We have another contender for the one At Large Council seat that will be open next fall, former Houston GLBT Political Caucus President Jenifer Pool. From her press release, which I received late Wednesday:
Jenifer Rene Pool announced her candidacy for Houston City Council, At-Large Position 2 on Saturday, October 2 at a gathering of her supporters. In her announcement, Jenifer Pool said, “I run because I want to serve the citizens of Houston in helping to make my home, this great city, greater. I want to participate in the process of helping to find solutions to our challenges, create opportunities for all our citizens, make sure all constituents are represented, and become the most efficient and effective city government in the history of Houston.”
Appointed by Mayor Bill White, Jenifer Rene Pool currently serves as a City commissioner of the Building & Standards Commission, and appointed by Mayor Annise Parker, serves on the Police Advisory Commission. Mayor Annise Parker, today, named Ms. Pool to a Blue Ribbon Task Force on Building & Standards. She is a local businesswoman, owning a consulting company which specializes in construction permitting, licensing, and project management. Ms. Pool is a long time resident of Houston. Having moved here in 1980, she has worked in the construction industry since arriving.
Ms. Pool is also a long time community activist working with the GLBT community. She is past president of the GLBT Political Caucus, where her communication and organizational abilities brought the Caucus to the forefront of community involvement. She is also a board member of the Houston Transgender Unity Committee. She is a steering committee member and past Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee of the Human Rights Campaign-Houston.
Dr. Maria Gonzalez, professor of English at the University of Houston and past president of the GLBT Political Caucus said, “Jenifer represents the kind of citizen candidate I like to see run for our City Council. She understands the challenges this city faces and wants to work towards solutions. I look forward to volunteering on her campaign.”
When asked why she is choosing to run at this time, Ms. Pool said, “There are issues in our City that require a clear and decisive voice to get things moving for the future well being of all our citizens. We are a great city and will be an even greater city in the future.”
See here and here for some background. Jenifer is a friend of mine – I was there when she made the announcement; the gathering was her birthday party at The Big Mamou in the Heights – so I’m glad to hear that she’s running. She joins at least one other declared candidate and numerous potential ones in what ought to be a crowded field for the At Large #2 seat.