BY SHAWN ARRIJJ
What they're saying
Also of note
What's next
Council members Mary Nan Huffman, Amy Peck and Carolyn Evans-Shabazz are working on what could be the first council member-spurred agenda item. If passed, it would prohibit Houston Public Works from correcting water bill errors that are more than three months old, unless the correction is in the customer’s favor. Proposition B gives the H-GAC 60 days to negotiate on a more “proportional” representation structure for its board of directors and its Transportation Policy Council. Fair for Houston officials said the ballot language was left open- ended so the H-GAC would not be constrained to specific quotas. If Houston is not satisfied with H-GAC’s new structure, Proposition B calls on the city to leave the council. The fallout could result in Houston losing access to federal funds, City Attorney Arturo Michel warned in the August memo. H-GAC Executive Director Chuck Wemple said committees will meet in December to take a “fresh look” at population growth in the region and consider models used in other cities. A vote on a potential bylaw change could take place in January. Both Wemple and Fair for Houston organizers emphasized the conversation should not pit one city or county against everyone else. “We believe ... that a better future for the region is possible by updating this system to make it fair, not just for Houston, but for everyone,” Fair for Houston Communications Director Ally Smither said.
“[Proposition A] enables [Houston City Council members] an opportunity to keep work going to ensure residents are receiving the caliber of
In addition to changes coming to the Houston City Council through Proposition A, several runoff elections taking place Dec. 9 could change the council’s makeup. Races listed below affect the local area, but other council seats are also up for election.
services they deserve.” ABBIE KAMIN, DISTRICT C HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
Runoff election candidates
Mayor • Sheila Jackson Lee • John Whitmire
City Council District G • Tony Buzbee • Mary Nan Huffman*
“While current projects in the queue would proceed, new projects would likely not be added, nor would the city have any
in uence over their funding.” ARTURO MICHEL, HOUSTON CITY ATTORNEY, IN AN AUG. 20 MEMO TO MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER, DISCUSSING IF THE CITY WITHDREW
City Council At-Large Position 1 • Melanie Miles • Julian Ramirez
FROM THE METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
City Council At-Large Position 2 • Willie Davis • Nick Hellyar
“As we take a fresh look at [population], as we come together as a region to really work through this, I remain optimistic that we’ll be able to
City Council At-Large Position 3 • Richard Cantu • Twila Carter
navigate a way through.” CHUCK WEMPLE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HOUSTON- GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL
City Council At-Large Position 4 • Roy Morales • Letitia Plummer*
*INCUMBENT
SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT
What goes UP,
Stray bullets CAN KILL. If you hear celebratory gunfire: • Call 911 • Notify Crime Stoppers Anonymously at 713-222-TIPS
must come DOWN.
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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION
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