During the public commentary at the Austin City Council meeting, the overwhelming majority expressed opposition to the proposed $218 million police union contract, advocating for funds to be redirected towards community services.
Opposition speakers brought years of frustration over police accountability, fearing the new contract would block necessary transparency about the Austin Police Department's practices, particularly relating to the contentious G file.
Kathy Mitchell and Chris Harris of Equity Action called for the Council to reject the contract, urging for more negotiations, citing concerns over the city's legal negotiators and the implications of past agreements.
Harris recounted his 2018 support for previous police contracts which led to unintended restrictions on the Austin Office of Police Oversight, illustrating the complexities of ongoing police accountability concerns.
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