Skill, experience distinguish Parker as mayoral frontrunner

The candidates for Houston's mayoral election visited the Rice campus last Tuesday, discussing issues important to the Latino community. During the unimpressive equivocations and political posturing, it became clear that the decision for Houston voters this year will be based more on the candidates themselves than their near-identical policies.The candidates, a trio of Democrats and a lone Republican, seem to agree on the basic outline for Houston's future. First, there needs to be an emphasis on economic growth through creation of a department/committee/czar for economic development; second, more coordinated police efforts through better cooperation and new technology; and third, improving traffic through changes in infrastructure and future improvements in public transportation. What's new?