Mayor Annise Parker has always known that Houston is the best place in America to live, work and raise a family. And now America is catching on in a big way.
We’re leading the nation in job creation. We’re “America’s Coolest City” (Forbes) and the 7th best place in the world to visit in 2013 (New York Times). We’re the #1 city in America to further a career (Monster.com). And those are just a few examples in just the last year.
But Annise knows that we can do even better.
That’s why, under her leadership, Houston’s city government is borrowing less and doing more on a pay-as-you-go basis. We’ve created a dedicated fund for street repairs and flood prevention. We’ve secured funding for new libraries and laid the foundation for a parks and trails system that most cities can only dream of. Crime is down. We’re demolishing crack houses and dangerous abandoned apartment complexes – and we’re modernizing our police and fire stations.
My Definition Of Success | I used to define success as having enough material wealth to live comfortably, if not well. I would now add that success also includes being intellectually challenged and fulfilled by my work.
I Am Driven By | I come from a long line of women who worked outside the home. I was expected to get an education and to work to support myself. My parents and both sets of grandparents were committed volunteers and set high standards for community engagement. The unstated message to me was to always pursue educational opportunities, work hard and volunteer.
My Highlights | For the last 12 years, I have been in a position that allows me to shape the future of one of the great American cities. Being mayor of Houston is the best political job in the world. It’s a great honor and achievement of which I am proud. I am also proud of my family and the difference my wife and I have made in the lives of kids who would have otherwise had little prospects for success.
The Difference Between Good And Great | You have to have not only the ability but also the strong work ethic and passion.
A Key Talent | I am able to process large amounts of information and data quickly. This has been an enormous advantage in my career. I also put in long hours doing homework and preparing. It’s just a matter of planning, prepping and persistence.
Principles I Live By | Honesty, integrity and service.
Critical Skills I Develop | I was very introverted and socially awkward. I had to learn how to make conversation and interact socially.
Performing At My Peak | No one can always perform at peak, but with planning and preparation one can perform as best as possible. Don’t burn the candle at both ends. Sleep and a healthy diet are essential.
The Meaning Of Life | We are here to get the most out of every day we’ve been given. It we make it just about oneself, we are not getting the most we can get out of life. It has to be shared.
