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News

White encourages citizen involvement

Mayor says Houstonians can improve city by working with local government at on-campus forum Thursday

COUGAR NEWS STAFF 

Citizens need to be more involved in the political process to make cities a better place, Mayor Bill White said Thursday while speaking in the University Center Underground's World Affairs Lounge.

At an event hosted by The Daily Cougar and the Student Video Network, White spoke to students, faculty and staff about issues affecting those living in Houston. White encouraged Houstonians to be more involved in a direct dialogue with city officials to continue to help the city reach new heights.

"People can change their community and the society in which they live," he said. "It's not always the people who are famous and give the big speeches and implement the change. Sometimes it's the people at all levels who just get out there and organize people to get things accomplished."

White also addressed initiatives he's been taking to improve air quality in Houston and surrounding cities and suburbs. He said he hopes citizens will continue to do their part in actively improving Houston's environment.

"Because of rules and regulations, our air is significantly cleaner than it was, but we asked top scientists when I got into office to tell us, based on monitors, based on the science that was available, if there were chemicals that were awful in our air," he said. "They told it like it was. Nobody asked for a report like that before because some people said it would be bad for business if there was something that showed that there were chemicals in the air. I say it's bad for business if people get asthma and respiratory diseases."

After discussing Houston's poor air quality and encouraging Houstonians to get involved, White fielded audience members' questions. He said he wanted to know what students felt in order to serve his constituents better.

Students, faculty and staff addressed topics ranging from concerns about Metro to safety in the area surrounding UH.

Houston has acquired a lot of land in the Third Ward, White said, so officials can take some of the abandoned properties that are a magnet for crime and build affordable housing.

White's office approached The Daily Cougar to help him reach out to the University community. He was interested in hearing what UH students have to say, Kristen Young, event organizer and former editor in chief of The Daily Cougar, said.

"I was excited to be given the opportunity to allow students to interact with our local government," editor in chief Robyn Morrow said. "I think people need to take a more active role in participating in local politics. It only helps Houston become a better and easier place to live."

To reach more students, SVN co-sponsored and filmed the event, which will air on UH's Channel 6 periodically throughout the week.

"SVN wants to be an additional media outlet for students to inform them of upcoming events, opportunities and activities that can help improve their college experience," SVN President Gus Forward said.

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