The Early Line on the Next Council

Is it too early for endorsements? Whether it is or not, I've got precious few to offer that really affect much here. But it's interesting looking over the lineup of this year's city elections. I'm left to marvel at how the city went from a majority-Republican council pre-Bill White and even early in his tenure ... to a majority-Democratic council afterwards.

With that in mind, here's my own quick rundown of the state of the coming elections:

Annise D. Parker City Controller
I'm just slightly surprised at how little opposition Parker has gotten since her first run. I don't have much to quarrel about with Parker's tenure as Controller, but the flipside of that is that I haven't seen enough to really make me enough of a fan for her presumed run at the big desk in 2009.

Peter Brown Council Member, At Large Pos. 1
Doubtful he'll ever see competition for his seat. His own bank account will ensure that he's not going to be listed as low-hanging fruit anytime soon. Brown has also had his eye on White's job when it's open next cycle. It's highly doubtful I'll be among those supporting him.

Michael "Griff" Griffin Council Member, At Large Pos. 2
Might not have a chance at winning, but he's got my vote!

Melissa Noriega Council Member, At Large Pos. 3
A re-run against the previous opponent, I'm hopeful that the plan ends up with her having a stronger showing. By the time Melissa leaves City Hall, she's got a shot at being one of the best we've had there in a while.

Ronald C. Green Council Member, At Large Pos. 4
I like Ron, so I'm not complaining ... but how is it that not one Republican could muster the courage to run against him in the past two cycles?

Zaf Tahir Council Member, At Large Pos. 5
Jolanda "Jo" Jones Council Member, At Large Pos. 5
Marlon Barabin Council Member, At Large Pos. 5
I'm not decided on this one and I'll probably put off any decision till as late as possible. There's a bit more than Cougar pride that makes JoJo appealing. Marlon is working with folks who's judgement I tend to place some value in - even if I know squat about the candidate. And there's a good deal to like about Zaf as well. Check back in November.

Toni Lawrence Council Member, District A
Jarvis Johnson Council Member, District B
Anne Clutterbuck Council Member, District C
Not my hoods, though District C is a neighboring hood. Each three will be back on Council, but a bit more shout-out for Anne is warranted. I think she's done a generally good job and for a council member who belongs to the other party, she's been as good as you can hope for in representing her district pretty well.

Michael P. Williams Council Member, District D
Florida "Flo" Cooper Council Member, District D
One of my adopted 'hoods. I've got no clue how the race shakes down here. Michael P. is expected to be one of the frontrunners and I'm a fan of his as a preacher. What he's done on HCC or anywhere else, I dunno. Just going by what info I have. Flo Cooper may not be a front-runner, but she's easily the sweetest lady in the race. She was with us in the Borris Miles race as the precinct chair for Borris' home precinct (140) and made the office hours very bearable. If I were in the district, I'd vote for her based on that alone.

Manisha Mehta Council Member, District E
Not the only Dem in the hunt, but she's got the best campaign manager in Harris County. 'Nuff reason for me to give a thumbs up.

M. J. Khan Council Member, District F
Pam Holm Council Member, District G
Adrian Garcia Council Member, District H
Again, not really an endorsement per se ... but each three will be back on council. Holm's been decent so far as I know. Put her down with Clutterbuck in terms of my appreciation. Adrian, of course, gets a bit more vocal support from this quarter.

John Marron Council Member, District I
James Rodriguez Council Member, District I
I'll see if I can find some time to post more on this kabuki theater of a contest. I think Marc Campos has had too free of a reign on commenting on this one. My own disclosure is this: I'm pretty disinterested save for the fact that Marron's got some great friends working on his behalf that I tend to side with. Of course, it's also not my hood.

Bill White Mayor
Let's just say I'm alllll in favor of his re-election.