Mayor John Whitmire told KPRC 2’s Re’Chelle Turner in a one-on-one interview that the lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against the city is political and that he will not pursue an expensive court fight.
Shandreika Surtain looks over the solar panels installed on her home as she continues trying to reach the company behind them. She says Elios Solar stopped responding months ago, leaving her unable to pay her bill or get help with her system.
Historic gravesite in northeast Houston raises alarms as development moves forward‘Two sides to this story’: Defense challenges inappropriate relationship charges for former Goose Creek CISD counselor Read full article: ‘Two sides to this story’: Defense challenges inappropriate relationship charges for former Goose Creek CISD counselorAshanti Allen murder suspect Kevin Faux still at large; Family questions how man with violent history is free Read full article: Ashanti Allen murder suspect Kevin Faux still at large; Family questions how man with violent history is free– Mayor John Whitmire told KPRC 2’s Re’Chelle Turner in a one-on-one interview that the lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against the city is political and that he will not pursue an expensive court fight.
Whitmire said the city’s priority is protecting public safety and the municipal budget, not getting pulled into what he called a “political tug of war.” “My job is to continue to push toward language that will protect our residents and the city’s finances,” he said.
Houston mayor rejects filing Temporary Restraining Order as immigration ordinance fight threatens $110M in funding He warned the funding suspension is already affecting Houston Police Department overtime and other services. Whitmire listed services that could be curtailed if the funding is not restored, including homicide and domestic violence investigations, juvenile justice, human trafficking cases, traffic enforcement and other public-safety programs. He said police resources also are being diverted to respond to pop-up protests and large events.
‘A crisis situation’: State threatens to pull public safety funding over ordinance limiting when HPD can call ICE “Fewer investigators, fewer investigators to go take murderers and killers off the street,” Whitmire said. He said the city is adjusting HPD overtime and that the loss of funds will interfere with preparation for the FIFA World Cup, noting that about $64 million of the money was to support FIFA-related needs.
On the immigration ordinance that prompted the dispute, Whitmire said he voted for the revised measure and wants to keep working with stakeholders to find language that complies with state law and protects residents.He said the ordinance will be changed to remove a 30-minute reporting requirement and replace it with what he described as a “reasonable amount of time,” and that supervisors would be present to ensure consistency in Houston Police Department procedures.
“I’m saying we’re broke,” Whitmire said, adding that city leaders will unveil a budget proposal in May that he said will balance the budget without raising property taxes.
Whitmire said he would not support costly litigation because it would be expensive and slow. “We would lose at court. It’s a diversion. It’s a delay,” he said, and emphasized his preference for negotiation with state officials to restore funds. He urged elected officials to “quit playing politics” and work together. He also addressed immigrants directly, saying Houston police are “your friend” and that victims of crimes should report offenses regardless of immigration status.
Whitmire said he has worked with groups over the weekend and was “very encouraged” that council members who helped craft the ordinance were meeting and could support changes when the council considers revisions on Wednesday.
Emmy award-winning journalist born and raised in Alabama. College football fanatic and snow cone lover! Passionate about connecting with the community to find stories that matter.
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FIFA World Cup Houston HPD Budget Cuts Houston Public Safety Cuts Public Safety Houston Houston Mayor John Whitmire Texas Funding Freeze Ken Paxton Lawsuit
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