GregsOpinion.com

Sometimes I despise reading the emails that I sign up for. This one from Sylvester Turner makes me either want to laugh or cry ... I'm not sure which.

A New Direction

Sylvester Turner
UPCLOSE AND PERSONAL: Dreams Do Come True!

Sylvester Turner, Texas State Representative and Houston Mayoral Candidate overcame years of obstacles to become one of Texas' most influential public servants. As a testament of his 14 years as a state representative, he successfully authored and sponsored bills in the State Legislature that positively impacted millions of Texans. In addition, he was named Speaker Pro Tem, the second highest position in the Texas House by a Republican Speaker. Turner says that his accomplishments, both present and past, are attributed to the many friends, family and supporters who all believe in him and want him to continue to do good work for the people at large.

For those who know him best, he is a man who is caring, compassionate, loyal, steadfast, determined and intelligent. His daughter, Ashley, sees him as a loving father who is there for her, supporting and encouraging her to be the best and to follow her dreams.

Turner's interest in giving back to the community started many years ago under the parenting of Ruby and Eddie Turner. They built a solid foundation that has allowed him to focus, endure, work hard and succeed. Through the years, these golden threads of wisdom have weaved a solid path through his character, therefore enabling him to continue his service as an outstanding public servant for the State of Texas and soon the City of Houston.

On a Monday morning between television interviews and phone calls, Sylvester graciously agreed to answer some up-close and personal questions about his life in the public eye to one of our Turner Times reporters. As he began the interview, he leaned over to say, "I am who I am, what do you want to know?" Thus we began the interview.

TT: What is your philosophy of life?
ST: "Tomorrow will be better than today."

TT: Where do you go for refuge when everything is coming at you in the course of the day?
ST: My Rock, GOD! Whenever I am at an impasse, I go to the Lord for my refuge. He has always been there for me. It has not been about me. It"s about Him, and His plans for me.

TT: What impact did your parents have on your life's perspectives?
S.T. They impacted me in every way. They taught my siblings and I all about values, integrity and hard work. They taught us about the value of our name and the importance of an education. When we walked out of our home, we represented the Turner family and we had to act accordingly. The Turner name always carried weight and integrity. My early years, allow me to understand and know the importance of people and their value as human beings. I owe everything to my parents. They showed me courage, strength, determination and character to keep me motivated to excel and succeed. Their lessons in life have propelled me to where I am today. I love them for being there for me and teaching me what I needed to know.

TT: How would you define your life?
S.T. A life of productive seasons ...this happens to be my season.

TT: In your early years, what did you learn most about yourself as the 6th of 9 siblings?
S.T. I came from a diverse sibling group... each sibling was different... it was a mixed bag, reflective of life. Because of the diversity, I learned early about the importance of understanding individualism, varying agendas and working together. We were one, a family. When we left our home... we were all Turners. It was important to be all under one name and one purpose.

TT: How would you compare these sibling dynamics with the Houston community?
S.T. A large family is like a large city, where diversity, individual differences and agendas are working together to achieve common goals and aspirations. We collectively work to plan, initiate and proceed under one name - Houston.

TT: What was the pivotal moment in your life, when you knew public service was the career of choice?
S.T.: At the age of 6, while watching the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon Television Debate, I decided that this was the career I wanted to pursue in life.

TT: How would you define your career as a public servant?
S.T.: My career has been rewarding, enlightening and significant because it has given me many opportunities to make a difference.

T.T. Which book or television series would best sum up your life?
S.T.: "I Know Why a Caged Bird Sings," Maya Angelou
"My Soul Looks Back and Wonders," Maya Angelou

TT: What is your favorite pastime?
S.T. Reading! I Love Reading!

TT: How would you describe your winning personality?
S T. I am approachable and willing to listen to what each person has to say.  I'm never too busy to talk with anyone.
Also, it may be surprising to most, but I have a comedic side to my personality that brings quite a few laughs... sometimes...well most of the time... (smile). I enjoy life and I am enjoying this campaign. Meeting new friends along the campaign trail has been exciting.

TT: What do your friends admire most about you?
S.T. I have always been there for my friends. All they have to do is call. I am there. I am honest, down to earth and candid.

TT: What would you say to those who do not know you?
S.T. For those who don't know me, believe that I care.
I may appear to be a little intense and serious on the issues facing Houston today, but these are serious times.  I may appear to move with urgency...remembering the time factor. I believe time is precious and we should make good use of it. Tomorrow is not promised.

The bottom line is...I care about every individual in this city and I want to bring Houston a plan that will allow every individual an opportunity to obtain the quality of life they deserve.

TT: What is your favorite song, movie and television show?
S.T. Song: "I Don't Know How"
Movie: "Men of Honor"
Television: "Martin"

TT: Who is your favorite celebrity?
S.T: Well, there are two actors, Sidney Portier and Denzel Washington.
When my life story goes to the big screen, I want Denzel to play my part. I believe he will capture the essence of my character very well (laughs).

TT: What is your favorite joke?
S.T. Bruno the boxer was getting his butt beaten when the bell rang to end the round. He staggered back to his corner and heard his manager say, "Keep taking those punches.  He's bound to wear himself out pounding you like that."

TT: What are some of your primary issues in this race?
S.T.: Transportation, jobs and business opportunities, flooding, neighborhood development and quality of life for all Houstonians.

TT: How are you different from the other mayoral candidates?
S.T. Look at my record: 14 years in the State Legislature, eight of those years on the Appropriations Committee; Speaker Pro Tem (Democrat)-appointed by a Republican Speaker; a practicing lawyer for 23 years; partner in a downtown law firm for 20 years; law professor for 17 years; community participant; civic group worker; and most important, a father.  My leadership and decision-making abilities have given me many opportunities to help the people in Houston and the State of Texas. I am honored to work for them. I am running to become the CEO of Houston based on my past experience and my vision for the city's future. Look at my record and my plans and give me chance to move Houston in 'A New Direction.'

TT: How do you want your legacy to read?
S.T. 'He started the race and finished It'

Sylvester Turner
Mayor of Houston

Let's review one of those hard-hitting, insightful questions real quick ...

"How would you describe your winning personality?"

WTF?!?!?!?

Note to the Bill White campaign ... avoid crap like this ... please!