CTCA Interviews District 10 Candidates for City Council
As our neighborhood’s current district representative Alison Adler will not run again, there are two new candidates for this upcoming November election, Ashika Ganguli and Marc Duchen. We asked the two candidates for City Council a series of questions as an introduction for CTCA. Their unedited responses are included below.
One of the main concerns for our Community is that it is in an area with 3 parks which generates a lot of traffic. Traffic on RR 620 and 2222 has become increasingly heavy. Same goes for traffic on Comanche Trail, especially on weekends which is a safety problem. What would you support to alleviate some of our safety related traffic problems?
AG: I understand that heavy traffic in these areas can impact safety and quality of life. To address this, I will work with local and state transportation jurisdictions to explore improvements like widening roads, adjusting signal timing, and installing roundabouts or other measures to improve the flow of traffic. I will also support investments in public transportation, alleviating peak traffic times particularly during weekends. Safety must be a top priority for the city council, and I will advocate for enhanced enforcement of traffic laws (particularly in school zones and other high-risk areas) including better signage to reduce reckless driving.
MD: Traffic congestion and safety on RR 620, 2222, and Comanche Trail is a pressing concern, especially with the increased weekend activity due to the surrounding parks. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) indicates that RM 620 handles between 35,000 and 50,000 vehicle trips per day, which significantly exceeds the design standard for this type of roadway. This high volume, especially during peak hours, contributes to the traffic and safety concerns in areas like Comanche Trail.
I support a multi-faceted approach to tackle these issues. First, I advocate for coordinated traffic management solutions, such as improved signal timing and increased law enforcement presence on weekends to manage flow and reduce speeding. While the recent bypass has diverted some traffic from the 2222/360 intersection, congestion and accidents remain a concern. Second, I believe in investing in long-term infrastructure improvements. This could include exploring the feasibility of road expansions or dedicated turn lanes at critical points to alleviate bottlenecks. Additionally, I support initiatives to improve public transportation options in these areas to reduce the number of vehicles on the road if there is data to support ridership.
Lastly, I am committed to working closely with communities like Comanche Trail to explore innovative traffic-calming measures and safety improvements that align with the neighborhood’s unique needs. Your input will be crucial in shaping these solutions to ensure they truly benefit residents and visitors alike.
Noting where our Community lies, it’s also a potential fire hazard area. While we know that Steiner Ranch has facilitated two new evacuation routes for their Community, Comanche Trail only has one way in and one way out. We have, with the City, County, Police and Fire assistance, actually have had two trial evacuations which, while successful in general, was evident that it is a potential catastrophe if there ever is a fire. Would you support an additional fire evacuation route for the Community and how would you do it?
AG: Given the fire hazard risks to our community, I will work to add an additional fire evacuation route. I will work closely with City and County officials, along with fire safety experts, to assess the most viable location for an alternative route. Engaging the community in this planning process is critical to ensure that we address not only safety but also environmental and logistical concerns. I will also advocate for increased funding and collaboration to reinforce and improve wildfire prevention measures targeting high-risk areas.
MD: Safety is critical, particularly in areas like Comanche Trail with limited access. I’ve met with Justice Jones, head of the Wildfire Division, which focuses on evacuation planning. As a member of the Wildfire Alliance, I am aware of the Comanche Trail evacuation trials conducted with County Commissioner Brigid Shea and the presentation you provided on it. I will work with the Wildfire Division, City, and County officials to develop alternative routes. District 10 has several areas with single access points, and a city ordinance now requires two-way access in most new developments, but existing developments must be addressed as well. Planning evacuation routes is a top priority. I take fire prevention incredibly seriously, and attend Firewise Alliance meetings and the Austin Travis County Wildfire Prevention Symposium. That’s because my own community has a single entrance/egress and is right by Stillhouse Hollow Preserve. We have had a Firewise Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) assessment and prepared an evacuation plan, and I highly encourage other communities that have wildfire risk factors to have regular assessments and update their evacuation plans. Education is typically the least expensive and most effective way to prepare residents for wildfire prevention.
As a neighborhood on Lake Travis, we do have a number of ‘weekend’ rentals that occur. Sometimes they are a problem. What steps would you take to ensure that the rental problems are alleviated?
AG: To help alleviate resident concerns regarding weekend rental properties, I will push for stricter enforcement of existing regulations on short-term rentals. I will thereby ensure that property owners are held accountable for noise violations and other disturbances by considering fines or permit reviews for repeat offenders. Additionally, I will help to establish clearer communication channels between residents and local authorities to resolve issues promptly. I will work with other council members to review policies governing the concentration of short-term rentals in our residential areas.
MD: To address the issues with weekend rentals on Lake Travis, I support stronger enforcement of the city’s short-term rental (STR) permit system. This system requires property owners to apply for an annual license, ensuring compliance with noise, occupancy, and safety rules. Austin’s short- term rental permit system requires property owners to apply for a license through the city’s Development Services Department. The license must be renewed annually and ensures that rentals comply with city ordinances. Enforcement includes inspections and penalties for violations to maintain neighborhood standards. More information on how to apply and the regulations involved can be found on the City of Austin’s official website:
https://www.austintexas.gov/services/apply-short-term-rental-license
Austin has by some accounts 18,000+ unregulated STRs that don’t pay into the Hotel Occupancy Tax and typically have out of town/state operators who care little for addressing parking, noise, and other issues associated with their rentals. I would advocate for frequent inspections and tougher penalties for violations. There are cities like New Orleans that have successfully passed STR reforms that have been largely accepted by the courts that we could emulate that would address the lack of compliance and local operator issues. Provided there is community support, we can explore how to extend rules and enforcement to ETJ areas. Additionally, I will work closely with the community to identify problem properties and improve the reporting process, so we can maintain the neighborhood’s integrity.
Of course it wouldn’t be a questionnaire without a question regarding taxes. Our community taxes have gone up substantially over the years. Many residents are retired and, even with the stabilization of the school tax, the arbitrary nature of the value of our homes makes it increasingly unaffordable for many residents to still afford their retirement forever homes. What can you do to help?
AG: Rising property taxes are a significant issue, particularly for retirees on fixed incomes. I will advocate to expand tax relief programs vital to senior citizens and long-term homeowners, and will consider expanding the homestead exemption. I will work with state legislators to address the broader issues of property valuation practices, encouraging stability and fairness in how property values are assessed. I will also promote policies that ensure the costs of maintaining our community are more equitably apportioned without overly burdening residents.
MD: Addressing rising property taxes requires more transparency and accountability in city spending, ensuring every tax dollar benefits the community. I have an MBA, served as the Treasurer on boards, and run a business for the last 8 years. I have charted city spending going back to 2016 and tracked that the rate of city spending has roughly doubled in recent years compared to just 8 years ago. I will advocate for routine financial audits and reports, with support for property tax exemptions or caps for seniors. A city-level commission (similar to what we have at the State Legislature) can review programs to ensure funds are allocated efficiently and update or retire obsolete programs and departments. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the $1.4 billion in unexpended approved bonds are utilized responsibly and with maximum impact to help avoid unnecessary tax hikes. City of Austin residents have approved over $2.4 billion in bonds going back to 2016 across a variety of programs (Affordable Housing, Transit and Mobility, Public Safety, etc.) and we lag behind other major Texas cities in our ability to execute those bonds in a timely and efficiently manner, as well as update the community and report progress.
Lastly, we would like to provide you with a place for any other comments you wish to add.
AG: As your candidate for Austin City Council, I am committed to ensuring that District 10 remains a vibrant, safe, and affordable place to live. I believe in listening to the community and working together on solutions that preserve our unique local character while addressing the challenges we face. Whether it’s traffic, safety, housing, or quality of life, I am here to advocate for what matters most to you.
MD: I’m the candidate that “shows up”. I attend Baker sector APD public safety meetings, the police chief candidate open house, community policing meetings (like speeding/noise on 2222), Wildfire Alliance meetings, the Wildfire Symposium, Anderson High School Campus Advisory Council meetings, the recent AISD safety meetings at Hill Elementary, and more. I have served on my own HOA board that serves about 200 homeowners and 300+ residents - comparable to Comanche Trail, except condos - for the last decade and am currently the President. I’ve also served on the Austin Neighborhood Council Executive Committee for the last 6 years. I’ve testified at City Hall and the Legislature on land use and public safety and other issues, researched and crafted policies, and worked across party and geographic divides to get things done. I bring over two decades of professional experience in politics, advocacy, technology, and running a business, and as well as a decade of community service. Bottom line: I have lived in District 10 for 24 years and care deeply about my community and would be grateful for the opportunity to serve as your next Austin City Council Member. Thank you!