In a political landscape as dynamic as Austin’s skyline, current Mayor Kirk Watson finds himself at a crossroads. After a shortened two-year term marked by both progress and controversy, Watson is now vying for a full four-year term in a race that has captured the attention of the Texas capital.
Watson’s second time in office as Austin Mayor began in 2022 and has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for residents. His leadership style, characterized by decisive action and, at times, unilateral decision-making, has yielded tangible results on long-standing issues. However, it has also drawn sharp criticism from opponents who argue that his approach undermines the collaborative nature of city governance.
We know that our endorsement of Mayor Watson will ruffle some feathers in the community as Watson is generally perceived to be pro-business, pro-money, and pro-west Austin. But we think he represents a classic example of opposing ideas that can both be true at the same time. He can indeed be an advocate in all of the sectors above – and we believe, still be the best candidate to navigate the conditions needed to (finally) improve the overall quality of life issues for African Americans here in Austin.
First and foremost, the role of government is to actually get things done
While the speed and tenacity with which Watson faces challenges is a cause for concern for his critics, we see it as a strength. His ‘attack and adapt’ strategy is a key component in finding innovative and long-lasting solutions to deeply complex problems. In our opinion, getting things done (while being willing to adapt if/as needed) is far superior to the normal slow-and-steady pace of typical public policy efforts.
Watson, for his part, defends his record as the cost of effective leadership. “First and foremost, the role of government is to actually get things done,” he stated in a recent interview. “If you want to have progressive goals that turn into something, that’s even better.”
Watson’s primary challenger is former District 9 Council Member Kathy Tovo. While Tovo has the necessary experience needed to run a city with an almost $6 billion budget, her leadership style is considered directly opposite of Watson’s.
We absolutely believe that community feedback with a wide diversity of opinions can be very helpful; however, the bigger the idea and the greater the impact, the easier it can become to collaborate an idea to death — death by 1,000 collaborative paper cuts if you would. Too lengthy of a conversation and too much input can lead to watered down solutions that make no discernible impact (looking at you AAOL) or all too often, end up with no action being taken.
We need action – we need to attack and adapt. After almost 20 years of comprehensive input and slow and steady collaboration, we believe that it’s past time for new bold and substantial strategies to move the needle forward for improving the collective Black experience in Austin.
Chas Moore, Founder of the Austin Justice Coalition and a good trouble-maker believes the opposite of our endorsement and that Watson’s ‘get-things-done’ is not in the best interest of Black Austin:
Austin stands at a pivotal moment where we must decide if we want to continue with a model of leadership that prioritizes expediency over equity or if we are ready to demand governance that truly serves all of its people. Mayor Watson’s tenure has shown us what happens when decisions are made behind closed doors, sidelining community voices, especially those of Black, brown, and working-class Austinites. Leadership isn’t about making quick decisions in the face of complex issues like public safety and housing; it’s about creating spaces for real collaboration, where the people most affected by these decisions are not just heard but are at the center of the process. We cannot afford a mayor who pays lip service to progress while perpetuating the same systemic inequities. Austin needs bold, transparent leadership that doesn’t shy away from hard conversations and puts the power back in the hands of the people.
As always, regardless of which leadership style you think is best, the paramount issue is that you get out and participate and have your voice heard. Early voting ends tonight at 7p and you can find the location and wait time nearest you at the Travis County Election site.
For a full list of endorsements of all elections and propositions that will be on the ballot visit, The Austin Chronicle or the Statesman.
