Mayor Turner makes 'rookie mistake' on flag lowering. Gabrielle Banks, HoustonChronicle.com ($$$)
One day before his inauguration ceremony, Mayor Sylvester Turner took what may have been his first executive action. El Franco Lee, a pillar of the region's political elite, died suddenly Sunday, and Turner ordered the flags lowered in honor of the veteran Harris County commissioner.
A fitting idea, thought Ed Emmett, the county judge who would follow suit a day later. But Turner had committed a rookie error in Emmett's view: A local official can't lower flags without permission from the proper authorities.
A little further down in the story, newly appointed Turner spokesperson, and former Parker flack, Janice Evans provided the news that our former Mayor flouted the law constantly:
Turner's spokeswoman Janice Evans, who also worked for Turner's predecessor, said former Mayor Annise Parker had lowered the flag for fallen police officers and firefighters without seeking anyone else's permission - with the understanding that she had the authority to regulate the flag honors at city buildings.
Of course, Ms. Parker was never one for following the law (or writing good laws) when it didn't suit her priorities so maybe we shouldn't be surprised?
For progressives however, this is a tailor-made opportunity to ramp up their 'local control' resumes on an issue that doesn't really involve much risk. This is perfect wrapped-in-the-flag campaign material for a group that, quite honestly, has been lacking it of late.
OF COURSE the Mayor should have the ability to order folks to lower flags to half staff in the City when they decide. What's the point of being elected Mayor if you can't?
Think about it, if you can't order people to mourn, then how in the hell are you going to have any success telling them how to drive? Or where to live? Or what to eat? Flag position is a gatekeeper drug to all of these powers and the Democrats in Houston should petition their elected counterparts in Austin to change this law that places too much power in the hands of the Governor.
This then is the first real test of Turner's mettle, and true first measurement of his influence in Austin. If you can't win on the Mom and Apple pie issue of flag decorum, then what in the world can you win on Mr. Mayor? After all this sir, do you have no sense of protocol?
Either all of that, or it's just Thursday.
I'm pushing for the latter.
