Mayor Parker is just having a tough time. She is facing so many challenges simultaneously that she just can’t get a break.
Unfortunately, she’s getting too many breaks – water breaks that is. As of yesterday, the City reported more than 800 water breaks and some of them are serious. Several HISD schools were put at risk of closing due to low water pressure from nearby water leaks while a small lake is forming in another part of town.
Meanwhile, residents have not seemed to have received the message that mandatory water rationing has been put in place. Even-numbered residences may water on Sunday and Thursday between 12 am and 10 am. Odd-numbered residences may water on Wednesday and Saturdays between 12 am and 10 am.
It seems that many Houstonians have not received this information. While our household has been observing the law, we noticed many of our neighbors watering as if there was no tomorrow. So, we have brown patches and an unattractive lawn while others continue to fight the battle. Personally, I would rather have water for my showers. The lawn will recover when we come through this weather anomaly.
Another result of the heat is that our streets are buckling. While driving through a neighborhood with older streets the other day, I nearly damaged my car. I had to slow to 5 mph to avoid causing damage to me, my car or the surrounding homes. The streets need water too. The repairs required will take years to make.
On top of that, she’s still battling the red-light camera issue. Presumably, Council will make a decision today.
And, just like she needed more, the Chad Holley tapes of Police hitting a young man are back in the news as the accused Police Officers face their upcoming trial. This has caused local news media to replay the tapes over and over again. The Mayor had to testify at the trial.
The Mayor is having a tough time and it is still her first term. I remember questioning who would want to be Mayor of Houston prior to the last election. At that time, we were just worried about the finances.
Hang in there Mayor Parker.