The Chronicle makes its endorsement in District H.
An unusually well-qualified field of candidates is vying to replace former incumbent Adrian Garcia, who was elected Harris County Sheriff in November. The Chronicle believes Garcia's former council community liaison, 18-year Houston police veteran and sergeant Ed Gonzalez, is the best choice to represent District H.Gonzalez is a native Houstonian and lives in Lindale Park with his family. He boasts a strong history of civic involvement in the district and currently chairs the crime and public safety committee of the Houston Heights Association.
"District H needs effective representation from day one," Gonzalez told the Chronicle editorial board during a candidate screening. "I've been there. I've worked with the different community leaders and civic organizations." Gonzalez, whose police experience includes gang murder investigations and hostage negotiation, organized a community town hall to deal with a rash of home burglaries in the district. As council liaison he also has worked with neighborhood leaders on health, transportation and other issues.
Gonzalez has been endorsed by an impressive group of elected officials and organizations. He has the support of Sheriff Garcia, Constable Victor Trevino, Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia, Congressman Gene Green and state Reps. Ana Hernandez and Armando Walle.
His experience and dedication to improving Houston's quality of life make Gonzalez an excellent choice to serve as District H councilmember. The Chronicle urges voters to go to the polls next Saturday and cast ballots in what is expected to be a very low-turnout election.