Monday, August 24, 2009       Kim Devlin, 516-510-3001
HOUSTON POLICE OFFICERS ENDORSE LOCKE FOR MAYOR

"Help Houston police officers help you by joining us to support Gene Locke"

 Houston, TX - The Houston Police Officers' Union (HPOU) today announced their endorsement for Gene Locke for mayor of Houston and his 7-Point Plan to Keep Houston Safe.

Several members of HPOU in t-shirts that read "Support Houston Police Officers, Elect Gene Locke Mayor of Houston," as well as many of Locke's supporters joined in the press conference. In addition Senator John Whitmire, "Dean of the Texas Senate," also spoke at the press conference. Whitmire announced his endorsement of Locke in May.

 "We are confident that Gene Locke is the candidate who has a realistic and clear-cut plan to improve and modernize public safety services in our city," said Gary Blankinship, President of HPOU.  "He has developed a multi-pronged plan of attack to help our members fight crime more efficiently and effectively."

 Blankinship continued, "It is our firm and unwavering belief that Gene Locke is the best candidate to lead our city for the next six years."

 HPOU, with its 5000-plus members, is the largest police union in the State of Texas. They have endorsed the last three mayors of the city of Houston, former Mayors Bob Lanier, Lee Brown and current Mayor Bill White.

 For the first time in twelve years, HPOU joins the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association (HPFFA) in endorsing the same candidate for mayor in an open race. HPFFA announced their endorsement of Locke two weeks ago.

 "This is a very proud moment for me and my campaign. The men and women of the Houston Police Department make a difference every day in the lives of Houstonians, and they will make a difference in this campaign," said Locke at the press conference.

 Locke also unveiled his 7-Point Plan to Keep Houston Safe, a blueprint to fight crime in a city as large and diverse as Houston.

 "I am committed to putting more officers on the streets, something we can't afford not to do," said Locke. "As mayor I will execute this plan so that Houstonians will feel safer in their homes and communities."

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