Episode 57: Running for Austin City Council: Ben Leffler
Welcome to On Politics! A series of podcasts that give us a chance to get know our elected officials better by asking things questions about the things that are important to them. Of course we will also ask about those subjects that are important to us and our neighbors.
We are right in the middle of the 2022 primary season and are going to be talking with some of the people who are running for office in Austin, TX.
Austin is divided into 10 council districts and has a Mayor who is elected by the entire city.
Today, to get us started, we’ll be talking with Ben Leffler who has filed to be a candidate for City Council in District 9 in Austin. District 9 covers most of downtown Austin and some of the close in neighborhoods. It does cover the neighborhood that Ani and I live in, Mueller.
Ben has a great background for a politician. He has a Bachelor in Government and a Masters in Policy. He has worked for elected officials and is a long time Austin resident, raising a family in a close-in neighborhood.
He was doing a Meet and Greet in our neighborhood and It struck me that this election season was a great time to broaden our podcast focus and talk to people who are stepping up to run for office.
Ben is running on a platform that is focussed on making Austin a great place for all of its citizens, to be able to work, live, and play. Here is a link to his website.
Ben Leffler for District 9
During our conversation, Ben mentioned a couple of places that I think need to be recognized.
Foundations Communities: is a non-profit that is providing the wrap-around services and housing to get people off the streets and started on a new life. They have over 20 facilities in Austin serving a population of over 7,000.
Vic and Als Cajun Restaurant: A good local spot with great food and an Austin vibe.