Members of the Houston Organization of Public Employees (HOPE) and SEIU Local 1 are celebrating Annise Parker's historic election as Houston's next mayor. As a businesswoman, city councilor, and city controller, Annise Parker has made a lifelong commitment to the people of Houston. "Throughout her years in public service, Annise helped save vital services by creating a rainy day fund to secure city jobs and proved herself a prudent fiscal manager committed to saving taxpayer dollars without balancing the budget on the backs of hardworking city workers," said HOPE President Melvin Hughes, a PWE employee.

When HOPE and SEIU first endorsed Parker in August, she expressed her gratitude for their support here:

"Houston janitors worked hard to elect Annise Parker because she has the vision and experience to lead Houston," said Mercedes Herrera, Houston janitor and SEIU Local 1 member. "Parker's plans on issues that impact working families, a strong economy, safe neighborhoods and improving programs for our children will create a better future for our city."

More than 100 members volunteered their time to knock on doors for Parker, and HOPE and SEIU Local 1 also sent seven mail pieces to their members and made two rounds of phone calls. Read HOPE and SEIU's release on Parker's election as Houston's next mayor here.