The race for Mayor of Austin is certainly heating up as voting day draws nearer. One of the top candidates is Carole Keeton Strayhorn, former Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. She is the first woman elected mayor in Austin, and the first mayor to be elected for three successive terms. Strayhorn’s commitment to Austin began as a public school teacher. She has also created Our Texas Grandchildren Foundation, which offers nurturing and support to foster children. Other public offices held include Texas Railroad Commissioner, President of the Austin School Board, and President of Austin Community College. Virtually everything Carole has done since graduating from the University of Texas at Austin has been for the city. Her records of achievement and awards are innumerable. The new Mayor of Austin will be taking on some very challenging issues. The most important issue according to the candidate’s own website is the budget issue in Austin. The website states that the city budget has grown by 50% in the last six years. If elected Mayor, Strayhorn plans to quickly form a task force made up of budgeting experts to curb spending. Strayhorn has also recommended decreasing amounts that public officials earn for assisting in government, stating “true leaders lead by example.” Other top priorities for the hopeful include local police, fire, and EMS improvements and building a better infrastructure to repair roads and transportation issues. Early voting for Mayor begins on April 27th, with voting day scheduled for Saturday, May 9th. More information about Carole Keeton Strayhorn can be found at her website: www.caroleforaustin.com.