I was part of and witnessed an inspiring evening at Austin City Hall yesterday. Engaged citizens came together to speak passionately about the importance of maintaining democratic leadership for Austin Energy, our city’s electric utility.
Many people talked about wanting the right to vote on a change in governance, about the importance of accountable leaders and about the need for multiple public hearings to discuss this important issue. Others spoke about our utility continuing to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency and maintaining our commitment to assisting low income families with their electric bills. The voices were many and varied and the process took hours.
And we made a difference.
Several important amendments were added to the ordinance that, if they remain, limit the powers granted to the unelected board and increase oversight by our elected City Council. Councilwoman Laura Morrison continued to be our champion on the Council, but Councilmen Chris Riley and Mike Martinez also emerged as allies on numerous amendments to lessen the negative impact of establishing an unelected board. I commend them on their willingness to listen to the public and make changes to address some of our concerns. (It should be noted that Councilwoman Tovo was in China for City business, but has also stood by the people throughout this debate.)
There is still a lot of work to be done to eliminate the threat of an unelected board, but it’s clear that public participation does make a difference. And that’s our fundamental point. We, the people, wish to retain our direct access to and influence on those who govern Austin Energy. An unelected board wouldn’t be accountable to the ratepayers.
Please visit CleanEnergyForAustin.org to stay informed over the next week. Email me at kwhite(at)citizen.org to receive email updates. This isn’t over yet.
I remember the feeling of community brewing
Of democracy happening
~Ani Difranco
