Every week the editorial board reflects on a current issue in Our View. The position taken does not reflect the opinions of everyone on the Hilltop Views staff. 

Mike Martinez is the best candidate running to be the mayor of Austin.

Martinez’s stances on issues like the environment, affordable housing and economic equality demonstrate his competence to improve Austin’s community.

“If you look at my policy record, it reflects ensuring that the policy decisions we make encompass everyone in our community,” Martinez said in a Hilltop Views interview.

As an Austin City Council Member since 2006, Martinez has a history of supporting city activity that ultimately benefits all Austinites.

In the past, Martinez has promoted diverse culture in Austin, seeking to improve Austinites’ qualities of life and worked to improve conditions for the working class, according to his biography on the city council site.

“I would like to continue my service to the citizens and continue to be the strongest champion for working-class families that I have been my entire time in office,” Martinez said in a Hilltop Views interview when asked why he is running for mayor.

In regard to student issues like employment after graduation, Martinez addressed the growing population of Austin, causing a competition for jobs.

“What we have to do as a mayor and council is make sure that we can handle that growth, that the economy stays strong and that we continue having the jobs that are necessary,” Martinez said in a Hilltop Views interview.

If elected, Martinez will “refocus Austin’s economic programs” to support small and local businesses, which make up a large percent of Austin’s workforce, according to Martinez’s campaign site. Martinez also plans to work toward a more affordable life in the city.

“We need to ensure that when our citizens are facing financial challenges at home, city hall shares those challenges and is focused on keeping city services lean, efficient and productive,” Martinez’s campaign site reads.