Reactions from the Houston Mayoral Candidates

While I was gone there was an incident regarding harassment and discrimination in the Houston Fire Department. Without jumping into the story … I wanted to reprint Gene Locke and Annise Parker’s reactions to the matter.

Gene Locke states:
“I am shocked and outraged by the recent sexist and racist individual acts involving two female firefighters. I strongly support the men and women of the Houston Fire Department and the recent events are in no way a reflection on these great public servants who risk their lives for us every day. However, these cowardly acts by a few reckless individuals are deplorable and cannot be tolerated. I encourage the chief and the mayor to continue their investigation until the perpetrators are found. These individuals should be punished to the fullest extent of fire department policy and if applicable, to the fullest extent of the law.

Going forward we need to make sure that the fire department and every other department in the city is a place of opportunity and promotion for women, minorities and all deserving employees.”

Annise Parker states:
“I am gravely concerned with the latest reported incidents of intimidation and harassment against minority and women firefighters. The brave men and women who serve in our Fire Department face enough stress in their daily jobs without the added burden of a hostile work environment.

I join with our Mayor in declaring that the city will not tolerate any form of racial or gender discrimination. I look forward to a full investigation and the prosecution of these crimes to the fullest extent of the law.

Beyond that, we must address the structural problems – such as a lack of diversity on the force – that play a role in making these incidents possible.

Houston has been blessed with an outstanding fire department, full of dedicated men and women who risk their lives to serve the public. We can honor them and help them keep us safe by rooting out discrimination in any form in the department.”

Unfortunately, I could not find any statement from Peter Brown but that does not mean that he did not issue a statement nor does it imply that he endorses what occurred.

Brad Woodward reports that “the problem has existed for decades” according to Houston’s first female firefighter.

I cannot articulate the discontent and shock I felt from learning of these events. Mayor Bill White and the Mayoral Candidates, Gene Locke and Annise Parker have eloquently reflected what many of us are thinking. City Council members have also responded and you may read their statements in their entirety at the Houston Chronicle website.

Update: The Peter Brown Campaign has emailed me the following statement:

"Hate crimes and racist, sexist acts of intimidation cannot and will not be tolerated at the Houston Fire Department, or any department of the City of Houston. The city must investigate these allegations thoroughly and transparently, and should take action accordingly.  When it comes to the men and women who we depend on daily to keep us safe, this sort of treatment is entirely unacceptable. These most recent allegations mark yet-another incident in what is becoming a truly disturbing pattern, and I want to reiterate my call for a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to these sorts of acts. It’s time for accountability from the Houston Fire Department, our city, and it’s leaders."