Futrell Foils Another Palace Coup
Not that it was a fair fight. After all, she was only going up against Austin’s City Council. And she won. Again.
The issue was an obscure one but with obvious repercussions. Should city council members have the authority to hire the city’s attorney, who is currently appointed by… you guess it, the city manager? Lee Leffingwell and Mike Martinez said yes and suggested letting voters decide for ourselves next May. Even Jennifer Kim eventually signed on.
Back in the pre-Futrell era, voters had rejected a similar proposal. But proponents were betting that Austin has had quite enough of Toby’s tyranny and that taking control over the city attorney who gives the city manager legal cover would be a good thing. You know, accountability, separation of powers, all that stuff.
But don’t count on it. Sheryl Cole sprang to life long enough to lobby for keeping things as cozy as they are. Lame ducks Will Wynn and Betty Dunkerley were in her corner. Brewster McCracken’s vote gave them the majority, and the proposal died a quiet death.
Posted on November 12, 2007 – 10:38 am by APR
One Response to “Futrell Foils Another Palace Coup”
Futrell’s tenure has made it clear that Austin’s strong city manager form of government is a relic that doesn’t work in the modern world. If we keep electing people like Wynn and McCracken who lack the guts to push for a change, we deserve what we get. Single member districts, anyone?
By The Chief on Nov 12, 2007