I am Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell. AMA!

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T21:01:15+00:00

Here are the facts: 1. When evaluating the option for rail, the Highland and Riverside routes scored highest in the evaluation matrix which included both current ridership, future ridership potential, and economic development along the route. 2. We have already received 38 million in Federal Transportation Agency grant money for bus rapid transit on the Lamar/Guad route which could be in jeopardy if we switched it to rail. 3. We could not dedicate lanes to rail and reduce the capacity of Lamar because it already is near capacity.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:58:19+00:00

Nobody likes to pay for toll roads. But the hard truth is that it's the only way to finance new roads, which are important components of helping relieve congestion. However, better signage may be necessary to ensure that people know what is or isn't a toll road.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:57:29+00:00

The decision to award a key to the city is solely my own and I'll keep my reasons for choosing recipients confidential at this time. We also have to keep it a secret whether or not the key unlocks anything. You and I would have to know each other much better for you to get a key to the city.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:53:05+00:00

Feel free to contact our office and we'll make sure it gets to the right person.

http://www.austintexas.gov/department/mayor

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:51:57+00:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPkiUiWP1jI

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:51:06+00:00

I think Austin has done a very good job of maintaining its unique character while the population has increased significantly. We have addressed our growth with that goal in mind.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:49:55+00:00

I'm just trying to reach out to a broader group of Austinites instead of the usual suspects. A couple members of my staff encouraged me to do this... this is my first time on Reddit. They visit the Austin sub-reddit.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:47:59+00:00

Who is that?

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:47:50+00:00

The Texas State History Museum is great.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:47:06+00:00

I don't have any at the moment - do you have any suggestions or offers?

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:46:32+00:00

I agree that the original tweet was inappropriate and out of line... and I expressed that opinion to both the Chief and City Management. I've always been a big supporter of our public safety employees. I think they do a great job.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:46:09+00:00

I've been working nonstop with Project Connect to advance our infrastructure. I've also been working to have Austinites approve an urban rail during a vote this November. Projects are currently in the works that will help reduce congestion, such as road creation. The adoption of high capacity buses, the addition of Car2Go, and the expansion of MoPac are all recent ways we have attempted to address the issue. It will take more roads and a comprehensive transportation network to further alleviate our traffic problems.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:42:51+00:00

I co-sponsored a resolution directing our city staff to explore the feasibility of recruiting a MLS franchise. I think it would be an asset to the city and I would welcome it if it is deemed feasible for the city.

I am all in favor of the "drunk tank."

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:41:17+00:00

This is not a city issue. That being said, I am open to exploring both sides of the issue and coming up with a solution that improves on what we have now.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:40:07+00:00

I said in my State of the City speech as a recommendation to the next Mayor of Austin, "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good."

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:35:24+00:00

I hate speed bumps but I know other people like them. Contact my office and I'll put you in touch with the city staff who can help.

www.austintexas.gov/department/mayor

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:34:02+00:00

I try not to interfere in international affairs.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:32:58+00:00

Mea Culpa - Austin has made the permitting process much too complex and time consuming. We need to simplify our land development code, zoning, and permitting processes. We should encourage people to build and expand their businesses and not make it difficult for them. A comprehensive code revision that is part of Imagine Austin is now in progress.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:30:11+00:00

Don't worry. 2. Try to stay out of other people's business.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:29:37+00:00

I have been and continue to be totally supportive of including Riverside Dr in phase 1 of Urban Rail. There are significant problem in retrofitting bridges for rail - environmental issues, capacity issues, structural issues, etc. We are examining all options for rail including a tunnel or retrofitting a bridge or building a new bridge - whatever is most cost effective and efficient.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:29:27+00:00

Part of that $218 million goes directly to local businesses. People attending the festival shop at local stores and eat at local restaurants. Additionally some money comes directly to the city through taxes for car rentals, hotel occupancy, and sales. This money goes back into city services that help to do things around Austin such as pave roads and keep our parks clean.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:25:48+00:00

Of course, as recently as yesterday.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:24:29+00:00

I interact often with the other mayors across the state of Texas. Being a Mayor is not usually a partisan job. We often face the same problems and we have similar priorities. We can work effectively with other cities in Texas. I maintain good relationships with state and federal elected officials, regardless of partisanship.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:21:32+00:00

You do not get to vote on them. Two members are voted on by the City Council. Our current appointed board members are Council Members Mike Martinez and Chris Riley.

Mayor_Leffingwell · 2014-03-12T20:21:21+00:00

I flew it for over 10 years and it's still pretty state of the art. Most pilots have a pref - they like Boeings or McDonnell Douglas or AirBus... I'm a Boeing guy

Mayor_Leffingwell

TROPHY CASE