In 2015, there was a media debate among the candidates for the position of mayor of Houston, Texas. Among them was the candidate and lawyer Sylvester Turner. I was listening to the others, feeling a bit drowsy as I sat at a table with my hands on my cheeks, thinking to myself, “Your brother is struggling, but he’s not a hero.”
Then it was Sylvester Turner’s turn to speak, and I found myself captivated by this man who was talking about his goals to improve the city of Houston, its roads, and its people. I whispered to Julia, “This man is going to become the mayor of Houston. Hurry and schedule an exclusive interview with him because I see the mayoral seat waiting for him.”
Julia quickly arranged a meeting with him for the next day. During the interview held in his law office, Sylvester Turner said, “Yes, I am a candidate for the mayoral position in Houston, succeeding Mayor Annise Parker. My program includes several items, but the number one item is humanity and the people of Houston. I didn’t come from a wealthy family; I come from a poor family, but a family rich in dignity. I remember when I was a law student, I used to call my mother, who worked tirelessly day and night to take care of her children . I would say, ‘Mom, I can’t afford to go out for lunch like the other students or engage in many of the same activities. Her response was, ‘believe me, tomorrow will be better.’ Whenever I asked my mother for something, she would say, ‘Our dollars may be limited, but tomorrow will be better.'”
Honestly, Sylvester Turner spoke with sincerity, and his words, for me as a journalist and as an editor who had interviewed numerous well-known figures worldwide, were truly moving.
The interview concluded, but before it ended, he asked me, “If I become mayor, what would you ask of me as a journalist?” I replied, “Nothing at all. The most valuable thing you can offer is not asking for anything, just to remain a friend eternal.”
I left his law office as he prepared to compete with other candidates for the mayoral seat of Houston. I hurried back to my office, repeating to myself, “Houston, you are lucky if Sylvester Turner becomes your mayor.”
- A night from the nights of 2015
One night in 2015, as the nerves were tense, the results of the mayoral elections were awaited. News came from all directions, some true, some rumors, some inflated numbers, and some nearly accurate. Tensions were high, and some were offering congratulations before the official results were announced. Others were accepting condolences before the results were in. The official results had not yet been revealed when it was officially announced by the administrative authorities that Sylvester Turner had won the position of mayor of Houston.
- The arrival of the person at the municipality
The night of his victory was filled with celebration and joy as his supporters congratulated each other. It was difficult to approach him for a hug or to offer congratulations due to the enthusiastic crowds. Everyone was saying, “The man has arrived at the mayoral seat.”
Mayor Sylvester Turner, during his speech after taking office, held the microphone high and said in a loud voice, “Mom, you always said, ‘Tomorrow will be better.'” and today is the day.
The next day, we sent him a bouquet of flowers to congratulate him on his mayoral victory. He called us and asked, “Now that I’ve arrived, what do you and Julia want?” I replied, “Just your friendship, and that you remain a Friend Eternal.”
- Nature Against the Mayor of Houston!
Yes, his first term began with a challenge, as in 2017, just one year into his tenure, Hurricane Harvey, a devastating storm, struck. Sylvester Turner worked as a firefighter and paramedic during the storm, both before and after it hit. He spent over two years repairing the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey.
- The spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019
In 2019, another challenge emerged with the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sylvester Turner worked diligently to provide accurate information about the pandemic and expanded efforts to combat human trafficking and domestic violence.
In 2020, he took on the responsibility of implementing a healthcare support program and vaccinating all residents of Houston.
In 2021, he was appointed as the head of the U.S. Climate Mayors.
In 2022, he launched the “One Safe Houston” initiative, funded with $53 million to reduce violence and crime.
In 2023, he opened health and service centers in the San José area and initiated innovative housing projects to provide permanent housing for the homeless.
- Solutions for the year 2023
As of 2023, after eight years in office, Sylvester Turner has never known rest. It seems he took on this role to face the challenges of three years of Covid-19, three years of the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, snowstorms, and more. What more does he have in store?
So, dear reader, join me in reflecting on the obstacles and achievements of a man who defied nature, battled diseases and pandemics, faced storms and destruction, and stood strong. He truly deserves to be called “The Man Who Rocked Houston.”