Kossaks from Dallas & Austin may be familiar with a frequent political candidate, Jennifer Gale, who has run for various positions in both cities.
Ms. Gale was found dead today in Austin, near the University of Texas campus.
http://www.dallasnews.com/...
http://www.statesman.com/...
Ms. Gale led a life somewhat outside of the mainstream, but she lived it with heart, color and courage, and she will be missed in Austin. As a homeless, transgendered former Marine, she did bring some important issues to our attention, even if she didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of being elected.
Her most recent platform from her website:
http://www.jennifergale.com/
1. Healthcare, Dental, full physical and eye exam every year by paying in monthly.
2. Representation through weekly meetings at Reagan, Crockett, Anderson and Travis High School.
3. Widespread Single-Stream Recycling and an Austin MRF.
4. Recognition of Lesbian and Gay Relationships.
5. Our pets want a "No Kill" policy, spay and neuter.
6. Children's education in law, physics, chemistry, calculus.
7. Expanded bus routes
8. Bike avenues, Bike Lane removals
9. Drug Rehabilitation
10. Work for the homeless and incarcerated.
11. Rebates for solar power and hybrid cars
12. Maintain aquifer and park areas.
13. Promote farming and animal husbandry
14. Voter Choice
15. Neighborhood Integrity
On Tuesday, she sang "Silent Night" as part of her address to the Austin City Council. Ironically it was for the Health and Human Services Subcommittee. It's a bit rambling -- anti-abortion, mortality, fitness, helping Mexico, pedometers, etc. -- but her heart was mostly in the right place.