Farmers market pulls out of Hutto

From statesman, October 29, 2008...

Marketplace Austin on Wednesday announced it is ending its lease with the City of Hutto to operate the Hutto Mercantile Farmers Market and Crafts Show. Marketplace General Manager Mark Gindin said the move comes after a City council member associated his business with an ethics violation by another council member.

Council Member Tina Slayton questioned whether Council Member Debbie Holland had behaved unethically in voting to approve the market and then setting up a booth there, City Manager Ed Broussard said.

The city ethics commission, a group of residents who are appointed by the council to investigate any allegations against the council, found nothing to act upon the allegation against Holland, Broussard said.

Holland had a booth at the market, Gindin said, but received no special treatment or reduced rate.

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