BATPAC Report

BETTER AUSTIN TODAY: Party's Success Indicates Greater Things to Come!

Success!! More than 250 guests said "yes" to Better Austin Today's invitation for accountable government in Austin Sunday night.

Filling the historic Moose Lodge in east Austin to celebrate the kick-off of Better Austin Today, the crowd eagerly greeted the group formed to increase responsiveness to public concerns. Organized by a broad coalition of community leaders, the new political action committee is expected to be a major force in local politics. Numerous candidates attended, including virtually all declared candidates for City Council along with candidates for several county positions.

"We hope to change the minds and policy positions of those whose track records don't reflect responsiveness to the people. Where we find we can change neither minds nor policies, we will work to elect new leaders committed to serving the public good." - Clint Smith, Better Austin Today board member

A diverse and energetic crowd, ranging from young eastside artists to veteran westside environmentalists, found common ground in the call for responsive, accountable government. All enjoyed food provided by Uncle Billy's Brew and Que, Curra's and Las Manitas. Entertaiment included Bill Oliver, Eliza Gilkyson, Eve Monsees and the Exiles, 11 year-old DJ Power Tripp, Gnostic Prophet, Public Offenders and Blacklisted Individuals.

"It was wonderful to see such a diverse group of people come together in support of making real change in Austin." - Mary Arnold, Better Austin Today board member

THANK YOUs:

Better Austin Today thanks Lee Daniel and The Moose Lodge for hosting; DJ Arjuna with Big Medicine Sound and Lighting for technical assistance; production assistance from The CIPHER - a volunteer-run after-school program for eastsiders and the Better Hip Hop Bureau of Austin - a new organization working for artists rights, industry standards and a political voice; and all those who participated in helping to make a better Austin today!

For more information about Better Austin Today or to donate online, go to www.betteraustintoday.org.

For Immediate Release: Jan. 14, 2008
Contact: Debbie Russell, 512.573.6194