Andrew Bucknall sits at a lunch counter in the cafeteria of Huston-Tillotson College. His face suggests a lifetime of experience. That face, and his graying hair, set him apart from his fellow diners. As a student in his 30s running for Austin City Council Place 1 against Lee Leffingwell, he stands out a bit as well.
Bucknall's platform is simple, he says. He wants open, accessible, transparent, accountable government working for Austin unity. He says he is saddened by the fractured state of the city. As he takes a bite of his sandwich, he explains his solution.
"I encourage people to be involved," Bucknall says. "Not to sit on the sidelines and complain about the game, but to get out there and be a player. The first step is voting, but don't stop there."
Bucknall was born in a house on West Ninth Street that has since become a historical landmark. Even at a young age, he was exposed to politics. His parents took him to First Friday parties, gatherings for Austin politicians and personalities. It was there that he rubbed elbows with former Gov. Ann Richards and other members of Austin's political elite at the time.
In high school, Bucknall admits he slacked off. He became involved with "the wrong crowd of people" and started using drugs. At age 17, he says, he realized his life lacked direction and decided to get back on track. After he set education as a priority, he obtained a general education degree and enrolled in Austin Community College, where he received a diploma in human services: therapeutic recreation.
For a while, everything seemed to be smooth sailing. He was married in 1996, and his wife gave birth to his son Aaron soon afterward. His wife then abandoned him, leaving Bucknall saddled with financial debt and an infant. The next few years were an ordeal, he admits with a pained expression on his face. Aaron, however, was the bright spot in his life.
"I love my son, and I am very grateful to have the opportunity many men are not allowed," Bucknall said.
As the money problems piled up, Bucknall was forced to move to a modest house in East Austin. His situation finally started looking up after he started a janitorial and maid service.
When his son started going to elementary school, Bucknall found he had more time to spend on his activism. He once again set out to make a social difference by joining the Martin Luther King Jr. Neighborhood Association. Nominated by former Huston-Tillotson Vice President Dr. Exalton Delco, Bucknall became a member of the association's executive board. Shortly after, he was elevated to the position of co-president.
"I really appreciate the encouragement and support I have received from Dr. Delco and all my friends in my neighborhood, at church and at school. Without them, I would not be a candidate for City Council Place 1," Bucknall said.
While serving in this capacity, he expressed his desire to complete his bachelor's degree. Delco quickly pointed Bucknall in the direction of Huston-Tillotson College. Being a student at Austin's only historically black college seemed to be the perfect opportunity to get involved in East Austin, he says. In 2003, Bucknall was named chair of the Bethany Committee, which renovated the oldest African-American cemetery in Texas. More than 80 people attended the rededication ceremony, including representatives from the Austin Police Department, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the American Civil Liberties Union of Austin.
While at Huston-Tillotson, Bucknall restarted the college's Young Democrat Coalition, originally created by one of his mentors, and Huston-Tillotson alumnus, County Commissioner Ron Davis. Bucknall has served on Mayor pro-tem Jackie Goodman's affordable housing committee, has been precinct chair 126 with the Travis County Democratic Party and has worked to promote improved Police and community relations.
Mike Blizzard, an Austin-based political consultant, described Bucknall as someone who is highly involved in the community and running for the right reasons. Blizzard cautions that in order for Bucknall to win, "you have to have a significant amount in a citywide race to make a dent in the electorate, or you have to have a lot of grass- roots support."
David Butts, a political consultant for Lee Leffingwell's campaign, had similar things to say about the student from Houston-Tillotson.
"Andrew is a good guy," he says. "It's his right to run, but I wish he wasn't going to run against Lee.
As for Bucknall, he's anxiously awaiting the chance to discuss his platform face-to-face with the electorate.
"I am looking forward to meeting more of my supporters at my campaign kickoff party on Tuesday, March 1 at Neuvo Leon," he says. "It is very exciting to be in my first run for elected office."
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