On October 2 longtime civic activist Jenifer Rene Pool announced that she will be a candidate for the Houston City Council At-Large Position 2 seat
“I run because I want to serve the citizens of Houston in helping to make my home, this great city, greater. I want to participate in the process of helping to find solutions to our challenges, create opportunities for all our citizens, make sure all constituents are represented, and become the most efficient and effective city government in the history of Houston.”
She's been doing that ever since she moved here from Beaumont in 1980 to work in the construction industry.
Jenifer was appointed by former mayor Bill White to serve as a City commissioner of the Building & Standards Commission, and by current Mayor Annise Parker to serve on the Police Advisory Commission. and a Blue Ribbon Task Force on Building & Standards.
She's also a past president of the GLBT Political Caucus, a board member of the Houston Transgender Unity Committee, and a steering committee member and past Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee of the Human Rights Campaign-Houston.
Dr. Maria Gonzalez, professor of English at the University of Houston and past president of the GLBT Political Caucus said in an OutSmart magazine article about Jenifer's announcement, “Jenifer represents the kind of citizen candidate I like to see run for our City Council. She understands the challenges this city faces and wants to work towards solutions. I look forward to volunteering on her campaign.”
Good luck, Jenifer. Here's hoping you make Houston history in 2011.