 Â |  Â |
 In his address Mr. Locke talked about working to improve public safety in Houston and improve neighborhoods, schools, libraries and parks and reduce the brain drain from Houston. He talked about successful race-neutral programs he has run and promised to work to increase cultural sensitivity. "Every person wants safety, a good life for their children and to believe and hope that they have a part and a stake in what's going on. My vision for Houston is one where every Houstonian plays a part. Every person in this city is a Houstonian and every one will have a voice." - Candidate for Mayor of Houston, Mr. Gene Locke. |   |
Â
Â
Many mumineen asked questions of Mr. Locke. Shk. Mustafa bhai Mandviwala had some bold healthcare suggestions. "I want you to do more about obesity in the city. I think you should make bicycles available for free in the city of Houston and ban elevators." - Shk. Mustafa bhai Mandviwala. In his response, Mr. Locke said he would encourage government to engage resources in major prevention programs and educate people about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. He also urged responsibility from the private sector. "The public sector cannot carry the load [of healthcare] by itself. " - Mr. Gene Locke, in response to Dr. Mandviwala's question about healthcare. Jumana ben Malbari asked about the lack of public transportation in Houston. "We have only five miles of rail in the city, we are talking about getting cars off the road, but there is no public transportation." - Jumana ben Malbari. | Mr. Locke said there were presently plans for light rail only within the loop. He said what Houston needed was a more efficient bus system, to do park and ride better and maybe commuter rail. Shk. Taiyeb bhai Kalolwala asked when Houston would get another amusement park like Astroworld and Zainab ben Shipchandler asked what Mr. Locke would do to attract bright students that left the area for college back into Houston. Mr. Locke's solution was to maintain a vibrant arts scene in Houston.  |
| Â The event was sponsored by Shk. Taher bhai Ezzi. | Â Prince Neon and Signs TAHER EZZI @ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
Â
