Experience—Max Nofziger has nine years experience as a City Council Member - including fifteen months as mayor pro tem.  This is more than the combined experience of all seven of his opponents.  This experience and proven leadership means that he has the learning curve behind him.  This will save taxpayers BILLIONS of dollars, especially in this time of crisis. 

Budget and Fiscal Responsibility—Max has the knowledge, experience, and leadership to give Austin the responsive and fiscally efficient government it needs.  He’s worked with limited resources before and led Austin through tough times as a Council Member.  Max knows that accountability for city government rests with the Mayor.

Economic Revitalization—Local, small businesses are the backbone of economic revitalization.  Max has successfully worked with small businesses and knows how to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit.  The successful collaboration between the South Congress Avenue (SoCo) merchants and Max is a prime example economic revitalization - Austin style.

Cost of Living—City policies and out-of-control spending have driven up the cost of living in Austin and recent “Smart Growth” incentives have been a disaster.  Max will work to shift the focus of city policies to make Austin affordable again.

Transportation—Max’s plan - the Affordable Clean Air Transit (ACAT) plan - is a comprehensive, multi-modal transportation system that acknowledges the real world challenges of mass transit and provides a realistic alternative to a light rail only plan.  It costs TWO BILLION DOLLARS LESS than the light rail plan proposed in 2000 but includes money to continue planning for a light rail plan, even monorail, if that plan benefits Austin neighborhoods, does not add to the pollution of the environment, and is cost effective. 

Electric Utility—The rising cost of electricity continues to be passed on to Austinites.  Max believes we should use existing sources such as solar energy and wind power now to reduce the cost of electric power now while continuing to refine and develop alternative sources for the Austin consumer.  Max will work to give the electric consumer an informed choice of electric alternatives.

Environment—The only mayoral candidate with proven record of environmental leadership, Max has repeatedly said that the rapid growth in Austin has put a strain on our environment by polluting the air and threatening Austin’s famous creeks and springs.  Max will protect the environment and work to prevent the loss of the “Soul of the City.”

Neighborhoods—Neighborhood planning must protect the neighborhoods, not set them up for extreme density and more noise, traffic, and pollution.  Max has a proven successful record of working with neighborhoods. 

Music—Max was the first City Council Member to recognize that the Austin music scene could be an economic boom to Austin.  Max will continue to support Austin music so that Austin will always be the “Live Music Capitol of the World.”

War/Civil Liberties - Max supports the troops and their families and respects their service to America, but holds Washington accountable for the more than $18 million the City has been forced on security upgrades since September 2001.  While needed, these expenditures take money away from necessary projects like street repair, public health, and environmental programs.   Max wants to ensure that civil liberties continue to be respected.

Keep Austin “Austin”—Austin has a unique culture that attracts many diverse and creative people.  Max has recognized and respected this unique culture for the thirty plus years that he has lived here and will work to Keep Austin “Austin” by providing responsible, progressive leadership as mayor.