City Council Candidates Respond to Austin Advocate Questions - March 2005
Inclusionary housing ordinance:
HomeOwners: Do you favor requiring all developers of four or more units to make at least 25 percent of the home-ownership units affordable housing for individuals and families making less than 80 percent of the average median income for Austin?No. It’s these constant plans for subsidies that caused our cost of living to go as high. We need to stop the pay-offs to special interest and bring the cost of living here in Austin to an affordable rate.
Renters: Would you require that at least 25 percent of the rental units be affordable for individuals and families making less than half the average median income for Austin?
No. We need to get all housing in Austin back to an affordable rate and not use subsidies to make some people pay more than others for the same product or apartment.
Quality of Life Ordinance/Issue:
Do you support the so-called “Quality of Life” proposals to further criminalize persons who are homeless including special laws applicable to sitting/sleeping applicable only in the downtown area, and a citywide ban against roadside solicitation in favor of door-to-door solicitation? Are you presently concerned with the quality of life for the homeless?
I am concerned with the homeless and their situation. I’m also concerned with those who are homeless breaking the laws and purposely causing problems giving the homeless a bad name here in Austin, I don’t think it should be a crime to sleep in the sidewalk, but I also don’t think that someone should sleep on the sidewalk in the first place. Why should someone who is just trying to walking around downtown have to step over or around some else who is not thinking of anyone but themselves. The city wouldn’t have to pass laws like this if others would be considerate of others. I think that a happy medium can be met in this situation that would appease everyone in this matter.Have you ever given money to a panhandler?
YesHave you ever purchased The Advocate Newspaper from a street vender?
No
Austin has for too long ignored the causes of our increasing homeless problem. Having the highest cost of living in Texas, continuing to raise our taxes and pay off companies to come to Austin is not the direction to go. Also taking away the jobs and the housing market with the estimated 80 THOUSAND Illegal Aliens is not the way to go either. Austin could be a low cost city again, but with our current leaders doing the same old thing they’ve done in the past we’re not nor will we ever solve the real problems at hand.
While the city continues to (forcibly) take our tax dollars in an ever increasing manor while give more and more of our hard earned money away to special interests, we will never pay off our debts or stop the increasing number of homeless is Austin and surrounding areas. This is a subject I pled to work hard on if elected to the city council. I can tell you that of all the candidates running in my race, I literally have the best most effective plan to solve the homeless issue here in Austin.
In Liberty,
Steve AdamsInclusionary housing ordinance:
I believe the current definition of affordable housing is not affordable for most low income families. The current formulas for determining a mean income on city wide basis makes affordable housing available for those who can already qualify for a loan and purchase a home. I think inclusionary zoning is a short term fix at best unless it is tied to some other program. The housing taxes would be at the level of surrounding structures and the value of the property would be high. Habitat for Humanity has provisions in closing contracts which require individuals to live in the house for a period of time without an option to sell, except back to the program at same cost. I prefer a trickle up policy which involves land banking, by streamlining the process of turning over abandoned houses and tracts, removing liens and developing with developer for cost of housing with subsidies. The land to be sold for 100$ to families qualifying for low interest loans for new housing to be built with participating builders. I support the concept of inclusionary zoning but would have to see the details of any ordinance, be provided evidence it would have an impact on affordability of Austin and was shown to be legal.HomeOwners:
Do you favor requiring all developers of four or more units to make at least 25 percent of the home-ownership units affordable housing for individuals and families making less than 80 percent of the average median income for Austin?
No, this proposal is probably unconstitutional so I would not support it. If we passed such an ordinance it would cost us a lot of grief, legal fees and would not be enforceable. Affordable housing has to either be induced, subsidized or a combination of the two. I would like to see more commitment to down payment assistance programs, habitat for humanity houses and housing first programs.Renters:
Would you require that at least 25 percent of the rental units be affordable for individuals and families making less than half the average median income for Austin?I would consider this proposal but would need more information before committing to voting for it. Would this involve voucher subsidies, section eight or simply be city mandated rent amounts? There are several legal issues I would need to consult with City Legal Department on. Enforcement of this proposal may necessitate the development of new level of bureaucracy within the city that may mitigate any cost saving benefits of the lower rents.
Quality of Life Ordinance/Issue:
Do you support the so-called “Quality of Life” proposals to further criminalize persons who are homeless including special laws applicable to sitting/sleeping applicable only in the downtown area, and a citywide ban against roadside solicitation in favor of door-to-door solicitation? Are you presently concerned with the quality of life for the homeless?I object to the targeting of homeless as criminals. The quality of life ordinance initiated by Rudolf Gulliani in New York basically criminalized homelessness. I believe such an ordinance would have a negative effect on Austin. I prefer more establishment of programs which help people become full members of society by providing housing first. The Quality of life ordinance is problem not solution oriented.
Have you ever given money to a panhandler?
Yes, I do not do this often because I have friends that are homeless. My experiences are that most often this money is be used for drugs or alcohol. Of course there are exceptions but I prefer to donate to organizations I know will use the money for good purposes to assist the homeless.
Have you ever purchased The Advocate Newspaper from a street vender?
Yes, I think it is good way to give someone without much opportunity an avenue to raise money and be more self-sufficient.I have spent eight years working with youth, abused and neglected children, have served on Jackie Goomdan’s affordable housing committe. I held a susatinable housing summit and affordable housing meeting in East Austin. I have worked with many people who share the ideals of promoting the ability of those who lack resources to become full mebers of our society.
Living Wage Issue:
I believe that we should be doing everything possible and practical to ensure that local workers are making enough money to be able to afford decent local housing. I don’t know if establishing a local minimum wage tied to the cost of local housing is possible or practical, but I do very strongly support increasing the national minimum wage to help ensure a good quality of life for working men and women. We should be especially concerned with achieving an increase the national minimum wage in Austin, as our housing costs are among the highest anywhere.
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance:
I believe that the City of Austin has made important progress to help increase the stock of affordable housing in recent years, but also feel strongly that the City can and should do more. I do favor policies that would help ensure that affordable units for both buyers and renters are included in all new developments in Austin, as is feasible. I don’t know whether or not the inclusionary standard you suggest in the question – 25% or more of all new units – is achievable, but, if elected, I will commit to investigate all possibilities for delivering new housing options for those individuals and families making less than average median income for Austin.
Quality of Life Ordinance:
I am very concerned about the quality of life for homeless persons in Austin, and believe that we should be doing everything we can as a City to help people find their way off the street, including dedicating more resources to specific services for the homeless. I think we always need to be certain that we are treating homeless persons in Austin with respect, and don’t agree with those who may be suggesting the harshest possible penalties for code violations, downtown or anywhere else. At the same time, with regard to the specific ordinance that is being proposed, I do also respect the right of Austin residents, tourists, and business patrons to enjoy a good quality of life, and think it is reasonable to create a panhandling-free zone in the downtown area. I would also be supportive of other reasonable, respectful steps to protect residents, tourists and business patrons from otherwise intrusive behavior by homeless persons, or anyone else.
Have you ever given money to a panhandler? Yes.
Have you ever purchased the Advocate Newspaper?
Yes.Thank you for the opportunity to respond to these questions. I greatly admire the concept of The Advocate Newspaper and appreciate all that you are doing to help homeless persons lift themselves up, and ultimately get off the streets. One of the reasons I am running for the Austin City Council is because our community is obviously continuing to grow dramatically, and I think it is very important for us to remember, in the face of all this growth and change, that Austin must remain a caring community. In my view, in Austin, we are really only as successful as a community as the least fortunate among us. So as federal and state government increasingly turn their backs on the less fortunate, we, as a City, need to continue to fund our system of non-profit human services agencies to the best of our ability and provide the best possible services – not only for homeless persons, but for all of those individuals and families otherwise in need. As noted above, we also need to continue to work diligently to deliver ample affordable housing options, to ensure that our ongoing economic growth doesn’t price low-income communities out of Austin. Of course, we face a broad variety of other big challenges in Austin – traffic congestion, environmental protection, and public safety, just to name a few – but at the end of the day we must always be working to ensure that a great quality of life is within reach of every Austinite, not just the few who may benefited most from our economic growth.
Do you support a local minimum wage tied to the cost of housing?
A local minimum wage tied to the cost of living makes total sense. Most of us are existing on a dying wage. Why do the people who do most, if not all of the phsyical work in order to sustain a vibrant city life, get paid the least? I don’t get it! You wanna dance to the music you gotta pay the band.
Inclusionary housing ordinance:
I think it should be a law that developers and other real estate investors provide 25% of their
rental space for low incomes. Them taking care of people is more important than them making money. I would personally hope that everyone was sleeping in a nice cozy bed every night. We know this doesn’t happen. They recently just built a new facility off Red River; it’s a start.Have you ever given money to a panhandler?
Yes, I have given money to a panhandler.
Have you ever purchased The Advocate Newspaper from a street vender?
I usually purchase the Advocate at 360 and Walsh Tarlton whenever I work in that part of town.
One thing that has frustrated and at the same time disappointed me is that in all the forums I’ve
attended is that I rarely get the opportunity to the hear the thoughts feelings and ideas that the people who hold these events and ask these questions have. I feel that people sometimes don’t want to show their cards. The Austin Toll Party was the only gruop who made their agenda clear. Sal Costello made that very clear.Inclusionary housing ordinance:
HomeOwners: Do you favor requiring all developers of four or more units to make at least 25 percent of the home-ownership units affordable housing for individuals and families making less than 80 percent of the average median income for Austin?No. The word “ALL” is the only reason I checked “No”. I do support this in large measure, but not in “ALL” cases
Renters: Would you require that at least 25 percent of the rental units be affordable for individuals and families making less than half the average median income for Austin?
No. I would fight to make sure that we have more affordable rental units, but I can not promise 25%, although it would be nice.
Quality of Life Ordinance/Issue:
Do you support the so-called “Quality of Life” proposals to further criminalize persons who are homeless including special laws applicable to sitting/sleeping applicable only in the downtown area, and a citywide ban against roadside solicitation in favor of door-to-door solicitation? Are you presently concerned with the quality of life for the homeless?
This was voted one of meanest cities to the homeless and it is because of these “special laws” if you ask me. The sitting/sleeping laws are a ridiculous idea and I don’t know anybody that wants door-to-door to solicition, either the homeless or the homeowner. I am very concerned for the quality of life for the homeless and the next time a survey is done, I want to see Austin as one of the nicest cities to the homeless.Have you ever given money to a panhandler?
Yes. I know some experts say it prolongs the problem, but the instances where I gave money, I felt justified in doing so.
Have you ever purchased The Advocate Newspaper from a street vender?
Yes. There is a man who sells it near my house and I have bought it from him before.
I can’t stress enough how awful I think the sitting/sleeping bans were, not to mention unconstitutional. We were voted one of the meanest cities to the homeless and yet you never seem to hear the Mayor or the Council address these problems. It’s almost as if they ignore it doesn’t exist. But it does exist. It is all too real for those people that are homeless. We need to turn things around here in Austin. I intend to do that if I am elected to Austin City Council, Place 1.
Do you support a local minimum wage tied to the cost of housing?
I don’t have enough information on the pros and cons of this proposal. I won’t give a simple political answer to important question. The people are not served by mere lip service. I will treat this as I do any issue. Find the facts relating to the issue and only then make an informed decision.
Inclusionary housing ordinance:
HomeOwners: Do you favor requiring all developers of four or more units to make at least 25 percent of the home-ownership units affordable housing for individuals and families making less than 80 percent of the average median income for Austin?Some guarantees need to be made for affordable and low income housing, but a straight percentage across the board is not the best way to handle it.
Renters: Would you require that at least 25 percent of the rental units be affordable for individuals and families making less than half the average median income for Austin?
I would be in favor of some guarantee for low income rental availability, however I do not know if 25% is the best number. I would like to work with the community to come up with a reasonable number of units.
Quality of Life Ordinance/Issue:
Do you support the so-called “Quality of Life” proposals to further criminalize persons who are homeless including special laws applicable to sitting/sleeping applicable only in the downtown area, and a citywide ban against roadside solicitation in favor of door-to-door solicitation? Are you presently concerned with the quality of life for the homeless?After reviewing the issues at hand from the website you’ve provided I would have to stand against most, if not all, of the proposed changes as written. I understand the business owners concerns, but civil liberties need to be maintained.
[See http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/2004/quality_of_life_ordinance.htm -Ed.]Have you ever given money to a panhandler?
YesHave you ever purchased The Advocate Newspaper from a street vender?
No
Do you support a local minimum wage tied to the cost of housing?
YesInclusionary housing ordinance:
HomeOwners: Do you favor requiring all developers of four or more units to make at least 25 percent of the home-ownership units affordable housing for individuals and families making less than 80 percent of the average median income for Austin?
YesRenters: Would you require that at least 25 percent of the rental units be affordable for individuals and families making less than half the average median income for Austin?
YesQuality of Life Ordinance/Issue:
Do you support the so-called “Quality of Life” proposals to further criminalize persons who are homeless including special laws applicable to sitting/sleeping applicable only in the downtown area, and a citywide ban against roadside solicitation in favor of door-to-door solicitation?I am not entirely supportive of the proposed changes. We need to look at ways to better target the small number of predators that are affecting the quality of life of downtown workers and residents including the homeless. We need to carefully balance going after these predators with maintaining the rights of our citizens.
Are you presently concerned with the quality of life for the homeless?
Yes
Have you ever given money to a panhandler?
YesHave you ever purchased The Advocate Newspaper from a street vender?
YesI’ve lived in Austin most of my life, having grown up here and then coming home twenty years ago. Since my return, I’ve worked in high tech as a programmer, earned my graduate degree at the LBJ School of Public Affairs and work for non profits like Planned Parenthood and the Sierra Club.
My life and experience have enabled me to see that the things we love about Austin grow out of our unique sense of community. We must do everything we can to preserve that, and work to make the best of Austin better.
To do this, we need two things. We must have real public participation in the decisions that shape our city. This means collaboration, like neighborhood planning, not token hearings like the toll roads. And on the subject of toll roads, let me tell you that I oppose the current plan and I am the only candidate in this race who has refused to take money from the toll road lobby.
Secondly, we need investment by the city into building community for the benefit of the people who live here, not just small group of special interests.We must invest in the future of our city, in the safe, affordable neighborhoods, vibrant local businesses, and clean air and water we all want.
With these essential principles, we can plan for the city we want to be, and work together to create it. We can make the best of Austin better.
I hope to earn your support for my candidacy and to serve you on the city council.
Do you support a local minimum wage tied to the cost of housing?
I support a minimum wage tied to the cost of living. In order to ensure Austin diversity we must work to support all workers.
Inclusionary housing ordinance:
HomeOwners: Do you favor requiring all developers of four or more units to make at least 25 percent of the home-ownership units affordable housing for individuals and families making less than 80 percent of the average median income for Austin?No. I am a strong advocate of affordable housing all over Austin. I believe however that not all developments should be required to provide for affordable housing. The affordable housing in new developments in the Transit Oriented Districts are a step in the right direction.
Quality of Life Ordinance/Issue:
Do you support the so-called “Quality of Life” proposals to further criminalize persons who are homeless including special laws applicable to sitting/sleeping applicable only in the downtown area, and a citywide ban against roadside solicitation in favor of door-to-door solicitation? Are you presently concerned with the quality of life for the homeless?I support parts of the “Quality of Life” Ordinance however, I believe there are certain restrictions which go too far. I am very concerned about the quality of life for the homeless and hope to address the root causes of homelessness. We need to get the chronic homeless off the streets by providing more access to substance abuse treatment, as well as transitional housing. The Austin City Council needs to protect Basic Needs Assistance, to keep those most vulnerable off the streets until new employment gets them back on their feet and to prevent those on the edge from becoming homeless.
Have you ever given money to a panhandler?
No. Instead of money, I provide panhandlers with information from the Community Action Network. I offer “The Plastic Pocket Guide” which contains information for Medical Services, Prepared Meals, Groceries, Shelter, Medical Services, Mental Health Services, Leagal Aid/Advocacy and Dental Care. This is my way of helping people understand the services that are out there which can be utilized to get back on their feet.
Have you ever purchased The Advocate Newspaper from a street vender?
Yes. The Advocate is a great way for persons who are homeless to make money, be their own boss and take control of their own lives. It can be a stepping stone to getting on track. My goal as an Austin City Council Member is to help people chart their own courses, and the Advocate is just one way to help people start that process.
Over twenty years ago, Austin embraced my son and me and became our new home. Ever since, I have had the honor to give back to this city. As a leader in nonprofits, I have served not only as a vocal advocate for physical and mental health care, but also as an active supporter of the arts in Austin.
Now, I am ready to put my experience and passion to work to ensure that we take charge of our city’s future and protect what is unique about Austin. The retirements of Jackie Goodman and Daryl Slusher mean that Austin will be losing years of experience on the City Council at the very time we must make strategic decisions that will determine the city Austin will be in the future.Now more than ever, experience matters. If we are to address effectively the challenges that face Austin, it’s time to start talking honestly about the difficult issues, put all our cards on the table, and re-establish the principle that the City Council is a place for public service.
I want to make sure Austin never loses the gift it gave me…the inspiration, tolerance, courage, and inspiration to chart your own course.
Do you support a local minimum wage tied to the cost of housing?
YesInclusionary housing ordinance:
Homeowners: Do you favor requiring all developers of four or more units to make at least 25 percent of the home-ownership units affordable housing for individuals and families making less than 80 percent of the average median income for Austin?
YesRenters: Would you require that at least 25 percent of the rental units be affordable for individuals and families making less than half the average median income for Austin?
YesDo you support the so-called “Quality of Life” proposals to further criminalize persons who are homeless including special laws applicable to sitting/sleeping applicable only in the downtown area, and a citywide ban against roadside solicitation in favor of door-to-door solicitation? Are you presently concerned with the quality of life for the homeless?
I am in favor of working with the homeless and transient communities to come to common ground solutions. I do not want to see homeless people treated like criminals, but I would favor some sort of compromise on street panhandling. I am concerned about the quality of life for the homeless and I am committed to making housing affordable and making the quality of life and city experience better for the homeless, residents of Austin and tourists alike.
Have you ever given money to a panhandler?
YesHave you ever purchased The Advocate Newspaper from a street vendor?
NoHave you ever given money to a panhandler?
YesHave you ever purchased The Advocate Newspaper from a street vender?
Yes. I purchased a copy at the intersection of Ben White and South Congress.
I am concerned that Austin’s policies of granting tax breaks to large corporations is driving up the cost of living in Austin and adding to the affordable housing crisis. I support more affordable housing in Austin. I am a Libertarian and strongly support civil rights.
Do you support a local minimum wage tied to the cost of housing?
The City has moved toward a higher minimum wage for City employees. Even with the downturn in the economy the starting wage was moved to $10 per hour in 2004. We think this serves as a good example for other businesses to follow suit.
I would very much like to see an increase in the national minimum wage to reflect the rising cost of living. It’s critically important to Austin’s overall quality-of-life that our community’s lower and middle-income workers are able to afford decent family housing in the city. To require a significantly higher wage at this time, with the economy not fully recovered from the downturn, would be a disincentive for jobs and job growth.
Inclusionary housing ordinance:
HomeOwners: Do you favor requiring all developers of four or more units to make at least 25 percent of the home-ownership units affordable housing for individuals and families making less than 80 percent of the average median income for Austin?No. Not a requirement, but a goal. I am in favor of providing affordable housing along the entire continuum of housing needs including:
* housing for the homeless;
* single room occupancy;
* rental housing for family incomes along the range of 30% to 80%;
* home ownership, including down payment assistanceThere are some legal problems with requiring developers to comply with affordability guidelines; I support using a voluntary program with incentives to reach our goals including:
- Smart Housing (fee waivers and expedited review)
- Gap financing using either federal or local funds to achieve the income levels desired
- Personal assistance such as down payment assistance
- Creative partnership with both the non-profit sector and private developers, using infrastructure support and other such effortsRenters: Would you require that at least 25 percent of the rental units be affordable for individuals and families making less than half the average median income for Austin?
No. Not a requirement, but a goal. See above statement.
Do you support the so-called “Quality of Life” proposals to further criminalize persons who are homeless including special laws applicable to sitting/sleeping applicable only in the downtown area, and a citywide ban against roadside solicitation in favor of door-to-door solicitation? Are you presently concerned with the quality of life for the homeless?
I am concerned about the quality of life for the homeless. I support the Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. I believe we should focus our efforts on case management, substance and alcohol abuse and housing in order to stop this cycle.
Many businesses in the downtown area however, are experiencing difficulty, because some homeless individuals have not taken personal responsibility for their behaviors. These behaviors are infringing upon the rights of others to serve the public.
I think we need to balance the rights of each, so that the homeless population has access to shelter, and services and that the business community can serve the public without fear for their customers and premises.
I also believe we should enhance our efforts to stop those elements in the community who prey on the homeless through more aggressive police enforcement. I would consider strengthening the ordinances in the downtown area to bring about more balance.
I also recommend that the social service dollars cut over the last 3 years be restored in the 2006 budget.
Have you ever given money to a panhandler?
No. I believe that contributions should be made to agencies rather than to individuals.
Have you ever purchased The Advocate Newspaper from a street vender?
Yes.I believe that the two overarching challenges of helping Austin’s homeless succeed are 1) to ensure that we are delivering accessible and effective health and human services, and 2) to do everything we can to deliver additional affordable housing options. Unfortunately, over the past three years, our entire community has been hard-hit by the economic downturn, leading to a significant decrease in the city’s sales tax revenue and resulting cuts in the City budget across the board, including in health and human services spending; at the same time, Austin has been severely impacted by three consecutive federal and state budget cuts in health and human services spending. As is very clear to many of us, the situation in our community is growing more concerning by the day – Travis County now has 15% of its population living in poverty, while Texas is now 45th in the nation on spending for public health and mental health services. Now, with our local economy finally beginning to show signs of recovery, we need to take the strongest possible steps to begin to restore the cuts that have affected the most vulnerable in our community as soon as possible. Accordingly, I have recommended that the City Manager restore the FY 2004-2005 health and human services spending cuts in the FY 2005-2006 budget. I am also supporting the City’s efforts to advance legislation that would improve State assistance to the City and directly to recipients for improved health and human services. With regard to affordable housing, The City is obviously only one element in the complicated system that impacts affordability, but there is much that we have done successfully, and must continue to do. In fact, the City of Austin invests more General Fund dollars in support of affordable housing than any other city in Texas, and should continue to do so. We have invested in housing at all levels of the “Housing Continuum” – from the new Downtown Homeless Shelter to our S.M.A.R.T. Housing subdivisions. The City has also made significant direct investments in housing developments for both renters and buyers, through gap financing and other means, to ensure that median incomes of 30%, 40% and 50% can be served. Now, we must continue to find the resources necessary to support our S.M.A.R.T. Housing Fee Waivers, so that our incentive-based approach to increasing production continues to pay dividends. I would also like to see the City step up its efforts to create new financial partnerships with the development community that will further increase our affordable housing stock and keep units affordable for longer. Finally, I would like to see the City expand personal incentives, like first-time homeowners assistance. The bottom line is that if I’m re-elected, I’ll work to continue to work to deliver more affordable housing units in Austin by utilizing every tool at our disposal as a City.
Do you support a local minimum wage tied to the cost of housing?
In Austin a living minimum wage should be $ 16.00 an hour. As your councilwoman my first responsibility will be to get you healthy. Then to help you find a job that will make you happy. Finally there will be a time to further your education in areas that you may find even more fun.
Inclusionary housing ordinance:
Homeowners: Do you favor requiring all developers of four or more units to make at least 25 percent of the home-ownership units affordable housing for individuals and families making less than 80 percent of the average median income for Austin?Yes. Austin should have been requiring at least this many units years ago when the cost of living made home ownership impossible.
Renters: Would you require that at least 25 percent of the rental units be affordable for individuals and families making less than half the average median income for Austin?
Yes. We also need a way of knowing that those wishing to rent or lease are maintaining those affordable rooms. The City of Austin also has to be prepared to take action in reminding landlords to maintain their property.
Do you support the so-called “Quality of Life” proposals to further criminalize persons who are homeless including special laws applicable to sitting/sleeping applicable only in the downtown area, and a citywide ban against roadside solicitation in favor of door-to-door solicitation? Are you presently concerned with the quality of life for the homeless?
Harassment of those of us who live outside must stop. The city should be responsible enough to create a place for a person to use a restroom Downtown. A person living outside should be held responsible for keeping Austin beautiful. Alcoholics like the convenience of roadside asking for money that puts them at danger of being hit. If the homeless and the underemployed had better work they wouldn’t be outside Downtown or on your corner asking you for money.
Have you ever given money to a panhandler?
Yes. I do it every chance I get in small amounts.
Have you ever purchased The Advocate Newspaper from a street vendor?
Yes. This my chance to help the small businessperson make a living.
We have a much higher degree of responsibility to those who need support. This should come in the form of better jobs, better health care and a far more complete education. Without enough money we can’t afford a solid education, or an ability to meet our nutritional needs, or a Doctor when they are needed.
Phillip Byron Miller (Place 4)
Do you support a local minimum wage tied to the cost of housing?
I am in favor of this proposal. the only way the quality of life can be maintained is if all people are included in the process of growth and prosperity. those who are under a certain level economically should not be excluded simply on the basis of lower income...
Homeowners: Do you favor requiring all developers of four or more units to make at least 25 percent of the home-ownership units affordable housing for individuals and families making less than 80 percent of the average median income for Austin?
The local minimum wage tied to housing. I am in favor of this proposal because it allows individuals the opportunity to obtain adequate housing with out fear of rejection based on economic status
Renters: Would you require that at least 25 percent of the rental units be affordable for individuals and families making less than half the average median income for Austin?
Yes, however there must be an organization or group established to make sure abuses do not occur, similar to the food stamp scandals in the past where stamps were issued to people who did not need them..
Do you support the so-called “Quality of Life” proposals to further criminalize persons who are homeless including special laws applicable to sitting/sleeping applicable only in the downtown area, and a citywide ban against roadside solicitation in favor of door-to-door solicitation? Are you presently concerned with the quality of life for the homeless?
No I don’t support the criminalization of homeless people, as far as the roadside ban, people don’t have to give their money to panhandlers they chose to do so, as long as roadside people dont threaten the personal safety of the drivers, i see no problem. as a former semi homeless person at one time my fear was of the driver jumping out of their cars and harming me also. I am very concerned about the quality of life for the homeless...especially during the winter...Have you ever given money to a panhandler?
I give at every opportunity. I hope the money I
give is going to help them.Have you ever purchased The Advocate Newspaper from a street vendor?
No. I’ve never purchased the Advocate newspaper...
The Austin Advocate did not receive answers to questionnaire in time for publication of this issue.
The Austin Advocate did not receive answers to questionnaire in time for publication of this issue.
Do you support a local minimum wage tied to the cost of housing?
No.Homeowners: Do you favor requiring all developers of four or more units to make at least 25 percent of the home-ownership units affordable housing for individuals and families making less than 80 percent of the average median income for Austin?
Yes, especially for those outside of Austin.
Renters: Would you require that at least 25 percent of the rental units be affordable for individuals and families making less than half the average median income for Austin?
No, plenty of rents already coming down.
Do you support the so-called “Quality of Life” proposals to further criminalize persons who are homeless including special laws applicable to sitting/sleeping applicable only in the downtown area, and a citywide ban against roadside solicitation in favor of door-to-door solicitation? Are you presently concerned with the quality of life for the homeless?
Mixed feelings, generally supportive, wouldn’t affect street musicians.
Given money to panhandler?
No, makes his own as a street musician.Purchased an Advocate?
No, one of the vendors told him he needs to take a guitar lesson.“Twig” is a houseless — not homeless, street musician who get hassled more by the panhandlers than by the cops!
Per interview by Kirk Becker