HOUSTON – Mayor John Whitmire approached his podium and was visibly distraught ahead of what was initially described as “serious allegations” of conflicts of interest at City Hall.
SEE ALSO: KPRC 2 Investigates uncovers bizarre business linked to HHA contracts
The news conference was held at 11 a.m. Thursday, during which the mayor addressed suspected “pay to pay” conflicts involving City Controller, Chris Hollins.
Documents obtained by KPRC 2′s Rilwan Balogun claim Hollins planned to solicit funds at an upcoming investor’s conference on October 22.
The sponsorship package ascertained before the conference and also featured on the City of Houston’s website, offers access to networking opportunities for those who donate $100K with a “private dinner with Controller and other special guests at Investor Conference (or equivalent major event of sponsor’s choice).”
Rilwan reached out to the Controller’s team for comment and was told Hollins would be available for a news conference at 2 p.m.
Shortly after Mayor Whitmire’s press conference suggesting Controller Chris Hollins could be participating in “pay-to-play.”
— Rilwan Balogun (@KPRC2Rilwan) October 17, 2024
We took a visit to the 8th floor to ask Hollins. He didn’t come out but someone else, surprised to see us, did.
I’m told Hollins will speak at 2 @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/68n9Szc41r
The mayor began his press conference, dejected, saying he was “alarmed...quite frankly, disappointed” after getting several calls regarding what appeared to be “pay to play.”
“It needs to stop,” he said. “I can’t believe no one in the Controller’s office didn’t say ‘no.’”
Mayor Whitmire was initially expected to be part of the conference, but has since claimed he will not be attending and called for it to be canceled. He also encouraged other city employees not to attend. He also expressed remorse for having to bring this news before the media.
“I’d rather be working on public safety and infrastructure,” Whitmire said. “I’m sorry...I’m encouraging you not to go...and I invite everyone to attend a true conference.”
HOLLINS’ RESPONSE: ‘A huge nothing-burger’: Controller Chris Hollins responds after Houston mayor accuses him of ‘pay to play’ conflict
Since then, the mayor said the language in the agenda is “being altered” but said he was sounding the alarm to media officials as part of his commitment to transparency and accountability.
“It’s just unacceptable, and the only thing I would ask of you is to review it; take your time; reach your own conclusions,” Whitmire concluded. “It’s shocking that city officials reach out to vendors and set goals for what they need to meet as a sponsor for a city-sponsor/held event, which is supposed to be informative and inviting for city business.”
KPRC 2 Investigates has learned federal law enforcement has been asking questions focused on the controllers office and those doing business with it..
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