As an emergency responder of 30 years, I am intimately familiar with emergency preparedness and how it can affect the well being of our community. Whether the threat is crime, a hurricane, weapons of mass destruction, or accidental man-made disasters, responders will be trained and prepared to rapidly assist Houstonians by mitigating the challenge.

Your safety is paramount; after all, what's the use of having streets that don't flood if you're afraid to use them.  Houstonians shouldn't be hesitant to use an ATM in fear of being robbed. Gas stations and convenience stores shouldn't be considered watering holes for those with ill intentions.  I also believe in protecting our borders and I refuse to allow cartels—trafficking both humans and drugs—to continue operating in Houston.

In 2002 our Fire Department achieved an Insurance Services Office (ISO) number one rating.  A number one rating is the best that can be obtained and affects the insurance rates paid by Houstonians—the lower the number, the less expensive the insurance.  Reductions in fire service delivery and preparedness could affect our ISO rating and possibly increase our insurance rates.  I will not compromise public safety nor risk increasing your insurance premium.

As Mayor, I will work to maintain our Fire Department as one of the best in the world.