Jose is an immigration and criminal defense attorney. 

Jose "Chito" Vela, III is currently serving as a council member for Austin City Council.  He ran for the Texas House of Representatives in 2016, but did not win. 

Candidate website

Supports adding more parks and green spaces, especially in District 4 neighborhoods that lack them.

Supports adding more parks and green spaces. 

Believes in addressing homelessness, drug abuse, and mental health crises by utilizing existing public resources before seeking additional funding or resources.

Believes in addressing homelessness, drug abuse, and mental health crises by using existing public resources before seeking additional funding or resources.

- Supports adding more parks and green spaces. 
- Believes in addressing homelessness, drug abuse, and mental health crises by using existing public resources before seeking additional funding or resources.

Public Services

Believes police should focus on "violent and dangerous crimes."

Supports Austin’s criminal justice reform efforts, including decriminalizing marijuana, improving police accountability, and adding mental health as an option when calling 911.

- Believes police should focus on "violent and dangerous crimes."
- Supports Austin’s criminal justice reform efforts, including decriminalizing marijuana, improving police accountability, and adding mental health as an option when calling 911.

Public Safety

Believes the Fayette coal power plant must be shut down to help slow climate change.

Believes the Fayette coal power plant must be shut down to "slow climate change."

Believes preserving Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer is crucial.

- Believes the Fayette coal power plant must be shut down to "slow climate change."
- Believes preserving Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer is crucial.

Energy & the Environment

Supports modernizing Austin's transportation system by creating corridors that prioritize walking, biking, and public transportation.

Supports investing in bike lanes and sidewalks to promote less polluting, healthier transportation.

Supports investing in bike lanes and sidewalks.

- Supports modernizing Austin's transportation system by creating corridors that prioritize walking, biking, and public transportation.
- Supports investing in bike lanes and sidewalks.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Supports establishing reasonably priced housing options for middle- and low-income residents, emphasizing alternative housing types like townhomes, row houses, duplexes, fourplexes, and condominiums to create flexible and less expensive options, particularly for first-time homebuyers.

Supports establishing alternative housing types such as townhomes, row houses, duplexes, fourplexes, and condominiums.

Believes in lowering housing costs and investing in infrastructure, schools, reliable energy, and accountable public safety.

Supports lowering housing costs and investing in infrastructure, schools, reliable energy, and accountable public safety.

- Supports establishing alternative housing types such as townhomes, row houses, duplexes, fourplexes, and condominiums.
- Supports lowering housing costs and investing in infrastructure, schools, reliable energy, and accountable public safety.

Housing & Urban Development

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Jose "Chito" Vela, III

Jose "Chito" Vela, III is an immigration and criminal defense attorney. 

Jose "Chito" Vela, III is currently serving as a Council Member and has been appointed to the City of Austin Planning Commission. 

Believes Austin’s parks, creeks, and natural areas are "an important part of our identity."

Supports well-funded and accessible neighborhood libraries, parks, and pools to ensure equitable recreational opportunities.

Supports local musicians, artists, venues, and festivals.

Supports adding more parks and green spaces, especially in District 4. 

- Supports adding more parks and green spaces, especially in District 4. 
- Believes in addressing homelessness, drug abuse, and mental health crises by utilizing existing public resources before seeking additional funding or resources.

Believes in enhancing the city's emergency response systems.

Believes effective and accountable public safety are a priority.

The candidate's website says, "Pol Adv paid for by Jose "Chito" Vela for Austin City Council. Laura Stromberg Hoke, Treasurer. This campaign has not agreed to comply with the contribution and expenditure limits of the Austin Fair Campaign Chapter."

Believes the February 2021 "big freeze" was a "huge wake-up call" for energy policy.

Believes it is essential to take action to protect ourselves from the effects of global warming.

Believes the Fayette coal power plant must be shut down.

- Believes the Fayette coal power plant must be shut down.
- Believes preserving Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer is crucial.

Believes safer streets and roads for vehicles and pedestrians are needed to address the increasing death toll on Austin roadways.

Believes that failing infrastructure leads to deadly consequences, citing an example of "temperatures plummeted, our infrastructure failed, and hundreds died."

As a Planning Commissioner, fought for more housing for working and middle-class families.

As Board Chair of the Workers' Defense Project, advocated for fair wages and safe working conditions for construction and farm workers.

Believes Austin must be a "welcoming city for low- and middle-income families," saying "many of our working-class neighbors are getting priced out of their homes. Even middle-class people are struggling to buy a home in Austin. This trend cannot continue."

- Supports establishing alternative housing types such as townhomes, row houses, duplexes, fourplexes, and condominiums.
- Believes in lowering housing costs and investing in infrastructure, schools, reliable energy, and accountable public safety.

As of September 12, 2024, Jose "Chito" Vela, III’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Jose "Chito" Vela, III is an immigration and criminal defense attorney. He has served as Board Chair for the Workers' Defense Project and as an appointee to the City of Austin Planning Commission.

Jose "Chito" Vela, III is currently serving as a Council Member and has been appointed to the City of Austin Planning Commission. He previously served as Board Chair for the Workers' Defense Project.

Ballotpedia, Eduardo Romero (Texas school board candidate)

As of September 9, 2024, Eduardo Romero did not have a website or any information online.

Eduardo Romero ran for U.S. representative in Congressional District 37 in 2024, but he lost in the Democratic primary.

Eduardo Romero

As of September 27, 2024, Eduardo Romero did not have a website or any information online.

James has a master's in business administration from Rice University. 

James currently serves as the southwest region director for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).  He previously served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army from 2011 to 2021.  

As of September 9, 2024, James D. Rabuck did not have a website or any information online.

Q&A: Meet the Austin City Council District 4 candidates

Advocates for targeted tax relief for long-term residents.

- Advocates for targeted tax relief for long-term residents.

Supports investing in community programs.

Supports adopting "a balanced approach to public safety" that includes supporting the police department and investing in community programs.

- Supports adopting "a balanced approach to public safety" that includes supporting the police department and investing in community programs.

Supports the development of affordable housing through public-private partnerships.

- Supports the development of affordable housing through public-private partnerships.

James D. Rabuck

James earned his masters in business administration from Rice University. 

James currently serves as Southwest Region Director for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).  He previously served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army from 2011 to 2021.  

As of September 27, 2024, James D. Rabuck did not have a website or any information online.

- Believes the city council should adopt a balanced approach to public safety that includes both supporting our police department and investing in community programs.

Louis resides in Austin, Texas, and has lived in the current District 4 area for over twenty years. He studied civil engineering at Texas A&M University. He is a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church and has 2 sons.

Louis C. Herrin, III works as an environmental engineer with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, where he has been employed for almost 40 years.

As of September 9, 2024, Louis C. Herrin, III’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Plans to work towards reinstating the camping ban.

Supports reinstating the homeless camping ban.

Supports enhancing entertainment, tourism, and the arts.

- Supports reinstating the homeless camping ban.
- Supports enhancing entertainment, tourism, and the arts.

Opposes reallocating funds away from police departments.

Believes the City Council's decision to cut $150M (34%) from the police budget is misguided, saying "violent crime is growing the fastest rate in five years and when Austin led the nation in the growth of the homicide rate in recent months."

Opposes the city council's decision to cut $150M (34%) from the police budget.

Believes crime is at an all-time high in Austin.

- Opposes reallocating funds away from police departments.
- Opposes the city council's decision to cut $150M (34%) from the police budget.
- Believes crime is at an all-time high in Austin.

Louis C. Herrin, III

Louis C. Herrin, III resides in Austin, Texas, and has lived in the current District 4 area for over twenty years. He studied Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University in College Station. He is a member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church and has two sons.

As of September 27, 2024, Louis C. Herrin, III’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- Supports reinstating the camping ban.
- Supports enhancing entertainment, tourism, and the arts.

- Opposes reallocating funds away from police departments.
- Opposes the City Council's decision to cut $150M (34%) from the police budget.
- Believes crime is at an all-time high in Austin.

As of September 13, 2024, Louis C. Herrin, III’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes in being heavily involved in the community.

Has lived in District 4 for over twenty years.

Has not yet determined whether it will comply with the contribution and expenditure limits of the Austin Fair Campaign Ordinance.

Supports public services, evidenced by involvement with Meals on Wheels and Special Olympics.

Worked as a longshoreman in Galveston on college break and for the university at the Texas Engineering Experiment Station and Civil Engineering Department.

Supports public service careers, having worked for the state as an environmental engineer since moving to Austin after college.

Supports public services that benefit families.

Supports advocating for improved public services.

Supports public services, as evidenced by his youngest son working for the Texas A&M Forestry Service, which includes fighting forest fires.

Believes grassroots support is crucial in challenging the current city council members.

Believes in the importance of community collaboration to achieve a cleaner and safer city.

Believes in taking necessary actions to ensure a prosperous and safe environment for all citizens.

Believes in the importance of community service and leadership development through programs like the Boy Scouts of America.

Believes in enhancing public safety and justice.

Believes in enhancing public safety to boost overall quality of life.

Believes Austin is "headed down a dangerous path where violence and destruction of our beautiful city is on the rise."

The candidate's website says, "I Am Louis Herrin."

Believes in enhancing public safety measures.

As a Homeland security technical expert, provided support for water reuse programs.

Believes a change in direction is needed to ensure Austin remains "one of the best places to live in the United States."

Believes Austin is at a crossroads and urges the need to "embrace common sense" to ensure a "brighter and safer future for all Austinites."

Believes the homeless camping ordinance harms public safety, health, tourism, and Austin's image. Supports restoring the camping ban, saying it is "not compassionate for the homeless who need to be in shelters, not in tents."

Believes "homeless camping is out of control."

Supports policies that promote economic development, future growth, and job creation.

Believes in affordable housing and urban development policies that support community growth and sustainability.

Supports affordable housing initiatives and urban development policies that promote community growth and sustainability.

Monica is a native of Austin. She has a bachelor's degree in political science from St. Edward’s University and a master's degree in human sciences from Our Lady of the Lake.

Monica works as an organizer and policy director. 

This is Monica A. Guzmán's first time running for public office.

Supports park programming for all ages and families.

Supports investing in social services, public health, park programming, early childhood programs, and libraries.

Supports investing in social services, public health, early childhood programs, and libraries.

- Supports park programming for all ages and families.
- Supports investing in social services, public health, early childhood programs, and libraries.

As of September 9, 2024, Monica A. Guzman’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports addressing climate change and enhancing disaster preparedness.

Supports disaster preparedness and response, resilience hubs, community response teams, and flood mitigation.

- Supports addressing climate change and enhancing disaster preparedness.
- Supports disaster preparedness and response, resilience hubs, community response teams, and flood mitigation.

Supports anti-gentrification measures, equitable land use, tenant protection, and homeowner’s rights.

Supports anti-gentrification measures, equitable land use, and tenant protection.

- Supports homeowner's right to protest.
- Supports anti-gentrification measures, equitable land use, and tenant protection.

Monica A. Guzman

Monica A. Guzmán is a native of Austin and graduated from St. Edward’s University with a bachelors in political science and from Our Lady of the Lake with an masters in human sciences. 

Monica A. Guzmán works as an organizer and policy director. 

Monica A. Guzmán served as the chair of the Restore Rundberg Revitalization team and was a member of the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force.

- Supports park programming for all ages and families.
- Supports the GAVA initiative.
- Opposes the contribution and expenditure limits set by the Austin Fair Campaign Ordinance.
- Supports providing public services in Spanish.

- Supports homeowner's right to protest.
- Believes public safety is a top priority.
- Promises to advocate for increased police funding, improved training, and better community relations.

- Supports enhancing climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
- Supports addressing climate change and enhancing disaster preparedness.

- Supports the development of resilience hubs and neighborhood centers.

- Supports rights for undocumented immigrants.

Monica A. Guzmán is a native of Austin and graduated from St. Edward’s University with a BA in Political Science and from Our Lady of the Lake with an MA in Human Sciences. None.

Monica A. Guzmán works as an organizer and policy director, supporting underserved communities in Austin's Eastern Crescent. She has previously served as the chair of the Restore Rundberg Revitalization team and was a member of the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force and the Caritas of Austin Board of Directors.

Supports policies that reflect the needs and opinions of local residents.

Supports addressing issues in underserved communities, including public services, through community organizing and policy direction.

Believes in prioritizing community well-being, equitable resource access, and sustainable development through collaboration.

Served on the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force and the Caritas of Austin Board of Directors.

Refused to comply with contribution and spending limits set by Austin's Fair Campaign Ordinance.

Opposes the contribution and expenditure limits set by the Austin Fair Campaign Ordinance.

Supports providing public services in Spanish.

Supports disaster preparedness and response.

The candidate's website does not provide information on public safety.

Believes in enhancing public safety through community engagement and collaboration.

Believes in enhancing public safety through community engagement, effective policing, and comprehensive crime prevention strategies.

Supports the use of Community Health Paramedics and the Austin Fire Department in Emergency Medical Services.

As a leader of the GAVA (GO! Austin) Policy Team, she helps develop policies that enhance public safety and quality of life in Austin.

Supports enhancing public safety measures.

In 2010, marched for workers' rights and attended rallies for undocumented immigrants.

Believes public safety is a top priority.

Promises to advocate for increased police funding, improved training, and better community relations.

Supports rights for undocumented immigrants.

Apoya la resiliencia climática y la preparación para desastres.

Supports enhancing climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

Supports improving transportation infrastructure.

Supports the development of resilience hubs and neighborhood centers.

Supports enhancing economic opportunities.

Ayudó a crear la Herramienta de Evaluación de Equidad.

Believes in prioritizing community well-being, equitable resource access, and sustainable development.

As president of the Restore Rundberg Revitalization Team, Monica led efforts to improve housing and urban development in the area.

As part of the City’s Equity Action Team, helped create the Equity Assessment Tool to evaluate the impact of housing policies on different communities.

Supports affordable housing initiatives and urban development policies that enhance community living standards.

Believes in the power of collaboration to improve housing and urban development.

- City council members collaborate to create and enforce city policies, including legislation on essential services like police, fire, parks, libraries, and utilities.
- They work alongside the mayor to manage city departments, including transportation and parks and recreation.
- Council members can be elected to represent specific districts or the entire city at-large.
- The structure of city councils, including the number of members, their terms, term limits, and partisanship, differs by county.