Max Nofziger, City Council Candidate, Place 3

Answers to NACN Agenda of Issues

1.  My top priority is to cut spending at city hall.  I will work hard to cut the budget instead of having a tax increase.  When there is a gap in funding the annual budget, my first reaction will be how to make budget cuts, NOT how much can we raise taxes.  Also, city spending on huge, unnecessary projects like the biomass plant ( $2.3 BILLION ), light rail ( $1.5 BILLION ), and Water Treatment Plant #4 ( $.6 BILLION ) all add up to increased cost of living that is driving people out of the city.

My other top priority is reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.  I have a plan that is immediate, affordable, and effective.  It will make Austin "The Electric Vehicle Capital of the World", and will provide hundreds of jobs for Austinites for decades.  Instead of building one of the last rail lines, we can build the first battery-powered  transportation system, based on electric bikes, cars, and buses.

2.  We need increased police presence in these neighborhoods.  We also need to renegotiate the contract with the Police Union and insist upon a better clearance rate on burglaries then the current 5%, which is a green light to burglars to go ahead...the cops won't come after you.  Also, I have solid plans to build the economy so more people will have good jobs and won't have to resort to crime.  I will make sure that the crime watch programs are established and active in all of these neighborhoods.

3.  Check out my transportation plan at maxforcouncil.com. If Cap. Metro wouldn't have wasted all of its money on the Red Line, there would be adequate funds to address congestion problems all across the city.  We need to encourage mass transit use by reducing the fares on all bus lines.  We need to have more express buses to downtown and major employment centers.  We need to expand van pooling opportunities, and I want to offer cash incentives to people to buy electric bikes, which are a real transit option for thousands of people, especially those who live within five miles of their job.  The beauty of electric bikes is that you don't have to pedal ( unless you want to ), and there is always a breeze in your face.  You can get where you are going quickly, and not be a sweaty mess, EVEN IN THE SUMMER!!

4.  Downtown is receiving most of the attention...and dollars...from the city council.  We can improve the streets, parks, and libraries in North Austin if we stop wasting money on consultants, top-heavy management, and expensive projects ( see answer #1 ) WE DON'T EVEN NEED!
Please help me STOP this CRAZY spending!!

5.  I'm ready to pass a strong "NO PANHANDLING" ordinance.  I don't like to see a beggar on every corner.  I am willing to better fund the agencies and non-profits that serve the needy...I am sympathetic to their plight.  Again, if we stop wasting so much money, we can fund improved services to the needy.