Strayhorn Launches Mayoral Run
Carole Keeton Strayhorn has made it official: She wants to be Austin’s mayor again.
Strayhorn launched her campaign at a news conference January 12th in north Austin. The former state Comptroller and candidate for governor told supporters that Austin needs a leader who can steer the city through tough economic times.
“This city expects a government that is accountable to our citizens,” Strayhorn said. “That means fixing, not studying our transportation problems, repairing our infrastructure and concentrating on the basic and vital police and protection services our citizens deserve.”
This is not her first run to be Mayor of Austin. As Carole Keeton McClellan, she was served as mayor from 1977 to 1983. The city has seen rapid population growth, development and industry shift since then. Peck Young is the director of the Center for Public Policy and Political Studies at Austin Community College. He wonders which has changed more, Austin or Carole Strayhorn?
“I think the city that she governed 30 years ago is long since gone, or much bigger, more complex, frankly a different place than it was 30 years ago,” Young said
Austin Mayor Pro-tem Brewster McCracken has already entered the field for May’s mayoral election. Council Member Lee Leffingwell and former “Texas Monthly” publisher Mike Levy are reportedly considering bids, as well. Incumbent mayor Will Wynn’s term expires in June. He cannot seek a third term.
