Purcell remains Houston’s mayor

By Frontiersman staff
Published on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 4:31 PM AKDT

HOUSTON - After a city council vote Monday night, the face of Houston’s government will remain unchanged for another year.

Because Houston is a second-class city, the council chooses the mayor and deputy mayor from within its ranks after each municipal election.

With no other council members wanting the jobs, Roger Purcell was reappointed mayor and Lance Wilson will remain as deputy mayor, City Clerk Steven Cunningham said.

Purcell received five of the seven votes, with Natasha Schachle and Virgie Thompson voting for other members of the council. Wilson won six of the seven, with only Thompson voting casting a different vote.

See Friday’s edition of the Frontiersman for official results of Houston’s election.

Comments

38 comment(s)

    Purcell stinks wrote on Oct 18, 2009 4:01 PM:

    " Purcell is slimy and he will not help Houston in the long run...apparently he will have to pull a Metiva before folks see him as he really is, and that is a snake in an unauthorized police uniform. "

    Houston Resident wrote on Oct 18, 2009 11:44 AM:

    " To "How much " -

    Not all the residents are clueless........and about Aaron, he is a good guy. Ethical. Professional. Honorable. "

    How much wrote on Oct 17, 2009 11:52 AM:

    " How much did that worthless airport fire truck cost?
    Is the mayor going to be the first to drive it while wearing his illegal police uniform and "bullit" proof vest? LOL
    The city of Houston is a joke and its residents are clueless. "

    About Give him a break wrote on Oct 16, 2009 6:53 PM:

    " Why is that cop a bad apple? Because he turned the mayor in for his bad behavior? Isn't that what police are supposed to do? Detect crime and file complaints? Or do you believe tha the Mayor is above being accountable? That is what this is all about. Was the cop forced to resign or did he choose to resign because he did not want to work for a crook? I read the letter that was in the anchorage paper and it looks like the cop left because of the Mayor's misconduct. Cop was a threat to the mayor. "

    Houston res wrote on Oct 16, 2009 6:49 PM:

    " When were you harassed by the police in Houston? Were you pulled over? What proof do you have of any abuse by the police that are there? Sometimes police pull pepole over for good reason and then those people say that it is harassment. Sometimes people say that because they feel that they should be above the law like the mayor does. "

    I have to admit it wrote on Oct 16, 2009 8:27 AM:

    " It's kind of nice to drive through Houston and not worry about being harassed for no reason by the so called police.
    Thanks Roger and keep up the good work. "

    Give him a break... wrote on Oct 15, 2009 8:04 PM:

    " Folks, calm down... At least the Mayor got rid of that bad apple Aaron Parker. I'm sure it was for the betterment of the community that Parker was forced to resign. Mayor, you still have my vote. "

    To Mayor ha Purcell wrote on Oct 15, 2009 7:40 PM:

    " " For you and the public, Houston did not purchase a bullit proof vest fo me... "

    Nice.

    1. Bullit (as mentioned) is b-u-l-l-e-t.

    2. Fo is spelled f-o-r.

    No wonder you cannot get grant monies.

    Smartest man in Houston? I hope not.

    But you citizens keep him, so....



    Jeff hewitt, Wasilla "

    Its not their fault wrote on Oct 15, 2009 5:02 PM:

    " Houston's council just does not know any better. It's like blaming a child for not knowing how to do complicated things.When the benchmark is the last depressed village they lived in, their wide spot in the road must look pretty sophisticated. Houston needs to seek out some professional advice, pay for it and stop asking for free help. In the long run it will be cheaper. "

    to Mayor Purcell wrote on Oct 15, 2009 2:22 PM:

    " If you are going to represent us, please learn to spell. Its bullet not bullit. "

    laughing wrote on Oct 15, 2009 12:47 PM:

    " So you bought your own vest? Did you buy your own uniform and badge too? When did you last wear your special police stuff? If you only are interested in administrative duties, why do you have and use these things. Do you wear them when you go on ride-alongs with real police officers? What does the other police in the valley think of you in uniform. Don't you think that they think you are wacked in the head a little bit?

    I bet that the real police in the valley would not believe your admin statement at all. "

    Bullet proof wrote on Oct 15, 2009 11:01 AM:

    " For you and the public, Houston did not purchase a bullit proof vest fo me... to the public if you have questions and want answers, not anonymous blogs, please contact me at 892-6869.
    Mayor Purcell "

    The Man wrote on Oct 15, 2009 10:03 AM:

    " "To YES" Bianca let Roger speak for himself please. (And yes I know its you). "

    Nancy wrote on Oct 15, 2009 8:53 AM:

    " Why not use your own names? If any of you are interested in making Houston a better place .......stop by the visitor center and lend a hand. We have a great Winter campaign starting and could use some help. Maybe you would like to help with the Pike Derby this year? Maybe you would like to help groom the x ski trail at the park, or the snowmachine trail up the hill? If you care so much do something. Our council works hard and most of them want good things for Houston.Join in Houston is a fun place. "

    The Man wrote on Oct 15, 2009 8:52 AM:

    " "To YIPPEE" Roger stop posting as different names. Be bold, use one name. "

    Unknown wrote on Oct 15, 2009 8:44 AM:

    " Yippe. Houston got a "new" airport designed fire truck that takes up the whole road and probably won't do over 12 miles an hour on a good day. Can't wait to see that baby in action.
    Yea right. "

    YES wrote on Oct 15, 2009 8:06 AM:

    " Hey Houstonjulia...Purcell DOES NOT want to do anything BUT administrative for the police department! And when there is the money in the budget and a QUALIFIED person applies for the position as police chief he would be more than happy to hand over the job! The ordinance for the police cheif was put into effect LONG before Purcell was Mayor, even before he was a council member! And what's wrong with $1500.00 a month plus mileage?????? You are just jealous that he is successful and you aren't! "

    Yippee wrote on Oct 14, 2009 8:45 PM:

    " WOW! Do any of you pesimists realize how childish you all sound? Most of you can't even balance your check books and Purcell was able to save the city and roll over $83,000.00 WITH OUT raising taxes and taking care of the roads, getting the fire department updated equipment and training and a police department that is actually generating revenue and keeping you drunk pesimists off the graded and plowed roads!!!!!!! That's what he's done! "

    Bullet Proof Vest wrote on Oct 14, 2009 6:24 PM:

    " Can anyone explain to me why the city paid for a bullet proof vest for Purcell. I don't know of any mayor that needs this especially at the tax payers’ expense. What other toys has he bought for himself with our money. Was this actually approved by the city council? "

    HoustonJulia wrote on Oct 14, 2009 4:08 PM:

    " And don't forget, the mayor now gets a paid $1,500 a month on top of his mileage/perdiem funds that usually run around $500 per month. He's still trying to pass an ordinance that will male him the head police officer for Houston so he can legitimize his posing as a police officer, in spite of the community's express wishes that the City pass an ordinance that give the mayor ONLY administrative, and not operational authority in the police department. "

    The Man wrote on Oct 14, 2009 3:53 PM:

    " Frontiersman - You really should implement a unique/must display your name rule so Roger and Bianca can only post once each. Of course Lee, Ruth, Rosemary, and Lance are probably on here singing Roger's praises because they have no will of their own and just agree with whatever Roger says. I feel really bad for both Virgie and Natasha, because they may protest some decisions by the council, but as long as the "Gang of Five" are together they will never get their way. Oh and good luck finding a replacement for Aaron who will actually stay in Houston. "

    HoustonResident wrote on Oct 14, 2009 3:51 PM:

    " Unknown, I have EVERY right to complain and will continue to do so. I go out and vote, I attend council meetings and am active in my community. Just because what I voted for/believe in isnt being represented doesnt mean my voice should be silenced.To those that think Purcell has been doing such a wonderful job..honestly? Please share some real evidence that proves this man and his followers on the council have really made a difference in Houston. I am truly curious as to what you have to say in regards to this. "

    What a joke wrote on Oct 14, 2009 2:25 PM:

    " Purcell was not elected as the mayor but merely a councilmember. He obtained his council seat by a completely dishonest campaign. I am sure that many of you will recall Purcell showing up on your doorsteps trying to convince you how corrupt the former mayor was. I don’t remember him discussing the destruction that he caused in so many other communities. Do you remember what he told you about his qualifications? The only honest thing he told me was his name. IT IS TIME FOR A RECALL!! "

    Houston Resident wrote on Oct 14, 2009 1:16 PM:

    " To "Purcell 186 Adams 99 " -

    I am Houston Resident and I am not Paul. If you insist on slinging mud you should at least be certain of your target. I congratulate Virgie and Natasha again for being able to think and act on their own. "

    Sad but expected wrote on Oct 14, 2009 1:08 PM:

    " This is why Houston should give up being a city and go back to the bourough. Purcell is still the mayor because of the 4 council members that he has in his pocket. If he is not recalled, we will be stuck with him for another year. His term is up next October and he will most likely be voted out if enough decent people take the time to get out and vote. But how long will it be before another Purcell shows up. "

    new House in Houston wrote on Oct 14, 2009 10:28 AM:

    " Leadership is more than just getting something done. Tyrants can get a lot done. Sometimes they do some things well. But the ends don't justify the means. Abusing employees, breaking the law, and lying to the public is not good leadership. "

    Purcell 186 Adams 99 wrote on Oct 14, 2009 10:20 AM:

    " Paul, Houston Res… you forgot the council did vote what the MAJORTY of the residents wanted, Purcell as Mayor… You do remember the 2007 election Purcell 186 votes Mayor Adams 99 votes. Sandy McDonald, July Norman and you do not run Houston the citizens do and the council did listen to the majority not your minority. Keep up the Good work Roger and Lance. "

    khbalaska wrote on Oct 14, 2009 9:38 AM:

    " Little early for April Fools Day isn't it? "

    No.1 Hockey Mom wrote on Oct 14, 2009 9:29 AM:

    " UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!! "

    Houston Resident wrote on Oct 14, 2009 9:17 AM:

    " Thank you Natasha and Virgie. "

    YES wrote on Oct 14, 2009 9:17 AM:

    " Finally, poeple are starting to realize the good, hard work of Purcell! How about all you nay sayers leave town??!! "

    Unknown wrote on Oct 14, 2009 8:44 AM:

    " Houston residents have NO right to complain anymore. You've made your bed now sleep in it. Oh, and if you feel the need to keep complaining please keep the high pitched whineing to a minimum.
    Thank you. "

    HoustonResident wrote on Oct 14, 2009 7:07 AM:

    " Once again the council has proven that they do not have the best interests of Houston at heart. Thanks for nothing folks. "

    Yippee wrote on Oct 13, 2009 8:34 PM:

    " This will be great! A continuation of clean roads, safe bus routes, police service and a fire department plus the possibility of future conservative growth! This was only possible because of the strong sense leadership Purcell has! These positive changes NEVER happened with the previous Mayors! "

    Good Job wrote on Oct 13, 2009 6:55 PM:

    " Congratulations Mayor Purcell and Deputy Mayor Wilson, keep up the good work. "

    new to houston wrote on Oct 13, 2009 6:08 PM:

    " i for one is happy to see purcell and wilson back in cuz' it will mean the city will move forward in a postive way. congrats to wilson and natasha for winning the elections. best of luck in the coming year. "

    good luck wrote on Oct 13, 2009 4:45 PM:

    " Well another year of BS in the city of Houston. Come on people next seats up, get rid of the old bags that keep this circle of crap going! "

    The Man wrote on Oct 13, 2009 3:39 PM:

    " Oh. Joy. "

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