Commission application number 9 submitted by Ethan Smith on 06/04/2020

First Name Ethan
Middle Name/Initial L
Last Name Smith
Voter Unique Identification number 1131165226
Ethnicity Self-describe
Gender Male
Age 25-34
Education Level Bachelor's Degree
Major Pursued Human Dimensions of Organization
Submitted Address
City Austin
State TX
Zip 78705
What is your occupation? Student / Lawn Care
Verified Address
City Austin
State TX
Zip 78705
Do you have a spouse or domestic partner? No
Are you applying to be the student member of the commission? Yes
Are you a student enrolled in a community college or university in the City of Austin? Yes
Been appointed to a state or city office? No
Been elected to a state or city office? No
Been a candidate for a state or city office? No
Served as an officer, employee, or paid consultant of a political party? No
Served as an officer, employee, or paid consultant of the campaign committee of a candidate for elective state, county, or city office? No
Been a registered state or local lobbyist? No
A paid employee of the City of Austin? No
A person performing paid services under a professional services contract with the City of Austin? No
A person performing paid services under a professional or personal services contract to the City Council of the City of Austin or to any individual member of the City Council of the City of Austin? No
A controlling person of a person performing paid services under a professional or personal services contract to any member of the City Council of the City of Austin? No
How did you hear about redistricting/Applicant Review Panel? Other (please describe)
How did you hear "Other" option detail a mentor at UT
Contribute or bundle one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more in aggregate to candidates for City of Austin elective office? No
Disclaimer Agreement Checked
Please describe your relevant analytical skills. I am 34 years old. I have twice had analytical positions working for Texas Legislative Council, the non-partisan attache to the state legislature. One session I was a proofreader, once I was a bill analyst. I have taken a course at UT-Austin called "Measuring Racial Inequality" where we spent much time analyzing census tract data and understanding biases. I have been told I have exceptional analytical skills in general. I am doing an honors thesis this year analyzing the history of university decision making regarding student housing in Austin under the advisement of Dr. Art Markman. I hold a bachelor's degree in Music, and also have a fine artists approach to analysis. It's not done until its done, and when it is done, don't overwork it!
Please describe your ability to be impartial. My strength and ability to be impartial is one of the reasons I am interested in this position, and why I believe I would be a good fit. The best solution to redistricting will be impartial. There is great advantage when passion to get a job done correctly can be coupled with impartiality.
Disclaimer Signature Ethan Smith
Please describe your appreciation for the City of Austin's diverse demographics and geography. I am a native Austinite. I have attended UT Austin and 4 different ACC campuses (Highland, Northridge, Riverside, and Rio Grande). I have worked all over Austin as an AISD substitute teacher. I went to high school at St. Stephens in West Austin. As a 10 year resident of East Austin, I have witnessed the effects of gentrification on that neighborhood first-hand. I also worked for the Census in 2010 in East Austin. I love the greenbelt and parks of our city. This commissions work will be to ensure political representation, which is essential.
Please provide your employment history. UT Student Government - Housing Policy Director -current UT Dept of Student Affairs - Student Consultation 2018-current Texas Legislative Council - bill analyst, proofreader 2011, 2013 Texas Legislative Services - stenographer, 2009 AISD - substitute teacher - 2007-2008 Additionally I have worked for years in the service and food industry (Kerbey Lane Cafe, Jimmy Johns, Serrano's, Elm restaurant group) and have a deep appreciation for the demographics that populate this industry.
Please provide any other information you wish to be considered during the selection of the most qualified applicants for the Commission. I study Human Dimensions of Organizations at UT. My GPA since returning in Fall 2018 is 3.85.
District District 9
Does this application qualify? Yes