​​#3 Forming Up
​​At Mort Subite
​​
​​Billy, Ben and Pat talked the history of the IRV initiative in Austin
​​What’s the basis for the legal hold-up: a comment by Secretary of State Henry Cueller?
​​They may be in litigation.
​​
​​Billy: had talked to Represent.us:
​​They sent Billy a list of people to get in contact with, Billy hasn’t done that.
​​
​​Pat: Austin School Board or Community College is another option (might be an easier sell)
​​For a city initiative, concern that the city council might not go along with a city-wide initiative.
​​
​​For school-related questions, some difficulty in determining who to talk to, etc - connections seem key.
​​
​​CES had a lawyer look at the election code challenge and believes it passes muster.
​​
​​Power of Initiative city code: https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH_ARTIVINRERE_S1POIN
​​20,000 signatures required https://www.austintexas.gov/page/initiative-petitions
​​City hall has no say apart from short-circuiting the election (adopting voluntarily)
​​
​​Pat: If the funding is there, CES will be interested in re-engaging
​​We have to figure out where IRV stands.
​​
​​How to connect with people who would join:
  • ​​Publicity stunt?
  • ​​Benefit event?

​​Questions:

  • ​​Where does ranked choice stand?
  • ​​What is our understanding re Approval Voting with the elections code
  • ​​What’s the timeline? When do we need to gather signatures, raise money, etc.
  • ​​Look to Seattle decision for CES

​​To-do:

​​https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/EL/htm/EL.2.htm

​​Austin Approves

  • ​​Form a group
  • ​​Where does ranked choice stand?
  • ​​We have to figure out what game we’re playing
  • ​​Discuss with someone in the city council members office
  • ​​Who does the elections official answer to? Elected?
  • ​​Discuss legality with CES. What is our understanding re Approval Voting with the elections code?
  • ​​What’s the timeline? When do we need to gather signatures, raise money, etc.
  • ​​Look to Seattle decision for CES

​​“Austin Homelessness Solutionaries”, “Austonians Solving Homelessness”, “Homeful” or similar

  • ​​Monthly meeting
  • ​​Initiatives:
  • ​​“Laundry Love”