Yesterday’s Chronicle story reporting that Houston’s homeless population has declined contained this amusing exchange between Councilman James Rodriguez and Mayor White:
Despite the reported decrease, a lengthy debate around the council table showed a continuing impasse over a project that exemplifies the new approach to fighting homelessness in Houston.
Councilman James Rodriguez asked Mayor Bill White to declare that the proposed conversion of Magnolia Glen, a vacant motel in Rodriguez’s East End district that would permanently house 220 homeless people, is dead. Rodriguez and many of his constituents oppose the project, saying the district has a disproportionate share of facilities that serve the homeless.
White declined, saying he hoped continued discussions between project sponsors and neighborhood leaders will lead to an agreement.
“Part of our job as leaders is to help people distinguish between the problem and the solution to the problem,” the mayor said. He added that he would continue to show great deference to a district council member’s views about a project in that member’s district.
No, he won’t. As is his style, Mayor White will do things his way. When the mayor says, “Part of our job as leaders…,” what he really means is HIS job as leader is to decide solutions to problems. He’s the leader of Houston; the councilman is not.
Now Councilman Rodriguez certainly can’t expect any neighborhoods containing “well-heeled, civically active voters” to welcome a homeless housing project. As the Chronicle‘s editorial board put it a while back:
Well-heeled, civically active voters wield more influence than low-income residents who might have less time or inclination to vote and take part in civic affairs. Human nature is not easily repealed, but that’s not all bad in a democracy in which politicians are supposed to consider their constituents’ concerns.
That means the homeless project will stay where it is — away from the well-heeled folks.
