Uber ads on Prop 1 for May 7

[AustinN4]

Uber and Lyft sure are spending a lot of money to get us to vote for Prop 1, which makes me inclined to vote against it.

What say you? Cliff notes version please.

 

[Sam Colt]

"Former City Council Member Laura Morrison, former state Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos, Austin Police Association President Ken Casaday, former Austin Independent School District board President Gina Hinojosa, Travis County Democratic Party Chair Vincent Harding and Austin Sierra Club’s Roy Waley, (all) stood on the steps with six current +Council members and community leaders in an attempt to get out the vote against Prop 1."

"'It’s not a question of whether you like Uber or Lyft, I just have to stress that. It’s about whether you want corporations writing their own rules,' said Morrison, following the press conference. 'It’s an issue I believe in deeply. It’s a righteous issue. … That’s not the way we do things here, and I hope that the people of Austin will understand that.'"

Replace "corporations" with "individuals" because the prop was initiated with the signatures of over 25,000 local residents. Local politicians all butthurt that people don't appreciate their meddling.

http://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/2016/04/austin-leaders-speak-prop-1/

 

[AustinN4]

Thanks for that. I admit I have been confused by the dueling PACs. I didn't realize Lyft and Uber were behind Ridesharing Works for Austin PAC. The link you posted also led me to: https://www.ourcityoursafetyourchoice.org/safety-first-not-uber-profits/

I have worked with Morrison on some other issues and tend to trust her more than a PAC bankrolled by Lyft & Uber.

 

[Sam Colt]

OTOH, I don't trust the Austin city council. At all. They could screw up a 2 man parade.

 

[stdreb27]

Personally. I couldn't care about ride shares.

BUT

This all has to do with someone innovated. Took over someone else's market share that was government protected. (In many cases). And now the government is trying to get their cut.


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[SIG_Fiend]

This whole situation is actually a perfect example of true capitalism vs. crony capitalism and kind of also socialism. On the one side (capitalism) you have innovative companies who have found a demand and built a product for it (the ride sharing companies). On the other side, you have mostly corrupt politicians, some of which are very likely cronies for some of the cab companies (it is the only explanation I can see for their behavior). The crony capitalist side wants to restrict the capitalist side and exercise increasing control and unreasonable taxation over the capitalist side, and they're using the local government as a weapon to try and achieve it. I could go on, but that's what it boils down to. I'll likely never use a ride sharing company as I don't have a need for it, but I don't like the idea of corrupt politicians coming in and feeling the need to exercise oppressive control over a business.

At this point, I think we should offer a new proposition for vote. Namely, the renaming of Austin to "Little-California". LOL

One good thing to come out of this is, a lot of millennials like ride sharing services. So now they are getting to experience first hand what it's like when the government comes after you, what you like, and the freedoms you like to take advantage of. This could possibly help a percentage see things for what they are, and join the side of true capitalism.

 

[AustinN4]

I am distrustful of large corporations and gov't alike. I don't like the way Uber came to town and set up operation in direct violation of the law instead of trying to change the law. I think that is what has City govt's backs up.

I don't have a dog in the hunt one way or they other and I'll probably pass on voting on it.

 

[Dash Riprock]

I'm very confused about what it is we're supposed to be voting on. I agree with Sig_Fiend on the general issue but it seems like they've structured this ballot proposal as something different.

I sympathize with the cab industry to some degree in that it does seem like Uber/Lyft is basically usurping the rules that cabs have to follow, and that's not fair regardless of what you think of the rules. But dang if every cab ride I've ever taken hasn't been a complete and total beatdown. And unless I'm missing something, there's nothing stopping any cab driver from turning in his badge and driving for Uber. Plus, I understand they'd make more money that way, so what's the hold up?

I've never used Uber or Lyft but those I know who have rave about it. I was actually considering becoming a part time driver for one of them until they started with their "no gun allowed in your own car" nonsense. But hey, they saw a need in the market and filled it, pretty well for the most part apparently. So to whatever extent this helps break up the cab monopolies, I'm for it.

Anyway, how should I vote if I want to support Uber and not the City?

 

[Dash Riprock]

One good thing to come out of this is, a lot of millennials like ride sharing services. So now they are getting to experience first hand what it's like when the government comes after you, what you like, and the freedoms you like to take advantage of. This could possibly help a percentage see things for what they are, and join the side of true capitalism.

Great point. I too hope the millennials learn something from this.

 

[stdreb27]

I am distrustful of large corporations and gov't alike. I don't like the way Uber came to town and set up operation in direct violation of the law instead of trying to change the law. I think that is what has City govt's backs up.

I don't have a dog in the hunt one way or they other and I'll probably pass on voting on it.

They wrote software that finding a ride easy.

And it exploded.

 

[TheDan]

And unless I'm missing something, there's nothing stopping any cab driver from turning in his badge and driving for Uber. Plus, I understand they'd make more money that way, so what's the hold up?

Every cab I've taken the driver was a rude prick. They would never make it as an Uber driver because you actually have to be nice to people to get a good rating and to keep getting fares. Your car also can't smell like a five day old bowl of Pakistani cury.

I really don't use these services often, but the last time I took an Uber, the driver was an old USMC vet and had a bunch of Werther's Originals on the dash. Thanks for the lift grandpa!

 

[Mreed911]

I'm very confused about what it is we're supposed to be voting on. I agree with Sig_Fiend on the general issue but it seems like they've structured this ballot proposal as something different.

Anyway, how should I vote if I want to support Uber and not the City?

For Prop 1. That rolls he city's "takeover" of background checks back and lets Uber do them (as they always have) vs. paying the city (more) to do it.

 

[Skip]

I'm currently driving for Uber, I'd appreciate support.

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[Dash Riprock]

I'm currently driving for Uber, I'd appreciate support.

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So I should vote "For" the proposal?

This is probably a stupid question, but why is this something we have to vote on?

 

[Saltyag2010]

They wrote software that finding a ride easy.

And it exploded.

Yes it did.

I used to use taxis a lot because I don't like driving into places that suck to drive in.
Theres other reasons why uber and lyft are popular. Every lyft or uber ride I've been in was on time, newer, cleaner, neater and overall better than the nicest cab I've been in. The drivers are always nice too.

As a consumer the taxi vs lyft/uber experiences do not compare. It seems like the government likes to be a hassle to everything. That's why the government sucks and we should all be libertarians.

 

[Sam Colt]

Especially in Austin. What a progressive twilight zone. I'm not sure that council has ever done anything right.

I just bought another box of 1000 t-shirt bags at Sam's Club for $12. Sometimes I feel like driving around Austin handing them out to shoppers to remind them what freedom feels like.

 

[AustinN4]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/legal-problem-could-crash-uber_us_5718d485e4b0479c59d714f6

Nothing to do with the election but interesting nonetheless.

 

[TheDan]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/legal-problem-could-crash-uber_us_5718d485e4b0479c59d714f6

Nothing to do with the election but interesting nonetheless.

lmao... "Uber keeps its costs low by refusing to treat its drivers as employees." They obviously don't get how this works.

 

[Mreed911]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/legal-problem-could-crash-uber_us_5718d485e4b0479c59d714f6

Nothing to do with the election but interesting nonetheless.

That's rather interesting. Wonder how taxis play in since the government typically sets their fares. Are they then a governmental service?

 

[zincwarrior]

Uber and Lyft sure are spending a lot of money to get us to vote against Prop 1, which makes me inclined to vote for it.

What say you? Cliff notes version please.

Are you new to Austin? The City Counsel wants to require background checks, fingerprints, etc. in an attempt to stifle them, so their taxi lobbyists aren't disadvantaged and can keep charging their crappy rates and service. This is at the same time they want to get rid of background checks for city employees...

When the Berkeley City Council goes "damn you guys should back off sticking your nose in everyone's business" you know you're doing something wrong.

Originally Posted by Skip

I'm currently driving for Uber, I'd appreciate support.

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So I should vote "For" the proposal?

This is probably a stupid question, but why is this something we have to vote on?

Excellent point. Its intentionally confusing. If you support Uber or even better want to give the fig to Austin CC, which way do you vote?