Save Austin Now, a nonpartisan nonprofit that was recently founded “to educate Austin residents about standard of living issues,” is praising Texas Governor Greg Abbott for his letter to Austin Mayor Steve Adler on Wednesday, which states that he will use every state agency at his disposal to protect residents from the homeless camping mess if it is not meaningfully addressed by November 1.
Save Austin Now launched an online petition to repeal the Homeless Camping ordinance and so far nearly 35,000 people have signed it.
“The Mayor and the City Council passed this disastrous Homeless Camping ordinance in June and since it took effect on July 1st the results have been disastrous for our city, harming public safety, public health, tourism and our city’s image,” said Save Austin Now co-founder Matt Mackowiak. “It is a shame that the Mayor and the Council will not admit they made a terrible mistake. They should immediately repeal this disastrous ordinance while working to build enough shelters for our homeless population. Mayor Adler said last week that it may take five years to build enough shelters. Our city cannot wait that long. We support the Governor’s leadership on this issue and urge all Austinites to contact the Mayor and the City Council to urge that the Homeless Camping ordinance be repealed immediately.”
“The Council’s unfortunate willingness to act on the homelessness issue without a cohesive plan has unified citizens of goodwill across party and ideological lines,” said Save Austin Now co-founder Cleo Petricek. “Reasonable people understand that creating an environment which impairs the productivity and well-being of the citizens of Austin, regardless of any good intentions, must be stopped. Citizens are not confused and in need of instruction from the Council. Instead, it is the Council that is confused and in need of instruction from the citizens. We the citizens and voters of Austin have been unified as a result of Austin City Council’s failure to ensure the safety of our community and families. The unethical behavior by Council to not listen to their constituents have unified us regardless of political party. I want to thank the Governor and let him know he has our support and appreciation. If the city council fails to immediately rescind their June vote and implement a new policy that ensures our safety, then we will do our part and rescind their camping ordinance.”
Learn more about Save Austin Now and its petition by CLICKING HERE.
