City Controller Chris Hollins on Tuesday requested that an active probe into his office’s fundraising practices also look into the way Mayor John Whitmire’s State of the City event solicits its own financial support.
This news follows the war of words engaged in between Hollins and Whitmire with accusations of fiscal wrongdoings being hurled.
Last week, Whitmire accused Hollins of creating the appearance of a “pay-for-play” system in the city.
Hollins’ response: Whitmire is a “walking conflict of interest.”
Shortly thereafter, Whitmire called for a probe into the City Controller’s Office regarding sponsorships sought for the Houston Investor Conference (HIC) which took place Oct. 22.
Though Hollins and Whitmire have butted heads previously regarding disagreements over city finances, last week’s exchange seemed to ratchet up their seeming feud.
Whitmire’s Issue
At issue was Hollins’ call for sponsorships for the HIC. The decade-plus-old annual event caters to large companies open to learning about ways to invest in the Bayou City, including how to fund large bond initiatives.
This year, Hollins’ office offered interested companies sponsorship packages ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Additionally, the office raised the price of individual tickets from $100 to $750.
Whitmire’s reaction: “This is nothing but the appearance of pay-to-play in Houston, Texas. There are conflicts of interest still being practiced, and this is as glaring as anything I’ve seen.”
Hollins’ Response
Hollins spoke after Whitmire’s comments.
“No, I didn’t go to the city attorney and say, ‘We’ve been doing this for 16 years, can I do it still?’ The controller’s office has asked for sponsorship for the event in the past just like for as long as I can remember, the State of the City has been a sponsored event controlled by the mayor where organizations have sponsorships.”
Hollins dismissed the idea that the City Controller’s Office is directing a pay-to-play scheme, noting that the money raised from HIC sponsorships and tickets will go toward a program called Bank On Houston that seeks to increase low-income Houstonians’ financial literacy.
He also set the record straight on who holds the power regarding city contracts.
“I don’t award any contracts, just so you’re aware, The mayor and city council award contracts. Let’s talk about the walking conflict of interest that is the current mayor of the city of Houston,” added Hollins.
But after Whitmire launched his probe, Hollins responded with his request that the Mayor’s Office’s fundraising practices be investigated, as well.
“Let me be clear: I do not consider the marketing practices of either event to be unlawful,” he said. “But I do believe the same set of rules should apply equally to both the mayor’s and controller’s fundraising activities… Bias has no place in public service. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”
Additional Beefs
Two months shy of his first anniversary as mayor, Whitmire has had public spats with and/or denigrated the work of three of the area’s highest-ranking past and present leaders of color.
On May 16, when the region’s top two elected officials (Whitmire and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo) held their first joint press conference, an air of discord was apparent to witnesses.
The press briefing was in response to the unexpected windstorm that caused eight deaths, widespread power outages, and significant damage to Houston-area buildings and infrastructure.
At one point during the news briefing, there appeared to be a brushing aside or demeaning of Hidalgo’s position as Harris County Judge when Whitmire attempted to pass her over to allow other elected officials gathered to make comments first.
Hidalgo, appearing visibly upset, asserted herself onto the podium/mic space, immediately reminding Whitmire that protocol in such emergencies calls for Houston’s mayor and Harris County’s judge to be the first two individuals to address the public.
Hidalgo stated, before addressing the issue of wind damage, that another reason her voice was critical to all Houston-area viewers of the event was because she has traditionally interpreted comments for the area’s robust Spanish-speaking population.
The seemingly standoffish relationship between the two at that moment was made even more awkward when Whitmire, referring to press conference speakers, remarked, “I’m glad I made the approval list,” as Hidalgo stood ready to speak at the podium.
Her response: “Mayor, this is a disaster. Now is not the time.”
Two months later when Hidalgo posted an announcement of her engagement with a photo of herself and her fiancé on Facebook, Whitmire left a comment calling Hildago’s fiancé a “nerd.” Without the “history” of apparent friction between the two, Whitmire’s comment might have been brushed off as an offbeat attempt at humor. However, with what the general public perceived as Whitmire/Hildago beef, his “nerd” comment was actually reported on by multiple local media outlets.
Additionally, multiple Black community members have noted that Whitmire has consistently blamed “the previous administration” (i.e. former Mayor Sylvester Turner) for Whitmire’s lackluster response to and preparedness for Hurricane Beryl and the State Legislature’s seemingly cantankerous relationship with Houston/Harris County.
