Editorial: Jolanda Jones for At-Large Position 5

Of the current 15 members of Houston City Council, including Mayor Annise Parker, none arouses the intense passions that Jolanda Jones has stirred in her two terms.

The defense attorney and former track star campaigned for office on the promise to serve as "the voice of the voiceless" at City Hall. Over the past four years she has more than fulfilled that commitment, winning a devoted following in the low-income communities of Houston while irritating and sometimes enraging critics and colleagues. She has rough edges, and certainly does not represent business as usual.

The Chronicle believes that on balance, Jones has served a valuable function on a City Council that has historically played a subservient role in Houston’s strong-mayor form of government. She speaks out frequently, questioning administration proposals and demanding more information. That lengthens council meeting times and often delays action, but it also provides additional scrutiny and the impetus to improve legislation.

"I’m responsive to the people who put me in office," says Jones. "If I have to push, I will, but I do a lot behind the scenes. I don’t brag about it, I just get things done."

Jones championed a $30 million fund to provide assistance for low-income and elderly residents hard hit by water and sewer rate hikes. She called for better work conditions and equal treatment of women firefighters, and compliance with city goals for hiring disadvantaged, minority and women-owned businesses.

In the past year Jones has weathered a barrage of complaints to the Office of Inspector General regarding her conduct in office. One that involved allegations that she had used profanity at a visit to a fire station proved unfounded. Others involving her distribution of a card that listed both her council and law firm phone numbers provoked a lengthy investigation that concluded without action by City Council.

In the current campaign, many of Jones’ critics are backing Laurie Robinson, an accomplished financial consultant specializing in health care and the public sector who has done audits for the city. She is a promising prospective council member; we hope she runs again for public office, whether for this position or another.

After carefully examining the facts, the Chronicle endorses Jones for re-election and urges voters to return her to City Hall for a final term.

Editorial: Jolanda Jones for At-Large Position 5 – Houston Chronicle