December 2012 | Volume 3 | Issue 33 Council Member Mike Sullivan’s Newsletter
Residents of District E,
As many of you know, I submitted my letter of resignation from Houston City Council this past July. That resulted in the call for a special election on November 6th. Three candidates filed to run, and Dave Martin handily won the race with 54% of the vote. Council Member-Elect Martin will be sworn in as the District E Council Member on January 2, 2013. I am both happy for, and proud of, Mr. Martin for running a positive, issues-based campaign.
In an effort to make the transition from my service to Mr. Martin, he and I have embarked on a rigid and meaningful series of transition meetings. These will include time with department directors who work closely with our council district, as well as with more global responsibilities (such as budget and finance, legal, and others). The purpose of the meetings is to give Mr. Martin the latest information on projects going on in his council district and the city at large. With a $4.2 billion city budget, 25,000 employees, and 200,000 constituents in this city council district, Mr. Martin will gain quite an advantage by spending time with these directors.
I am also proud to report that I have appointed Allie Smart as Chief of Staff of the District E office. She will continue in this role for CM-Elect Martin after he is sworn in. There are other exciting personnel announcements that will be made soon. I congratulate Mr. Martin in his choice of personnel and look forward to them all serving us with a high level of professional talent. District E deserves only the best, most committed individuals who are dedicated to community service.
The 83rd Legislative Session kicks off in Austin in January. I give my best wishes for the State Representatives who represent various portions of this council district. Those are Representatives Dan Huberty, John Davis, Caro Alvarado, Mary Ann Perez (representative elect), Anna Hernandez-Luna, and Senfronia Thompson. Make sure you know who your state representative is so you can make your voice heard. Besides our state reps, we have great leadership from State Senators Tommy Williams, John Whitmire, and Larry Taylor (senator-elect).
In closing, let me say that serving as the District E Council Member for the last 5 years has been the most professionally rewarding experience of my life. We made great progress in raising the awareness of the council district at city hall, and having worked with 2 different mayors, accomplished a great deal along the way. I know that CM Elect Martin will make his own mark, and I look forward to his success in representing you. He has my full faith and support as he goes forward.
Mike Sullivan
Council Member
HFD Retirement
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| Council Member Mike Sullivan standing with retiring HFD Captain Clifton Wooten. |
Council Member Mike Sullivan had the privilege of stopping by Fire Station #27 on November 13th to present a Certificate of Appreciation to retiring HFD Captain Clifton Wooten. Council Member Sullivan was pleased to see over 75 firemen, family and friends there to celebrate Mr. Wooten’s career and show their appreciation for his many years of service. Council Member Sullivan would like to thank Captain Wooten for his career of service to the citizens of Houston, and wishes him well in retirement.
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| Council Member Sullivan inspecting the Shawnee Street Bridge. |
Sullivan inspects Shawnee Street Bridge
On Thursday November 16th, Council Member Sullivan took time to stop by the Final Completion Inspection of the Shawnee Street Bridge in the south area of his district. While there, Council Member Sullivan met with City engineers who explained different components of the new project. Council Member Sullivan is proud to deliver this project to the community and said “The bridge’s new construction will be much safer than its predecessor.”
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| Council Member Sullivan standing with retiring HFD Captain Doug Schwiech. |
Retirement for HFD Captain Doug Schwiech
Houston Fire Department Captain Doug Schwiech retired on November 6th, after 35 years of service. Council Member Sullivan presented Captain Schwiech with a certificate of appreciation and celebrated his career along with over 50 fire fighters, family and friends. Council Member Sullivan thanks Captain Schwiech for his dedication to the City of Houston and wishes him well in retirement.
Lift Station #21
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| Council Member Sullivan at Lift Station #21. |
On November 9th, Council Member
Sullivan stopped by to inspect Lift Station #21, which services a Kingwood area sanitary sewer line. The site is currently undergoing major updates and is making substantial progress, with concrete pylons already in place. The $3.4 million project includes upgrades including backup generators and an elevated foundation that will improve the reliability of service to area residents.
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| Council Member Sullivan standing with Adolfo Santos, Special Assistant to the President and Chief Liaison Officer at University of Houston – Downtown. |
On November 9th, Council Member Sullivan attended the University of Houston- Downtown, President’s Community Breakfast held at the Junior League of Houston. Council Member met with University officials and other community leaders about the University’s success. Council Member Sullivan viewed a presentation given by UHD President Bill Flores on the state of the University and its impact on the Houston area.
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Council Member Sullivan and Council Member Elect Martin at the City of Houston Christmas Tree Lighting.
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Retirement for Inspector Eddie Burchfield
The City of Houston Fire Prevention and Plan Checking team held a retirement function for one of its own, Inspector Eddie Burchfield on November 28th at the Washington Permitting Center. Kelly Waterman, from Council Member Sullivan’s office, was in attendance and presented a certificate Inspector Burchfield for his 43 years of service. Council Member Sullivan would like to personally thank Inspector Burchfield for his years of service and to wish him well in retirement.
December 8th- League City 51st Annual Boat Lane Christmas Parade on Clear Lake @ 6pm
Continuing its efforts to maximize cost savings, provide efficient service delivery and engage in proactive customer service, the Solid Waste Management Department has taken your feedback and is improving your heavy trash (tree waste/junk waste) collection service.
