When Houston voters passed Proposition A in November, they significantly redistributed power within the city government. For the first time, city council members, with the support of at least two colleagues, could place items directly on the agenda, a privilege previously held exclusively by the mayor.
After taking office, Mayor John Whitmire formed a committee to review items brought forward by council members. This action has raised questions about the extent of the council’s new powers and the role of the committee, which is not mentioned in the new rule.
District C City Council Member Abbie Kamin asked City Attorney Arturo Michel whether council members can still bring items directly to the council for a vote without an automatic referral to a committee. Michel responded that Proposition A requires all items brought before the council to be considered, giving the council a broad range of options.
Whitmire stated that the decision on automatic referrals should be left to the committee. The committee will meet for the first time on Tuesday, where additional clarity and rules are expected to be established.
District D City Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who co-chairs the committee, said that it should not be allowed to cherry-pick which issues go before the council or act as gatekeepers. However, District J City Council Member Edward Pollard believes that sending items to the committee without the author’s consent is gatekeeping and goes against the will of the voters.
