oakhillgazette.com
September 18, 2014 Volume 19, No. 19 Southwest Austin’s Community Newspaper Since 1995
Jogger stabbing alarms Oak Hill residents by Ann Fowler OAK HILL - An Austin attorney was stabbed while jogging on a local trail in the early morning hours of Sept. 16. Authorities say trial attorney Mark Siefken was jogging on a trail near Staggerbrush Road and Roadrunner Lane when two men approached, asking for money. He was stabbed in the stomach after telling them he had no money on him.
The victim was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge with critical injuries. He is expected to recover. Police are looking for the two Caucasian men responsible. Many residents jog on local streets and trails during the early morning. This seemingly random and violent crime has people concerned. Woods of Legend Oaks resident Gina Vance told the Gazette, “This
incident certainly concerns me. It was a violent, seemingly random and senseless crime very close to home. The crime was committed on an adult male, so that has to make us wonder what would have happened to a woman or children?” She said her children attend school close to the crime scene. She added, “Our family has not used those particular trails, but we have frequented
similar trails around Dick Nichols Park and the surrounding areas.” Vance said she usually takes her dog with her if she is walking or running alone—partly for the exercise, but also as a security measure. She said, “This incident is a reminder that we cannot take anything for granted, and as the kids get older and more adventuresome on their bikes, unfortunately the greenbelt areas will be probably be off limits unless they
are accompanied by an adult. At this point the trails will still be used, but only at high-traffic times.” Westcreek resident Kevin Lonseth is concerned because the crime occurred so close to his neighborhood. He said, “I have heard that there is a big transient issue in the undeveloped properties near Mopac and William Cannon, so I am curious about what the police See JOGGER on back page
District 8 candidates talk issues at forum by Bobbie Jean Sawyer OAK HILL - The Oak Hill Association of Neighborhoods (OHAN) hosted a District 8 City Council Candidate forum during its Sept. 10 monthly meeting at the Southwest Family Fellowship Auditorium. Public transit, traffic congestion, land development codes, SH 45 and the Oak Hill Parkway were major topics of conversation. Early voting for the first 10-ONE City Council election begins Oct. 20 and lasts through Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 4.
The Candidates: Becky Bray www.brayfor8.com Bray is a fourth-generation Austinite and a licensed professional transportation engineer. Bray said her extensive transportation background has given her the knowledge and ability to address one of Austin residents’ top concerns. “Transportation and traffic are huge issues in District 8,” Bray said. “Throughout my career I have planned for and designed many See DISTRICT on page 25
Gazette: Sarah Weeks
The Austin High Maroons brought down the Dripping Springs Tigers 42 to 30. Bowie also wins, p. 12.
Becky Bray, Eliza May, Darrell Pierce, Ed Scruggs and Ellen Troxclair.