On Thursday, December 26th, I completed my last official duty as your Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member, by chairing a Council Meeting to certify the Houston Runoff 2019 Election Results. This was a bittersweet moment for me: I am thrilled to certify that Mayor Sylvester Turner will continue his service, and that my successor will be Council Member Elect Abbie Kamin. I congratulate all returning and incoming Council Members and look forward to their good work!
The past eight years have been some of the most rewarding of my life. Together, we found the funding to close the backlog of over 6,600 untested rape kits. We ensured the creation of a dedicated Human Trafficking Division within the Houston Police Department. We approved the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance – a massive victory for civil rights, even if it was repealed a year and a half later due to a misinformation campaign. We fixed streets like Shepherd Dr, Allen Pkwy, and Richmond Ave (and many more). We fast-tracked funding for Project Brays and the replacement of the Yale St Bridge. We found a historic solution to our pension crisis. We upgraded parks and libraries, water and sewer lines, and filled tens of thousands of potholes.
Because of your faith in me, together, we improved the quality of life for residents throughout District C and Houston. I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your help in creating this legacy for our city.
It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve, and I look forward to continuing to do so in other capacities.
Onward to 2020!