Dear Neighbor, At the Austin City Council’s direction, City Manager Spencer Cronk is expected to propose a budget next Monday that cuts nearly 100 police officers. “Defunding” the police department makes everyone less safe. Smart police reform is possible without jeopardizing the safety of our businesses, churches, neighborhoods, and schools. If the Austin City Council supports… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, Tomorrow, the Austin City Council will vote unanimously to approve three resolutions that impact public safety. Positive policy changes are overshadowed by parts that put the community at risk. Policing reforms are possible without jeopardizing the safety of our neighborhoods. The community wants good policing, not fewer officers. We need your help now. Item 95 indefinitely… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police officers has changed our community. We hear and share the anger, frustration, and worry that so many are voicing. Keeping everyone safe has been our commitment for more than twenty years. Police reform is possible without risking public safety. The community wants good policing, not fewer… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, You can’t solve one public safety crisis by creating another. During this generational moment, the community has an opportunity to join together and make Austin safer for everyone. On Thursday, the Austin City Council will vote on resolutions that impact the police department and public safety in our community. The Central Texas Public… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, You’re going to hear from me every day this week. The stakes are high at City Hall. George Floyd’s death was a homicide. It was wrong and has caused the country and our community to face hard truths. During this generational moment, we have an opportunity to join together to make Austin safer… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, George Floyd’s death in Minnesota was a homicide. It was wrong and has caused the country and our community to face hard truths. Not everyone feels safe. Not everyone is safe. In this historic moment, we face a pandemic and protests for justice. Lawlessness undermines the voices of those betrayed by a system that marginalizes… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, Many Americans are angry. The pandemic, politics, and public safety collided this week. Austin has a long tradition of community engagement, which includes peaceful protests and rallies.  We support the Austin Police Department and the rights of protestors.Regrettably, demonstrations today have resulted in arrests for criminal acts. Lawlessness and violence aren’t how we solve problems,… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, It’s an honor to take over from an Austin legend, Pete Winstead, as president of the Central Texas Public Safety Commission. I’m a fourth-generation Austinite and have worked in the title insurance industry since 2003. My wife, Stephanie, and I are blessed with three young daughters who all attend public schools. I look… Read more »

Dear Neighbor, An officer-involved shooting in Austin last Friday evening ended tragically. Yesterday, social justice activists demanded the removal of Police Chief Brian Manley, Assistant Chief Troy Gay, and Assistant City Manager Rey Arellano. The Central Texas Public Safety Commission released the following statement: “Rather than rushing to judgment, the Central Texas Public Safety Commission urges the… Read more »