Greetings CODA friends,
Wow, where did April go? One day, we’re trying to parse which stories in our doomscrolling feed are pranking us (sadly, most of them are REAL), and the next thing we know, early voting for the May 4 election has concluded and here we sit, looking at a new calendar.
If you weren’t able to vote early for the local elections statewide in Texas, we hope you can get to the polls on Saturday May 4. You should be home in plenty of time to watch the Kentucky Derby.
Your vote is important. This article, recently shared by our pals at the Fayette County Democratic Party, has some excellent visuals to illustrate the point. Rural voters may seem like small fish, but in local elections, small fish who vote can make all the difference.
If you are a resident of Bastrop, you may be aware there is a kerfuffle regarding Mayor Lyle Nelson. Those less than satisfied with his recent reprimand have initiated a recall petition. The petition is here mayornelsonrecall.com
This article from the Austin American Statesman does a deep dive on the repercussions of the scandal that may inform your decision to sign, as well as how you vote on Saturday. While the position of Mayor is not on the ballot this year, two of the city council positions are.
As part of our CER Grant monthly activities for April, we focused on voter registration. CODA reached out to apartment complexes county-wide, distributing mail-in voter registration cards for new residents who need to register, or change their address; and organizing an in-person event at Walnut Ridge last weekend. Thank you to all VDR volunteers for staffing that event as well as the Festival de la Cultura event at Mayfest Park. We appreciate you!
There are several events coming up this month including, but not limited to, the following. We hope you can join us.
The new food truck court in Bastrop is really growing. We’re going to pop in for lunch this week at our monthly First Friday and check out some of the new trucks. Hope to see you there.
Our monthly mobilization meeting will meet in person and via Zoom at 6:45pm at the Bastrop Library on May 16. Details forthcoming in a future email alert.
You can support Desiree Venable’s campaign for State Rep District 17 by attending her spring fundraiser party on May 18 in Del Valle. Purchase tickets at her ActBlue site by clicking here.
We have been very busy with our political activism lately, but just to show you we have not forgotten our founding statement to put the fun back in rural politics, we’re gonna hang out at the Smithville Brewing Company later this month and just chill. Come on out!
Thanks for reading. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share. Until next time!