Solar Austin: Solar Candidate Forum

Please join us for an opportunity to hear Mayor Lee Leffingwell, Mayoral Candidate Brigid Shea and Council Member candidates for places 2, 5 and 6 speak specifically about the role solar may play in the city. Come meet the candidates in a forum uniquely focused on issues of interest to those supporting policy development that might lead to sustainable energy systems, climate protection, and local job growth.

Sponsors: Solar Austin, Solar Austin Foundation and local solar businesses

Date: Tuesday April 17, 2012

Time: 5:30pm – 8:45pm

Location: Ventana del Soul (second floor), 1834 E Oltorf St., Austin, TX 78741

Ventana del Soul’s Mission is to provide training and vocational mentoring to disadvantaged, disabled or underemployed persons so that they can build a career, attain financial stability and establish a higher quality of life as active citizens. ventanadelsoul.org

Food/Coffee/Tea: Ventana Del Soul’s coffee shop and café will be open before and during the event.

Parking: Overflow parking is available at the church on Parker Lane which is behind the facility.

Handicap access: Park directly behind the facility and use the wheelchair lift to ascend the stairs.

RSVP: http://solaraustincandidateforum.eventbrite.com/

BACKGROUND: The solar industry in Austin employs more than 615 full time jobs in our community and those generate an additional 565 to 1575 jobs in the greater Austin area. Along with Businesses and home owners who invest in solar, the solar industry helps provide low cost electricity for Austin Energy customers. City Council, overseeing and working with Austin Energy, is in the position to grow the solar business cluster. In Austin this industry is represented by educators, researchers and installers of solar panels and manufactures of solar cells, inverters and related technologies. With electricity prices rising, solar costs dropping, and the industry entering a period of rapid change, will Austin grow the solar industry here or will it go to other cities and states from which to be based? Come hear what the candidates have to say so you can determine who to support in the May 12th election.

Schedule for Forum

5:30 doors open
6:00 pm Welcoming by Ventana del Soul
6:03 pm Opening remarks provided by members of the solar industry
6:15 pm to 6:45 pm panel with the Mayoral candidates
6:45 pm to 7:00 pm transition time and time for voters to visit with the candidates
7:00 pm to 7:45 pm Place 2 and Place 6 panels
7:45 pm to 8:00 pm transition time and time for voters to visit with the candidates
8:00 to 8:30 pm Place 5
8:30 to 8:45pm time for voters to visit with the candidates.