AUSTIN, Texas — Two new faces are now serving Austin on the City Council.
- Natasha Harper-Madison and Paige Ellis join Austin City Council
- Delia Garza elected as City’s first Latina Mayor Pro Tem
- Kathie Tovo starts third term on council
Natasha Harper-Madison and Paige Ellis were inaugurated Monday along with the Mayor and three returning Council Members.
Harper-Madison represents East Austin's District 1, and says her upbringing in the area gives her a great working knowledge of the area's needs.
Paige Ellis leaves behind a career in environmental policy, where she's bound to put it to use when forming public policy.
"You also have my promise to look out for those who are in need of care, such as seniors, our children, those who are just getting on their feet, and, of course, the environment," Ellis said.
"I will continue to work to ensure that Austin makes investments in families through food access, through more reliable and affordable child care, and transportation," Harper-Madison said.
The Council made history Monday when Delia Garza was elected as Austin's first Latina Mayor Pro Tem.
She became the city's first Latina Council Member in 2014, and vows not to be the last.
Kathie Tovo is now in her third term representing District 9. She had to gather signatures from voters in order to exceed the city's term limits.