As the race for Houston’s next mayor heats up, Mayor Bill White is preparing to pass the torch. He sat down to offer a few tips for the next mayor and talk about his accomplishments and future plans.

Q.        You've been mayor for six years. How does it feel to hand the torch to someone else after such a long time?

A.        I am sure every Mayor feels a special relationship with the people of this City, and that does not end with service as Mayor.  We have worked hard to establish systems and plans to allow a smooth transition even as our City experience of a global recession   I hope every new Mayor will be the best that our city has ever had.

Q.        In your opinion, what is the greatest accomplishment of your administration? What are you most proud of?

A.        I have worked hard to bring people from different backgrounds and political views together to get things done.  Houston is a diverse city and it is important for us to establish common ground.  I have worked to make our city's finances stronger than any other big city in our nation.  This has served us well in dealing with both natural disasters and the current global financial crisis.  And, of course, the long days and nights taking care of our citizens after Hurricane Ike and our neighborhoods after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita will never be forgotten.

Q.        What do you think are the top three most pressing issues that the next mayor will have to face?

A.        The largest immediate challenge will be to maintain fiscal discipline during a recession.  There will always be more needs for services, but those in government must try to live within their means.  We should work hard to bring crime rates down.  We should increase the number of police officers but not compromise large investments which are being made to assist in solving crimes through new information technology systems and better forensics.  Finally, we must continue to make housing within the city limits affordable, particularly for new homeowners.  We have set aside substantial amounts of dedicated funding that the new Administration can use for that purpose.

Q.        With so much attention being given to rising energy costs and the decline of oil, do you think it's important for the City of Houston to utilize more renewable energy sources? How can the next mayor push for green energy?

A.        The City of Houston already buys renewable energy more than any state, local, or federal government agency in the U.S.   We now are viewed as a national leader in energy-efficient building standards.  I hope our new Mayor continues the nationally recognized Residential Energy Efficiency Program, which has cut the utility bills for well over 7,000 homes owned by those with modest income.  We are ramping up incentives for construction of ultra-energy space efficient affordable new homes, with federal grant funding.  I expect Houston will be consisder3ed a national leader in building these more efficient homes for the future.

Q.        Even though your final term as mayor is coming to a close, we'll still be hearing a lot about you because of your senatorial campaign. Why did you choose to run for the U.S. Senate? What inspires you to remain in public service?

A.        I am working to be a voice for all Texans in the U.S. Senate, not just a vote for special interest groups. Texas ' next Senator should just do what is right for Texas.  I know how to bring people together to get things done, and we need more of that in The Capitol now.  I have had experience in both the private sector, the federal government, and local government in bringing borrowing down and it is important to Texans that we revive our economy without damaging our national finances for the long run.  I will never forget that those in public service should act as servants, and are no more important than any person we represent.

Q.        How does your family feel about all this campaigning? Does it ever get overwhelming?

A.        Well, I have not enjoyed "free time" during the last year while both leading our city and running for the Senate.  But I always put my City responsibilities first.  I would never be able to do so without the active support of Andrea and my two sons and daughter, who now have worked actively in this campaign.  They share my view that the Senate race is about the future of Texas, not my career.  I enjoy building businesses and camping in the mountains and so much more, and my family and those who serve with me in city government know that I work hard simply to make a difference.