Max for Mayor

Old West Austin Neighbor Association Questionnaire

Old West Austin Neighbor Association (OWANA)
Serving Neighborhood Interests from Town Lake to Enfield and Lamar to Mopac

Please help us to get to know you by answering the following questions in the space provided. Your responses will serve as an introduction to our attendees of the Candidates Forum. Thank you.

1. What prepares you to serve as a City Council member or Mayor of Austin? (Background, Relevant Experience, Skill-Set, Passion, etc.)

I have a B.A. degree in Political Science, lived in Austin 24 years, and have 18 years experience in public policy issues. Ive served 9 years on the City Council. I was a leader in managing the economic crisis of the late 80s bust, and helped rebuild our economy. I have experience in getting big projects done, such as the convention center, moving the airport, passing SOS ordinance. I know the community, the issues, the city staff I know how to get things accomplished.

2. What are your proposals to deal with specific problems facing the neighborhood OWANA represents? (Traffic calming; Preserving residential character and quality of life; Intrusive commercial zoning; Crime; graffiti & vagrancy in streets and parks; 5th, 6th & Lamar Boulevard traffic planning; Pedestrian safety etc.)

Our vibrant downtown must be kept on the east side of Lamar, preserving the residential nature of this area. Traffic is the key: work with Capitol Metro to develop remote parking areas off MoPac, then use "Dillo" circulators to get folks downtown. Use tax abatements to encourage downtown housing, proximate to jobs. Encourage tele-commuting to decrease traffic. Hire more police to deter crime, speeding, red light violations. Work with neighborhood on speed hump, stop sign placement. Make the area safer for pedestrians, bicyclists. Do not expand Lamar bridge for more vehicle traffic.

3. What is your Vision for Austin and surrounding communities?

I see Austin with a vibrant downtown, anchored by art, housing, entertainment, retail. Effective mass transit, more trees, fewer cars will provide a pedestrian/bicycle friendly city center where people will gather to enjoy Town Lake. We'll have clean air and water, and lots of green space. Libraries will be neighborhood centers, and people will feel secure in their homes and on their streets.

4. What would be your Key Priorities or Issues upon election?

Key issues are managing growth, relieving traffic congestion, protecting the environment, providing enhanced public safety. We must continue to retain direct control of our electric utility. I support making Palmer Auditorium into a first-rate performance venue, and I will work to make Cinema West into a live performance venue to improve South Congress neighborhoods.

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