Round 1: Locke vs. Parker

Well, I predicted that Mayoral Race would begin to heat up after Labor day but I was wrong. It seems that I was about a week premature and the catalyst seems to be the City of Houston’s budget.

Gene Locke states:
"In approximately 100 days time, using the same budget figures, Ms. Parker told us the budget was ‘balanced’ and now she says there’s a ‘shortfall.’ As a business leader who considers stability and consistency the keys to economic confidence and growth, I don’t think the people of Houston need erratic budget projections. What they deserve is consistent and reliable information from the City Controller."

Annise Parker states:
"Once again, we see that Gene Locke is not up to the job of being mayor. In his statement, he is apparently confused about discussion of last year’s budget and the current budget’s shortfall. Had he bothered to pay attention to City Council meetings or monitored media clips during the budget process in June, he would know his statement is entirely inaccurate. Locke’s promises of new city departments, new museums and increased government spending to his insider friends would lead to tax increases or cuts in vital services, such as public safety. With crime on the rise and jobs disappearing, Houston cannot afford another politician who is stuck in the past and can’t understand when one fiscal year ends and a new one begins.

Perhaps Mr. Locke should consult Mayor Bill White who today praised Controller Parker for her professionalism and her role in dealing with these tough budget issues."

Interesting right? Bradley Olson has some more background information regarding the issue.

Now for my two cents … I am disappointed in the Locke campaign for not addressing the issue at hand. Regardless of the word usage by Annise Parker … this was a great opportunity for Gene Locke to propose his ideas of how to address the alleged "shortfall"in the budget.

Instead we have criticism of a public official for not providing "consistent and reliable information" as a City Controller … say what? This is a Mayor’s race, not a City Controller the last time I checked.

I am not taking a position regarding the word usage of "shortfall" since I have not reviewed the relevant documents. I am not endorsing one candidate’s position over another regarding this matter.

I am only disclosing my opinion regarding Locke’s approach in addressing this issue. He could have delivered a knockout punch had he criticized Parker for flip-flopping (which I am not claiming that she is or she is not) on the budget status and then offered his vision of how he would solve the problem.

Maybe I am asking for too much, regardless … Let the games begin!