Hi all!
It was suggested by a neighbor that I post this here as I posted it to our FORD street list serve. A couple of caveats- I am not a Red or Blue dude- Im probably a lot like most of you and just want to see people live up to their expectations and find happiness.
I was sharing to Ford street not to politicize this topic but in an effort to use a GOP platform to force CC to come up and think-tank proper solutions for homeless ness as opposed to BLACK/WHITE- Can live on street/cant live on public streets.
Two of my neighbors on Ford moved to Denver (Pre-covid) and sent me videos after posting this last night, and it was shocking. Another city that refuses to take on the plight because it seems “too hard”. Our elected officials are not supposed to be there to make promises, move money around and sell-out, they are downtown to work on ideas, meet people and determine best spends of money and then they should bring it to the people to vote. They have done this with traffic the last 6 years but they have yet to do this with anything civic or civil related.
Homelessness is a big issue- and I fully support REHAB FIRST. Supposedly the city has 2 large 110,000 sq ft facilities close to urban core that they could in fact make into a rehab center and counseling center. We obviously have the money if we choose to spend that money but again that is for the CC, Mayor and dedicated appointed people to help solve.
Please refrain from coming at me- I am simply sharing what was forwarded to me as I have been so deep in my own business operations and trying to survive that I have not had time to ponder and sit at home like many. Also not a plea for sympathy, its just facts. But, here I am, it came across my desk and its worth sharing. I will now copy/paste my original email to Ford street…
ENJOY!
I am not here to make any political statements. For the most part, I identify with Libertarian ideals but hard to peg me to that label as there is gray area always in our lives.
This was shared with me by a friend who lives on East side so its likely self-serving. I did the research and there are some arguments against and for- in both liberal and conservative opinion pieces.
I also received a note today from Jennifer Blackman (a philanthropist that lives over in Bouldin) and her husband (both liberals)… there is more to the story apparently. City of Austin is sitting on two huge properties that they could convert (if pushed) to homeless shelters that would focus on rehab, but they have chosen not to (probably budget). I only mention this b/c it appears this group is likely more conservative in its development.
at any rate- this is a petition and I thought long and hard about it but I decided to sign it. Its nothing more than a petition but if 20K signatures are gathered (they are now up to 19K), it will be put on the ballot in an effort to help solve the homeless issue that is swelling in Austin. It seems we actually have the resources but it seems CC does feel we are smart enough to make the decision on our own as voters.
Who knows how I will vote in the election if it comes to fruition but I am thinking its a good idea to have more of these topics on the voting ballot this fall so at least we can make that decision with our votes.
Do with it what you will- this is just me sharing it in case you have interest and may not have seen it. I Dont want to abandon them but living in San Fran in the 90’s, I know its a bad formula to blindly ignore them and make them fend on their own.
JP- if you would not mind- can you repost this to Friends of Zilker if its not already on there?
Cheers! AND VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!
Nicholas M. Vaughan
razortiger@gmail.com
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jill Kerr <jillk37@gmail.com>
Subject: Save Austin Now
Date: July 1, 2020 at 10:22:58 AM CDT
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Hi Austin Friends,
Spreading the word about Save Austin Now- an organization working to reinstate the ban on Homeless Camping in Austin. They need 20k signatures by July 18th, in order to get this issue on the November ballot for public vote.
I’ve seen the negative impact that the allowance of camping has had city wide, but it’s been particularly drastic on the east side. Cesar Chavez, Riverside and I-35 near 6th street are almost unrecognizable. I am very passionate about this cause, and sharing with you in case you feel the same way. Petition is attached- simply sign and mail to Save Austin Now 815A Brazos Street, Box 455 Austin, TX 78701.
If not, feel free to delete!
Hope you all have a wonderful 4th!
–
Jill Kerr | JK