In her most recent politics column for the Chronicle, Kristen Mack almost seemed to be channelling blogHOUSTON:
MAYOR Bill White and the City Council began their new terms in a ceremony this week at the Houston Police Memorial, coincidentally symbolic of the increasing concern about local crime.
But Tuesday’s inauguration, even with that somber backdrop, was contrived and orchestrated, and lacking in specifics about White’s plans for the next two years.
Two years ago White set aside tradition and ventured out of downtown to take his oath of office.
He rode Metro’s then-new light rail to Miller Outdoor Theatre, where he was greeted by Chinese drummers, African musicians, a mariachi band and the Houston Fire Department’s pipe and drum corps — fitting his theme of unity and inclusion.
[snip]
Tuesday’s ceremony, in contrast, was inevitably more pro forma.
For starters, anyone who wanted to go had to board a shuttle to get to there, making it a hassle likely to put off some residents.
For a mayor whose hallmark is accessibility and a common-touch, the inauguration lacked both elements.
[snip]
White said he wanted the inauguration to be celebratory, so he’s saving the details of his next term for his State of the City speech later this month. Let’s hope we get them and not another thematic preview of what’s to come.
Well put.
PREVIOUSLY: Mayor closes Memorial to celebrate his inaugural.
