Tensions flare between Turner, Hall at mayoral forum - Chron.com
Among them are Sylvester Turner and Ben Hall, who butted heads at a candidate forum Saturday over Turner's tenure as a state representative. The two African-American candidates are vying for the support of black voters, who made up most of the audience event in Sunnyside, hosted by the Southeast Precinct Judges Council. African-American voters compose 27 percent of Houston's likely voters, according to recent polling. Turner's and Hall's back-and-forth began when Hall, mayoral runner-up in 2013, said the next mayor of Houston's biggest challenge would be to "get rid of career politicians," as Turner, a 26-year state legislator, was sitting on his left. The conflict escalated after Turner touted his experience on the House Appropriations Committee in response to a question about city finances. "I'm the only one that's taken a $10 billion deficit in 2003 and balanced it, taken a $27 billion deficit in 2011 and balanced it," Turner said. "Sylvester, one thing I have to say my dear friend: You shouldn't take credit for things that you didn't do," he said. Later, Turner returned with a mini-tutorial on the legislative process: "150 state representatives, 27 people on the Appropriations Committee. I have been one of the five since 2003," Turner said. Source: www.chron.com
