CITY COUNCIL MEMBER PETER BROWN ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR MAYOR OF HOUSTON
In his Formal Announcement, Brown Cites Agenda for Houston’s Future

Houston, TX, Thursday, February 26, 2009

Council Member Peter Brown focused on his vision for the future as he formally announced his candidacy for Mayor of Houston in Hermann Park today.

“We come here today from many different parts of this great city, from diverse backgrounds, summoned by a belief in the future, united by a common purpose: to build a great American city, in a new century and in a new economy," Brown said.

Drawing on his family history as a third-generation Houstonian, Brown spoke of his grandfather, who settled here in 1903 and started one of Houston's largest lumberyards, only to be wiped out by the Great Depression. "But he did not give up. He fought back and rebuilt his business," he said, calling it "a real Houston success story."`

In making his announcement, Brown offered an agenda that includes expanding the city’s economy, cleaning up the environment, protecting and improving the quality and character of Houston's neighborhoods, and getting tough on crime.

"I grew up in a neighborhood not far from here. It was safe and friendly, with a real sense of community. Many of our neighborhoods are still like this, and with the right leadership, and your help, all of our neighborhoods can feel like home," he said.

Brown noted that he is completing his second term on Houston’s City Council, where he worked with Mayor Bill White to combat wasteful spending and attract higher quality development projects to Houston’s business districts and neighborhoods.

Before running for office, Brown spent more than 30 years operating a successful architectural and planning business in Houston and completed projects in over 43 neighborhoods.

“As a businessman and architect, I know you have to have a good set of plans, executed on time and under budget,” Brown said.

Brown made his announcement at the Houston Garden Center in Hermann Park. The location was chosen because of its proximity to some of the city’s major strengths – the Museum District, institutions of higher education, and The Texas Medical Center.

Speaking in support of Brown's candidacy were well-known Houstonians D. V. Sonny Flores, P.E., Secretary of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Pastor D.Z. Cofield of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, as well as attorney James L. Robertson, who chairs the Peter Brown for Mayor Campaign. Harris County District Attorney Vince Ryan and State Representative Dr. Alma Allen, who were unable to attend, provided video endorsements.

Brown grew up in Houston and attended the University of Houston. He received his MA from the UC Berkeley and his architecture degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. Brown is married to Anne Brown. He has five children and 15 grandchildren.

For more information on City Council Member Peter Brown’s campaign for Mayor of Houston, please visit Peter Brown for Houston at http://www.peterbrownforhouston.com/.