Choose Robinson
Incumbent’s thoughtful, balanced voice should keep speaking from At-Large Position 2.
Unlike council members who speak for specific districts, at-large representatives must take a wider view and consider the city as a whole when making decisions and setting priorities. During his time on the council, David Robinson has provided for his more than 2 million constituents a thoughtful and balanced voice.
Robinson, 53, told the editorial board there is still a lot more work to be done at City Hall. Voters should allow him to continue that work.
Part of that effort is to improve the city’s resilience in the face of changing climate.
“We’re existentially threatened by global climate change, by storm surge, by things that have not yet struck our city and we are in the infancy of providing protection for,” Robinson said. He added that the city must figure out cost-effective ways to supplement flood mitigation projects undertaken by the county and the federal government.
On the issue of solid waste, Robinson said the council should focus on offering efficient and reliable service within the city’s financial constraints. He called emergency purchase orders for equipment a “Band-Aid solution” and said he would support dedicating more funding for department needs.
Robinson is vice-chairman of the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s regional Transportation Policy Council, which recently committed $100 million to the Interstate 45 widening project — a controversial move, but one that Robinson said was “part of the process.” There are important public safety upgrades in the project, Robinson said he will not support a final plan that doesn’t address flooding concerns, public transportation or neighborhood impact.
Other candidates for At-Large 2 include Willie Davis, a pastor who ran for the seat in 2015; Emily Muñoz Detoto, a criminal defense attorney; and perennial candidate Michael “Griff ” Griffin. Jim Honey did not meet with the board and as of Oct. 12. His website is filled mostly with placeholder text.
Out of the challengers, Muñoz Detoto most clearly defined the feeling among some residents that the city is stumbling when it comes to providing basic services, such as trash pickup, recycling and flood protection. She made an impassioned case that city government must recapture the voters’ trust.
However, the incumbent has proven he understands the problems facing Houston and that he is focused on finding solutions to them. We continue to place our trust in David Robinson and recommend him for At-Large Position 2.