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Opinion
March 20, 2008
What do you like or dislike about your work?
Do you enjoy your job? What’s the best part? If you don’t enjoy it, what do you dread?
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment Categories: Opinion
January 24, 2008
What do you think of the tax rebate plan?
Congress has reportedly reached a deal on an economic stimulus plan, which will include at least $300 for most Americans. What do you think of this plan? Will it keep the economy afloat? What will you do with the money?
Permalink | Comments (78) | Categories: Opinion
January 23, 2008
Do you mind the electronic eye?
Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo wants to install security cameras in pedestrian-heavy and crime-ridden areas of the city to monitor for criminal activity.
Do you think this is a good idea?
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January 11, 2008
What do you think of the PEC executives' spending?
As detailed in an American-Statesman story last week, executives from the Pedernales Electric Cooperative flew first-class, ate at expensive restaurants and stayed at top-quality hotels using the nonprofit, member-owned utility’s credit cards.
What are your thoughts on this story?
Permalink | Comments (131) | Categories: Opinion
January 7, 2008
Is the city manager process open enough?
Tell us: The interviews for the candidates to become the next city manager are being done privately. Do you think that’s appropriate or should the interviews be done in public?
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January 2, 2008
What's your take on retiring state workers?
Marty Toohey’s story about concerns over baby boomers in government reaching retirement age drew a strong reaction.
One reader suggested that government should view boomer retirements as the perfect opportunity to shrink itself (the article focused on managers, not the rank and file, but fewer managers would at least shrink one portion of the workforce).
According to this reader, almost no jobs, government or otherwise, “have knowledge, skill sets or experiences that are very difficult to replace.” He says government, like business, can handle retirements through technological innovation and reorganization.
What’s your take on these boomers reaching retirement age?
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December 19, 2007
Planted in San Marcos: thorn or ornament?
It is art, or is it a 1988 Oldsmobile with a couple of cacti growing where the seats used to be?
Last month, the City of San Marcos sent a letter to Planet K, a novelty shop that sells glass pipes and hookahs, warning it that the car-turned-planter sitting in front of the store was not art, as defined in the eye of the beholder, but a nuisance, as defined in Chapter 34 of the San Marcos city code.
Art or eyesore?
Permalink | Comments (47) | Categories: Opinion
Do you prefer plastic or paper?
Whole Foods is going to eliminate plastic bags for grocery shoppers. Will you miss the plastic bags? Do you wish more grocery stores would go this route?
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November 29, 2007
Should woman be extradited?
Should Evelyn Mezzich, 29, who fled Austin while facing intoxication manslaughter and other charges in 1997, be extradited by Travis County prosecutors? You can read the story here.
Permalink | Comments (110) | Categories: Opinion
October 25, 2007
How do you think the LBJ main campus will be affected by the official separation of the magnet school?
The split between LBJ High School and the Liberal Arts and Science Academy is official this year. The change represents an evolution in the purpose of Austin’s magnet programs, both for better and for worse. For LASA, it means recognition as having one of the be best high school programs in the country and money to hire more than 20 new teachers. For LBJ’s struggling traditional students, it means a greater focus on reforms that many researchers say can turn around low-performing campuses and about $2 million for those programs.
But some students fear the separation is a step away from the integration goals of the magnet model.
How do you think the split will affect the main campus?
Permalink | Comments (22) | Categories: Opinion
October 5, 2007
Going to the big game?
If you’re going to Dallas for the UT-OU game, how do you plan to deal with the inevitable traffic? Are you flying? Avoiding I-35? Leaving at an odd hour?
If you already went and are in Dallas, how was your trip?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Opinion
September 11, 2007
To toll or not to toll?
To toll or not to toll? To elevate or not to elevate? Something to think about as you sit in traffic around where U.S. 290 West meets Texas 71 in Oak Hill. The answer, ultimately, will come from the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. What do you think the solution should be?
Permalink | Comments (21) | Categories: Opinion
August 31, 2007
Should state be allowed to toll interstates?
The Texas Department of Transportation is lobbying the U.S. Congress to pass a federal law that would allow the state to “buy back” parts of existing interstates and turn them into toll roads. What do you think of that idea?
Permalink | Comments (60) | Categories: Opinion
August 21, 2007
What do you think of electronic billboards?
The Texas Transportation Commission will on Thursday consider allowing electronic, changeable advertising on some billboards in Texas. You can read the story by Ben Wear here. What do you think of the electronic signs? Would you be OK with them in your city?
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July 26, 2007
How do you feel about Town Lake being renamed Lady Bird Lake?
The Austin City Council has agreed to rename Town Lake in honor of former first lady Lady Bird Johnson.
Is this a fitting honor for Mrs. Johnson?
Permalink | Comments (236) | Categories: Opinion
July 16, 2007
At what age should kids get cell phones?
More kids are having cell phones at a younger age. Our story today talks about how to deal with kids who want a cell phone, and what to give them once you think they’re ready. What age do you think kids should first have a cell phone?
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June 14, 2007
What do you think of the new chief?
Art Acevedo, a top California Highway Patrol officer, has been chosen to be the police chief in Austin. Acevedo, 42, will be the department’s first minority chief and will take over an agency that has struggled in recent years to mend strained relations with some of Austin’s black and Hispanic residents.
Was Acevedo the right choice? What are your expectations for him?
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June 11, 2007
What's your take on vaccines and autism?
Large scientific studies have found no association between autism and vaccines containing thimerosal, but more than 4,800 families of autistic children have filed claims with the government alleging there is a link.
Do you think there is a link between the vaccines and autism? If the Supreme Court finds that there is a link, how much do you think families should be compensated?
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May 30, 2007
Should graduates be punished?
Some Dripping Springs High School graduates could be punished for disrupting graduation ceremonies by yelling, blowing bubbles and bouncing beach balls through out the crowd. What punishment if any do you think the graduates should face?
Audio: Dripping Springs High School graduation ceremony, 05.27.07
Permalink | Comments (152) | Categories: Opinion
Wal-Mart's effect on traffic
New traffic estimates by developer Lincoln Property Co. for a proposed Wal-Mart at Northcross Mall suggest the store won’t overburden nearby roads — the same conclusion an old traffic study drew. That means that, under city rules, Lincoln would not be required to improve roads near the mall — although Lincoln has proposed adding some turn lanes and traffic lights. What do you think of the study? What’s your take on traffic on the area as it is now?
Permalink | Comments (61) | Categories: Opinion
Did city make right call against 'Cops'?
The popular Fox TV show “Cops” wanted to film Austin police officers for an upcoming season, but Austin city officials barred them. Did the city officials make the right call or should “Cops” have been allowed to film?
Permalink | Comments (38) | Categories: Opinion
May 25, 2007
What do you think of mother's prison sentence?
Susan Roten, a 31-year-old woman who last year drove drunk with her four children and crashed in Southwest Austin, killing her 1-month-old son, was sentenced to 10 years in prison Thursday.
Prosecutor Judy Shipway asked for a sentence close to 20 years for Roten “to keep her from harming someone else.”
Roten’s husband had submitted a letter to the court asking for probation.
What do you think of the sentence? Was it too harsh, too lenient or just right?
Permalink | Comments (60) | Categories: Opinion
May 23, 2007
How did the Texas Legislature do?
What do you think of the bills the Legislature passed this session? Is there any specific issues you think should have been addressed but weren’t?
Permalink | Comments (29) | Categories: Opinion
May 15, 2007
How rude (or friendly) are drivers in Central Texas?
Miami topped the list on a road rage survey for the second year in a row, and Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth also made the top 25 for having rude drivers.
Central Texas didn’t make the list. Is that because drivers are more courteous here? What rude — or friendly — driving behavior have you witnessed?
Permalink | Comments (50) | Categories: Opinion
May 11, 2007
Do you use energy-saving light bulbs?
Have you switched from traditional incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents? What do you think of the fluorescents? Are they bright enough for you?
Permalink | Comments (34) | Categories: Opinion
May 8, 2007
A statewide smoking ban?
The Texas House tentatively passed a statewide smoking ban Monday night. But an amendment allows property owners to exempt their establishment from the ban by posting a sign saying that smoking is permitted. The Senate will now take up the legislation.
Do you think the Senate should toughen the ban, leave it as is or not pass it at all?
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April 12, 2007
Should counties restrict the use of firearms in unincorporated areas?
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: Opinion
Do you agree with CBS' decision to fire Imus?
Radio talk-show host Don Imus has been fired by CBS following the uproar over his racist and sexist comments about the Rutgers women’s basketball team. Was that the right call by CBS?
Permalink | Comments (65) | Categories: Opinion
April 3, 2007
Should Texas Hold 'Em be legal?
Poker players who attend illegally organized card games would get to take part in legal, licensed Texas Hold ’Em wagering across the state under a proposal in the Legislature.
The bill would allow live or electronic poker gambling at certain establishments as well as charity poker events for qualified groups. Poker enthusiasts are expected at the Capitol today for a hearing on the proposal.
What do you think? Is this a good bet or should the legislators fold?
Permalink | Comments (40) | Categories: Opinion
March 20, 2007
Should there be a statewide smoking ban?
A bill before the Texas Senate would ban smoking inside most public buildings in Texas — including restaurants, bars and workplaces. Should the Lone Star State become one of 18 with sweeping bans on smoking?
Permalink | Comments (28) | Categories: Opinion
March 8, 2007
Would you want a casino resort in Travis County?
Under gambling expansion proposals from two Texas senators, 12 resort-style casinos would be allowed across the state, including in Travis County. Would you want a casino in Central Texas?
Permalink | Comments (113) | Categories: Opinion
February 19, 2007
What's your opinion of the TAKS test?
As TAKS season begins this week, opposition to the state’s high-stakes test from parents, teachers and lawmakers is mounting. What do you think of the test? How could it be improved?
Permalink | Comments (50) | Categories: Opinion
December 26, 2006
Share your list for legislators
The 80th Texas Legislature begins Jan. 9. What are the top three things you’d like to see the legislators accomplish?
Permalink | Comments (33) | Categories: Opinion
December 18, 2006
The war on Christmas?
Do you say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”? Does it bother you when someone says it the other way?
Permalink | Comments (45) | Categories: Opinion
October 28, 2006
Property tax bill
Have you received your property tax bill yet? If you have, will your tax bill affect your vote in the Nov. 7 elections? And how?
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: Opinion
