(I have asked the candidates involved in next Saturday's runoff to send me a brief statement saying why people should vote for them in that runoff. I will run the responses for candidates for each race concurrently. This statement is from Jolanda Jones in At Large #5.)

I am running for Houston City Council because I believe in a Houston where a kid like me can grow up to be a successful lawyer and businesswoman, a homeowner, a candidate for City Council and most importantly, a mom who can afford to give her son the opportunity for a bright future.

My name is Jolanda Jones, and I would be honored by your support. I'm a criminal law and family law attorney, and was instrumental in exposing the serious problems at the HPD Crime Lab.

I currently serve on the LARA board, where I'm working to redevelop abandoned properties with affordable housing. I was recently re-confirmed by a unanimous vote of City Council.

I grew up very poor in the Third Ward - but I'm one of the lucky ones.

• I had access to good public schools, after-school sports and other activities, and a strong community.
• And I used that opportunity to become a Rhodes Scholar nominee and Female Athlete of the Century at the University of Houston.
• As an athlete and scholar I could have attended many of the nation's most distinguished universities on full scholarship - but I chose to go to the University of Houston because I love this town. I still love this town and I'm running for City Council to make it better.

While I'm interested in working on many issues, my primary areas of focus are public safety, affordable housing, quality of life - especially as it relates to economic development - and improving educational opportunities for youth.

• I want to see our police force up to full strength, more coordination between law enforcement agencies and more accountability for our public safety tax dollars.
• I have strong views on improving our affordable housing programs and protecting our city's long-term investment in affordable housing.
• I believe that improving our quality of life is the best way to make Houston attractive for businesses to start here, stay here, or move here.
• And I believe every Houston leader should make a commitment to giving our kids the same opportunity to succeed that I had - a good public education and access to positive and productive after-school activities.

Thank you for considering my candidacy.