Max for Mayor   P.O. Box 41436 Austin, Texas 78704 512.474.1029 (voice) 512.474.2677 (fax) MaxforMayor.org

Max for Mayor Campaign Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      Contact: Christine Buendel     512.474.1029

April 4, 2003

 Mayoral Candidate Max Nofziger supports troops but criticizes Administration.  Expresses concern for civil liberties and impact on City budget.

Austin, Texas – As American forces entered the suburbs of Baghdad amid reports of fierce fighting, Austin Mayoral Candidate Michael “Max” Nofziger issued a statement today supporting U.S. and allied troops, but criticized the Bush Administration’s failure to resolve the Iraqi situation through diplomatic efforts.  “I fully support the sons and daughters of America who have been sent to fight in the desert, but I strongly disagree with our foreign policy and the President’s political decision to put these Americans in harm’s way.”

A longtime Austin activist and former City Council Member, Nofziger is the only mayoral candidate to have openly declared his opposition to the war.  Saying his thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by this conflict, Nofziger added, “We may be in for a long and costly war.  This pre-emptive attack on Iraq is quite possibly the beginning of an endless war.”

Nofziger noted with deep concern the continuing erosion of civil liberties and the bills now being introduced in many state capitals – including Texas – that will restrict our freedoms.  “Our rights to freedom of speech and assembly must be defended at the grassroots level.  This is especially true in time of war.  We must always fight to protect our Bill of Rights.”  Nofziger added that, “In this time of crisis, we must remember that dissent is a cherished American tradition.  The right to speak out, even criticize our president, has been fought for and defended at great cost for more than two hundred years.”

Adding that Washington has yet to provide all of the funding promised to city governments for their increased security expenses since 9/11, Mr. Nofziger said, “In Austin, more than $18 million dollars has been spent on security upgrades since September 2001.  While legitimate, these expenditures add stress to an already strained budget and take money away from things like street repair, parks, and libraries.  As mayor, I will hold a press conference every month to reveal to Austin citizens the true costs of this war.”

In conclusion, Nofziger urged citizens to continue the fight for democracy by voting in the May 3 election.  “Voting is the foundation of democracy and is one of the most patriotic actions an American can take.  The time is now to “think globally and act locally.”