Mackenzie Kelly

The alliance formed in a council race in Northwest Austin illustrates how fights over the rules governing what can be built do not fall neatly along traditional party lines. And how for some, local elections have become about a single issue.

Council members approved the $6.75 million purchase of a 65-room hotel in District 7, but punted on buying another hotel after pushback from Council Member Mackenzie Kelly.

KUT and the Austin Monitor held a series of forums over the past few weeks with candidates running for Austin City Council. Not everyone can watch an…