To Texas' Republican Leaders, Democratic Mayors Have Become Public Enemy No. 1

AUSTIN — Texas Republicans have a new political enemy, and he looks like Mike Rawlings. And Sylvester Turner. And Ron Nirenberg. And Steve Adler.GOP leaders have made the Democratic mayors of Texas’ largest cities (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin, respectively), along with other local elected officials, the poster boys for an all-out legislative assault on local control. Republican lawmakers have filed legislation that would prevent local governments from making decisions that have long been left to the elected officials closest to the voters.That legislation would determine whether local leaders can decide which immigrants to turn over to federal authorities, how much local taxes should increase, if people can cut down trees and who can use a public restroom.  Continue reading...