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'Let’s not politicize a disaster' | Mayor Whitmire criticizes councilman’s comments on Hurricane Beryl preparation
Mayor John Whitmire is criticizing a report quoting Councilman Edward Pollard saying lives would’ve been saved if the city was better prepared for Hurricane Beryl.
HOUSTON — Two Houston city leaders are exchanging words over Hurricane Beryl preparations.
On Sunday, Mayor John Whitmire held a news conference hitting back at city councilman Edward Pollard. The mayor said it is in response to comments made about mobilizing first responders prior to Beryl arriving.
The mayor began his news conference by mentioning a story about fallen Houston Police Department employee Russell Richardson.
“The news story honoring [Richardson] interviewed Councilman Pollard, he said if we would’ve been better prepared, lives would’ve been saved. My phone lit up from chiefs, directors rank and file,” Mayor Whitmire said.
Acting Houston Police Chief Larry Satterwhite and others commended Richardson.
“He’s there in every way possible to back us up, that’s why he felt like he needed to get in,” Chief Satterwhite said.
He said many Tier 1 employees like Richardson didn’t make it into work for various reasons.
“With each officer and every employee it is always about ‘respond when it’s safe when you can safely get in so you can get in the fight,’ because we don’t want this type of tragedy to happen, but it does happen,” Chief Satterwhite said.
HPD said chances were not taken when it comes to storm preparation ahead of Hurricane Beryl. Highwater rescue vehicles were pre-staged and barricades were set up before Beryl hit the Houston area. Additional officers were brought in after Hurricane Beryl passed.
“Let’s not politicize a disaster, disrespect a fallen hero, and disrespect the rank and file,” Mayor Whitmire said in response to Pollard’s comments.
A statement from Councilman Pollard reads in part, “My comments were solely focused on the logistics of mobilizing our officers a day earlier to ensure their safety and readiness before Hurricane Beryl hit.”
“I hold the utmost respect for our officers and all first responders. At no point have I cast blame on any individual, and I refuse to politicize this tragic event for personal gain,” Pollard said in the statement.
Mayor Whitmire said he has not spoken with the councilman since those comments were made.
Read Pollard’s full statement below:
First, my heartfelt condolences go out to the Richardson family. They should never have to relive such a tragic experience.
It is deeply disheartening to see our city resort to a press conference aimed at smearing me politically. My comments were solely focused on the logistics of mobilizing our officers a day earlier to ensure their safety and readiness before Hurricane Beryl hit.
I hold the utmost respect for our officers and all first responders. At no point have I cast blame on any individual, and I refuse to politicize this tragic event for personal gain. This experience has been a learning opportunity for all of us, and I am confident that we will be even better prepared for future natural disasters.