Lucio Vasquez / Houston Public Media
Mayor Sylvester Turner stated Senator John Whitmire’s feedback this week in regards to the lack of variety within the present administration have been “dog whistle” feedback.
In a Monday evening mayoral debate, hosted by Fox 26 and held at Texas Southern Universitycandidates Sen. John Whitmire and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee have been requested: if elected mayor, would they guarantee metropolis management is consultant of Houston’s numerous make-up, and the way would they impart metropolis companies to historically underserved communities?
Whitmire responded that although town brags about its variety, metropolis corridor doesn’t characterize the variety.
“Look at the department heads,” Whitmire stated to the group. “Pull them up, Google them, look who’s running the city of Houston. It’s not the Asian community, the Hispanic community is severely underrepresented. So let’s practice what we’re so proud of. Let’s bring everyone together, let’s be in every community. Let’s take care of those that need a voice at city hall.”
Whitmire then touted workers members who’ve been with him for years, saying he has a report of longevity and success.
“We do significant things. We don’t just hand out proclamations and plaques; we present results,” Whitmire stated.
Turner addressed the feedback at Wednesday’s metropolis council assembly. Turner, who has been largely silent in regards to the upcoming election, stated he does have Asian folks in high positions, together with Sanjay Ramabhadran, chair of Metro, Priya Zachariah, who’s Chief Resilience and Sustainability Officer and Tantri Emo who’s a former chair of finance.
“Respect to Hispanics, you all can recall (former police chief Art) Acevedo was the head of the police department,” Turner stated. “And Chief (Samuel) Pena headed the fire department; all at the same time. That was historic, my appointments.”
Turner named extra members of his administration who’re Hispanic and ladies, who head departments.
“To say that there is no diversity in the top levels of city hall is a blatant misrepresentation,” he stated. “He owes me an apology, and frankly, he owes the city of Houston an apology.”
Turner stated that Whitmire implied that Turner’s metropolis corridor has “only one look,” and named Police Chief Troy Finner, and head of Parks and Recreation, Kenneth Allen — each of whom are Black.
“I’ve lived 69 years, I know when you’re sending a dog whistle,” he stated. “This city deserves better and I’m not going to let that slide.”
Turner stated when he ran for mayor, he was closely scrutinized, however Whitmire has gotten “a pass.”
“Now I’m not on the ballot, (he) needs to focus on people on the ballot,” he stated. “But I am going to defend my record here at city hall.”
Whitmire additionally criticized Turner’s dealing with of Pappas leaving the airport. During the controversy, candidates have been requested how they might deal with corruption at metropolis corridor. Whitmire stated Pappas had a “viable family business at Hobby Airport.”
“The current administration and city government went out three times for another bid so that they could get their friends at Hobby Airport,” he stated. “We’re losing revenue because the new brands have not been accepted.”
Turner stated he wouldn’t simply give a contract to Pappas.
“So you want us to just give them a contract because you like that person when they didn’t score?” he stated rhetorically. “When it’s gone through the court systems and the judge validated what the city did? What’s your plan? Undo everything and just give stuff away when you get here?”
Turner stated he labored onerous to maneuver town in the proper route.
“You can run, but there are certain things you don’t have to do,” he stated. “And you don’t have to give dog whistles in order to gain an advantage.”
