Commentary No one could have predicted the horrific shooting on 6th Street that shook our community on June 12, leaving one person dead and more than a dozen injured. Not the public, and not the police, who left three of our nine patrol sectors at minimum staffing when they responded to the scene. That is just one reason why the City Council’s decision to defund the Austin Police Department is so shortsighted. Just when we need more seasoned officers on the street, and more cadets to replace officers who assume leadership roles, the council’s actions have left Austin’s Police Department with dangerously low staffing levels, shockingly low morale, and an uncertain future. It has done so when we need a substantial police presence the most. According to the Chief’s Monthly Report in May (pdf), murders are up 79 percent and aggravated assaults are up 15 percent since the same time period last …