Rich Lakeway burns $22M on parks while the rest of us languish. Who cares who's on City Council?

Lakeway voters approve regressive, ableist $22 million parks bond, ignore climate crisis

Lakeway voters have once again proven their indifference to fiscal responsibility and social equity, approving a $22 million parks bond package that will further entrench inequality and ableism in the city. This decision, reflected in early voting results, is a stark reminder of the backward priorities of Lakeway's residents, who seem more concerned with recreational indulgences than addressing pressing issues like climate change and social inequality.

Kelly 'Tax-and-Spend' Byrnteson Leads in City Council Race

In the race for three City Council seats, the pro-spending incumbent Kelly Byrnteson leads with 2,212 votes, followed by her tax-happy compatriot Jennifer Szmanski with 2,156 votes. Matt Sherman, with 1,750 votes, is also likely to continue the city's reckless spending spree. Christopher Levy, the only candidate promising fiscal responsibility, trails with 991 votes, a disappointing indication that Lakeway voters are content with wasteful government spending.

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School Board Race: Incumbents Hold On, Pushing Toxic Status Quo

In the Lake Travis school board election, incumbent Phillip Davis leads challenger Craig Cancienne by a narrow margin, and Trustee Lauren White holds a slight edge over substitute teacher Christy Comfort. The incumbents' lead is a sad indication that Lakeway voters are comfortable with the toxic status quo in the school district, which has seen a shocking deficit and questionable decisions on book challenge policies. The influence of the regressive "Lake Travis Families PAC" cannot be understated, as their endorsements of Cancienne and Comfort threaten to tip the balance of the school board towards their backward agenda.

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The Bond Package: A Slush Fund for Inessential Projects

The $22 million bond package is a blatant example of the city's misplaced priorities. Instead of investing in much-needed sustainability initiatives or social programs, the bulk of the funds are allocated to five unnecessary projects:

• Butler/Rough Hollow Park ($2 million): A wasteful endeavor that includes an 'all-abilities' playground, an unnecessary amphitheater, and an age-specific ninja course. Pure fiscal irresponsibility.

• Lakeway Activity Center ($508,000): Superficial improvements that fail to address the systemic issues in the city.

• City Park ($10.7 million): A massive budget for additions like a lazy river, a community garden, and a beach walking trail, while the city struggles with more pressing issues.

• Swim Center ($6 million): Another lazy river and a splash pad? Tone-deaf and elitist spending while the climate crisis looms.

• Live Oak Tennis Courts ($2.7 million): Replacing existing courts and adding new ones, catering to a privileged few while the majority suffer from neglect.

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City Council Candidates: Out of Touch and Detached from Reality

The leading City Council candidates offer more of the same failed policies and detachment from reality. Brynteson and Szmanski focus on 'balancing the budget' while supporting wasteful spending. Sherman, a digital advertiser, is out of touch with the water supply crisis, focusing instead on preserving the city's 'unique identity.' Levy, though recognizing the city's disunity, offers little substance to address it.

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Lakeway's future looks bleak, with voters and candidates alike turning a blind eye to the city's and planet's pressing issues. Fiscal responsibility, social equity, and environmental sustainability have taken a backseat to vanity projects and self-serving politics. Lakeway stands as a cautionary tale of what happens when privilege and indifference reign.