Protestors want council to retain Austin Energy oversight

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Several sign-carrying protesters assembled outside Austin City Hall on Wednesday objecting to a plan to have a newly constituted board to oversee Austin Energy.

Specifically, the group opposed a resolution by Mayor Lee Leffingwell and Council Members Sheryl Cole and Bill Spelman that might diminish the Austin City Council's direct oversight. A vote on the measure is expected Thursday.

Protestors said it would open the city-owned utility's governing board "to corporate lobbyists and special interests."

"Under this plan, City Council would approve an unelected board to oversee our utility, picked out by corporate headhunters, who may not share the values of Austin or our commitment to having an outstanding utility," the group said in a statement.

Backers of the measure sat it would ensure that AE customer outside of Austin's city limits and not eligible to vote in city elections have a voice on the utility's board.