The KTRK Debate, and what happened.

Yesterday, Annise Parker and Gene Locke faced off in the first prime time Mayoral Runoff Debate.  Boy, by debate standards, it was a lively one!  Both Mayoral candidates came out swinging.  Gene Locke stuck by his line of attacks accusing Parker of being "soft on crime."  Parker, meanwhile, continued to accuse Locke of not being a good financial manager of the City's money.

As one of the local bloggers described it, it was a "wear your body armor, hunker down" kind of debate."  He was right.  Here are some highlights.

Behind the scenes, candidates Annise Parker and Gene Locke both seemed relaxed, and in good spirits.. But as soon the cameras turn on, the debate flared.

 

One of the first points of contention was whether Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt will keep his job.

 

“Every department will be reviewed, nobody has a lifetime contract,” said Locke, who refused to comment specifically on Hurtt’s future.

 

“I'm not shy in saying the Police Chief didn't do a good job,” said Parker.  ”Do you feel safer?”

 

Several initial questions focused on public safety, with Locke touting his endorsement by the Houston Police Officers Union, and Parker pointing out that several smaller law enforcement groups are supporting her.

 

 

 

But, things got really intense when the candidates were allowed to ask each other questions.  Parker accused Locke of being a City Hall lobbyist.

 

 “I've never been a lobbyist, I'm a lawyer,” said Locke.

 

“I think by definition someone who represents outside interests to a city, is a lobbyist,” retorted Parker.  Soon after the debate was over, Parker’s campaign sent over various links and paperwork detailing  Locke’s registration as a lobbyist in 1999.

 

Locke then accused Parker of raising taxes on Houstonians, which prompted another heated exchange.

 

“I actually never voted on a tax increase,” said Parker.

 

“There are no question that you have a record that questions the claim that you're a fiscal conservative, and you have been quiet on the growing deficit,” said Locke. 

 

“Is this an attack on the White administration?” asked Parker. 

 

“This is an attack on you, you're running for mayor,” said Locke.

 

The pointed attacks were a marked departure from the more cordial debates in the prior general election, where things were more cordial.  Our Political Consultant Dr. Richard Murray says it was a tough call on who actually won.

Comments

[Grant]

how will either candidate benefit the city aside from looking at law enforcement?

[Demetrius]

What a waste of freaking time, ABC13 nor either one of the candidates want to discuss their stance on Illegal Immigration.

[Demetrius]

I keep hearing more and more about how law enforcement is short-staffed. The part that really bothers me is that I continue to see HPD, Harris/Ft Bend Co Sheriffs and Constables providing extra patrol service for an additional fee, i.e., Cinco Ranch HOA pays extra to have Ft Bend Cty Sheriff providing extra patrol within the community. Being from CA, this is almost a taboo in having a city/civil servant service the community as such. Our tax dollars pays their salaries, uniforms/equipments, benefits, etc. Why in the hell do we have to pay extra money for extra patrol? Not to mention, these officers, are using the same state/city issued uniforms, patrol cars, badge and equipment to service a private sector service?! This is a freaking racketeer. What's wrong with this picture? Am I the only one noticing this?! People need to wise up and start demanding answers from our policitians as far as why this is being allowed. What gives?

I'm all for our officers making money on the side but it should not be done with city/state provided supplies. I would like to hear some of their thoughts on this issue and why nothing has been done to address this problem

[Ppuddin]

The reality is.......we're jacked! If Brown wouldn't of tried to buy an election, Morales would be Mayor.......

[AR]

Did Gene Locke even bother to prepare for this debate?

[AR]

Did I just hear Locke say that the soccer stadium must allow TSU to use it. TSU is a state university! Why must the City and county taxpayers pay for this amenity?

[AR]

Again did Gene Locke even bother to prepare for this debate?

[Ppuddin]

Can we start the election over...:)Save us God!

[BenJ]

Gene Locke's closing statement was very telling. He said we should all ask, "What's in it for me."

Well, I think I know what's in it for him. He got a $300,000 contract deal when he left his "public service" as City Attorney for his lawyer/lobbying job. The Chronicle claimed he's been charging $600+ per hour!! as an insider lawyer/lobbyist to make deals. Don't you think he will just help line the pockets of all his "friends?" I say NO way. I trust Annise Parker to watch my taxes more than him. She doesn't seem like she is in it to make a quick buck like him. And the City of Houston having to allow TSU to play in the stadium...what? That is just weird. Obvious a promise to another special interest group.

[R. Cormier]

I wanted to take the opportunity to comment on some of the statements that were made above.

Demetrius, it is the Federal Gov. job to enforce and take care of immigration. We must look at why people are arreseted and for what reason they are arrested. Outside of that, the local Reps and Senators must step in with some fed money if they want COH to manage immigration for them. You also talked about City of Houston’s Officers working security for neighborhoods and communities such as Cinco Ranch. That is an untrue statement. While COH officers can work side jobs in their uniforms, that is only after they have worked their time for COH and they are not able to work a side job while on duty at COH. Constables are able to work as security officers for neighborhoods and communities, however this is a service they were set-up to provide in addition to being officers of the court. State Troopers are just like City Officers in this matter, they cannot be contracted to be security.

PPudin, you are correct in your statement about P. Brown’s attempt to try and Purchase the election. However, Morales never had a chance at winning. BTW, he would not have went through with his “stance” on immigration. And no – there are no “do overs” in politics.

AR, I will watch the part of the debate over again and see if I can walk away with the same understanding you had. However, my understanding was that He wanted TSU at the table to help with paying for the stadium in exchange for use during off times. It would be the opposite of the current agreement with U of H and the use of Robinson Stadium. Two, I feel you are a Parker supporter, which would explain you feeling Locke was not prepared.

BenJ, while there is no problem with who you support - the law does matter. The amounts paid to him was not uncommon for the time and are not uncommon today. Remember, all Mayor receive 1% of the revenue created under their leadership – Parker wants that same 1%. And as stated, TSU to the table not given free use.

My attempt here was not to attack, I just wanted to set the record straight. As for me, I feel Parker must stop the revolving door that is politics by taking at least a 3 year (1 term) break from city government. I would more respect her bid for the city’s top job if I didn’t feel she was just trying to do a series of steps. As for Locke, I would have liked to see more on his side to say he has been working on his Public Speaking. The reason, if elected his position will not come with a teleprompter. However, it will come with many opportunities to be quick on his feet. [RPAC]

[City Hall Watcher]

PARKER is doing the revolving door thing? You have GOT to be kidding. Locke is the one who left his job as City Attorney and immediately went and landed a $300,000 City Hall contract as a lawyer. THAT is a revolving door, and as Parker stated, one that has been shut since Locke got away with it. Today, it's illegal to use City Hall as a revolving door and immediately profit over city contracts as soon as you leave City Hall.