Fernando Herrera
For what I really do think will be my final interview with a candidate for municipal office, I bring you Fernando Herrera, who was the first declared opponent for Mayor Annise Parker. Herrera is a Deputy Chief with the Houston Fire Department, having graduated the Fire Academy in 1981. He is also a businessman, the Vice President of the Cottage Grove Civic Association, and was the Republican candidate for HD148 in 2010. Here’s the interview:
You can find a list of all interviews for this cycle, plus other related information, on my 2011 Elections page.
This may be the biggest upset of Houston history if Mr. Herrera’s base comes out to vote. Still a long shot, but I wouldnt sleep on this one. Its hard to see Parker going to a runoff, but if she does, it will be with him.
First time listener. Found Kuff’s questions fair, accurate, and to the point; he is very well informed. I especially liked many of Herrera’s answers, recommendations, and solutions. Especially noteworthy was “ask the City employees, the resident duty experts”. I have personnally managed and supervised hundreds of City employees who repeatedly have brought great ideas to the table which would have resulted in millions of dollars being saved. I have witnesed many projects awarded to sub-standard vendors due to the MWBE process. Many of these projects had to be re-worked or vacated due to sub-standard work. We need vendors/contractors with PROVEN capabilities which should include the PROVEN MWBE vendors. Herrera mentioned the new 700-800 MHz communications system exceeding $120,000,000.00. This system is being built and the P25 phase 2 “TDMA” standards have yet to be approved. That’s akin to an auto manufactuer promissing you a car with certain features…that have not been developed or approved by the Federal Government, and you purchased it on a promise.