AUSTIN — Though a majority of Austinites has maintained consistent support for a fully funded police department, District 6 City Council incumbent Jimmy Flannigan has apparently changed his tone since first running for Council.
Flannigan, who in July proposed the demolition of Austin Police Department (APD) Headquarters and successfully gutted several APD departments and responsibilities, previously advocated for hiring more police officers according to a 2014 campaign video which recently surfaced.
The Council member said "a rising property crime problem" could be fought "not just by hiring more police officers, but by protecting your valuables and keeping your garage door closed."
Video link (via Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/mackenzieforaustin/posts/161099628940866
Fast forward to 2020, following pressure by progressive activists and liberal interest groups. Flannigan supported and voted for cutting APD's budget by a third, leading to the cancellation of the incoming cadet class.
"Flannigan has not only 'reimagined' APD but also his own position on funding law enforcement," said Mackenzie Kelly, the leading candidate to replace Flannigan in November. "District 6 residents deserve a Council member who will not flip-flop on an issue as critical as police funding. I will be a champion for full funding for public safety and will never bow down to pressure from radical activists and especially not violent protesters."
A wife, mother, and veteran community advocate, Austin native Mackenzie Kelly is the leading candidate in the race to represent Northwest Austin in District 6. Learn more about her and her campaign for Austin City Council at facebook.com/mackenzieforaustin and volunteer at www.MackenzieForAustin.com.