Austin=(mostly) No-Kill

It is amazing to see moments when government, local in this instance, really comes through for its citizens. In March of 2010, the Austin City Council voted unanimously to move the city towards becoming no-kill.  For animal advocates and animal lovers, like myself, that day was pretty monumental. The city's goal was to reach this within two years. Since the vote, I have been curious as to how the city has been progressing. A recent article in the editorial section from the Austin American Statesman shed some very promising light on the topic.

The goal has actually been to make the Town Lake Animal Center (TLAC) 90% no-kill, meaning animals could still be faced with the possibility of euthanization. These instances would be if the animal came to the shelter with a serious medical illness/condition or if the animal exhibited dangerous/agressive behavior. But, the numbers are looking extremely promising. By June of this year, the shelter was 91% no-kill and had been at that status for about 6 months. That is no small feat considering close to 23,000 animals come through the shelter doors each year. In addition, KXAN reported that prior to the vote in 2010, TLAC was euthanizing 32% of the animals coming through each year.

The progress is due in no small part to those in the local community who have been consistently speaking up at City Hall. These animal advocates have done so much to save so many animals' lives in the community. There influence in creating this change in the city is beyond commendable. But, to continue this progress, I agree that the city will have to expand its programs. Educating animal owners is key. Owners need to be aware of ways to properly care for their pets and have affordable resources for spaying/neutering, vaccinations, identification, etc.

Animal welfare may seem like a strange political issue. But, when you consider that $12 million of the city's budget will go towards funding the new TLAC facility in East Austin, you can see some reason for the debate, especially since there has been so much talk of late concerning the city and state's budget shortfalls. Sure. This isn't immigration, health care reforms or capital punishment here. This is the important stuff that we face everyday. I, like so many of the thousands of Austin residents who have adopted from the TLAC, are ecstatic over what some might consider a small success. To many, our animals are a vital members of our families. So, if that means I may have to pay an additional city fee here and there, I am willing to contribute, as small as the contribution may be. I would gladly spend a little extra on, for example, parking downtown if that meant I could help throw in a tiny bit more into the pool.

Like the author of this article, I, along with the animal-loving community in Austin, applaud the City Council, TLAC's efforts, Austin Pets Alive, Austin Humane Society and all of the vocal advocates for the progress that has been made in moving towards a no-kill goal. There are still some big steps to take. But, the advances are immense. I hope that the city continues to move in this direction and Austin residents continue to adopt and save the lives of the animals in the shelter. These animals really do contribute so much to our lives.

My dog, Stella, was adopted from the TLAC in 2007.

"Perry the Executioner"

It's certainly an extremely exciting and interesting time to be watching the happenings of the Texas government. The actions of our very own governor, Rick Perry, have been shining an even brighter spotlight on our state while he campaigns for a spot on the presidential ballot in the 2012 election. One particular action has come under scrutiny many times during his 11+ years in office and now, during his campaign....executions.

An article in the latest issue of the Austin Chronicle breaks down some of the ways he's become known as an executioner. He's had more executions occur during his terms, 235 actually, and there are no signs of slowing (there are 5 more scheduled executions through the end of the year). Perry has only once granted a commutation of a death penalty. This happened in 2007 when Kenneth Foster was set to die. Foster was driving when his passenger, Maurecio Brown, shot and killed Michael LaHood. Though Foster did not pull the trigger, he was sentenced to death. The state argued that Foster's responsibility in this crime was the same as that of the shooter. The Board of Pardons and Paroles recommended his sentence be reduced to a life sentence. Perry agreed. This was a rare incident.

As far as legislation is concerned, Perry has intervened in disturbing ways. In 2001, he vetoed a bill that would ban the execution of the "mentally retarded". Though Perry did admit he felt that executing these individuals was wrong, the bill would "strip juries of their final decision-making power". It is also of interesting note that all the members of the Board of Pardons and Paroles were appointed by Governor Perry.

There has been a lack of transparency with Perry and the way he has handled the incredibly high number of executions. Criminal justice practitioners feel that this fact is rather unsettling. During Bush's administration, the decision making process was a bit clearer. Bush's clemency notes, prepared by Alberto Gonzalez, his general counsel, were released when then Attorney General, John Cornyn, ruled they were open records. Though embarrassing for Bush, there was the ability to see how recklessly Bush made his decisions based on the minimal information he was given on each case. In 2002, newly elected Attorney General, Greg Abbott, decided to change this and said this information was "privileged".  Kristin Houle, executive director of the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, feels that this lack of transparency shows Perry's "unrepentant unwillingness to admit that mistakes are made".

On a positive note, Perry has made strides where criminal justice reform is concerned. For instance, there is now access for prisoners, post conviction, to DNA testing. Perry made the life-without-parole option for sentencing possible as well. However, for me, these efforts pale in comparison to the reality of what is actually happening. There is no doubt that Rick Perry is tough on criminals. But, it seems as though he has taken Bush's legacy of carelessness and compounded it exponentially. Take a look at how the case of Cameron Todd Willingham was handled (also mentioned in this article). It is important to know what the nation's possible future president's history and track record are, especially when the number of executions are declining in the rest of the country.

Stage One: Hello and Welcome!

Welcome to my blog for Texas State and Local Government! More offerings to come...