The Chron endorses CM Richard Nguyen, first term Council Member whose win was a surprise in 2013 and whose service on Council has been easily deserving of a second term.
Richard Nguyen
A political neophyte when he stepped into office two years ago, Nguyen has supported Alief Independent School District’s COMET program, an after-school program that works with children living in multi-family housing and has secured future bond funds for District F’s first multi-service center. He’s shown that he’s responsive to the people in his district by directly funding overtime for Houston Police Department officers.
Opponent Steve Le is a physician specializing in family medicine. Although he offers an impressive resume, he’s not that familiar with city issues, and his opposition to the Houston equal rights ordinance is a mark against him, particularly in the district he hopes to represent.
A third candidate, Rev. Kendall Baker filed on the last day. His primary issue is opposition to HERO, ironic perhaps, since he was suspended as a manager for the city’s 311 customer service line after charges of sexual harassment against subordinate female employees were filed against him.
Nguyen, on the other hand, offered a passionate defense of the equal rights ordinance. (“We have nothing to lose but much to gain.”) He spent his first term learning the ropes and working with the mayor in an effort to get things done for his district. He deserves a second term.
Another one I called, though this one was no surprise. I agree with all the Chron says above. CM Nguyen has done a good job and deserves re-election. Steve Le has a good story to tell and his heart is in the right place, but like many first-time candidates he isn’t as strong on the issues and role of Council as he could be. Kendall Baker is an unworthy one-note candidate who should be avoided. Here’s the interview I did with CM Nguyen if you missed it before.