Carole Keeton Strayhorn

AUSTIN (CLASS/KXAN) - The three major candidates in the Austin Mayoral Race 2009 were each asked to provide written answers to seven questions on issues, ideas and philosophies. The Strayhorn campaign said it has a policy against answering questionnaires, and declined an interview request regarding the questions. So the responses were gleaned from news coverage and her website.

The following questions were submitted to each of the major candidates by the LBJ School of Public Affairs' C.L.A.S.S. (Citizens for Local and State Service) program.

1) What do you see as the three most critical issues for Austinites in the next five years and what would you do as mayor to address them?

* Strayhorn did not answer the questionnaire and we couldn't find anything that lists her priorities or what she sees as the critical issues facing Austin.

2) The City of Austin's population has doubled over the past 20 years. How will you as Mayor manage Austin's future growth while maintaining Austin's unique community?

According to her website:

"We must avoid the pitfalls of cookie cutter landscapes, concrete jungles, endless sprawl, endless bureaucracy, and one size fits all design standards... Carole will maintain the beauty of our city, the uniqueness of our communities, and enhance and create paychecks and jobs for all of our citizens."

3) On a national level, there is a discussion about the need to greatly improve infrastructure. What do you see as Austin's greatest infrastructure improvement needs, and what will you do to ensure that these problems are addressed and our infrastructure is maintained?

According to her campaign website, listed under infrastructure:

"This council's goal is to maintain only 10 percent of our roads this year. At the same time, this council has raised fees by millions and has not even met low expectation goals. Under my watch, our city will learn to do more with less, set higher standards, and require that the city either meet those standards or roll back any fee increases passed to fund their failed attempt. ... We must improve transit times and focus on results, not headlines. Whether it is improving reliability for bus routes, implementing rail, developing a workable HOV solution, or creating managed lanes on MoPac, Austin has many options on the table to reduce our city traffic."

4) What will you do during your time as Mayor to expand Austin's consumption of renewable energy and promote green jobs and technology?

On March 6, the Austin American-Statesman City Beat blog reported that Strayhorn is opposed to Austin's new solar plant and will work to undo it if elected mayor. The blog also reported that she supports solar and other renewable energy, but r only at costs lower than the solar panel plant."

5) Given the current economic crisis, socio-economic disparities in our community are likely to grow. What should be done to ensure that Austin is livable, affordable and accessible for all its citizens?

I will find solutions that benefit all of Austin. I will ensure the essential protection of air, water and open spaces while ensuring the essential need for expanding development, and creating paychecks and jobs. As an experienced leader, I will work with all sides to strike a clear and certain agreement with those who fight to protect our city's quality of life, natural beauty and recreation areas, those who protect our environment, those who provide housing, and those who create jobs. I know that these groups are not mutually exclusive and that the final solution will be reached to benefit all Austinites. Finally, I will always fight for the rights of taxpayers, homeowners, families, and neighborhoods against needless government intrusion and increased bureaucracy.

6) How do you think the City should engage post-secondary students in local issues?

No information can be found as to what Strayhorn would to to engage post-secondary students specifically. According to her website:

"As Mayor, Carole will hold weekly public forums outside the council chambers. These question and answer sessions will be held in easily accessible locations all across Austin and at convenient times for hard-working citizens. Carole will close the gap between our people and our government."

7) Would you rather be liked or respected? Why?

No answer found.