HOUSTON—With her hand on her grandparents’ Bible, Annise D. Parker was sworn in as Mayor of Houston in a private ceremony held at Houston City Hall today.
State District Judge Steven Kirkland administered the oath to Mayor Parker. City Controller Ronald C. Green also took the oath of office. Green’s wife, Harris County Justice of the Peace Hilary Green, had the honor of administering the oath to her husband. A small gathering of family and friends was present.
The private ceremony was held to meet the legal requirements of the City Charter, which mandate the transfer of power occur on January 2. The official public inauguration of Mayor Parker, City Controller Green and Houston City Council is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Monday at the Wortham Theater Center.
Mayor Parker chose the private Saturday morning ceremony followed by a formal public inaugural on Monday to avoid the overtime costs the city would have incurred from having to call in police and other city employees for a weekend inauguration. She also did not want to interrupt the holiday weekend for city employees.
“At a time when the city is facing budget shortfalls, we will be continually looking for ways to cut expenses,” said Mayor Parker.
The inaugural celebration will end Monday evening with a free concert from 6 to 9 p.m. at Discovery Green.
harley2 said on January 2, 2010 at 7:13 PM
good luck mayor parker . take our city back
dubie said on January 2, 2010 at 7:17 PM
key word harley our city
jim375 said on January 2, 2010 at 7:20 PM
surprised she didnt burn up when she put her hand on the bible
jim375 said on January 2, 2010 at 7:22 PM
oh and to all that went to the lesbian thing when they first read my comment it was meant as a dig at politicians so get a life and wipe your feelings off your shoulder and get a life
yeahisaidit said on January 2, 2010 at 7:43 PM
she said that she would have to "juggle 12 balls at once" when in office. lmao. now that sucks.
retiredtexan said on January 2, 2010 at 7:45 PM
She should set a good example on family life-stile for the rest of the nation. Houston be proud,---------yeah right.
raymon said on January 2, 2010 at 8:53 PM
I'm glad that I don't live in the city! Imagine the choices, her or Q-ball's cousin! Now that's funny!