Early Voting Starts Today

No excuses: You registered, so why not exercise your right

In Richard Whittaker, recent blog post about Early Voting he takes the time to tell us that voting has begun as of today, October 22. A reminder that is mostly aimed for all people to get them to be part the election, but also reminding us that there is more than just clicking "Straight Ballot". He tells us about the going to the bottom of the page and voting for things like Austin ISD and Austin Community College, plus all the charter amendments and bonds. Richard tries to make voting for us people just a little bit easier by posting voting locations. Also giving us links that tell us what exactly is on the ballot, and even a full list of full list of endorsements. I am certainly exited to be able to vote in this election for the reason that I just turned 18 this year so this will be my very first casted vote, mostly because it’s a presidential election this year. I have been keeping up with the debates and doing some research about the two candidates. Hopefully many other people are excited as I am, and many of us go out to vote.

Proposition 10,11

In Marty Toohey's, "Propositions 10, 11 would broadly extend civil-service status to city of Austin employees". Toohey argues that Propositions 10 and 11 will amend the City Charter to grant city employees "Civil Service" status. The city will now have to prove the causes of firing a municipal employee or "passing" promotions. This is changing from a "at-will" standard that allows most Texas and city employers to hire and fire people as they see necessary. This sounds good it would help the workers by allowing the to have more say about their work environment and not fear getting fired. They could call out any unfair labor practices like under payment of women v. men. City Management denies this saying that it will not allow their departments to run ass efficient. If i were to vote, i would do so for Propositions 10, 11. Proposition 10 would grant civil-service status to the city’s 8,000-plus clerks, inspectors, librarians and other rank-and-file employees.and Proposition 11 would convey civil-service status on emergency medical services employees. This leading to a more pleasant working environment.Powell, the union spokesman, said employees attained that rating despite the city’s personnel system, not because of it. He noted instances when the city filled a position without posting an opening, tweaked the qualifications after posting or shuffled employees, which the union saw as attempts by managers to “pick their favorites” without “giving other employees a fair shot.”