Posts published in May 2015

HOUSTON – Pct. 4 Constable Ron Hickman has been sworn in as the new Harris County Sheriff.

Hickman is replacing Adrian Garcia who last week announced he is running for Mayor of Houston.

The new sheriff was sworn in by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett last Tuesday morning, May 12th.

Hickman began his law enforcement career in 1971 with the Houston Police Department where he was a cadet. And in 1983 he moved to the Pct. 4 Constables Office.

Hickman was one of several candidates’ on a list to replace Adrian Garcia. Judge Ed Emmett endorsed Hickman, saying “I’ve known Constable Hickman for a long time, and worked with him. He’s one of these people who looks ahead. He’s savvy when it comes to technology and new approaches.” Hickman may be asked to agree to a separation of the jail function from the Sheriff’s office, which some of the Commissioners favor. However, it must be aligned with state law, which currently does not provide for this separation.

One of the first things he plans to do is an audit, he said. Some of his priorities during his term are protection for the community and care of detainees in the Harris County Jail.

Hickman also mentioned he plans to run for sheriff in 2016.

HOUSTON, TX – May 6, 2015 – Adrian Garcia, a long time Harris County Sheriff, announced last Wednesday, he is runing for Houston mayor.

The same day of his announcement, Garcia sent his resignation letter to members of Commissioner Court.

Along Garcia, there are six other candidates who have announced their candidacy State Rep. Sylveter Turner, businessman Marty McVey, former Kemah Mayor Bill King, former Congressman Chris Bell, former City Attorney Ben Hall and Houston City Council Member Stephen Costello.

A new Sheriff will be apppointed by Commisioners, and he is expected to be Republican since the majority on the court are Republican. Some of the prospects are Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Carl Pittman, Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Ron Hickman and Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Tomball.

Adrian Garcia expressed his thoughts in a letter:

Friends:

For the past several months, I’ve done something that leaders should do a lot more of: I’ve been listening. I’ve been listening to people all over Houston – from fellow churchgoers, to large and small business owners, to friendly seniors at the local breakfast spot. Like me, they all love our city. But they’re also concerned about our future. They want the roads to be repaired and to spend less time in traffic, they want to keep our families and children safe, they want to improve our schools, and they want to make sure the city doesn’t spend more than it takes in. I share those concerns.

And as I’ve listened, people have urged me to run for Mayor.

There was a familiar refrain to all of their remarks. It was about reform and results. They were grateful that we have kept a lid on violent crime rates and put more officers on the street to keep you safe, even during a hiring freeze. Violent crime rates for murder and rape are down even as we have served an increased population in Harris County.

By reforming the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the jail, cutting wasteful spending and practices, we saved the taxpayer’s over $100 million. We imposed discipline and fired people who disgraced the badge and dishonored the department. We ended the practice of sending inmates and your tax dollars to private prisons in Louisiana and ended the chronic jail overcrowding. Modernizing an agency with almost 5,000 employees and a budget of almost half a billion dollars has been no easy task, but our hard work has begun to pay off. The Sheriff’s office budget that was constantly in the red has been transformed into one that has stayed within its means and reduced the burden on taxpayers.

Most importantly, the most consistent thing I’ve heard is the difference we’ve made in people’s lives. Today, thousands have participated in educational programs while in the jail, and many have gone on to enroll in the Houston Community College. These people are leaving behind a life of crime and steering their future to a job and being able to take care of their families. Our “Been There Done That” program has helped turn around the lives of women who came into the jail for sex work and came out knowing how to earn a living using their minds. We grew our chaplaincy program from a handful of people, and now, with the help of over 200 volunteers, we are able to touch with faith and help thousands of souls every week.

There has been a familiar refrain across the city when people talk about our successes. I listened to people encourage me to bring the same approach and problem solving to the City of Houston. It’s the same approach I used on Council and as Mayor Pro Tem. The city is seeing more violent crimes, serious financial challenges with few remedies left to use, and infrastructure and transportation issues that desperately need a fresh approach.

This is not the first time I’ve listened. I listened to the prayer my father shared with my family when they emigrated from Mexico a year before I was born. I listened to my mother when she sensed I was restless working in my dad’s automotive repair business and I wanted to serve a higher purpose to my family and community. I listened to my father when he gave me five principles to live by after I told him I wanted to join the Houston Police Department. Among them was to be proud of who I am and to never forget where I came from.

I’ve been listening to the people of Houston, and I believe it’s time to bring a fresh approach to the city of Houston. It’s time to offer leadership that brings people together, that is firm and fair, and gives everyone a voice at City Hall, not just the wealthy and well-connected. At the same time, we have to keep our business environment strong to grow our economy so good paying jobs are available to everyone who wants to work, raise a family, and be a part of making Houston the best place it can be. Today, I’m announcing my candidacy for Mayor of Houston because Houston needs a mayor who knows how to balance a budget, save taxpayers millions, and protect our children and families. I’ve done that as sheriff. And I’ll do that as mayor.

I will need your help, your support, and your prayers if I am to be successful. I know that together we can fix what ails our city, and make Houston the world class city to live, work, and raise a family that it is poised to be.

Respectfully,

Adrian Garcia

HOUSTON, April 24, 2015 – Sylvester Turner was endorsed by three of his colleagues in the Texas House: Ana Hernandez, Hubert Vo and Armando Walle.

At a news conference today, Turner pointed out that Houston is the most diverse city in America.

“All voices need to be heard,” said Turner. “Everyone deserves a seat at the table. That’s the only way Houston will continue to prosper and grow. That’s why I am especially grateful to be endorsed today by these colleagues.”

Rep. Hernandez, District 143, said she has seen first-hand Turner’s leadership.

“Representative Turner brings people together to tackle the tough issues,” Hernandez said. “He will bring that leadership from the state to the city of Houston. I am proud to endorse him for Mayor.”

Rep. Walle, whose District 140 adjoins Turner’s District 139, has worked collaboratively with Turner on a number of issues, including the Appropriations Committee.

“Sylvester Turner has risen above politics,” Walle said. “His is a voice people listen to-both Democrats and Republicans. Representative Turner is a fierce advocate for his district; as mayor, he will be a fierce advocate for the entire city.”

Rep. Vo, District 149, was unable to attend the news conference but his assistant Tim Dinh read a statement from him.

“I want a Houston mayor who knows how to recognize the issues important to our great city and get things done,” said Vo in his statement. “I have personally witnessed his effectiveness time and time again. I know we can count on Sylvester Turner to fight important battles, no matter how big or small, and to do what is in the best interests of our citizens.”

“Houston is like a big family – and I know what that’s like,” said Turner. “I was one of nine kids who grew up in a small house in Acres Homes and went on to become a businessman and community leader. My dad started a yard service and my mom worked as a maid in the old Rice Hotel. Just like any big family, Houston is strongest when we work hard, work together, respect each other’s differences and always put the good of the community first.”

In the Legislature, Turner has worked to stop utility companies from unfairly raising gas and electricity rates and to make health care more affordable for children and families. He has also led the fight to restore billions of dollars in cuts to public schools. As a small business owner, Turner has provided good jobs, affordable health care and a secure future for his employees for 31 years.

Turner’s priorities as mayor will include a top-to-bottom performance review of the city’s Department of Public Works and implementation of a quick-fix program for potholes; stepping up community policing efforts and improving relationships between HPD and communities of color; and addressing economic inequality through increased support for schools and better aligning community college-based workforce training with actual private sector job needs.