Final Forum?

Could the redonkulously long parade of City Council candidate forums come to a close tonight? Today brings the Crime and Safety forum, sponsored in conjunction with the Austin Police Department's Police Chief's Forum, "a group that represents neighborhoods and businesses in all nine APD Area Commands." Except lots of noise from irate South Central neighbors and stakeholders. Should be a fun one.

Also, Newsdesk got this email from Lori Renteria, citing rumors the forum was canceled. It ain't:

I got a call from an apartment manager in North Central Austin who said there is information circulating on the internet that our City Council Candidate Forum on Crime and Safety this evening has been canceled. She could not provide me a copy of message and I cannot find anything on the internet myself, so this may be a false alarm. BUT I thought I would just confirm with you all that we are still on and we hope to see you there. Lori C-Renteria

The forum runs today, Thursday, May 1, from 6:30 to 8pm. Full press release below the fold.

CRIME & SAFETY are major issues in our neighborhoods!

Twenty-nine APD Chief's Forum representatives have organized a City-wide Council Candidate Forum to show Candidates that crime is a major issue in our neighborhoods.

WHAT: Crime and Safety Issues City Council Candidates’ Forum

WHERE: City Council Chambers, 301 W. 2nd St., free underground parking!

WHEN: Thursday, May 1, 2008 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm

WHO: APD Cheif's Forum members, Neighborhood and Business Leaders, and Community Policing Partners

MODERATOR: Shelton Green, KVUE TV

The Austin Police Chief's Forum, a group that represents neighborhoods and businesses in all nine APD Area Commands, will ask questions of City Council Candidates at this Forum which are strictly focused on Crime and Safety Issues.

The Forum begins at 6:30 pm with a short PowerPoint presentation (attached) comparing Crime Stats across Austin showing Candidates the neighborhoods' perspectives regarding equitable distribution of APD resources especially hot spot enforcement in high-risk neighborhoods, the need for more APD patrol officers, and balancing individual civil rights vs. a neighborhood's right to a safe and secure environment.

On behalf of the Chief's Forum members and community policing partners across the city, we remain . . . forever optimistic!