Paxton forces Travis County (Democrat) Judge to rebuke LAWLESS City of Austin!!!

"Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me."
Nehemiah 4:18

Gnarly:

The City of Austin violated state law by banning licensed handgun holders from entering City Hall with firearms, a Travis County District Court judge ruled today.

Judge Lora Livingston of the 261st Civil District Court fined the city $1,500 for each of six instances in which investigators with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office were denied entry to City Hall. The total fine was $9,000.

Paxton's office sued after Central Texas Gun Works owner Michael Cargill filed a complaint with the AG's office saying he had been denied entry to city hall on several occasions.

Livingston cited a provision of Texas law that bans any state agency or political subdivision of the state from prohibiting license holders from carrying handguns in government buildings with a few exceptions, including at open government meetings or in government courts. The city had argued it should be allowed to ban guns from the building because it “maintains office space for court personnel.”

....

“The city of Austin cannot violate the open carry law or any other law the Texas Legislature has enacted simply because they disagree with it,” Paxton said in a statement after the ruling.

Bottom Line: You know the violation of the law is FLAGRANT when a Travis County judge is forced to side with Ken Paxton and Michael Cargill over the City of Austin!!!

Astonishingly inept Austin ISD bond draws remarkably diverse opposition coalition

"You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning."
Leviticus 19:13

[Note: There was a lot of ambient noise in the background and the sound wasn't amplified on site, so the audio quality on the videos we shot turned out terribly.  Unfortunately, because we were filming, we didn't take notes during the press conference.  We've included the videos below, but hope readers will cut us some slack over the fact that we're writing up today's events from memory without the aid of notes or good video.]

It takes a special act of chutzpah to push a tax hike so big that you piss off every Republican in town, while structuring said tax increase so that the burden falls disproportionately on the Black and Hispanic communities in East Austin to subsidize affluent white people on the west side of town, which pisses off half the Democrats; with this current bond, somehow Austin ISD somehow accomplishes that feat.

This afternoon, a broad trans-partisan coalition of grassroots Austinites held a press conference in East Austin to highlight a number of flaws with the current Austin ISD bond proposal.  Objections ranged from the sheer size of the package, to the deceptive marketing of a tax increase that could easily surpass $600/year for median Austinites, to the fact that the district is holding East Austin schools hostage to the bond while structuring the bond so most of it's 'benefits' are seen elsewhere.

Obviously, this website has been opposed to the bond ever since we learned of it's magnitude (combined with the fact that they've never completed the process of selling off other real estate holdings they assured us they would complete before attempting another bond).  It's just a gigantic ask when their recent record of financial stewardship doesn't inspire confidence.  What have they done with the maintenance budget they already have?!?

Taxpayer advocate John Goldstone explained how the district is using deceptive language to minimize the tax impact.  The district is claiming the bond won't change the tax rate.  But you don't pay a tax rate, you pay a tax bill.  And more debt service means higher taxes.  In this case, Goldstone estimates the tax hike at over $600 per year (we will deflect all questions over how he came up with that number to Goldstone himself).

A number of other community advocates, including former #atxcouncil candidate Pete Salazar (ran against Greg Casar in 2014), LULAC head Gavino Fernandez, and Grey Panthers head Richard Franklin, discussed how the bond places a disproportionately large tax burden on the black and Hispanic communities on the East side to disproportionately benefit affluent white folks in the West side.  To be honest, we hadn't thought about that aspect prior to hearing it today.  But it's completely true.

And that's what's interesting: We've been fighting poorly conceived bonds for several years in Austin.  And it seems like there's more opposition on "the left" this time than we've seen previously (or that they're at least more engaged).  And the district has no one to blame but itself and its own arrogance.

Bottom Line: Early voting begins in two weeks; Election day is November 7.

-------

CONSTITUIONAL CARRY and #TXLEGE: State of Play

"Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me."
Nehemiah 4:18

Jonathan Stickland, Lone Star Gun Rights, and Texas Firearms Celebrity Michael Cargill held a press conference yesterday afternoon to discuss where things stand related to constitutional carry; they were also joined by State Reps Tony Tinderholt, Kyle Biedermann,and Mike Lang:



Highlights:

• Michael Cargill:
• Texas should modernize its 1871 era gun laws.

• Jonathan Stickland:
• New support this session that didn't exist two years ago.
• Wrong to make people pay to excise rights.
• Members have been hearing from constituents.
• New Democrat support; D's may not agree with #2A, but do agree that protectionist licensing harms our most vulnerable citizens.

• Tony Tinderholt:
• Part of the RPT platform.

• Justin Delosh:
• Texas is middle of the pack, at best, on guns.
• 11 states already have constitutional carry.
• Last people said the votes didn't exist for licensed open carry but it ultimately ended up passing; there's still plenty of time for the same thing to happen this session re: Constitutional carry.
• #1 RPT platform plank.

• Q&A:
• House leadership will be overwhelmed with public support.
• This doesn't effect the process by which guns are sold one iota.
• Tom Mechler put out an e-mail saying he supports it.
• CHL is de facto gun owner registration.
• Threatening letters only re-enforce need for #2A.
• Grassroots agitation has reached the point where the political self-preservation instinct of members is kicking in.
• There's a disconnect between the courageous men and women of law enforcement who serve our communities and the "law enforcement" industrial complex at the Capitol.

Threatening Cargill/Loesch/Stickland only strengthens case for CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY....

"Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me."
Nehemiah 4:18

Texas Firearms Celebrity Michael Cargill, national pundit Dana Loesch, and State Representative Jonathan Stickland are all friends of this website.  They're also well known advocates for the second amendment.  This past weekend, all three received identical threatening notes at their home.

[Author's Note: The actual letters are incredibly graphic to the point that we're not going to republish them, but you can see the note sent to Cargill here, Loesch here, and Stickland here.]

Obviously, those actions are chilling and unsettling.  But, ironically, they strengthen case for lowering the costs and increasing the options for individual self defense.  In other words, this is exactly why we should pass constitutional carry.

While Cargill, Loesch, and Stickland are in a position to surmount barriers to entry for firearms ownership, many Texans can't.  Well known political figures have options, but the costs of protectionist licensing make lawful self-defense prohibitively expensive for vulnerable citizens.  The woman in East Austin with a stalker ex-boyfriend should have the same options as a political figure with a public platform.

Then there's the fact that, at their core, these were terrorist threats.  On a certain level, we have to laugh because anyone who thinks they can intimidate Michael Cargill, Dana Loesch, or Jonathan Stickland has clearly never met any of them.  Nevertheless, the appropriate response to terrorism is to press forward.

There already was no excuse to not pass constitutional carry.  This past weekend's letters only strengthened that case.  But, unfortunately, we've seen this movie before.

Bottom Line: Ball's in your court #TXLEGE....

Transportation Forum doesn't reveal much....

Sen. Kirk Watson (l) and Councilmember Ann Kitchen (r)

"But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness."
2 Timothy 2:16

Last night's Austin Monitor transportation forum was heavy on platitudes and light on substance; considering who was involved, that's probably a good thing.

Senator Kirk Watson and Councilmember Ann Kitchen (a last minute substitute for Mayor Adler) spoke in generalities about Austin's transportation challenges.  They mostly made bland, non-controversial, statements with which no one would disagree.  At least they weren't promoting something bad.

The biggest takeaway was that the odds of a major transportation bond in 2016 are diminishing by the week.  Watson spoke of balancing the desire to place a bond before a presidential year electorate with the need to have significant public buy-in BEFORE coming to voters.  Watson stated bonds "need to address specific needs" and acknowledged the perils of pushing bonds without public input.  While Watson will defer to council's decision, with the November election already less than 8 months away his warning was impossible to miss.  Kitchen explicitly stated "there's been no decision" on a transportation bond.

On the plus side, Watson spoke favorably about widening 183.  This was originally Michael Cargill's idea during the 2014 election.  We've believed for some time that widening and removing traffic lights on 183 (and 360) is the low hanging fruit of Austin's transportation challenges.

Kitchen spoke mainly in cliches.  We were amused by her call for a "comprehensive, strategic mobility plan," considering that 'comprehensive' and 'strategic' are go-to platitudes for government bureaucrats who don't have anything interesting to say.  More alarmingly, Kitchen referred multiple times to "looking at land use" and "nitty, gritty land use" issues as areas where she intends to focus.  It's not difficult to envision such a focus turning into an assault on private property rights.  But that's not a new threat and Kitchen didn't reveal any immediate plans.

Both officials spoke favorably of rail in the abstract, but neither seemed to think anything major was going to happen anytime soon.  Watson admitted that Lone Star Rail was probably dead "in its current form" and Kitchen (who is on both of the relevant boards) didn't contradict him.  Ending Lone Star rail would be a win for taxpayers.

As Senator Watson stated, Austin needs an open and transparent planning process.  That need would seem to argue against trying to force through a poorly conceived plan in 2016.  We will close with a warning that, if necessary, a bond opposition campaign only needs about six weeks to be successful.

Obama's Justice Department makes life difficult for Austin Firearms Retailer

"For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed."
John 3:20

Operation Choke Point, the Obama administration's backdoor attempt to disarm the public following the collapse of anti-Second Amendment legislation, recently ensnared Texas Firearms Celebrity Michael Cargill:



Highlights:

• BitPay did similar stuff in the past.

• Goes through annual Federal certifications.

• "I can tell you when one of my employees gets a speeding ticket, we're so heavily regulated."

• There is no reason not to do business with a gun dealer.

• Goal is to take away credit card business.

Constitutional Carry: Grassroots Texans Speak

"Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me."
Nehemiah 4:18

Update: Breitbart Texas has more here.

Texas State Capitol -- This afternoon, representatives from every credible pro-Second Amendment organization in Texas spoke at the Capitol on Constitutional carry and the second amendment.  The speakers discussed bills in front of the currently convened legislature and worthwhile primary challenges (cough*Straus* cough) heading into the 2016 cycle.  Speakers featured below:

Melanie Davis (Love Your Vets; One Million Rounds):



Highlights:

• Veterans standing beside us in this fight.

• They need our support as much as we need freedom.

• Recycling spend brass shell casings into Art

• Donate shell casings.

• Crowd sourced project.

Craig McMichael, USMC; Congressional Candidate:

Highlights:

• "Our enemies are domestic right now."

• "Just because I took my uniform off, I didn't take my oath off."

• "We need to talk about politics more than football."

C.J. Grisham (Open Carry Texas):

Highlights:

• We have a lot of "Facebook rangers," not enough people putting "skin in the game."

• We're begging for a right that 44 (licensed open) and 31 (no license) already recognize.

• Under current law: "If I pick up my pant leg, I'd be a criminal."

• "A thin piece of cloth is what separates you from being a law-abiding citizen and a criminal."

•  Mom's Demand Action (but totally not in a pornographic way) Assaults: "At least one we know of."

• "Joe Straus doesn't want to offend his Democratic [sic] supporters.

• "Joe Straus needs to be primaried next election."

• "We need Patriots to step up and run for office."
• Even if you lose, you change behavior.
• Case in point: Lamar Smith.

• Show up face to face.

Terry Holcomb (Texas Carry):

Highlights:

• Running against John Otto.

• It only takes 3% of the country to change the country.

• Brings up people who have been illegally arrested.

• Gun rights is the foundation of liberty.

• "We need Texas to start leading."

• MDA not welcome in Texas.

• People are going to intentionally try to sabotage this bill.

• Ask that SB 342 get a fair hearing.

• "The primaries start in September."

• Feds are talking about banning rifle rounds.

• TSRA protects members, never leads
• Didn't do squat to pass open carry.
• Like Joe Pojman.

Pat Cook (2014 Ft. Hood shooting survivor):

Highlights:

• It's exhausting watching everyone every second.

• CHL may be revoked at any time, or suspended during a criminal investigation.
• Author's Note: It Happened to Rick Perry.

• A right does not belong to the government.

• Constitutional carry is a vindication for every crime victim.

• The people are not the property of the state.

• "The progressive era of the 20th century is coming to a close."

• Put permitted carry in the "trashcan of history."

Tom Jefferson (Lone Star Gun Rights):

Highlights:

• Delivered 70,000 constitutional carry petitions.

• "What can't Texas trust Texans?!?"

• "A restraining order is just a piece of paper."

• "No proof that openly carrying creates crime; it's been proven otherwise, to deter a crime."

• 80-90% support unlicensed open carry.

Rep. Jonathan Stickland:

Highlights:

• "This issue doesn't have a bunch of special interest $$$ behind it."

• They want to protect members from "bad votes."

• "When I read the Second Amendment, I don't see any room for compromise on this issue."

• "We are going to vote on Constitutional carry."

• "Most legislators will give you just what you're willing to take (and nothing more)."

• "Open Carry with a license is not enough in the Republican primary."

• "We are going to put elected officials on the record."

Texas Firearms Celebrity Michael Cargill:

Highlights:

• "Here we go again...."

• "If we truly believe in Texas independence, we will pass constitutional carry."

• Criminals already carry.

• Keep legislators on their toes.

• "More guns equals less crime, go out and buy yourself a gun."

Constitutional Carry supporters' Press Conference

"Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me.
Nehemiah 4:18

The National Association for Gun Rights, along with Lone Star Gun Rights and Open Carry Texas, held a press conference in favor of Constitutional Carry this morning:



Highlights:

Dudley Brown (NAGR)

• Texas only 14th (at best) for firearms freedom.

• No one should have to beg government to defend themselves.

• 7 states already have Constitutional carry.

• Highest priority for NAGR at state lege level.

Tim Hardin (Jonathan Stickland's Chief of Staff)

• Can't compromise our basic rights.

• Current Texas gun laws "embarrassing."

• Vermont has it.

• Constitutional carry does not abolish the permit system.

Don Huffines

• We have strayed a long way in this country from the blessings of liberty.

• Constitutional carry is a priority for Texans.

Q&A

• The real question is going to be the committee chairs.

-----

Update: NAGR sent out the following press release.

NAGR Champions Constitutional Carry in Texas

AUSTIN, TX- The National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) is excited to be working with Senator Don Huffines and Rep. Jonathan Stickland to pass Constitutional Carry legislation in Texas.

“Constitutional Carry is the highest legislative priority for the National Association for Gun Rights, and our state affiliate, Texas Gun Rights.” said Dudley Brown, President of the National Association for Gun Rights. “The concept is simple: no one should have to beg government bureaucrats for permission to defend themselves.”

Sen. Don Huffines agreed: “We don’t seek the government’s permission to exercise our First Amendment right to speak freely. We don’t get a permit to attend church. Government should extend that same level of reverence to the Second Amendment.”

Representative Jonathan Stickland filed Constitutional Carry bill H.B. 195 early in the House in November 2014.

“Constitutional Carry works in a wide range of states from Wyoming, Montana and Arizona to Arkansas, Alaska and Vermont.” said Rep. Stickland. “It’s embarrassing that Texas currently joins gun control states like California and New York in criminalizing open carry for self-defense. The voters in Texas clearly agree, and are tired of this status quo.”

With 350,000 Texas Gun Rights (TXGR) members, and over 4 million National Association for Gun Rights members nationwide, TXGR and NAGR are America’s fastest-growing and most effective grassroots gun rights organizations.

Austin City Council: Conservative/Libertarian Voter Guide

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, the people groan."
Proverbs 29:2

Author's Note: Readers can find their Austin City Council District here; readers can find TCRP's endorsement spreadsheet here.

With early voting set to commence in Austin's historic 10-1 election, the 78 candidates currently running can be intimidating.  Here at Cahnman's Musings, we've been studying these races for months.  We endorse the following candidates:

District 1 -- (Far Northeast Austin): Michael Cargill

Texas Firearms Celebrity Michael Cargill was the first federally licensed firearms dealer to accept BITCOIN in his store.  That, by itself, should tell you everything you need to know about him.  In a city where entrenched special interests are abusing the political process to preserve their status, Cargill's actions illustrate his commitment to genuine innovation.

Cargill has been a fixture in local politics for some time.  In 2012, he ran against an incumbent Travis County constable who had previously accepted money from drug cartels.  Unfortunately, a la Rosemary Lehmberg, the Democrat machine rallied around their incumbent.  In 2013, Cargill was a critical presence in the successful campaign against the Austin ISD bond.  He has a documented history of taking on petty tyrants.

Cargill is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility and reducing traffic.  He has signed the Citizens for Tax Relif NOW pledge.  He has also been endorsed by Texans for Accountable Government (TAG). Specifically, he has proposed widening 183 as a free road and relocating City of Austin offices from downtown to the outskirts of the city.   Cargill will also protect our second amendment rights from gun grabbing politicians at the local level.

Avoid: DeWayne Lofton -- Supports the rail bond.

District 2 -- (Southeast Austin): They All Suck.

District 3 -- (Central East Austin): Kent Philips

A former regional coordinator for Debra Medina, Kent Phillips is running to lower Austin's cost of living by eliminating wasteful spending and burdensome regulations.  Kent intends to audit the city budget, implement zero-based budgeting, and pass budgets at the effective tax rate.  Kent understands that the root cause of Austin's current affordability challenges is a City Council (and County and School District) that regulates too much, spends too much, and taxes too much.

Endorsed by TAG, Kent is a regular attendee at Liberty on the Rocks and other liberty themed events around Austin.

As a rapidly gentrifying part of town, affordability challenges are especially poignant in District 3.  We should know, this is our home district.  We intend to vote for Kent Philips and you should as well.

Avoid: Susana Almanza -- Supports $15 hr minimum wage; remember, this one's personal.

District 4 -- (North Central Austin): Laura Pressley

The best prepared and most knowledgeable candidate in this district, Laura Pressley is the clear choice in District 4.  A 26 year Austin resident, Laura was instrumental in passing 10-1.  She has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

Laura ran against Mike Martinez in 2012.  She supports a 20% homestead exemption and reduction (Author's note: preferably elimination) of corporate subsidies.  She has spoken previously about cost saving measures at Austin Energy.

Laura has previously supported Ron Paul and has earned the endorsement of TAG.  She intends to curb the "we're rich" culture of spending at City Hall. Pressley is the candidate in district 4 most clearly committed to the fiscal pruning City Hall desperately needs.

Avoid: Gregorio Casar -- A Leftist Demagogue in the mold of Julian Castro and Hugo Chavez who has raised serious money.

District 5 (South Central Austin): Mike Rodriguez

Another longtime 10-1 advocate, Mike Rodriguez knows the City of Austin's budget in more detail than anyone this author has ever met.  He's been studying the City of Austin's culture of overspending for decades.  And it shows.

Mike wants lower cost of living by reducing burdensome regulations.  He specifically cites Project Connect, Code Next, and Imagine Austin.  He has been endorsed by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility (TFR) and has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

Mike says it best on his website: "Rather than always thinking of what more government can do, Mike will stay focused on the need to limit any added burden on our taxpayers and renters."

District 6 (Far Northwest Austin): Jay Wiley

Jay Wiley got in this race over a year ago.  He's raised more money than all the other candidates combined.  He's been endorsed by TFR and was the first candidate in the race to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.  While there are other fantastic candidates in this district, this isn't their time or race.  Don't try to get cute.  If conservative voters are smart, this can be an easy win.  Vote with your head, not your heart.



District 7 (North Austin): Ed English

In a race full of career bureaucrats, Ed English is the only candidate in District 7 to have worked in the real world.  A successful businessman, Ed led the fight to pass 10-1.  As a leader of Austinites for Geographic Representation, he donated "several thousand hours" over a "two year period".

Ed is running to eliminate wasteful spending and give hard working taxpayers "real relief."  He understand that excessive regulation, excessive spending, and excessive taxation are the root cause of Austin's affordability challenges.  He also opposed boondoggles like water treatment plant #4 and the biomass plant.

Finally, Ed is the only district 7 candidate who lives north of 183.  This is an important advantage, considering that two thirds of the district is north of 183.  He has also signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

District 8 (Southwest Austin): Ellen Troxclair

Ellen Troxclair has been called "a spending hawk."  She's also been called "a suburban pit bull."  We have another title for the list: Ellen Troxclair is a femme fatale for bloated government.

Considering the demographics of the district and her issue positions relative to the other candidates, supporting Ellen is the easiest decision in the city.  District 8 is a 50/50 district, and Ellen is the only conservative candidate in the race.  In addition to working as a realtor, Ellen is a former chief of staff to State Rep Jason Isaac and has been endorsed by TFR and has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

Traffic congestion is, easily and by far, the biggest problem in district 8.  Ellen has pledged to start with "with improving our road system....Money spent on transportation solutions should focus on getting the greatest number of people to the most in-demand locations. To help with the congestion, we must increase our road capacity, improve our bus service to the region, and allow for innovate transportation options such as Lyft and Uber."

District 9 (Central Austin): Erin McGann

Erin McGann is the only candidate running in district 9 who isn't an incumbent.  That should tell you everything you need to know.  She's been endorsed by TFR and has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

Erin is the only candidate in district 9 to oppose the current rail boondoggle.  Erin supports cost effective traffic solutions like traffic-light synchronization and expanded bus service.  She also opposes corporate-welfare masquerading as "business incentives."

Regarding affordability and the central premise of her campaign, Erin writes: "Current City Council doesn’t seem to understand the correlation between increased taxes and affordability. When Council approves more spending, higher utilities or taxes, the level of affordability decreases, and yet Council continues to pay lip service to affordability while increasing spending.  We need prioritize the basic needs of Austin – fix our roads and sidewalks, encourage and improve middle-income apartments and condos, the increase the number of multi-bedroom units for families, keep utility rates low, fund our first responders and end corporate subsidies."

Avoid: Riley and Tovo are both AWFUL!!!

District 10 (West Austin): Bill Worsham

While there are several candidates with a Republican voting history in district 10, Bill is the most solidly conservative.  He's been endorsed by TFR and TAG and was the first candidate in district 10 to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.  As a civil engineer, Bill's professional background leaves him uniquely suited to understand the technical details of Austin's transportation challenges.

On transportation, Bill supports expanding our road and highway network.  He supports ridesharing and cost effective solutions like traffic light synchronization.  He does not support the current rail proposal.

Bill understands how regulation and taxation indirectly inflates housing costs.  He is specifically committed to reducing red tape for restaurant owners.  He's the candidate best positioned to give the Austin City Council the radical course correction it needs next January.

Avoid: Robert Thomas -- Claims to be a fiscal conservative but brags about sitting on the Austin ISD bond committee on his campaign website.

Mayor (Citywide): Todd Phelps

With Adler virtually guaranteed to make the runoff, there's no reason not to swing for the fences in the first round of the mayoral race.  Unlike the "big three," Todd Phelps opposes the current urban rail boondoggle.  He was the first mayoral candidate to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

Avoid: Mike Martinez -- The worst member of the current council.








Bond Initiatives -- Vote AGAINST all:

• Prop. 1 City of Austin (Urban Rail)
• Prop. 1 ACC
• Prop. 2 ACC
• Prop. 1 State of Texas ("Transportation")

Partying with Austin's Future Taxpayer Friendly Leaders

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice."
Proverbs 29:2 (a)

Local Voice Solutions -- Tonight, taxpayer friendly candidates in 6 of Austin's 10 city council districts spoke at an event in East Austin.  The candidates discussed affordability and the role that Austin's massive, boondoggle prone, city government plays in exacerbating that problem.  This website bring you their remarks in full.

Michael Cargill, District 1:



Highlights:

• Proprietor of Central Texas Gun Works.

• Most conservative candidate in District 1 on the subject of firearms.

• Running to obstruct Mike Martinez's gun grabbing agenda.

• "We're going to maintain all of our constitutional rights."

• Plan for traffic: Widen 183, as a free road, to give commercial traffic a viable path around Downtown Austin.
• Austin is one of the few major cities in America where big trucks pass through downtown.

• Sell "Prime Real Estate" downtown and relocate city offices to the outskirts of the city.

• "We don't need that rail, that rail to nowhere...."

 Jay Wiley, District 6:



Highlights:

• "I'm running because we need a new voice for taxpayers at City Hall...we've never had that before."

• The (in)famous Gretchen Gardner quote.

• "Here's the big picture.  The big picture is that the affordability problem we have in Austin is the direct result of a big and expensive local government.  We've seen what big, expensive government looks like.  It looks like Higher property tax bills, and worse energy bills every month, and it looks like worse and worse traffic every day because we've got all the wrong priorities at City Hall."

• "What I want to do is I want to lower taxes, I want to lessen the bureaucratic largesse at City Hall, and ... most importantly change the culture at City Hall to one that's fiscally responsible and respects taxpayers."

• "We are weeks away from putting the first conservatives on Austin City Council in my lifetime; let's get it done."

Ellen Troxclair, District 8 (She likes puppies and Uber):



Highlights:

• Over a decade of public policy experice at the Capitol combined with real world experience in the Real Estate industry.

• Not a day goes by, either in the campaign or her business, where she doesn't hear about how the Austin CC's decision are negative effecting resident of District 8.

•  "Seems like every year in Austin our cost of living is increasing while our quality of life is not improving."

• It took conversations with thousands of voters before she met her first voter who said property taxes weren't too high...and that person was a recent California transplant.
• Author's Note: We welcome California transplants to Austin...as long as you don't vote for the same crap policies that ruined California.

• "I don't think that our goal, as Austinites, should be to be slightly better than California."
• Author's Note: Ellen makes Chuck DeVore proud!!!

Ed English, District 7:



Highlights:

• "I'm running for a lot of reasons that fall under the umbrella of fiscal responsiblility."

• "I want to be part of a council" that ends wasteful spending and gives taxpayers real relief.

• Donated "several thousand hours" over "a two year period" to pass 10-1 in the first place.

• Seize this opportunity to represent the citizens.

• Only candidate in his district that has worked in the private sector.

• Knows how to ask the right questions about contracts.
• No more water treatment plant #4 or biomass boondoggles.

• First candidate, in any district, to oppose the rail bond tax hike...aka. Leffingwell Loser!!!

Erin McGann, District 9:



Highlights:

•  Only non-incumbent in District 9 and only candidate in the District who is against the rail.

• Background in finance, auditing, and budget review.

• "I am running for city council because our budget is entirely too fat, our spending is not very judicious, and we've got a lot of unicorns and glitter sitting around city hall and not very much bricks and mortar."

• "My opponents are being strongly supported by the status quo and by all of the special interests in Austin so I am being seriously outspent."
• Author's note: Donate here.
  
•  Needs blockwalkers and phonebankers.

Bill Worsham, District 10:



Highlights:

•  "It is way past time to just talk about the traffic, the cost of living, and the red tape that we have to endure in the city of Austin.  

• Endorsed by TAG and TFL.

• Specifically committed to reducing red tape for resturant owners.

• "We are right on the issues of this campaign"

• Opponents are imitating their campaign...."we are the rocket that's ready to launch."

Citizens for Tax Relief Now's Press Conference

"But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people, and took from them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver. Yes, even their servants bore rule over the people, but I did not do so, because of the fear of God."
Nehemiah 5:15

Austin City Hall -- This afternoon, Citizens for Tax Relief Now held a press conference to discuss alternatives to the tax increase the current lame duck city council is set to impose on Austin:

Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream

Highlights:

• Cindy Malette -- People are now paying more in property taxes than mortgages.
• Her rent went up substantially in 2013.
• Rail, busses, and bikes aren't viable for people with kids.
• Affordability crisis is due to tax rate, not appraisals.
• Effective tax rate equals tax relief now.
• City and county are operating a dysfunctional system.
• 90,000 people protested property taxes in 2014, only 50,000 voted in last Austin City Council election.

• Bill Worsham -- Two paths: Either chase unicorns or promote prosperity for all Austinites.

• Kent Philips -- City is driving gentrification.

• Julian Fernandez -- Will lower property taxes by 20%
• Forensic Audit and zero-based budgeting.
• Helen Diaz, age 90, had to sell her home because of property taxes.
• WWII vets are getting priced out in East Austin.
• We cannot let people lose their home because of high property taxes.

• Todd Phelps --  We're trying to retain our soul in Austin.
• Doesn't want to wait four years for a homestead exemption.
• Current group running city hall got us into this affordability/traffic crisis.

• Michael Cargill --  Get back to fiscal responsibility.

• Mike McNamara - We're in trouble in Travis County.

• Richard Franklin -- Local Government doesn't do a cost/benefit analysis, just give $$$ to special interests.

• Peggy Venable -- ATX is the poster child for local government debt.
• 10 cents of every dollar Austin ISD spends goes to debt service.

• Dean Wright -- 3 actions City/County needs to take:
• Freeze 2014 tax rate.
• Audit city agencies every two years.
• Zero-based budgeting every two years.

Using Alcohol to Shut Down Gun Shows?!?

"But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand."
Ezekiel 33:6

The Texas State Rifle Association warns about an ominous proposal:

State agencies, such at the TABC, are tasked with creating operational rules within compliance with state law. On occasion agency rules are reviewed and updated to track current law. In this case current law has not changed. Two weeks ago, TSRA was alerted to a rule revision within TABC rule 36.1 firearms. At first reading the proposed changes appeared to be simply "not good" but concern grew with every subsequent reading.

Phone calls to the agency, requesting clarification, have not been encouraging.

The changes deal with locations, private and public, with a TABC license or permit to sell alcohol, regardless of whether alcohol is sold or consumed. . .

Without question the proposed changes as written could have a devastating effect on gun shows and to various fundraising events such as FONRA, DU, TSRA Foundation and many others.

....

Comments in writing can be directed to Martin Wilson, Assistant General Counsel, PO Box 13127, Austin, Texas 78711-3127 or by FAX to 512-206-3280. Comments may also be submitted electronically through the Commission's public website.
www.tabc.state.tx.us

Additionally, TABC attorneys and staff will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, August 19th, at 1:30 p.m. in the Commission meeting room at TABC headquarters, located at 5806 Mesa in Austin.

Texas Firearms Celebrity Michael Cargill spoke with the local Fox affiliate about the rule:

Post by Michael Cargill.

KXAN has more:

Come and Take It -- Austin marches downtown

Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me.
Nehemiah 4:18

This afternoon, we attended an open carry event with the local Austin group.  The event began at the Texas State Capitol, then continued down Congress Ave to Sixth Street.  And yes, there was an open carry group walking up and down Sixth street in Austin just a couple hours ago!  Reactions were 99% positive, although we did observe on person giving the group a middle finger from a car.  We can't really explain it, but the hand of God is on this open-carry movement in Texas!!!

By the Angela Eberly statue at Sixth and Congress:

Turning the corner at sixth and Congress:

Various locations at Sixth Street and I-35:

Local firearms celebrity Michael Cargill spoke to the crowd about voting in  November:



And, of course, we had the election forecasting of Sam Fyrestarter!!! :)



If other event attendees have photos or video they'd like to add, they should e-mail them to cahnman@hotmail.com; please upload videos to YouTube BEFORE sending them to us!!!

Texas Firearms Dealer first to accept BITCOIN

Michael Cargill is a tireless fighter for liberty in Travis County.  Whenever there's a local campaign, Michael shows up and works his tail off.  Michael's business, Central Texas Gun Works, made a major announcement today:

AUSTIN, Texas --(Ammoland.com)- Beginning Monday, January 27, 2014, Central Texas Gun Works, owned by Michael Cargill, became the first firearms retailer of Texas to accept online payment in the new Bitcoin (www.bitcoin.org) currency system, an innovative payment network changing the way consumers use digital currency.

Starting Wednesday, January 28, 2014, Central Texas Gun Works will accept Bitcoin for all in-store transactions, including the sale of firearms, ammunition, accessories, and class registrations.

Bitcoin uses instant, worldwide, peer-to-peer transactions to make payments over the Internet. Using a mobile app or computer, bitcoins are purchased through a Bitcoin exchange network or from individuals. Consumers are able to shop at Central Texas Gun Works using their personal Bitcoin wallet to make payments. This form of payment is faster and more convenient than paying with a check, debit or credit card and includes increased privacy and security.

For businesses, like Central Texas Gun Works, using Bitcoin costs little to maintain, reduces risk of chargebacks or reversals, and protects against fraud, resulting in a lower cost to merchants than check or card transactions. Additionally, businesses can accept faster payments and incur a lower cost to protect sensitive information about their customers, including account information and credit card numbers. Central Texas Gun Works has partnered with BitPay as its Bitcoin merchant services provider.

“We are thrilled to be able to accept Bitcoin, a new, innovative form of payment, from our customers,” says Central Texas Gun Works owner, Michael Cargill. “We hope by using this currency in Austin, it will help to generate new customers and attract more visibility for our business.”

Bravo Michael; read the whole thing here.