AUSTIN — Weeks after Austin City Council member Ellen Troxclair announced she will not seek re-election, she has endorsed someone to replace her.
Troxclair announced in a statement July 23 that she is endorsing Frank Ward to take her District 8 seat on the city council. Paige Ellis, Bobby Levinksi and Richard DePalma are also running for the District 8 seat.
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She said in the statement that he can be trusted to work to "reduce property taxes, address traffic congestion and fight for effective and efficient government."
Troxclair was first elected to the new 10-1 city council back in November of 2014 in a historical run that made her the first council member of District 8. "The decision on whether to seek another term has been an incredibly difficult one because I believe so passionately in the work with which my constituents have entrusted me."
"Through his service on the City’s Parks and Recreation board and extensive involvement in our community, he has shown a clear understanding of the needs in Southwest Austin and a deep commitment to the people who call it home," her statement read.
Troxclair said Ward, who lives in Circle C with his wife and three children, worked at the Export-Import Bank of the United States and served in the White House, the U.S. Senate and the Texas State Capitol. She also said he helped grow and sustain a small business in Austin.
"While Austin is unlike any city in America, its grasp on what makes it 'weird' and wonderful seems to be slowly slipping away," Ward's statement read in part. "With the unsustainable rise in property taxes, stupefying traffic and mobility challenges, and a cumbersome regulatory regime that makes individuals want to pull out their hair and small businesses question whether they either want to stay in Austin or possibly relocate here, there must be a better way."
Ellis, released a statement following Troxclair's announcement:
This is a change election year and, now that there will be no incumbent in this race, our community has an opportunity to elect someone like myself who is not a city hall insider.
I bring qualified professional experience and community involvement to the table and, thanks to wide grassroots support, our campaign will report strong financial numbers next week.
I look forward to a spirited campaign and I invite voters to learn more about my campaign on Facebook/PaigeForAustin and at PaigeForAustin.org.