ATA issued a candidate questionnaire to all candidates running in the November 2022 general election. All questions were the same for Mayor, City Council, County Clerk and County Judge. Responses have not been edited. View all responses here.
Dyana Limon-Mercado – County Clerk
As we head into the 4th year of Covid-19, what learnings have you taken from the pandemic and how will you apply those to your policies and community outreach moving forward?
The most important lesson I’ve learned and that became even more evident during the pandemic, is that the city and county governments need to lead when the state or federal government fail to act. I’m proud that our local leaders stepped up and took immediate action when people like Greg Abbott and Donald Trump refused to, or denied the existence of COVID-19 at the outset. It’s important to coordinate with higher authorities, but I will always push my office and my colleagues in local government to take swift action when its necessary, especially when lives are at stake.
How will you work with City leadership to provide a housing plan for unhoused residents?
While the County Clerk doesn’t have much of an explicit role to play in developing Austin’s housing policy, I am supportive of increasing affordable housing supply in every corner of the city and finding permanent housing solutions for unhoused populations.
How will you work with City leadership to support marginalized communities in Austin?
As Travis County Clerk, I intend to work hand in hand with City and County leadership to increase access to the ballot box for every eligible voter, in an equitable way. I will take the same approach with court and county property records.
Homeowners and renters experienced enormous increases in Travis County Property Taxes in 2022. How will you address Austin’s ongoing housing shortage and displacement issues?
I proudly support all efforts to increase affordable housing supply in every corner of Austin and Travis County.
As our community continues to rely on virtual spaces, how should the City address the digital divide? What steps would you take to bridge that divide?
The City, County, and AISD should plan to continue initiatives developed during the pandemic to better connect Austin residents and families with essential government services, including our schools. As County Clerk, I will encourage opportunities to expand electronic access to county services and to bring mobile services directly into communities.
What are your thoughts on the City of Austin using cryptocurrency (AustinCoin)?
I am in support of Austin utilizing cryptocurrency
How can the City better work with Austin’s tech community to bring innovative approaches to civic challenges?
Austin’s tech community can offer unique perspectives to City and County leaders as they approach a number of civic challenges that we’re currently facing, and problems we have yet to face. Establishing task forces and working groups is an important practice, but goals need to be set in order to make collaborative research and advocacy efforts successful.
For more information visit www.votedyana.com