Several members of Houston city council stood in solidarity on the steps of city hall Wednesday morning to say they could not support Prop. 1, the plan to collect a monthly fee to fix the city’s flooding and drainage problems.
Council members Wanda Adams, Jolanda “Jo” Jones, C.O. “Brad” Bradford and Jarvis Johnson say they have critical concerns which must be addressed in an implementation ordinance.
“As public officials, we have a responsibility to let our constituents know what they are voting on. To date, we cannot answer those questions because the information has not been provided,” said Adams.
Mayor Annise Parker is expected to outline the potential implementation of Proposition No. 1 at this mornings city council meeting.
“We want to ensure that the oldest and most-in need neighborhoods’ street and drainage projects are completed first; that all Houston businesses have equal opportunity to participate in contracting opportunities, and that Houstonians get hired first,” said Adams. “Likewise if the drainage fee is collected on citizen’s water bills, then renters are held responsible for the legal obligation of a property owner yet are excluded from much-needed infrastructure work. Churches, colleges and other organizations need to know how much they have to pay.”