First and foremost, we must reduce the amount of crime regularly occurring in south west Houston. According to our founding fathers, the government is a necessary evil whose number one mission is to protect its citizens from all threats, foreign and domestic. No one understands this better than a person like myself who came to this country fleeing violence. As such, it is clear that if there is anything the government must do well, it is to fight crime and seek justice for victims. The southwest part of town contains some of the highest crime zip codes in the city. As a government, we must tackle this issue head on and at the very least ensure our citizens have a safe city.
Houston, we have a major problem: we are one of the sex trafficking capitals of the United States of America. A significant portion of this activity is centralized along the Bissonnet triangle in southwest Houston. It is imperative that we crack down on sex trafficking using all means available while also working with NGOs to help the victims of human trafficking. As such, we will implement an organized naming and shaming campaign to ensure that any arrested john found within our district will be outed to his family, partner, community and employer. Moreover, we will aggressively advocate for drivers license suspicions for all people convicted of soliciting prostitutes in our city. Additionally, we will fund continuing patrols along Bissonett throughout the night to ensure any one soliciting will get caught. Lastly, we will partner with our local NGOs like Streets of grace, The Landing, and others to ensure that the women victimized by this horrendous industry have a way out. With over 300,000 women and girls being trafficked through our streets, the time for action is now.
To bring down crime in our community, our police need to have the resources and training necessary to effectively prevent and solve crime. Currently HPD spends 90% of its budget on staffing 5,200 officers, 880 civilian support personnel and 140 cadets and yet we still have 325+ fewer full time equivalent officers than we did 25 years ago. With 461 citizens being covered per officer and an average of 8 police officers per square mile, we clearly need to increase the number of full time officers in HPD while also ensuring that our existing police resources are pre-positioned to respond near the areas with the highest crime levels. Additionally, we need to ensure that our police officers are adequately trained to cover the diverse situations they will find themselves in. This can range from dealing with the mentally ill and homeless to addressing active shooters and crowd control.
Given our limited police resources, we must invest in effective technologies to help us increase the effectiveness of our police force. For example by expanding shot spotters, cameras, and license plate readers throughout our district we provide HPD with necessary information they need to solve and help to reduce crime. Moreover, by partnering with local research institutions like University of Houston and Rice University, we can continuously evaluate the effectiveness of our interventions and thereby ensure that we are not wasting resources for the sake of novelty. In short, with a commitment to innovation and monitoring, we can turn Houston into a leader in safety technology.
Young people, particularly young men, who have positive activities to engage in are less likely to become involved in criminal activity. As such we must invest in youth enrichment programs. These include after-school programs, sports teams, and mentoring initiatives as well as providing incentives for safe family friendly entertainment to develop in our district. These programs can provide a positive outlet for youth and help them build important life skills. After all, we all know that idle hands are the devil's workshop.
Community policing is a philosophy that emphasizes building relationships between police officers and the community they serve. By creating a sense of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the public, crimes are more easily prevented and solved. Southwest Houston contains some of the highest crime zip codes in the city while also having some of the least amount of community and police engagement. We aim to help increase the community's sense of trust in the police through various ongoing initiatives including community meetings, neighborhood patrols, and partnerships with community organizations. By working together, the community and the police can create a safer environment for all.
Houston must seize the opportunities presented by the upcoming World Cup and tap into the $1.6 billion that will flood into our city. By doing so, we can keep our economy strong and ensure Houston is ready to shine on the world stage.
One of our top priorities is the rehabilitation of Sharpstown Mall, a vital location in our district and once the shining gem of the SW. By bringing together the private and public sectors, we can make this mall accessible to everyone, transforming it into a vibrant hub that benefits both locals and the influx of World Cup visitors.
Furthermore, we will focus on securing additional funding for capital improvement projects and creating small business grants specifically for District J. This financial support will enable our local businesses to modernize and update their operations, allowing them to transition from cash-only transactions to accepting digital payments and establishing a strong online presence. By embracing these advancements, our businesses will thrive and cater to a wider customer base.
To facilitate economic growth, we must also streamline and update the permitting center. For far too long, this center has hindered progress by holding many economy-improving projects hostage. By improving its efficiency and eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy, we can create a more business-friendly environment that fosters innovation and expedites the execution of important projects.
Together, we can rehabilitate Sharpstown Mall, strengthen our local economy, and ensure that District J shines during the World Cup. Join me in this endeavor, and let's build a thriving future for our community.
Houston, we refuse to accept our current reputation as one of the dirtiest cities in the United States. We are ready to rise above and showcase our determination to create a city that is clean, beautiful, and envied by all.
We will no longer tolerate Illegal dumping. We will create a District J Decontamination Unit. We will harness the power of technology to fight back and hold offenders accountable. Through innovative solutions, we will track and eradicate this problem, leaving no room for environmental negligence.
We will plant trees on a massive scale, not only to enhance our urban landscape but also to improve air quality and combat climate change. Our streets and bayous will be transformed into havens of natural beauty and tranquility.
Parks will become vibrant gathering places, infused with energy and life. We will invest in state-of-the-art amenities, creating spaces that inspire creativity, foster community engagement, and offer respite from the urban hustle.
The night will come alive as we light up our highways and iconic buildings with energy-efficient LED technology. Our city will glow with pride, showcasing our commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Houston is the energy capital of the world, and we will solidify that position with a bold leap into the future. We will forge partnerships with energy companies, secure federal grants, and revolutionize our city with solar panels and charging stations. Houston will become a beacon of clean energy, inspiring other cities to follow suit.
Flooding has taken a tremendous toll on Houston, resulting in the loss of over 100 billion dollars since 2010 and tragically claiming numerous lives. Its devastating impact not only affects our financial stability but also disrupts our peace of mind and erodes our sense of stability. It is imperative that we take decisive action to combat this recurring menace and build a sustainable future for our city.
We must recognize that stopping flooding goes hand in hand with our commitment to sustainability. By addressing the root causes of flooding and embracing environmentally conscious practices, we can create a more resilient and livable Houston.
Our first priority is to invest in robust infrastructure and innovative flood mitigation systems. By enhancing our drainage systems, improving reservoirs, and implementing cutting-edge technologies, we can better manage excessive rainfall and significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic flooding. This approach ensures the long-term protection of our communities and instills a sense of security in our residents.
Additionally, we must adopt sustainable land-use practices and prioritize responsible development. Effective storm water management and the preservation of natural wetlands and green spaces all play vital roles in reducing flood risks and preserving our environment. By embracing sustainable growth, we can create a harmonious balance between urban development and nature, fostering a healthier and more resilient Houston.
A key component of our commitment to sustainability is the transition to clean and renewable energy sources. By promoting solar power, wind energy, and other renewable alternatives, we can reduce carbon emissions, combat climate change, and enhance the long-term sustainability of our city. This transition will not only protect our environment but also spur economic growth and create new job opportunities in the clean energy sector.
Education and community engagement are paramount in driving this transformative change. We must raise awareness about the impacts of flooding, climate change, and the importance of sustainable practices. By empowering our citizens with knowledge, we can foster a collective commitment to environmental stewardship and inspire individual actions that contribute to a more sustainable Houston.
I am dedicated to forging partnerships and collaborating with experts, community organizations, and local businesses to advance our sustainability agenda. Together, we can secure funding, drive innovation, and implement bold initiatives that protect our city from flooding while building a greener, more sustainable future.
Ivan Sanchez believes SW Houston has been neglected and is running for District J to bring back the SW Sharpstown pride back!
We are seeking your financial support for a donation to make this happen. Let's get Ivan elected into Houston City Council!