David Ortez

While most of us enjoyed a day off celebrating Independence Day, Mayor Parker was working as late as 11:45 PM.

As her Twitter account reveals, Parker shut down a house party all by herself. She duly notes that her security team may not have appreciated her maverick moves but nonetheless it proves she is working for the people.

Whoever had their party crashed by the Mayor will have the best tale for years to come. How do you top next year’s July 4th? I can think of one suggestion … how about you invite the Mayor next time!

It is official … Houston has a new Mayor! Per City Charter requirements, Annise Parker was sworn in as Mayor of Houston, with her left hand on her grandparent’s Bible in a private ceremony at City Hall this morning.

The Honorable Hilary Green, Harris County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 7, Place 1, administered the oath to her husband, City Controller Ronald C. Green.

Annise Parker chose a small private ceremony due to financial constraints and to “avoid the overtime costs the city would have incurred from having to call in police and other city employees for a weekend inauguration.”

Parker stated, “At a time when the city is facing budget shortfalls, we will be continually looking for ways to cut expenses.”

The celebration officially began with “Tonight’s Gonna Be a Good Night” by the Black Eyed Peas as Annise Parker supporters packed tightly in a small ballroom in the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Groups of friends and strangers began to huddle together as if they were planning their next play on fourth down and goal. Whispers and signs of excitement began to spread through the room like an epidemic as Parker’s lead grew.

Some could not believe what they were about to witness. Other joked around and asked friends to pinch them … so they would know they were not dreaming. The tension began to ease after 10PM when Gene Locke conceded the race and called for unity in Houston.

In less than 24 hours Houstonians will head to the polls to decide who will lead them in the new decade.

Both campaigns have been busy as they crunch numbers and review the early voter turnout. Voter turnout was higher than the general election but do not let that statistic deceive you.

It may well be that folks did not want to allocate time on their busy Saturday holiday schedule to satisfy their civic duty. Whatever the reason … about 5,000 more voters decided to cast their ballot than before. Roughly 67,000 voters have voted early in this runoff election.