oakhillgazette.com
November 13, 2014 Volume 19, No. 23 Southwest Austin’s Community Newspaper Since 1995
Troxclair and Scruggs gear up for runoff by Bobbie Jean Sawyer
Following a long campaign in Austin’s inaugural 10-1 city council election, District 8 candidates Ellen Troxclair and Ed Scruggs secured spots in the December 15 runoff election with just over and just under 26% of the ballots cast, respectively, besting opponents Becky Bray, Dar-
rell Pierce and Eliza May. Ellen Troxclair, a realtor who gained her public policy experience by working at the state Capitol, said she was inspired to run after witnessing the rising cost of living in Austin, adding that she wants to be the voice of fiscal responsibility on city council.
“I’m running in part because I want to be able to raise a family in Austin and I think that so many other people—especially in Southwest Austin—are struggling with the same cost of living increases that my family is,” Troxclair said. “The cost of living increases are unsustainable.” Troxclair said in the weeks leading
up to the runoff election she wants to continue reaching out to Southwest Austin residents. “Connecting personally with voters has been my favorite part of this experience so far, because I’ve gotten to meet so many amazing people and hear so many amazing stories about how the decisions from city council are affecting Southwest Austinites, as well as their families and their businesses,” Troxclair said. “I can’t overstate how truly humbled and grateful I am to my supporters and the volunteers and contributors who have supported me along the way.” Ed Scruggs, a 23-year Austin res-
ident who has served on the Circle C Homeowners Association, said he attributes the support he received from voters to his willingness to be open and listen to different points of view. “I started with a very clear message and I made a resolution to myself that I would try to give very open and honest answers to questions in forums and when people asked me,” Scruggs said. “I think that paid off.” Scruggs said affordability and property taxes are among the most important issues to District 8 voters. See TROXCLAIR on p. 18
It’s Adopt a Senior Pet Month
Bulldogs and Maroons make the playoffs! Sports section starts p. 12
Austin High’s Jacob Traudt (#88) caught eight passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns in an exciting 63-56 win over Lehman.
Gazette: Sarah Weeks
Austin Pets Alive! alum Titus was a 12-year-old Yorkshire Terrier mix who came to the shelter with medical issues. Last month he found his forever home, story on p.