oakhillgazette.com
November 26, 2014 Volume 19, No. 24 Southwest Austin’s Community Newspaper Since 1995
Oak Hill Elementary celebrates 40 years! - p. 3
Council candidates talk affordability, traffic and growth by Bobbie Jean Sawyer AUSTIN - District 8 candidates Ellen Troxclair and Ed Scruggs faced off in a city council runoff forum hosted by the Austin League of Women Voters on Nov. 21 at City Hall. Affordability, traffic and population growth were among major topics of discussion during the forum. When asked about the number one issue facing District 8, Troxclair said the increasing cost of living is the most pressing issue facing Southwest Austin residents. “Overwhelmingly, the biggest issue we are facing is the rising cost of living, including skyrocketing property taxes,” Troxclair said. “We’re paying a huge amount of
the city’s property tax burden, but we’re not necessarily getting a return on that investment in the form of road infrastructure or public safety resources.” Troxclair, a realtor who gained public policy experience by working at the state Capitol for Republican state Rep. Jason Isaac, said she favors implementing a 20 percent homestead exemption to homeowners. Troxclair also said the city must take steps to get spending under control so the tax rate may be lowered. Scruggs, a 23-year Austin resident who has served on the Circle C Homeowners Association, and founded Circle C Area Democrats, also focused on rising property taxes See COUNCIL on p. 9
Capital Metro to raise all fares in January Residents say higher fares, lower gas prices could send them back to their cars by Ann Fowler
Gazette: Will Atkins
Stop and enjoy the foliage in Oak Hill—this mass of color is on Scenic Brook Drive near Hwy. 290.
OAK HILL - Fares for those riding Capital Metro buses and trains will increase Jan. 11, according to transit officials. For buses considered “local” like route 333, fares will increase from $1.00 per ride to $1.25. A 7-day pass that was $9.00 will cost $11.25, and a 31-day pass increases from $33.00 to $41.25. Premium fares for buses like the
Oak Hill Flyer or the South Mopac Flyer—routes 171 and 111 serving the Oak Hill area—the single fare increases from $1.50 to $1.75. A 7-day Premium pass costing $13.50 in December will be $16.75 on Jan. 11, and the 31-day Premium pass increases from $49.50 to $62.00. Premium passes can be used on all Flyer, MetroRapid and local routes. See CAPITAL on back page