2005 Race for Houston City Council District F: M. J. Khan (i), speaks to Houston Business Connections publisher Aubrey R. Taylor M.J. Khan
Candidate for Houston City Counci District F TAYLOR: Tell us in 200 words or less why Houstonians should vote for your candidacy? M.J. KHAN: It has been my honor and privilege serving the people of District F. I have worked very hard to improve the quality of life in all the areas of the district, and have had great success. I have worked to lower the crime in our area by bringing the Chief of Police, Harold Hurtt, and his command staff into our district to assess the prostitution, graffiti, gang, drug and other illegal activity. I protested nightclubs that fail to control illegal activity in and around their establishments. I fought sexually oriented businesses that lure our children with false advertisements and gimmicks. I worked with the State, county and city to target illegal itinerant vendors that make our district look like a giant flee market. I led the first District F community cleanup project that targeted Sharpstown, Alief and Gulfton. I secured millions of dollars more in CIP funding, including money for our parks, libraries and a new multi-service center. But most important, I have tried to empower the most vulnerable and disenfranchised in our district by encouraging them to exercise their civic duty. That is why I'm asking my constituents to re-elect me to another term on Council. TAYLOR: Tell us in 100 words or less about your greatest strength? M.J. KHAN: A city leader must have many leadership qualities to be effective on behalf of their constituency. It is important to work closely with one's colleagues and to be able to compromise in order to obtain the best results for one's district. I have created wonderful working relationships with the Mayor, my colleagues and Department Directors in order to secure the best possible results for my constituents. My greatest attribute would probably be my relentless advocacy on behalf of my constituents, my sincere respect for the office I hold, and wisdom to show restraint when necessary. TAYLOR: In your opinion how important is good leadership in times of crisis? Is there anything you would do differently in responding to Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita? M.J. KHAN: It is crucial to have good leader-ship in times of crisis. Good leadership can be quantified in many ways. For me, it is an important attribute to stay calm under pressure, have a tireless work ethic, and to show compassion to those who are vulnerable during crisis. During Hurricane Katrina and Rita I worked around the clock to assist those displaced. I was the first public official to secure permanent housing for Katrina victims, and continued this effort long after federal, county and city officials created their joint housing taskforce. During Rita I walked door to door and developed a communication network among my constituents to help them stay updated on transpiring events. I worked hand-in-hand with the Mayor and County Judge to resolve the fuel crisis Houston experienced and to restore electricity throughout my district. I am very proud of the job we did during these difficult circumstances. TAYLOR: On a scale of (1 to 10) how would you rate our city's response to the recent national disaster? M.J. KHAN: There is a t-shirt that is being circulated that plays on the NASA expression by stating, "Problem? We have a Houston!" That shirt best expresses my sentiment for the job Houston has done with Hurricane Katrina, Storm Rita, and the earthquake in Pakistan. Houstonians are the most generous people of all the major cities. I am proud to represent this great City, and give us the highest rating for the compassion we show to the less fortunate. I would continue to encourage the citizens of Houston to give their best to those who are displaced and vulnerable. | 
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