American Institute of Architects Houston

Houston Chapter, Associated General Contractors

 

Houston City Council Candidate Questionnaire

 

Questionnaires were sent to all candidates for City Council in unopposed races as well as in contested races.  One questionnaire was returned without identification; those responses are not included in the report.                                                                                        

 

 

 

Administrative Effectiveness

 

The creation of the Building Services Department and the transfer of the construction and maintenance of public buildings from Public Works was a good move in recognition of the difference between utilities and civic design.  Coordination of the complex design/construction issues involved in public buildings requires specialized knowledge and skills.  Would you support the elevation of the role of City Architect to the executive level in the Building Services Department?

 

At Large Position One

 

Parker:  I need more information about this proposal before I could make a decision.

 

At Large Position Three

 

Biggs:  Yes

 

O’Brien:  Yes! I would take the position even further and make it an executive level in the Mayors Office with the powers to work with and coordinate across all departments on projects.

 

Rodriguez:  The position of City Architect could be the voice of enhancement, coordination and professionalism for the City of Houston.  It is important that the individual selected be dedicated to his/her profession and focused purely on the good of the city and not be constrained by political winds.

 

Whitehead:  Yes

 

At Large Position Four

 

Williamson:  I would support the elevation of the role of City Architect to the executive level in the Building Services Department.

 

At Large Position Five

 

Robinson:  I am not opposed to the idea but would need more details.  What is the City Architect’s position now?  What substantive difference would elevating the position make?

 

District B

 

Cole:  Most certainly.  The high importance of architecture and its role in Houston has been lost in recent years…especially in regards to government facilities.  This is why we have had to watch in despair as hundreds of millions of dollars have been poured into sports arenas and city buildings without much meaning in design. Hence, these structures resemble giant empty shoe boxes.  As a city, our architectural verve has gone the way of our elusive image and distressed civic soul…we have become a metropolitan/architectural meandering generality.  This is due to the ineffective leadership and lack of vision at City Hall today, which Houston must have to truly thrive.  Were it not for the likes of past works by Philip Johnson, Gerald Hines and more recently Giorgio Borleghni and Lorenzo Piano, Houston might have completely slipped into architectural oblivion.  I am committed to restoring our architectural leadership and creativity in Houston.  Therefore, I will support the elevation of the role of City Architect

to the executive level in the Building Services Department.

 

District C

 

Kuhleman:  Yes

 

District D

 

Edwards:  Yes.  I absolutely think the City Architect should be an executive level position.

 

Carter:  Yes

 

Womack:  Yes, if such a position would provide expanded coordination and guidance of city facilities then this position should be created.

 

District I

 

Flores:  The position of City Architect should be an Executive level position in the Building Service Department.  It is a professional position that requires the handling of confidential and proprietary information.

 

 

A city’s public buildings are its image, a statement to the citizenry about the public value of the functions carried out inside those buildings, and a symbol of the respect that city officials have for the neighborhoods.   In other cities, libraries, fire stations, service centers, municipal utility buildings and police substations often win design awards.  Not here.   How will you address the city’s failure to plan and budget for excellence?  Is this an important issue for you?

 

At Large Position One

 

Parker:  I was a strong supporter of our “% for artâ€