Following election results that trickled in early Wednesday morning, the Austin City Council will soon hold in its ranks a voice for small business.

Graphic artist Michael Jordal, who prepares artwork at Robert’s Specialty Company, beat retired school administrator Malcolm McDonald 1,802-1,087 with about 62 percent of the vote for Austin City Council Ward 1. The results were welcome news to Jordal, who said he has been walking through neighborhoods, knocking on doors and giving out literature since he filed in June.

“I’m pretty excited,” he said. “I worked really hard.”

Jordal is one of two newcomers elected to the City Council. He expects his small-business background, along with that of Ward 3’s newly-elected Jeremy Carolan, will add a new perspective to the council.

“It’ll be good to have some new ideas in there,” he said.

As he takes his council seat next year, Jordal said he’s driven by concerns about high property taxes, which were what first drove him to run for council. Some of the people he spoke to in Ward 1 had been living in their houses for decades, and felt increasing pressure from the tax base. One older woman said she was worried about being taxed out of her home, Jordal said.

“Going forward, I just want to be vigilant on spending,” he said. “I want to make sure we’re being a wise steward of the taxpayer.”

Jordal’s other focus will be to keep Austin a good environment for children. He and his wife are trying to start a family, and he hopes to make sure the city is a good place to raise his children.

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