Max for Mayor

League of Women Voters Questionnaire

League of Women Voters of the Austin Area Candidate Questionnaire
May 3,1997 Mayoral/City Council Election

1. What training and experience do you have that would qualify you for this office? (100 WORD LIMIT)

The best training for the position of mayor is being Mayor Pro Tem, a position I held for over a year. In my nine years as councilmember I've established an excellent record of service to the City of Austin. I've been involved in public policy issues for over 18 years. I've lived here for 24 years. I achieved a degree in Political Science. I am a ardent student of democracy and government -- of, for and by the people. I've demonstrated leadership and the ability to get things done, i.e.: moving the airport; building the convention center; passing SOS; downtown revitalization.

2. Please discuss your position, priorities and source of funding for city street maintenance, central city congestion including the one-way street policy, and the ever-increasing traffic problem citywide. (100 WORD LIMIT)

I'll work with Capitol Metro to locate remote parking near 183, Ben White Blvd., and MoPac so people can transfer from their cars and "Dillo" downtown. We need more downtown housing so more people can live near their jobs thereby reducing traffic congestion. A pedestrian/bicycle friendly downtown with "Dillo" circulators and some two-way streets will promote less automotive traffic. We should actively develop the potential of tele-commuting so that large numbers of workers can accomplish their work at home thereby diminishing congested rush hour traffic.

3. Please state your position on the privatization of health care clinics and delivery of health care services to the indigent. (100 WORD LIMIT)

The City should continue to own and operate health clinics. Austin's booming economy is attracting many people, some of whom cannot afford health insurance. The City and the County must provide a health care safety net until the Federal Government can provide a national health care system for all. As Mayor, I will urge the Council to direct the City Manager to hire a dedicated public health manager to run the clinics... that position has been vacant too long! We should not consider privation for several years, at least until we see how well Seton is managing Brackenridge Hospital.

4. What growth-management policies would you support for resolving Austin's zoning and annexation controversies? (100 WORD LIMIT)

I do not support tax abatement for businesses to move here -- we are growing too fast as it is! I will continue to support tax abatement for downtown housing, which I initiated, to develop a thriving central core. I'll encourage more density, where City services are already in place, rather than constantly extending them to the perimeter. I'll pursue metro government and regional co-operation with neighboring jurisdictions. We need to begin to re-zone central East Austin in order to protect neighborhoods because the Bergstrom airport will attract new development. Let's preserve Austin's essence, flavor and character as we grow!

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