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.
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.
