August 20th City Council Meeting

by The San Marxist, posted in Meetings

Council races get exciting! We have a five hour meeting! So much to talk about, guys.

First: Last Tuesday’s meeting:

Hours 0:00 – 1:54:  Malachi Williams, the SMART/Axis road annexation, and School Resource Officers

Hours 1:54 – 5:32:  A lot on the budget, a little on tax rates, our utility assistance program, and the Homelessness Action Plan

Onto the Council Elections

Candidates have all declared themselves. These races got EXCITING, everybody. As your trusty local politics nerd, I cannot wait. What do they stand for? What will they fight for? Tell me, tell me! Do they read this blog???

I’ll share my opinions as I form them. (But seriously, so excited.)

Mayoral Candidates

  • Jane Hughson, the encumbent: Centrist, three terms, very careful and pays good attention to details.
  • Juan Miguel Arredondo: Has been on the school board since 2015, although he took a term off along the way. He ran for Mayor before, and I do have questions about the rhetoric he used in that race. His voting record is generally progressive.

Place 5

  • Griffen Spell: Has been on P&Z for years, so I’ve heard more from him than the other candidates. Thinks for himself and generally sensible, although he’s more libertarian than I am.
  • Roland Saucedo: Often speaks at City Council and serves on many committees. I believe he works with homeless communities on housing? I’m not totally sure, looking forward to learning more.
  • Atom Von Arndt: Has run for council for the past two years. Last year, he spoke pretty well on issues, and he has spoken at city council meetings a few times this past year. So he is staying involved.
  • Lorenzo Gonzalez: I believe he ran for constable as a progressive? I really don’t know much about him. Not to be a broken record, but looking forward to hearing more from him!

Place 6

  • Maraya Dunn: She joined P&Z last spring, and has still been getting her footing, so I haven’t formed a strong opinion of her yet. I believe she owns a business downtown.
  • Amanda Rodriguez: She’s spoken at city council a number of times on progressive issues. I believe she’s very active with Mano Amiga, El Centro, and groups around town. I am very interested to hear what she has to say!

I will cover debates as I hear about them, so please let me know if you hear about events!

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