Pinthouse Pizza
What About Austin?
RECEIVED Mon., Jan. 8, 2018
Dear Editor,
Michael King's article about Adler's 2017 Austin Checklist is puzzling ["Point Austin," News, Jan. 5]. He lists accomplishments as defending Austin on "climate change" and "immigration," which are more national than local issues, and yet does not mention in his article Austin's three big challenges which are traffic congestion, homelessness, and affordable housing. I think it is fine that the mayor had a cameo in a rap video, but I would challenge him to do more. Austin has real issues that need real plans with results that can be measured. The mayor could start by solving the traffic problem on Highway 360. It would be rather simple to get that fixed within a year. Then check that off the list as a real accomplishment.
Let's start fining drivers again who litter our highways. The Don't Mess With Texas campaign worked. Let's try it again for two years and see if we don't improve the situation measurably.
Michael King's article about Adler's 2017 Austin Checklist is puzzling ["Point Austin," News, Jan. 5]. He lists accomplishments as defending Austin on "climate change" and "immigration," which are more national than local issues, and yet does not mention in his article Austin's three big challenges which are traffic congestion, homelessness, and affordable housing. I think it is fine that the mayor had a cameo in a rap video, but I would challenge him to do more. Austin has real issues that need real plans with results that can be measured. The mayor could start by solving the traffic problem on Highway 360. It would be rather simple to get that fixed within a year. Then check that off the list as a real accomplishment.
Let's start fining drivers again who litter our highways. The Don't Mess With Texas campaign worked. Let's try it again for two years and see if we don't improve the situation measurably.
Anne Johnson
[Michael King responds: Not to quarrel with Anne Johnson's opinion of the mayor, but the "Point Austin" column in fact does cite progress on traffic congestion ("mobility infrastructure" that indeed includes funding for Highway 360) and homelessness (the Downtown Puzzle). The mayor's much lengthier list also notes several initiatives addressing housing affordability. For the full list, see "Mayor Adler's Year in Review" at www.mayoradler.com.]