NEIGHBORHOOD SURVEY

We Want to Know What You Think

The COVNA survey is coming to your mail box soon. This is a short survey intended to identify ways in which COVNA can serve our residents better. Please take the time to fill out the survey and return. We will summarize and publish survey results in an upcoming newsletter. More importantly, we will incorporate your responses into our strategic planning for the coming year.

Share your thoughts with us!

ARE WE SLIPPING?

Castlewood Isn’t What it Used to Be?

Neighbors, I wanted to share a conversation I had with another realtor with you. This realtor and I had been discussing Castlewood property values and the number of homes on the market which have been sitting much too long when she said to me (not realizing that I actually live in the neighborhood) “that neighborhood just isn’t what it used to be.” This remark concerned me greatly as my wife and I purchased our home in the neighborhood 6 years ago, seeing the beauty that Castlewood has to offer; we’ve invested a great deal in our home and take pride in this neighborhood. Thus, it saddens me to hear this type of remark. Yet, I can see where driving down the street one could come to this kind of conclusion – especially without meeting the incredible people who live here. As I said, I’m concerned and don’t want to see this neighborhood decline.

I come to you, the residents of Castlewood Forest and Oak Valley, for your thoughts and ideas for how we can change this impression of our neighborhood. Are there things that COVNA can and should do to improve the neighborhood? Please share your insight as, regardless of what others from the outside may think, I think this is an incredible place to live – and want to make sure it stays that way.

If you have any insight, thoughts or ideas of pro-active measures we can take to keep our neighborhood as pristine and gorgeous as it should be, please contact me: deanheddin@kw.com or (512) 297-4281

Don't let this be your yard!

ELECTION NEWS

Important Changes Will Affect Us

After months of uncertainty, we now know that two elections are on the calendar for May—local municipal and school elections (May 12) and the party primaries (May 29).

In order to reflect the geographic and demographic population changes reported in the 2010 census data, and to ensure an accurate representation of the voting public, the state and county governments have completed redistricting plans. These plans change COVNA’s county voting precinct and the districts for several of our elected representatives.

In the past, COVNA voted in Precinct 355 at the Southwest Church of Christ on Manchaca Road. The church continues to serve as our polling place, but we are now in Precinct 435. Our U.S. Representative will come from Congressional District 21 (formerly district 25). Our Texas State Senator is now from Senate District 14 (formerly district 25). Our Texas State Representative is now from House District 48 (formerly 47). County Commissioner Number Four is now our representative at the county government (formerly number Three).

Later this month registered voters will receive new Voter Registration Cards, which will list all the numbers of the various representative districts. These are very recent changes so do your research before voting.

The first election, called the Joint General and Special Election, will be at the church on May 12. Early voting will be from April 30 through May 8. This is a local election for Mayor and Austin City Council places 2, 5 and 6. Austin ISD has its election in November, so we will not be voting for school board trustees.

Dominic Chavez, neighbor and past president of COVNA, is running for Place 5 on the Austin City Council. In addition to the normal duties of the office of COVNA President, Dom was very active in addressing traffic calming issues in an around COVNA. In the middle of his term, Dom was called up to serve a combat tour, forcing him to resign as President. Upon his safe return, he has again become active in local affairs. We are all proud of Dominic’s service to our neighborhood and country. You can learn more about Dom and other candidates for Place 5 by visiting the city’s web page for 2012 election resources (www.austintexas.gov/vote).

After the municipal election, the political parties will hold the Joint Primary Election on May 29 at the church. Early Voting for the party primaries will be from May 14 through May 24. This primary election is to choose candidates for the general election in November for offices such as President, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, several statewide offices, judges, State Representative, District Attorney, County Attorney, constable and justice of the peace to new a few. Again do your research.

If you have any questions about the primary elections, contact the county offices of the political parties. For information about the issues and candidates, start with the non-partisan League of Women Voters (on line at www.lwvaustin.org or at the public library). The upcoming elections are not covered on the League of Women Voters site yet, but keep checking back.

Be aware that some of this information may be changed before the Voter Registration Cards are sent out.

Floyd Clark