[77017]

I don't know who's gonna be running or if bill whites a shoe in, but if I had to pick somebody, I think I like Michael Barry. I don't know what his platform would be but I like the politics he talks and he seems like a hard worker. He's city council, has his own realty company and his own radio show on kprc, all at the same time, so that doesn't sound easy. What did yall think of bill whites tenure? I guess carolyn alvarado out of the question huh?

[Houston1stWordOnTheMoon]

George H W Bush

[MidtownCoog]

Michael "I nail my campaign signs into 100 year live oaks" Berry?

Not going to happen.

[TJones]

MidtownCoog, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 12:38pm, said:

Michael "I nail my campaign signs into 100 year live oaks" Berry?

Not going to happen.

You know Mayor White will win if he runs again. Who knows, maybe Alvarado will throw her hat in the ring.

[Houstonian in Iraq]

I have no problem with Bill White.

So i'll probably stick with Bill White

This post has been edited by Houstonian in Iraq: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 12:47 PM

[MidtownCoog]

It's pretty funny that anyone would see Berry's real estate business and being on city council as a good thing.

That's actually been the problem with Houston for far too long.

Too many conflicts of intrest.

[TJones]

MidtownCoog, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 12:46pm, said:

It's pretty funny that anyone would see Berry's real estate business and being on city council as a good thing.

That's actually been the problem with Houston for far too long.

Too many conflicts of intrest.

Coog, is he the SAME Michael Berry that is on 950am ? I want to say he is, but I get confused about it.

[MidtownCoog]

Yep, and 740. Michael Berry's Real Estate Review!

http://www.mbrer.com...?asid=394561502



Hi, my name is Michael Berry, and I'll tell you anything you want to hear.

[Jeebus]

He looks a little too slick for me.

[DJ V Lawrence]

I don't see any reason why Bill White doesn't deserve the job again. If it ain't broke...

[houstonsemipro]

Don't fix it.

My vote, Bill White! IF he runs again. But, I thought a mayor could only run for two terms?

This post has been edited by houstonsemipro: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 1:45 PM

[DJ V Lawrence]

houstonsemipro, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 1:44pm, said:

Don't fix it.

My vote, Bill White! IF he runs again. But, I thought a mayor could only run for two terms?

Good point. How long has he been in office? Is White running again?

[west20th]

TJones, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 12:44pm, said:

Who knows, maybe Alvarado will throw her hat in the ring.

If she does I hope it's thrown right back at her.

[77017]

MidtownCoog, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 11:53am, said:

Yep, and 740. Michael Berry's Real Estate Review!

http://www.mbrer.com...?asid=394561502



Hi, my name is Michael Berry, and I'll tell you anything you want to hear.

He's the man for the job. . .

[RedScare]

77017, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 2:05pm, said:

He's the man for the job. . .

If you only knew...

[DJ V Lawrence]

MidtownCoog, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 12:53pm, said:

Yep, and 740. Michael Berry's Real Estate Review!

http://www.mbrer.com...?asid=394561502



Hi, my name is Michael Berry, and I'll tell you anything you want to hear.

[Heights2Bastrop]

Can Lee Brown run again?

[Parrothead]

Who was the one that did the property tax cap of 10% increase?

[MidtownCoog]

Michael Berry - aka Mr. Mom. Except without any kids.

I wish I could find the old Houston Press article about him. They ripped him and his wife a new one.

The article was titled "Running Mates" by Tim Fleck.

I wouldn't even wish Michael Berry on Dallas.

[gnu]

MidtownCoog, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 2:24pm, said:

Michael Berry - aka Mr. Mom. Except without any kids.

I wish I could find the old Houston Press article about him. They ripped him and his wife a new one.

The article was titled "Running Mates" by Tim Fleck.

I wouldn't even wish Michael Berry on Dallas.

from the press archives...

http://houstonpress....ws/feature.html

[The Great Hizzy!]

Initially, I thought Berry to be an intriguing buy and then I learned a few more things about him. Didn't help that he ran for council in a district to which he had absolutely no real prior connection. But the next election will see Bill White roll on to another victory unless something beyond disastrous occurs on his watch.

His handling of Hurricane Katrina's fallout, the city's budget and his solid working relationship with the business world are serious plusses.

Things White has to improve on:

1 - Crime. Say what you want about Lee Brown but his experience as the former police chief gave him an advantage in dealing with HPD politics. Unfortunately, the shortsightedness of the 80s has lead to a force that hasn't effectively recruited for the future and now Bill White (and Harold Hurtt) are stuck trying to do what hasn't been done since 1985--a large, successful recruitment of hundreds of police officers to address a booming municipal population. The homicide rate appears to have flattened over the past couple of months after a steady spike over the previous six or seven--but how long will it stay flat without a better officer count? From what I've read, the city has added about 20 new officers to the city's police cadet class. The ultimate goal is 200. Lots of work needed.

2. Street repairs - This was one of Lee Brown's shortcomings, too. Take the OST repavement from SH 288 to MLK. The road was scraped back in November and it's STILL unpaved. Granted, they've built new sidewalks but it doesn't take six months to lay down simple asphalt ala what we saw on Westheimer three or four years ago. And it doesn't appear to be the typical black/white rich/poor dynamic either, because Studewood went/is going through a similar deal. On top of that, several roads are due for serious repairs and you wonder if/when the city will get to it.

3. Transit - Bob Lanier seemed antagonistic most of the time, Brown more accomodating (but clearly not transit-savvy) while White seems like more of a peacemaker between Frank Wilson and Culberson. I think stronger leadership on this issue by White helps METRO deal with the likes of Councilperson Wong much better. One concilperson with a self-serving interest shouldn't be able to potentially hijack and derail (no pun) an initiative voted on by the majority.

However, none of these issues is so contentious that they're likely to outweight the good that his administration has managed through three-plus years. We'll see, though.

This post has been edited by The Great Hizzy!: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 3:41 PM

[nmainguy]

then after White

and never in a million years this whack-job

The Great Hizzy!, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 3:38pm, said:

Councilperson Wong much better.

Wong is no longer a Council Member. She has taken her anti-transit act to Austin.

[TJones]

west20th, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 1:57pm, said:

If she does I hope it's thrown right back at her.

I was being sarcastic, don't need that trash in the office.

The Great Hizzy!, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 3:38pm, said:

Initially, I thought Berry to be an intriguing buy and then I learned a few more things about him. Didn't help that he ran for council in a district to which he had absolutely no real prior connection.

Do you feel the same way about Lampson in Sugarland ?

[The Great Hizzy!]

TJones, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 3:51pm, said:

I was being sarcastic, don't need that trash in the office.
Do you feel the same way about Lampson in Sugarland ?

Frankly, yes. But it seems more egregous when you're talking city government. A councilperson who has a real tie to the community can more often better represent them--given that he's a good representative to begin with. It's a lot more difficult to voice the concerns of a community if you aren't really familar with their surroundings and the history of those surroundings. Obviously, it doesn't mean 100% that you can't be affective, but it seems to make it lot less likely, IMO.

Of course, the people in that district voted for him so in the bigger scheme, it's all good. I'm merely brow beating him more on philosophy than results.

This post has been edited by The Great Hizzy!: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 3:58 PM

[TJones]

The Great Hizzy!, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 3:57pm, said:

Frankly, yes. But it seems more egregous when you're talking city government. A councilperson who has a real tie to the community can more often better represent them--given that he's a good representative to begin with. It's a lot more difficult to voice the concerns of a community if you aren't really familar with their surroundings and the history of those surroundings. Obviously, it doesn't mean 100% that you can't be affective, but it seems to make it lot less likely, IMO.

Of course, the people in that district voted for him so in the bigger scheme, it's all good. I'm merely brow beating him more on philosophy than results.

Agreed, I was listening to him Rant about the border issue today on 950am, I don't know, his voice just doesn't sound STRONG to me. I believe he truly cares about Houston, one thing I don't like about him is that he doesn't stick to his principles. He went ahead and took his "pay raise" 5 months after he said he was never gonna take it, so that it would help the city budget. That spells HYPOCRITE to me. I have a sinking feeling he is gonna become part of the Alvarado scandal.

[Houston1stWordOnTheMoon]

houstonsemipro, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 1:44pm, said:

Don't fix it.

My vote, Bill White! IF he runs again. But, I thought a mayor could only run for two terms?

3 two year terms

[713 To 214]

Take it from someone who is down at 900 Bagby, a lot. You don't want Michael Berry to be your next Mayor!

This post has been edited by 713 To 214: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 4:32 PM

[nmainguy]

TJones, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 3:51pm, said:

I was being sarcastic, don't need that trash in the office.
Do you feel the same way about Lampson in Sugarland ?

http://gis1.tlc.stat...congress/22.pdf
The 22nd Congressional District of Texas is comprised of parts of four different counties in Southeast Texas: Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, and Harris. Over 600,000 people live in TX-22 with part or all of Sugar Land, Missouri City, Clear Lake, Pearland, Deer Park, Pasadena, La Porte, Rosenberg, and other communities within its borders, as well as Ellington Air Force Base and NASA.
Do you have to live in Sugarland to represent a district that sprawls from the borders of Wharton County to the borders of Chambers County? If he was from Pearland, would that disquallify him?


Now go have your baby, TJ, and don't name her after the kid in The Exorcits-she will kill you and your wife once she figures it out.

This post has been edited by nmainguy: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 5:07 PM

[TJones]

nmainguy, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 5:04pm, said:

http://gis1.tlc.stat...congress/22.pdf
The 22nd Congressional District of Texas is comprised of parts of four different counties in Southeast Texas: Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, and Harris. Over 600,000 people live in TX-22 with part or all of Sugar Land, Missouri City, Clear Lake, Pearland, Deer Park, Pasadena, La Porte, Rosenberg, and other communities within its borders, as well as Ellington Air Force Base and NASA.
Do you have to live in Sugarland to represent a district that sprawls from the borders of Wharton County to the borders of Chambers County? If he was from Pearland, would that disquallify him?


Now go have your baby, TJ, and don't name her after the kid in The Exorcits-she will kill you and your wife once she figures it out.

It's spelled different, but holy crap I forgot about that, Reagan is out ! I guess we go with Saylor. Thanks for the heads up nmain.

[nmainguy]

TJones, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 6:28pm, said:

It's spelled different, but holy crap I forgot about that, Reagan is out ! I guess we go with Saylor. Thanks for the heads up nmain.

I like Saylor-where is that from?

[Heights2Bastrop]

Is Joe Roach still around? I always thought he would be a good mayor. I also liked Parker. But, Houston's mayor is no longer a concern since moving to Big B.

[TJones]

Heights2Bastrop, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 2:17pm, said:

Can Lee Brown run again?

<------------Wrestles H2B's crackpipe out of his hands.

[brijonmang]

technically I cant vote since I dont live in the Houston city limits...but I like Bill White...he really wants the city to improve

This post has been edited by brijonmang: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 8:13 PM

[TJones]

nmainguy, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 7:02pm, said:

I like Saylor-where is that from?

My wife wanted to spell it Sailor. I changed it, so everyone wouldn't go "AHOY !". My wife was a registered nurse and worked with another nurse named Sailor, we just kinda liked the name, and We wanted some kind of association with water this time, since our first born is named Skye. If we have a third, he or she will probably be named after the Earth.

psssst........ Don't tell anybody that I'm married to a Bohemian woman ok. Thanks

[musicman]

The Great Hizzy!, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 3:38pm, said:

Didn't help that he ran for council in a district to which he had absolutely no real prior connection.

He's an at-large councilmember in his third term, isn't he?

The Great Hizzy!, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 3:38pm, said:

Things White has to improve on:

I'd add that the police non-emergency services (loud noises, etc) needs BIG help. Try calling sometime. You're either put on hold for a long time OR they never come out. Also the recent dog bite capital article is bringing to light a problem that has been getting worse during the White administration. He does not consider it a problem. It always takes someone else (magazine article, tv show) to point out our shortcomings and then Mayor White has a newsconference to say he is "fixin" the problem in "U-ston"

[Laurence Simon]

I think Bill White will work hard to rehab Carol Alvorado's image and groom her as a replacement.

It won't work, but he'll still try it. I think he's put a lot of effort into preparing her for the role.

[TJones]

Laurence Simon, on Wednesday, May 24th, 2006 @ 10:43am, said:

I think Bill White will work hard to rehab Carol Alvorado's image and groom her as a replacement.

It won't work, but he'll still try it. I think he's put a lot of effort into preparing her for the role.

Are you serious ? If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck.............

This post has been edited by TJones: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at 11:16 AM

[MidtownCoog]

Alvarado's District I has a long history of voting for crooked politicians.

Ben Reyes, Betty Maldandao and that other guy who I forget right now.

[Trophy Property]

Houston1stWordOnTheMoon, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 4:23pm, said:

3 two year terms

I am happy with White. Keep him for 2 more years.

[The Great Hizzy!]

MidtownCoog, on Wednesday, May 24th, 2006 @ 11:22am, said:

Alvarado's District I has a long history of voting for crooked politicians.

Ben Reyes, Betty Maldandao and that other guy who I forget right now.

It takes skill to be notorious and anonymous at the same time.

[Double L]

...They should get rid of term limits. Both for the mayor and the city council.

This post has been edited by Double L: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at 12:07 PM

[77017]

Exactly how big is the mayors role in what gets done in and what becomes of our city? Huge?

[Houston1stWordOnTheMoon]

77017, on Wednesday, May 24th, 2006 @ 12:32pm, said:

Exactly how big is the mayors role in what gets done in and what becomes of our city? Huge?

Very much so..........

[713 To 214]

77017, on Wednesday, May 24th, 2006 @ 12:32pm, said:

Exactly how big is the mayors role in what gets done in and what becomes of our city? Huge?

Pretty much! Let's put it like this. . .councilmembers don't want to get on his bad side.

[Original Timmy Chan's]

TJones, on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 @ 8:20pm, said:

My wife wanted to spell it Sailor. I changed it, so everyone wouldn't go "AHOY !".

"Sailor, baby, you're really something!"






Uh...and to keep this thread on track: White.

This post has been edited by Original Timmy Chan's: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at 1:14 PM

[Trophy Property]

Original Timmy Chan, on Wednesday, May 24th, 2006 @ 12:56pm, said:

"Sailor, baby, you're really something!"


Uh...and to keep this thread on track: White.

I wonder where I might be able to find free celebrity pictures. Anyone have an idea ??

This post has been edited by Trophy Property: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at 1:14 PM

[musicman]

MidtownCoog, on Wednesday, May 24th, 2006 @ 11:22am, said:

Alvarado's District I has a long history of voting for crooked politicians.

Ben Reyes, Betty Maldandao and that other guy who I forget right now.

Betty's position was not an elected one. she was appointed port commissioner.

The other guy is John Castillo, Idylwood resident.

I say keep term limits. Go work an election sometime and see why everyone shouldn't be allowed to vote. They need to have a minimum literacy requirement

This post has been edited by musicman: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at 2:17 PM

[TJones]

Double L, on Wednesday, May 24th, 2006 @ 12:06pm, said:

...They should get rid of term limits. Both for the mayor and the city council.

Nah........You gotta keep pumping new blood into city government every now and again or the city becomes stagnent.

[Original Timmy Chan's]

musicman, on Wednesday, May 24th, 2006 @ 2:13pm, said:

They need to have a minimum literacy requirement

And bring back the poll tax too!!!

I think that the results of our last presidential election is sufficient proof that there should be a minimum literacy requirement to vote. And the candidates the major parties gives us are evidence that the Republicans and Democrats are functionally illiterate as well...

I like our (at least nominally) non-partisan elections for our city leaders here in Houston. I wonder how that would work for the US?

[MidtownCoog]

My money is on this guy: