HOUSTON MAYORAL ELECTION 2009: A Friendly Prologue

Free Press Houston - Monday, March 09, 2009

Here we are at the doorstep of another election one in which your vote matters soooooo much it might drive you to drink.  This big decision is for Mayor of Houston.  Not “Leader” of “the Free World.”  So maybe it won’t be too stressful.  But to be honest, I’m still hungover from the last one.
If revenue from retail sales tax decreases in light of the recession, specifically where in the city’s budget would you make sacrifices?  
This is a question I posed in an email to Houston Mayoral Candidates Annise Parker, Peter Brown and Gen Locke.  
Read the question again (I had to read it several times and I wrote the damn thing), and then read the responses below.  See if you can guess who said what.
<Jeopardy Theme Song>

A
“Houston has managed our tax dollars and budgets responsibly, and we are in better shape than other cities that gambled on risky strategies and irresponsible budgets.  All city departments and the Controller’s office have contingency plans to deal with anticipated revenue shortfalls, and we are not projecting service cuts at this time.”

B
“We have the preliminary budget for 2009-10 and the projected sales tax revenue is expected to only increase 3%, instead of the initial 6% forecast, but the decline in the increase of property tax revenue will be even less.  No matter the percentages, the city, like its citizens should and must tighten its fiscal belt.  Such fiscal restraint involves holding the line on most of the existing departmental budgets, while generating new city revenue.  Revenue may be generated by enforcing city ordinances that are currently not being enforced; increasing the collection of commercial trash hauling fees; and accelerating building permits so as not to lose out on property tax revenue.  This sound fiscal policy would even allow for slight increase in areas of public safety, such as the Houston Police Department.”

C
“.”

You won’t be surprised to know that C was the response from our former City Attorney under Bob Lanier – Gene Locke.  And it’s just like an attorney not to respond.  But this is a Mayoral Race for God’s sake.  Have an opinion.  Learn how to use email.
    A is for Annise Parker
B is for Bad Ass Answer from Peter Brown.
I’m not saying I’m going to vote for the guy (yet); nor am I trying to make a statement “formally endorsing” him (as if that would matter) (yet).  But you can’t deny the honesty and arithmetic that Peter Brown put in his response.  
Annise Parker responded with a lovely little bedtime story in which everything turns out to be fine.  Commonly referred to as “Bullshit.”  She’s off to a bad start.
In the same email, I addressed a question specifically to Annise Parker.
Many people credit you with the demise of the Westheimer Street Festival.  How does that make you feel?  And what was your motivation in writing the ordinance prohibiting such street closures?
Response: “I love a good street fair.  And call me old fashioned, but I still believe a good event needs to be safe (police or other security, adequate parking), sanitary (trash cans, public toilets and clean-up afterwards), and legal (appropriate permits, and compliance with alcoholic beverage laws).  The ordinance that I supported permits very successful street festivals that are enjoyed by thousands of Houstonians today – including the Greek Festival and Pride Fest.”
The FPH Westheimer Block Party has all of those things and yet no free street closure.
Again, same email.  But this time – Peter Brown:
What opinion do you have on the matter of street closures? In what way does the City of Houston suffer from the prohibition of free street closures?
Response: “By setting criteria to reserve streets that take into account safety and traffic flow, the City should deregulate streets for temporary closures.  Street festivals are vital to creating a sense of community, enhancing Houston’s character and celebrating City traditions.  I support a walkable pedestrian and bike friendly city that street festivals help foster.”
Hey OOOOO!  That’s What I Want To Hear.  Peter Brown Sweeps the Pre-Lim’s!