Austin Mayor Apologizes for Filming ‘Stay Home’ Video During Mexico Vacation
'I want you to know that I regret that travel,' the Democrat said
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Austin Mayor Steve Adler has apologized for his recent video message telling residents to "stay home" from a timeshare in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Adler filmed himself telling citizens to “stay home" after taking a private jet to Mexico.
Adler said in a Facebook video message to Austin residents:
“We need to stay home if you can."
“This is not the time to relax."
Just days later, Adler apologized.
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“The first week of November, my daughter got married here in Austin, and like many other brides, she had to cancel her original plans in order to follow the rules, and instead she had a small, mostly family, very private wedding,” said Adler.
“Afterwards, a small, mostly family group traveled to Mexico. I want you to know that I regret that travel."
"I wouldn’t travel now, I didn’t over Thanksgiving, and I won’t over Christmas, and no one should. Everyone should be avoiding non-essential travel now because we’re in the orange area,” he added.
Although Adler didn’t break any health orders, he did, however, tell residents it was “no time to relax” while he was relaxing on vacation out of the country.
But the wedding Adler attended for his daughter two days before jetting to Mexico went against the city’s recommendations to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.
“Now, I fear that the travel that I did, which took place during a safer period, followed the color-coded rules, could lead to some taking riskier behavior now."
"I recognize that my travel set a bad example, I recognize that the fact that I took that trip, and at the same time was continuing to urge people to be cautious, is confusing,” said Adler.
“I know that others have chosen not to travel under the same circumstances, and I know that in my position, I need to send a clearer message."
"I’m sorry I took that trip. It was a lapse in judgment, and I want you to know that I apologize,” he concluded.
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The Austin mayor joins a list of politicians who failed to heed their own messaging.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was caught eating at the French Laundry restaurant” and failing to adhere to coronavirus health guidelines last month.
Going out to eat with members of your household this weekend? Don't forget to keep your mask on in between bites.
— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) October 3, 2020
Do your part to keep those around you healthy. #SlowtheSpreadhttps://t.co/snYe5v55Rw pic.twitter.com/Y4fcDO5Zke
San Francisco Mayor London Breed also visited the same restaurant for a 7-person dinner just days before she shut down indoor dining in her own city about 60 miles west.
