Austin voted and said, ‘No Way Prop A’

Latest

Editor’s note:  This article by Chas Moore, Executive Director of the Austin Justice Coalition was originally published at www.AustinJustice.org and is reprinted here with permission.

speaker at podium speaking out against Prop A in Austin
Photo / Chas Moore, Executive Director, Austin Justice Coalition

AUSTIN, TX — The voters of Austin overwhelmingly rejected the politics of fear yesterday and renewed their commitment to a more just public safety system, a more just city budget, and a more just city overall. It cannot be overstated: Prop A was not just voted down. It went down in flames.

Austin voters sent a resounding message of support for a comprehensive approach to public safety that includes improvements to our parks and youth programs, better EMS and fire protection, public and mental health services. And voters want to improve public safety without sacrificing libraries or community centers or no-kill. That means a balance, allowing Austin leaders to invest in all kinds of services that meet people’s real needs. Austin voters also sent a clear message to the Travis County Republican Party and the Austin Police Association — when the people of Austin are informed, hope trumps fear, truth trumps lies, and progress trumps the status quo. City officials must now renew their commitment to the Reimagine Public Safety process and begin implementing the recommendations of the Task Force.

The huge coalition that came together, more than 120 organizations strong, needs to get even stronger in the coming months to preserve this victory and build on it. Austin Justice Coalition will strengthen those bonds as part of our new “District Organizing: Project Engage (DOPE)” that aims to further structure our support across town. We look forward to helping to make Austin a model city for transformative public safety. Our thanks go out to our amazing community and supporters for seizing this victory.

+ Articles by this author

Chas Moore is the local leader, organizer, founder of AJA (Austin Justice Coalition).
Reach the organization at austinjustice.org/

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

‘We Need Urgent Global Climate Action’

Eighty-nine percent of people worldwide want their governments to do more to address the global climate crisis. Conference on tipping points says situation is urgent. Meanwhile U.S. govt does more to boost fossil fuel forms of energy.

May Day 2025: United We Will Win

International Worker’s Day is celebrated on May 1st around the world. Today, the entire U.S. working class, of which immigrants comprise an integral part, is under attack. The defense of immigrants is vital to the defense of the entire working class.

White School Officer Pepper-sprayed and Kneed Black Beaumont, TX Student, Complaint says. Will Feds Act?

A 6-second video, recorded by a teacher and reviewed by the Texas Observer, shows an officer grabbing a student’s hair, kneeing her in the face, and knocking the 100-pound girl on her back.

Pope Francis Dies After Easter Plea to End War in Gaza

"In his final public message, Pope Francis decried the “terrible conflict” in Gaza.

Bring Union Brother Kilmar Home: His Deportation Is an Attack on All of Us

The deportation of union brother Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a gut punch to the labor movement, a slap in the face to every worker who dares to organize.

More from the People's Tribune