HOUSTON -- Jolanda Jones, the most outspoken and controversial member of the City Council, came in first in Tuesday's night election but will face a strong challenger in a runoff on Dec. 10.
Jack Christie, a chiropractor and former Texas State Board of Education Chairman finished second behind Jones in the race for the At-Large Position 5 seat.
Jones finished with 39 percent of the vote to Christie's 33 percent.
Jones, an attorney and former track star, has dodged allegations of ethics violations over the past year.
One investigation by the city’s Office of Inspector General cleared her of allegations she used racial slurs among firefighters. Another probe concluded she used “extremely poor judgment” when she included her city-issued phone number on a flyer that advertised her private law practice – but the OIG report resulted in no council action and no charges from the district attorney.
Jones insisted she has been exonorated and said voters paid attention Tuesday to what really mattered.
"I will stay focused because we have a really bad economy," she told reporters at her election-night party in Montrose. "The city's laying off people. I stand for transparency (and) government accountability. I always listen to the people...and I'm the voice for the voiceless."
Jones was quick to point out she had been through run-off elections before -- and had won them both. She's fighting for a third and final term.
Christie’s low-key election-night gathering occurred at his chiropractic offices in west Houston. The last time around he came to within one percentage point of Jones. He said this time he expected to prevail and promised to bring a less-confrontational style of leadership to city council.
“I’m a quiet conciliatory individual as far as bringing people together,” he said. “Not fighting with City Council. Not fighting with the Mayor. Not fighting with Commissioner’s Court. Business leaders believe in me and so it’s just a matter of bringing people together instead of fighting everybody.”
Christie is vying for a seat traditionally held by an African-American. Former Mayor Bill White threw his support behind Christie.
Outside of Jones, Christie’s major competition came from Laurie Robinson, who finished with 20 percent of the vote. Christie was effusive in his praise of the Democrat, and said he hopes to win her endorsement soon.
Businessman Bob Ryan came in fourth with eight percent of the vote.
