Houston’s newly-elected mayor, John Whitmire is already onerous at work main a metropolis he’s lengthy cherished. The 74-year-old, who was sworn in on Jan. 2, has pledged “complete transparency” as he makes “public security” a prime precedence of his administration. And whereas he’s adamant that he’s mayor for all of Houston, Whitmire says the Black group can relaxation assured that he’s working with their finest curiosity at coronary heart.
The Defender spoke with Whitmire about his message to the Black group.
Defender: What are a few of your greatest plans that may instantly profit the Black group?
John Whitmire : I’m excited to be the African American group’s mayor as a result of that’s the place I began. And it’s simply actually a continuation. The individuals of Independence Heights elected me as a 22-year-old school pupil 50 years in the past… And so far as I’m involved, being mayor has simply given me a chance to symbolize all of Houston as an alternative of my Senate district. I would be the identical particular person I’ve been the final 50 years representing a majority minority district. Clearly, inclusion, constituent response, all the problems we talked about within the marketing campaign, will definitely apply to the African American group. African People elected me 50 years in the past and have stored me in workplace my total profession. So, I search for a continuation of an in depth bond with all of the residents of Houston, and definitely that would come with African People. I believe the African American group can be very excited to see me govern.
Defender: You latterly did a ride-along with Police Chief Troy Finner and have talked a few give attention to public security. How do you stroll the high-quality line between defending the Black group and making certain that residents will really feel their rights are being revered?
Whitmire: Our police division may be very numerous. I used to be endorsed by the African American cops league. And there’s simply no cause to start out out speaking about any battle between good public security and the African American group. Actually, an enormous variety of the 911 calls are from the minority communities, so there are considerations for security. I imply, when you possibly can’t use the Columbia Path in Third Ward as a result of persons are afraid they’re gonna get robbed, that’s a major problem proper there, proper there at TSU. So what I wish to do is community and collaborate with group regulation enforcement businesses.
Defender: What are your plans for tackling the monetary problems with town?
Whitmire: Our funds have an effect on all that we do. Before everything, I wish to look at the situation of our funds. We have to get a have a look at the books and see how we could be extra environment friendly, see what we will do when it comes to partnering with the county, get state assets, and determine the best way to fund primary providers. There’s situations that sadly are current within the African American group, similar to unlawful dumping, common rubbish pickup, damaged water traces, water payments, and so forth. We simply want to enhance town’s efficiency general. And funds affect all of that. We’ve gotta minimize out some waste. I’ll be working with the African American council members. I’m gonna be very accessible. And in addition, we’re gonna be very clear. I would like Houstonians to see what the true image is. And I’ll search for alternatives to boost income with out elevating taxes.
Defender: What do you say to these constituents who didn’t vote for you?
Whitmire: The marketing campaign is behind me and so now I’m specializing in going ahead. Houston’s an important metropolis. We now have nice individuals. We simply want to repair among the metropolis providers. And I believe Houston’s best years are in entrance of us. And when it comes to who didn’t help me, that’s the great thing about a secret poll. I don’t even actually know who voted for me. I deal with individuals the way in which I wish to be handled. And if you happen to try this, it simply works for all of us.
