Not being macho

Regarding "Fewest women on council since '99" (Page A1, Monday), during my two terms on City Council (2006-2010), I served with nine gifted and caring women committed to the public good, teamwork and a spirit of cooperation.

Houston politics does not have to be a "contact sport," more attuned to male egos and big donors, a majority of whom are successful businessmen who like to talk turkey with other men.

What about a city charter amendment to change term limits (perhaps two four-year terms)? This would attract a diverse array of more deserving candidates, reduce the time spent campaigning and reverse the abysmally low voter turn-outs.

Ellen Cohen, Anne Clutterbuck, Melissa Noriega, Ada Edwards and others are role models for us all.

Politics as usual won't suffice. If we want women, and men, with leadership skills and a vision for our city, let's make this change.

Peter H. Brown, director, BetterHouston


A legal event

I am concerned about two comments: No. 1 "Just two women will remain on the 16-member council. And for the first time in about 25 years, a minority woman will not hold a seat."

And, No. 2, Rice University political scientist Mark Jones said, "It's more a step back rather than a step forward for the city of Houston"

In a perfect world, the 16-member council would consist of eight males and eight females; four Caucasian, four Hispanic, four Asian and four African-American; each four being two males and two females. But we don't live in a perfect world.

I believe the election was a legal event. Obviously, the voters did not vote gender or race but rather issues. Had the losing contestants worked harder to get their voters out, their numbers would have been higher. But evidently, those who voted were more interested in issues than race and gender.

I resent Jones' comment that this is a "step back" for my city. We held an election and the voters voted their choices, and that's the way it should be. That's why this country was founded and that's what so many of our military have fought for - a free and open election. I will remind you, there were no guns at our voting places.

Johnnie Horn, Houston


Voters spoke

It isn't necessary to advocate balancing the City Council based on gender or any other criteria, such as ethnicity.

We should be trying to elect people based on their qualifications and ability.

I live in Ellen Cohen's District C and have had a couple of discussions with her and find nothing to criticize her on. She seems to be doing a good job. I also know Brenda Stardig.

I have had discussions with both of them. I was in Brenda's district before redistricting, so I have a basis for evaluating both. There are other competent women out there, but they didn't campaign effectively or chose not to run.

I certainly hope a competent woman will run against Michael Kubosh in the next election and win! Anyway, I think you focus should be on competence not gender!

Richard Meek, Houston


Best qualified

Last time I checked, running for office was open to anyone who meets the criterial of being a citizen, living within the area for which there is an opening for elected office.

The article seems to imply that the city is responsible for a "step back" for the city.

Those people who run for public office and are elected are supposed to fairly represent all residents within their district, no matter their age, race, gender or religion, and in doing so, they should try to act on behalf of the majority of the district.

It matters not if they are minority, of a particular race or a particular gender.

The article seems to suggest that a woman or minority would be more inclined to side on behalf of the group they represent. That is not fair representation.

The right to seek office is there, and if more women or people of color are not running, that is not a problem. That is someone else's right to not get involved.

For me, I am much more concerned about having the best-qualified person in the position, no matter if they are man or woman.

Mike Odell, Houston