The Zilker Neighborhood Association
Save Austin Now
Go Austin / Vamos Austin
We’re all strong empaths. We want robust safety nets for those who find themselves in situations where the odds are stacked against them and they can’t pull themselves up by the bootstraps ’cause they got no boots. Folks, Prop. Q is not the answer to that need. Most of the needs are intended to be funded by the Prop. Q–public safety, parks, libraries, and more–are basis budget expenditures. These things should be funded in the base budget, which is now biannually passed by the Council. Because this Council chose to finance vanity projects such as yet another convention center and a future money pit known as cap & stitch, it is no excuse to hike the city portion of our property tax bills permanently. Dallas and San Antonio’s city budgets are smaller despite their larger populations. This is because they practice more responsible accounting and spending practices. Let’s say that I own a home and I decide to do a full kitchen and bathroom remodel, just because I envy my neighbor.
I spent all my paychecks for two months to cover it, so I went to my family and said, “Hey, I need all this money for rent and utilities now because I spent all my paychecks for this month on a remodel.” The following month, I have to do the same thing, ’cause I still have no money to pay for all the necessities. And on it goes. I’m sorry, but at some point, the fiscal malfeasance and budgetary shell games have to stop. Accountability must be reintroduced. An accounting or financial management professional would be disgraced in his/her profession at this rate. Enough is enough. We approve this message.
