AN” meaning ONE and only ONE caregiver. It further gives the legislature the ability to provide guidelines for the visitation and policies used by hospitals. On the other side it prevents the governor from saying “no visitors at all” using his emergency powers.
PROP #7 The ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment to allow the surviving spouse of a person who is disabled to receive a limitation on the school district ad valorem taxes on the spouse’s residence homestead if the spouse is 55 years of age or older at the time of the person’s death.” -and –
Prop #8 The ballot will read… “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a member of the armed services of the United States who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.” Ad Val taxes are Property Taxes, by the way. There are currently some 17 different types of people that receive this benefit. It started with the military, then first responders, jailers, then HHS employees, chaplains, Parks and Rec’s employees that “help” with law enforcement. These amendments will have the effect of property tax abatement on the survivors of those killed “in the line of duty,” not just in combat and extend the benefit to school taxes if the spouse is 55 or older at the time of death.
City of Austin Propositions
City of Austin Proposition A
The 2021 ballot will read… Shall a petitioned ordinance be approved to enhance public safety and police oversight, transparency and accountability by adding new chapter 2-16 to establish minimum standards for the police department to ensure effective public safety and protect residents and visitors to Austin, and prescribing minimal requirements for achieving the same, at an estimated cost of $271.5 million – $598.8 million over five years?
Proposition A sets a mandate for staffing and sets minimum standards that will provide oversight and accountability on both the police department and city leadership. As we look ahead to more city growth, we must make public safety a top priority. Prop A would do exactly that.
City of Austin Proposition B
The 2021 ballot will read… Shall the City Council be authorized to convey or lease approximately 9 acres of parkland currently used as the Central Maintenance Complex (CMC) located at 2525 S. Lakeshore Blvd. through a public bidding process, where the total value of the bid is equal to or greater than the appraised fair market value of CMC, in exchange for at a minimum: 1) at least 48 acres of waterfront land contiguous to an existing City park; and 2) the cost or construction of a new maintenance facility for the Parks and Recreation Department on other city-owned land; and 3) partial or full funding for the removal of Fiesta Gardens’ existing maintenance facility and restoration of that land to parkland?
Parcel on South Lakeshore Boulevard that voters are being asked to approve for trade.
In the wake of mass shootings, Americans are regularly told that these atrocities do not happen in other developed countries. This, we are to believe, is the damnable result of the Second Amendment to the Constitution.
Austin has decided to launch an experiment with Universal Basic Income (UBI) in partnership with the nonprofit UpTogether. The program, when implemented, will send $1000 per month to 85 low-income individuals in the city.
In 2023 we have a chance to change the composition of the Austin City Council. What the really means is that we have a chance in 2022 since candidates can start officially running one year prior to the election in November of 2023.
In South Austin we will have two seats up for the taking in 2023; District 8 and District 5. Both of which will be in striking distance for Republicans.
District 8 is already showing prominence with the recent news of lawyer and retired judge Richard Smith throwing his hat in the ring for the District 8 spot.
On Saturday, September 18th, Mr. Smith will host a soft launch for his campaign in order to introduce himself to the South Austin community. He will be present to answer questions, present his platform and meet community neighbors.
We highly encourage you to attend!
*Note: This is not a formal endorsement of Mr. Smith’s run for District 8 City Council.
Severe winter weather can be deadly and we want you to be as prepared as possible for the next major storm that will hit the Austin metro area. Below, you will find ways to be prepared. Please take every suggestion seriously. The intention of this article: To ensure you have the soft/hard skills and options…
6:07PM – Austin, TX USA South Austin Republican Club Dallas Emerson, Communications Director & Data Analyst dallas@southaustinrc.org Keep Voting Former President Donald Trump released the following statement yesterday, October 13th, 2021: This message has been received as a threat to the Republican Party; somehow to address the alleged fraud of the 2020 election. There are…
We have all heard of each side of the aisle calling the counter side out for voter fraud. This is common place in today’s political climate as a friendly tactic amongst pundits from both camps. However, beyond the name calling and accusations there may be some truth to the matter – especially in Texas.
Five years ago, Dr. Laura Pressley filed an election contest in Texas, citing irregularities and illegalities which occurred in the tabulation and recount of her 2014 Austin City Council race. Because of the electronic tabulation errors, constitutional violations, and illegalities in her recount, Pressley argued that the results were unknowable. The evidentiary and legal claims she presented were a first in Texas.
From 2005 to 2019, The Heritage Foundation has cited over 86 cases of election. That’s 6.14 election fraud cases per year. Which means that there are at least 1-3 cases per election cycle.
If convicted, a state election crime will get you prison time. If a federal offense, you have a permanent felony on your record.
With the onset use of technology in elections, ballot crimes have been a growing problem in Texas and the nation. We are now using algorithms, proxies and, and social media targeting to impact how votes are cast and counted.
“Those who violate our election laws don’t just steal a vote from another citizen, they destroy their community’s confidence in the democratic process. Mail ballots are intended to protect the voting rights of Texans who are unable to travel to polling locations, but criminals exploit this process to alter votes through manipulation and deception. Fraudsters who threaten the viability of our democratic elections must be caught and prosecuted, and I thank the Seventh Court of Appeals for remanding this case to trial so the State may do just that.”
In the case of Dr. Laura Pressley, she was sanctioned more than $100,000 in lower court proceedings just for asking legal questions of whether her loss to now-Austin City Councilman Gregorio Casar was the result of a fair election and accurate electronic ballot-counting.
But her sanctions were all overturned in January 2019 by a unanimous ruling in the state Supreme Court — a ruling that opens the door for future challenges to the way votes are counted in Texas.
There are obvious cases of voter and election fraud happening across the country. We are starting to use technology to catch those that act out of step in their roles in elections. Voting is not only our civic duty but also what keeps us and our elected officials honest.
We are responsible for bringing suspicious activity to, not just one person, but multiple. We must be vigilant in our approach in how we curate and nurture the voting process. Because in the end, if your vote is tampered with, your vote doesn’t count. That is the very definition of the loss of democracy. Most importantly, the loss of voting is the loss of this great country and how the founders birthed it to be.
Welcome! 