Annise Parker's Inaugural Address

Parker's mom, children, in-laws and other family members introduced.

She asks three things from us:
Prayers

Patience - everything we need to do WILL be done. The things we can
do, we can do with hard work. Warning: Democracy is slow and messy.

Perserverance

Fourth thing. We will make mistakes and have failures. Asking for
forgiveness ahead of that.

Her family values - contributing back to her community.

"The City of Houston is on your side."

Compliments City workforce. Gives examples - BARC employee, public
works employee, nurse in city clinic - unsung heroes.

Will not furlough city workers.

Challenges - budget shortfall, opportunities for efficiencies and
improvements. Thanks Mayor White for bringing handed a good city in
good shape. Other challenges - infrastructure, redistricting.

"City will be shaped by it's citizens, not by politicians." "We are in
this together."

Quotes Margaret Mead. Cool! Parker was anthropology major at Rice.

Historic election. Made news around the world. Tradition in Houston of
electing mayors for what they will do, not who they are. Speaks to
HGLBT community. "This is one step towards greater justice. --- Face
world with dignity and integrity."

Asks us to imagine the Houston we can be, should be and will be.
Reiterates campaign themes - coordinated policing, efficient
transportation options (got enthusiastic applause), clean air (good
for business), safe from flood waters (long-term commitment, dollars),
create partnerships, decrease high school drop out rate (yay,
Annise!!!).

"A great city embraces diversity . . . abhors elitism . . . Sees it's
own potential for greatness and makes it happen . . . Join me and make
it happen."

Sent from my iPhone