Houston’s first Mayoral Runoff Forum this year, entitled “Progress Houston”, had nearly 500 people pack the Forest Brook Middle School auditorium. Those who couldn’t attend were able to watch online via Fox 26 Houston’s live stream.
Rep. Senfronia Thompson’s partnered to host this forum in an effort to curtail traditional low voter turnout during runoff elections.
During the run-off mayoral forum, the audience and viewers were given an opportunity to hear Sylvester Turner’s and Bill King’s agenda to “Progress Houston” as mayor.
“Before the November election, you heard their stance on several issues,” said Rep. Thompson. “This forum was the opportunity to hear how their plans to progress Houston differ.”
Moderated by Fox 26 Houston’s Damali Keith, the forum kicked off with candidates detailing what they would do the first 90 days in office. Turner noted his priority would be to focus on balancing the budget. King cited that he would focus on City’s infrastructure and the looming problem of potholes.
Several rounds of rebuttals followed when asked how to balance the City’s budget and allocate funds for pensions, increased policed force, potholes and drainage.
A panel of diverse journalists and students also had the opportunity to ask each candidate one question.
As a follow up to the October editorial, “Can HPD’s New Body Camera Policy Be Trusted? Read the Fine Print…”, Forward Times Associate Editor Jeffery L. Boney questioned Turner and King about their plans to implement Houston Police Department’s recently purchased body cameras.
Reporters from the Houston Chronicle, African American News and Northeast News joined Boney on the panel. Students from Lone Star Community College and Houston Community College also participated.
The consensus was that the forum focused on the issues and everyone walked away with a clear understanding of each mayoral candidate’s plan to “Progress Houston”.
“I would like to thank all of the partners, panelists and attendees who made this voter empowerment initiative a success,” shared Rep. Thompson.
In addition to Super Neighborhood groups and precinct chairs in Rep. Thompson’s district, The Peoples United Summit, NAACP Houston, League of Women Voters, Honey Brown Hope Foundation, Acres Homes Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Council Member Jerry Davis, Harris County Constable Ken Jones – Precinct 3 and Rhonda Skillern Jones, HISD Trustee – Position 2 all supported the forum.
If you need more information about runoff candidates, where to vote or transportation to the polls, please reference the information below.
Voting Information: