Discussion of city campaigns
Harris County voters displayed their prowess at selecting leaders and assessing issues on Tuesday. First off, everyone should stand and shout that the percentage turnout was 61.84%. The push to encourage people to participate was clearly successful. This is an extraordinarily high voter turnout and we should be proud. The county is an evenly split […]
Continue reading →For months now, we have been posting about the bond elections on the ballot. Today, we focus on the confusing Metro referendum. What is it exactly that you are being ask to vote on regarding Metro? This ballot item is probably the most “insider” game question as well. Many years ago, Metro was asked to […]
Continue reading →In 1981, Kathy Whitmire was elected Mayor of Houston, defeating the “good ole’ boy” system for the first time. Her winning coalition of inner-loop progressives, west side women, gays, African-Americans and Hispanics was a first for the City. She took office (prior to the adoption of term limits) and served for 10 years. She faced […]
Continue reading →Now that we are in the doldrums of summer elections, my circles are starting to seriously buzz about Houston city politics in 2013. While we are only weeks away from the Texas Primary Run-offs, they are just not as much fun as the early speculation for 2013 in Houston. The bonds on the 2012 ballot […]
Continue reading →It took me a day to ponder my thoughts on the City of Houston budget process this year. While I joked last week about the “Christmas Tree” affect of the voluminous amendments to the budget, I was actually stunned that some of these became presents for Council Members. How a budget amendment on term limits, […]
Continue reading →It’s the time of year when City Hall becomes solely focused on adopting a budget for the next fiscal year. This ritual of summer is one that always brings out the best and worst in Council Members and city departments. This year, for the first time in the last several years, a severe shortage of […]
Continue reading →The Mayor of Houston released her annual budget this week. Given the financial struggles she has faced during her term, this budget was a piece of cake. She is not proposing any new tax hikes or fees, which is truly a blessing for Houstonians. Last year, she and the City Council dramatically raised fees that […]
Continue reading →Last week, we pondered the national effect of a Obama/Romney Presidential election and how voter turnout might respond. Civic leaders in the Houston region seem to think voter turnout will be higher and that makes for a good time to put bonds on the ballot. Metro, the City of Houston, Houston ISD and Houston Community […]
Continue reading →The Houston City Council again tackles the “Feeding” Ordinance today. This Ordinance was originally presented as a solution to the problem of multiple food distribution sites for Houston’s homeless. Many communities of faith and non-profit organizations take lunches to the homeless that gather in the same spots on a regular basis. Individuals also take food, […]
Continue reading →As the City of Houston stares down ever expanding pension obligations, many in the private sector show little sympathy. Most private sector employees have not had access to pensions for years. Even for those that have, the vesting standards have greatly increased and many are laid off just before qualifying. The private sector is dominated […]
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