Chris Bell pursued a degree in journalism at the University of Texas at Austin and later graduated from South Texas College of Law. He’s had a career as a T.V. and radio reporting, as well as in the field of law. Bell served on the Houston City Council for five years until 2001, and served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2003 to 2005.

-Bell is in favor of Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance.
-Plans to improve police-community relationships by enforcing more walking beats for police officers to familiarize themselves with neighborhoods and the people who reside in them.
-Wants to invest in advanced solutions like “Quick-Response”, a system that would use data analytics to increase city government saving and improve response time for filling potholes, collecting trash and 9-1-1 response.

The Venture:

How do plan to improve education for Houston students?

Chris Bell:

I would pay serious attention to how our schools are being managed and whether we are giving students at all grade levels, including college level, the education they deserve. I do have a specific plan to get our youngest Houstonians a better start at being a good student by offering unused space in our public libraries for Pre-K and other early education programs.

TV:

The Houston Metro Rail system has expanded, but many students feel unsafe due to loiters and crime incidents. How would you improve student safety around Metro?

Bell:

Metro should be doing everything possible to keep the trains and stations safe. If more can be done, as Mayor, I would appoint Metro board members who take safety seriously.

TV:

Students who commute have a tough time getting to class due to traffic congestion. What are some public transportation changes you plan to achieve as Houston continues to grow?

Bell:

There is some planning to expand rail line services, and Metro is about to roll out its new bus routing system that is supposed to improve service to campuses and reduce transfers. I hope the universities are promoting carpooling and van serve options as well. I believe Bus Rapid Transit, a fixed rail system for buses, has some potential for Houston and I have said publicly I would explore Bus Rapid Transit as an option.

TV:

What are the policy issues you advocate for?

Bell:

While I haven’t been in elected office since 2004, I have continued to be involved in a number of issues, including passage of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance. HERO is now going before voters in November, along side the mayoral election. I support the passage of HERO by voters. I supported the passage of the ordinance last year. Houston must not be seen as a city that would tolerate discrimination and injustice.

TV:

What is your approach to fixing Houston roads?

Bell:

Repairing our streets and sidewalks is a cornerstone issue of my campaign. I propose using the best technology available to track potholes, and use more of the one-man pothole filling machines that can make a repair within minutes. Potholes are also a symptom that we need to make broader improvements in government. Problems that wide spread are a symptom of neglect and bad management. I promise to improve the management of streets and traffic by putting those responsibilities into a separate department that reports directly to the mayor.

TV:

What sets you aside from the other candidates?

Bell:

I have served in the United States Congress, and I was a Houston city council member. That experience is well-suited to the mayor’s office. I also believe I have the temperament and experience for successful consensus-building and negotiation.

TV:

What will you do differently from Mayor Annise Parker?

Bell:

Potholes are a good example of how a problem can get way ahead of you if you don’t manage it on a regular schedule and avoid having to respond in a crisis. We have to be proactive instead of reactive.

TV:

Tell us something about yourself interesting that others can’t find about you on your website?

Bell:

I participated in several open-mic nights at an Amarillo comedy club while working there as a television reporter. It wasn’t to work toward actually becoming a comedian, but to see what it was like. After the first time, the professional headliner told me I could come to Houston and he could get me some gigs. I decided to stay focused on journalism and only did comedy routines a couple more times. Law school brought me to Houston, not comedy. But it was a great experience and I can still craft a fairly decent joke from time to time.

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