By Bill Oakey – October 20, 2025

We Need to Spread the Message

The facts are on our side, but not everyone has heard the message. Each one of us should take some time to alert friends and neighbors. Post links to this blog or similar outreach materials to your social media. Send out emails.Talk to the folks on your block.

Myths Vs. the Facts – Spread the Word

1. Shameful Myth – Public safety, parks and libraries and apple pie will wither away without Prop Q.

Fact – All of the basic services and wishlist items can still be funded in the City Budget if Prop Q fails. As the Chamber of Commerce pointed out, the City Manager produced a balanced budget.

Fact – City officials can adopt the same belt-tightening that your family and others are using in this harsh economy. They can learn from Houston, Dallas and San Antonio.

2. Crazy Myth – Only Republicans and conservatives are against Prop Q.

Fact – The Travis County precinct chairs were evenly split over endorsing Prop Q. The party chairman rolled over and broke the tie. That endorsement is laughably weak.

Fact – The groundswell of taxpayer resistance to Prop Q crosses all party lines. The crazy, partisan tactics in the For Prop Q mailers are a joke. Toss those into the recycle bin!

3. Silly Myth – “This is not about taxes, it’s about our values.”

Fact – Austinites don’t value the prospect of huge rent increases. We don’t value watching our beloved, iconic local businesses closing, because they can’t afford the taxes. And we certainly don’t value anyone losing their home.

Fact – Austin’s spending on the homeless is massively higher than any other major Texas city. The compassionate thing to do is bring the spending under control, and use performance measures for effective results. Just throwing money at the problem hasn’t worked – not even close!

Never Forget That This Is a “Forever Tax”

Over $100 million every single year, into eternity. Remember this image when you go to sleep tonight. Then show it to your friends when you wake up. And don’t forget to vote!

A New Prop Q Poem

Early voting is here, you can now have your say
Don’t let anything stand in your way
The most important thing you can do
Is rally your friends to vote NO on Prop Q!

Beware of false messaging and misleading factors
Prop Q’s big donors are all City contractors
The Budget can be balanced, I’m not pretending
The City just needs to cut wasteful spending

The wishlist of programs that Prop Q is touting
Can still be funded, no need for the shouting
A NO vote would just bring fiscal responsibility
And push City Hall toward affordability

Musical Accompaniment for This Blog Piece

”The Long and Winding Road” – The Beatles