Inauguration Day in Houston for Sylvester Turner, others

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - The power of abiding belief and aspiration -- on this day, Sylvester Turner, the 61-year-old son of a faith-filled hotel cleaning lady, completed a decades-old climb from the humble streets of Acres Home to the leadership of the fourth largest city in the U.S.

"I believe it was my momma who said that when you dream big, big things can happen and I believe what Yolanda Adams just sang, that if you never give up, your dreams can come true," said Turner who won a Dec. 12 run-off election.

The inauguration of the 62nd mayor in Houston history reflected both the man and his third and final mayoral campaign -- one propelled by consensus building, celebration of diversity and expansion of opportunity.

"We all have one common goal this morning and that is to make Houston the best place to live on this planet," said Mayor Turner, who committed to improving flood control after referring to damage endured by elderly homeowners in the Meyerland and Westbury residential districts.

Amid the faith and fanfare of his first day, Turner took action, pledging that within a fortnight, Houston would not leave a reported pothole unfilled.

"Our goal is to effectively and efficiently and safely repair each reported pothole within 24 hours," said Turner who was accompanied on the Jones Hall stage by his daughter Ashley.

But less than an hour later, during his first moments leading Houston City Council, Mayor Turner got a first taste of push back when conservative Council member Michael Kubosh tried and failed to postpone a vote on Turner's pick for Mayor Pro-Tem, Council member Ellen Cohen.    

Pushing past the politics, the 25-year veteran of the Texas House of Representatives focused instead on a $3 billion problem far deeper than any pothole.

"What is very important to me is getting control of the finances of the City of Houston," said Mayor Turner. His promise, a comprehensive, long-term plan within months with the critical component of shared sacrifice.

"If everyone who is getting something from the City and doesn't want to give up anything, then we all lose," said Mayor Turner.

Turner also said that his final decisions on key appointments like Houston Fire Department chief, Houston Police Department chief and City Attorney will come sooner rather than later.

Chris Brown was sworn in as Houston City Controller in addition to newly-elected city council members and their incumbent counterparts.