On Monday night Channel 13 and TSU hosted the last Mayoral Debate at Texas Southern University. It was hosted by ABC13 anchor Melanie Lawson and moderated by reporters Tom Abrahams and Rita Garcia. Invited candidates included Former METRO Chair Gilbert Garcia, Former Council Member Jack Christie, Senator John Whitmire and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. The Mayoral debate provided an essential platform for all to share their vision and key policy priorities with the city’s voters. Among the candidates, Gilbert Garcia stood out with his clear vision for a brighter future for all Houstonians.

One of the central concerns in the mayoral race revolves around rising crime rates within the City of Houston. The moderators asked Senator Whitmire about his contentious plan to bring DPS troopers to Houston which Gilbert Garcia and many leaders in the minority community oppose.

In a strong rebuttal to Senator Whitmire’s controversial proposal, Garcia stated " I can't think of a worse idea than bringing in DPS officers to militarize our city. We already see what is happening in Austin and other cities, we already know what is happening in the Valley as we see pictures of DPS officers pushing women and children back in the water and into razor wire. That’s not something we need here in Houston.”

Garcia's strong proposal to eliminate crime brings back Mayor Lee Brown’s popular community policing program that would put more officers working in storefronts and would increase lighting in high crime areas. Garcia went on to voice his strong concerns of Whitmire's ideas by stating “You see what is happening in these other cities, how are you going to talk to the Latino community and the African American community and ensure that they are protected from racial profiling by DPS if you bring them in?”

Former Metro Chair Garcia, who supports METRO and public transportation, asked Senator Whitmire if he would divert METRO’s money to fill the gaps in the city budget, which would reduce transit services. The Senator chose not to answer. Certainly, Houstonians deserve to know the truth and need to elect a Mayor that wants to expand opportunities for citizens that rely on METRO and that person is Gilbert Garcia.

You can watch the debate in full on the Channel 13 website at abc13.com. As Tuesday approaches, it is clear that former Metro Chair Gilbert Garcia’s vision for the city has resonated with many, making him the best Mayoral candidate for those seeking positive change. Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, November 7.