On Sunday the Houston Chronicle gave Mayor Parker column inches to explain away the NASA situation that occurred on her watch. I wrote a letter to the editor in response. Of course it was not and will not be published, so I’m publishing it here instead:
Dear Editor,
I am Jack O’Connor and I am running for mayor of Houston. I have met with Annise Parker and believe she is well intentioned but she is primarily driven by politics and her reelection. The Chronicle threw her a softball by allowing her to write on the recent positive activity here at NASA. Many of us are strong supporters of the Johnson Space Center and are aware of its impact on the local economy. “Bay Tech” has done wonders for the Clear Lake area that extends well beyond JSC’s interests. The organization’s efforts has had a Maritime curriculum instituted at a number of area Public High Schools. Earning two certifications at one of these High Schools almost guarantees a job at the Port of Houston. Other certifications at HCC can lead to even greater opportunity at the Port.
As a candidate for Mayor I have to remind the voters of Houston that she did not fight for the shuttle Enterprise to be located here. Houston’s strong and comprehensive bid prepared by the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership was rejected. Why? Mr. Obama’s appointee to lead the space agency in Washington changed the rules. Ms.Parker should have been in Washington making a case and attracting national attention to the undue harm that the federal government continues to inflict on our city and the State of Texas. Yes it was the Texas delegation whose efforts brought renewed optimism to Houston’s Space Program. Our leadership at City Hall, however, needs a change and I look forward to the day when we can announce that the City is ”Under New Management”.
Jack O’Connor
Candidate for the Mayor of Houston.
