After nearly four months in office, Mayor John Whitmire hasn’t met with county Judge Lina Hidalgo

In Houston, there’s been a notable absence of meetings between two key leaders this year.

Since John Whitmire took office as Houston’s new mayor on January 1, he and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo have yet to convene, despite Hidalgo’s repeated attempts to schedule a meeting. This lack of interaction is concerning for Hidalgo, who emphasizes the importance of collaboration between city and county officials, particularly in preparation for potential disasters like hurricanes or chemical fires.

When pressed for comment, Mayor Whitmire’s spokesperson cited his busy schedule managing city affairs, including hurricane preparedness efforts conducted through the City’s Office of Emergency Management. Although the mayor and judge have not met face-to-face, their respective teams have reportedly engaged in discussions regarding emergency planning and response. However, political observers stress the significance of direct communication between leaders during crises, cautioning that conflicting directives could exacerbate emergencies.

Speculation arises about the underlying reasons for the absence of meetings, with some attributing it to lingering tensions from Hidalgo’s endorsement of Whitmire’s opponent in the previous election. Despite these challenges, Hidalgo remains hopeful for improved collaboration, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the work ahead rather than past political divisions.