Only if we address all of the mutually reinforcing constraints on opportunity we can expect real progress in any one factor
Ravi K. Perry
Special thanks to Dr. William T. Hoston for teaching the importance of urban politics and government. I recommend reading one of his most recent books, The Fight for Black Liberation.
Sheila Jackson Lee and John Whitmire are two of the most notable candidates in the running, each with over two decades of experience in political office. Whitmore’s campaign goals are taking responsibility for clearing drainage ditches and improving the system that moves flood waters to the bayous, Continuing to diversify our economy by attracting new jobs to the city, and providing “Second Chance” programs that integrate former offenders back into the community. Sheila Jackson has centered her mayoral campaign around her experience in the House of Representatives by declaring, “We can not wait on the federal government.” In her campaign video, she expresses that under her leadership, she will foster an economy built around our working families and streets that we can be proud of and protect the civil rights of all people.
Both candidates attracted endorsements by polarizing organizations that embraced their comparable objectives as mayor. Crime candidates must adhere and campaign accordingly to secure votes as one of the highest-rated citizen issues. On the campaign trail, Senator Whitmore has received multiple endorsements from Houston Policeunions and organizations due to his promises to “Increase the number of police officers on the street and strengthen Houston’s Community Policing Program.” Along with solid law enforcement support throughout his time as an official, he has gained significant support from current and former officials on the state and local levels. On the other hand, Sheila Jackson Lee is sticking to her largely democratic base, garnering endorsements from public service and equality organizations. The Houston Black American Democrats also endorsed her on Saturday, September 10. As the two head into the November 7th election, I want us to explore voter opinion and attention.
Voter Opinion
Though Congresswoman Lee and Senator Whitmore are the most visible choices, public opinion surveys suggest a favorable outcome for Whitmore. He is in first place with 34% of the intended vote, followed closely by Sheila Jackson Lee at 32%, with 22% saying they do not know who they intend to support. The forty-year incumbent has an 18% poll lead ahead of Congresswoman Lee if a runoff were to occur, according to a survey conducted by the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston to gauge Houstonians who are likely to vote in the 2023 mayoral election. Interestingly, “44 percent of likely voters indicated they would never vote for Jackson Lee, while just 13 percent indicated they would never vote for Whitmire.” The negative public opiniontowards the congresswoman can be attributed to her documented behavior in office. At the same time, the upbeat support consists of her aggressive political advocacy in the House of Representatives.
Public Attention
The Hobby School of Public Affairs asked participants which policy they wanted the next mayor to focus on, and crime ranked highest at 83%. Furthermore, Violent crime (48%), Home car break-ins, and Illegal drug sales and use (39%) significantly impacted the quality of life in their neighborhood. Public safety is a valid concern when accounting for bad actors in a community; however, the underlying causes for such actions must be examined and understood.
The crime rates in Houston reflect the deeper issues strategically hidden from new Houstonians hoping to immerse themselves in the nightlife and considerable housing opportunities vested in the metropolitan area. Lifelong residents are most vocal about the issues Houston communities face. This comes from a mixture of simple and complex socioeconomic factors that affect residents’ daily lives and trust in governmental efficacy. These factors do not solely fall upon local officials; state interference from Texas legislators uniquely conflicts with Houston communities’ social and economic wellness. The residents who reside in all areas within the 77001 to 77299 area code are prideful but aware of the striking difference in neighborhood disparities. According to the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, “In Harris County, 45 ZIP codes are economically distressed — twice as many as the number of mid-tier, comfortable or prosperous ZIP codes in the county. Eight of the 45 distressed ZIP codes are majority-Black, and 28 are majority-Hispanic.”
A distressed zip code is characterized by economic and racial disparity observable by seven metrics: no high school diploma, housing vacancy rate, adults not working, poverty rate, median income ratio, change in employment, and change in business establishments. Most urban communities home to most Black residents are experiencing the disproportionate effects of the metrics. Streets are important, but the livelihood of Houston’s most distressed communities is the top priority of the next mayor. The Houston Public Media writes, “While Black Houstonians and Democrats tend to favor Jackson Lee, Whitmire garners stronger support from most other demographics, including white and Latino likely voters.” The two candidates must use public services to eliminate disparities by funding and allocating resources to improve access to quality education, health care, housing, public services, and more.
Roads, street conditions and flooding
The Houston Public Works office should handle issues involving bad road conditions. The Houston Public Works office oversees the Department’s services to Houston citizens through the planning, operation, maintenance, construction management, and technical engineering of the city’s public infrastructure. The Department’s responsibilities include operating and maintaining the city’s streets and drainage, producing and distributing water, collecting and treating wastewater, and permitting and regulating public and private construction. The Director of the Houston Public Works office is Carol Haddock, who can be reached at 832.395.2500 and emailed at publicworks@houstontx.gov.
Currently, the Houston Public Works office has implemented the Sidewalk Program. An initiative that constructs new sidewalks and ramps along streets leading to schools and major thoroughfares and improves accessibility for people with disabilities. You can see projects in your neighborhood through the resources provided by Public Works. In order to change and improve your neighborhood, you have to be involved. Houston Public Works encourages citizens to engage and connect by leading conversations about your community. Sign Up today to provide direct feedback, share ideas, and ask questions about current City projects, initiatives, and decisions on your own time and from one central hub.
Political advocacy at your fingertips
During my extensive employment as a congressional intern, I have observed the most effective ways to communicate and inform your representative on solutions or awareness about an issue. Understanding the difference between a state and local issue is best before reaching out to avoid frustration or redundant information. A local issue concerns potholes, pollution maintenance, and city ordinances. A state issue concerns a House or Senate bill or legal policies that affect the state. As a concerned Houstonian or Texan, you can exercise your voice by…
- Finding out who your state and local representatives are. Enter your address and select from dropdown menu: Who is my Council Member
- Call your representatives front office services through the Texas Directory
- Ask the office representative which staff member handles the topic issue you would like to discuss with your legislator.
- Write down the staff members contact information (be prepared to communicate primarily through email, due to the demand of all citizens.)
- Draft or send your concerns to the staff members email. If possible try to gather others in your neighborhood to send in similar messages to amplify administrative attention. Make sure to leave a reachable call back number. Template Here.
- Download resist.bot to combat the technological barriers of reaching out to your representatives by proactively using A.I for the purpose of communicating. This non-profit organization ensures your interest in petitions, voting resources and national issues are addressed by lobbying on your behalf through generated written communications to Congress. You can also use resist bot to check if your voter registration is active once set up through your phone messages.
Texas Girl Writes 