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hello my name is a eric j. rangel and i am proud to be running for austin city council place four
i was born here in austin texas at st david's hospital
i grew up in lockhart texas and then graduated from texas state university
with degree in international studies
and a concentration in business
i have spent the better part of my adult life working studying and serving in and around the city
of austin
over the years have come to cherish the city
and its uniqueness
i take pride in calling myself an austinite
and consider myself being blessed to call the city my home
during this campaign people are always asking me why you are running
before i tell you why i am running let me first tell you why i am not running
i'm not running for city council because if elected it would be the culmination of an
already successful career
or because i'm trying to pad my political resume in hopes of one day becoming the political
elite
no, i'm running because i really care about the city of austin and its people
and i really believe i can make a difference in our community
i run to seek new policies
policies that would bridge gaps that exist between races cultures and classes in our great city
i run to formulate new ideas
ideas to boost our economy ideas to resolve our transportation problem and ideas to restore
our neighborhoods
after moving to austin i wanted to get involved in the community
so for the past few years i've been volunteering with habitat for humanity
dell's childrens hospital
and with the youth group in my church
i believe there is no more important thing a citizen can do than serving his or her community
my desire to serve my community comes from
my family and the example they set
my dad was the first hispanic city councilman of lockhart
my mom was tremendously involved in local politics
and she was active in many organizations
and now my sister is currently serving in her third term as caldwell county treasurer
its because of this family history that i felt public service was the right and natural step to make
a significant difference in my community
it was their guidance and knowledge that taught me to realized the weight and responsibility an elected
position holds
my vision for austin is not complex
all you need is common sense
the way i look at austin is the way newlyweds look at their first home
they don't buy their first home with just them in mind
they buy it for the individuals that will live in it years from now
this is precisely the way we as city council members must view austin
we must think of austin when its population becomes a million-plus not just the current
eight hundred thousand
our vision for the city must be future minded
the comprehensive plan is a great and overdue start but it's not the end
it's time we move forward and i know i can lead the way
my goal is for austin as city councilman are transportation
community involvement
and economic growth
by laying down a mass transit system that we can grow from we can alleviate traffic congestion
enable austin to be greener
and stay ahead of our inevitable growth
by implementing single member districts we can increase political involvement
in our neighborhoods and communities
by ensuring that all citizens
are heard and that all neighborhoods are being represented
finally by continueing to help businesses grow we can assure growth and stability for austin and
her citizens for years to come
as difficult as it may be
as uncomfortable and quarrelsome as the debates may evolve into
it's time to get serious about correcting the problems that are impeding our growth
these harsh economic times force us to be even more frugal about government spending
and allows us the opportunity to address the crucial concerns of the people
if elected i believe it's my obligation to preserve and protect all austinites regardless
of race religion or gender
i promise i will do what is necessary
not just what is popular
i believe that we are elected to serve the citizens and not our personal ambitions
and that all matters concerning austin must be treated with integrity common-sense and accountability
whether it is participating in physical activities
helping in the church or volunteering in the community
i will bring the same energy and determination to the seat of city council
i ask you for your vote and support
and i believe i am the best candidate for austin city council place four
thank you for your time