Austin, Tx. - Laid back bastion of independence, liberalism and........surveillance cameras?

[Dover]

Big Brother keeping us "safe". We wonder how our rights become eroded. Well here's an example.
Will the town protest? If it can happen in Austin, it can likely happen in any city. Here's lookin' at you kid...

** Leave your comments at the end of the article.
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Police Chief Looks To Bring Cameras To Austin Streets


Security cameras could soon be popping up in crime-ridden areas of the city, allowing officers to patrol Austin virtually.

Rundberg Lane and Lamar Boulevard in North Austin is just one of four proposed locations.

Police Chief Art Acevedo said not only will it prevent crime, but the recordings could also be used to convict criminals.

More eyes equal fewer people. That is why the Dallas Police Department said they have a 40-camera system downtown. Acevedo said he also wants to bring cameras to the Capitol City.

"People in this community want us to do everything we can to keep them safe this is one of those strategies," Acevedo said.

The project would start at Sixth Street then expand to Rundberg Lane and Lamar Boulevard, Montopolis Boulevard in Southeast Austin, and 12th and Chicon streets in East Austin....>

http://www.kxan.com/Global/story.asp?S=7765854

[TwilightZone]

1. Austin itself is liberal, but some of the suburbs are *very* conservative.

It's an interesting dynamic.

[water]

2. In my opinion (I live here), Austin is more libertarian... still, I don't understand this proposal.

[Dover]

5. huh?................n/t

[Dover]

4. Well there's a LOT of money in those suburbs you mention.

And, being the capitol, the government activity is also very conservative and 'control' happy. Most of the Tx. government really resents Austin's liberalism. But they are more than happy to help their wealthy developer buddies build there by creating loopholes, laws and circumventing 'green' protections.

The news tonight made mention of the fact that Austin was the least likely city to be impacted by the economic downturn. (This story is probably on the same page at the link). In fact it's growing in the commercial and business sectors. Housing will slow way down (except the big condo projects and apartments), but that's about it according to this expert.

I would like to see the big developers take a big fall (the ones stripping the hill country in particular)...humpty dumpty style.

[I work for workers]

3. Governments, regardless of labels like con, lib, dem and rep,

are usually in favor of increasing their own power.

[Dover]

6. Well, perhaps at the state/national level. But Austin's local government is

pretty representative of their town in terms of values and upholding those values.
And it's a very participatory government too. People are actively involved.
Still, it's a bit like trying to hold back a tsunami, what with all the growth. Tough to juggle all the interests.