Enright said she would like to see laws stating that the managers of rental property in Austin must live within the city limits.

Incumbent council member-at-large Janet Anderson said the rights of tenants may be good to review, as well as the rights of landlords.

“It’s not just the landlords we need to be working with,” said Anderson. “Tenants rights need to be really clear.”

Energy initiatives

Wind turbines and solar energy are just two of the possibilities for future energy efficiency that candidates discussed at the debate.

Bednar broached the idea of wind turbines in residential areas.

“I would like to see the council, and possibly the school district, pursue this option,” Bednar said.

Pacholl disagreed with Bednar, saying the placement of wind turbines in residential areas is an alternative for which the city isn’t ready. However, Pacholl indicated that wind turbines could play a role in local energy in the future.

“It’s something in the future that we’ve got to look for, and it’s something that will be good,” Pacholl said.

Anderson suggested the prospect of solar shingles and also said residential wind energy is an idea that she would like to see brought to the council again.

Boughton said he wants to see the city using LED lighting more often for energy efficiency.

Other issues

Community gardens was the single topic presented at the debate on which every candidate agreed.

Pacholl said he supports community gardens because they can teach people how to get along with nature.

Anderson said she would like to see the community garden concept expand.

“I’d like to see some expansion of that, maybe to neighborhood gardens,” Anderson said.

Weinmann, Anderson’s direct opponent, said he likes the idea of community gardens because some people live in areas of the city that may not have good enough drainage to grow a garden.

Weinmann also suggested that extra produce be donated to less fortunate residents.

In his closing statement, Weinmann, as well as several of the other candidates, said if he is elected he will make himself available to residents so concerns can be brought to him.

Bednar echoed Weinmann’s pledge of availability.

“I promise to be a very accessible council person,” Bednar said in closing.

“I’m ready to give something back to the town I grew up in,” Enright said.