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      "headline": "Whitmire swears off summer vacation to keep watch over Houston",
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      "description": "Houston Mayor John Whitmire says he won't take a vacation until Houston is where he wants it to be and residents are satisfied with the city.",
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        "caption": "State Sen. John Whitmire speaks to supporters after defeating U.S. Rep Sheila Jackson Lee to become Houstons 63rd mayor at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Houston. Whitmire recently said he won't take a vacation until Houston is where he wants it to be."
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      "articleBody": "If your summer calendar is filling up with beach trips, pool days and out-of-office replies, apparently you aren't Houston Mayor John Whitmire. During a recent episode of the mayor's podcast, 901 Bagby: Inside the Mayor's Office, Whitmire said he has no plans to take a vacation.  Former KPRC 2 anchor and podcast host Owen Conflenti asked the mayor whether he planned to take any time off or \"slow down\" this summer. In reply, the mayor said he won't be taking any time off. \"No, I won't be taking a vacation,\" Whitmire said. \"Also, I have not traveled out of the country, really out of the state, just twice since being elected. I feel like my responsibility is to be here in Houston.\"  Whitmire referenced the recent recycling facility fire that drew hundreds of first responders, noting that the incident could've gone a lot worse. His commitment to remain in H-town extended beyond a skipped summer vacation. RELATED: Houston inferno erupts as giant tire fire sends toxic-looking smoke for miles \"Until I feel comfortable that Houston is where I want it to be, where Houstonians want it to be, I'm not going to leave,\" Whitmire said. \"I've got a great team…but it's my responsibility to be here in Houston to oversee the great team I have in place.\"  The mayor said he is always just a phone call away and described the job as something he looks forward to.  \"I enjoy my work. I'm seeing the results of hard work and long hours, and I thank Houstonians for giving me this opportunity,\" Whitmire said.  Whitmire's office did not immediately respond to Chron's request to confirm he does not plan to take a vacation or clarify what benchmarks he wants Houston to meet. In the podcast episode, the mayor also addressed several hot-button issues, including a controversial $5 monthly administrative trash fee added to residential utility bills, recently approved as part of the city's $7.5 million budget. RELATED: Houston budget deal adds new trash fee after $174M shortfall fight \"We went the smallest amount possible using an administrative fee,\" Whitmire said.  As part of the conversation, the mayor appeared to signal that there would be no increase to the fee—at least for now. \"It will not increase. It will not become a garbage fee until city council discusses it,\" Whitmire said. \"We expect better services before we even contemplate any future fee increase.\"  Revivals | Texas 'Pompeii' will soon reopen after year-long overhaulLights | What's causing Houston's brief power outrages? CenterPoint explainsChanges | Ken Paxton's attorney explains why he endorsed James TalaricoCrime | Texas oil CEO busted on theft and organized crime counts For the latest and best from Chron, sign up for our daily newsletter here.",
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