Austin Mayor Steve Adler attacks critics in state of the city address

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Austin Mayor Steve Adler delivered his annual State of the City address on Monday and spent much of his time responding to criticism from local leadership he accused of sowing division in the city. community by spreading disinformation on everything from homelessness and public safety to the coronavirus pandemic.

Reading prepared remarks at Town Hall, Adler spoke for 45 minutes and was sometimes defensive and other times attacking. He spoke like a man tired from the number of political battles that have erupted over the past two years.

“Our days seem tougher and meaner and far too many of us feel overwhelmed with weariness and emotional fatigue,” he said. “We have had enough. And unfortunately, for a city that draws its strength from community, too often we have had enough of each other. We no longer just find ourselves at odds with one another. There is a correspondence. and an almost inherent need to hate, beware of and even demonize those with whom we disagree. “

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Adler criticized Gov. Greg Abbott for preventing local school districts from ordering mask warrants and objected to the perception that he does not support the Austin Police Department and its officers.

On several occasions he appeared to accuse the Save Austin Now political action committee of fueling fear in the community, but stopped before calling them by name.

Save Austin Now succeeded in placing a measure on the November election that, if approved by voters, would increase police numbers to certain levels, requiring two officers per 1,000 residents. Adler and other city leaders oppose it, citing a cost estimate that they say is too high and could result in higher taxes or the cut-off of other city services. City staff have estimated the cost increase under the proposal to be between $ 271.5 million and $ 598.8 million over five years.

The vote is viewed by some as a referendum on Adler and the Austin City Council’s decision to eliminate 150 vacant officer positions last year while also canceling three cadet training academies.

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The ballot measure vote also comes in the wake of the May election when Save Austin Now led the campaign to reinstate the homeless camping ban that city council lifted in 2019.

“There is a political advantage sought by those who create the false impression that Austin is not safe,” Adler said.

Save Austin Now co-founder Matt Mackowiak did not immediately respond to a request to comment on Adler’s speech.

“Despite all that is good around us, some would like to polarize and divide our community with misinformation,” Adler said. “While we should be celebrating our common successes, there are those who seem to be looking for ways to foster fear and breed hatred. It is almost as if creating a climate and movement that seeks to separate us and us. dividing from each other has become a hobby or sport. “

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