Houston reacts to city council member Larry Green's death

HOUSTON – The death of Houston Councilman Larry V. Green was announced Tuesday. Green was found dead in his Houston home. 

His fellow council members and others have shared their thoughts about his death in a number of statements. 

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner: 
“I am shocked and grieving over the untimely death of Houston Council Member Larry Green. But one person’s feelings are secondary to the fact that all of Houston has lost a groundbreaking advocate for equality, economic opportunity and neighborhood safety.

"Larry Green was the first and only District K council member following the south/southwest district’s creation for the 2011 municipal elections. He was the right person to give definition to this new alliance of neighborhoods and businesses: A hard worker. Not a grandstander. He shared in the economic advances and public safety strides of the district without taking the credit for himself. 'We' have fought together 'to build up the economy of District K,' he wrote on his campaign web site.

"Council Member Green was fond of pointing out that his council district had more undeveloped land than any other and was therefore 'filled with opportunities.'  Well so was he, and part of this tragedy is that he is no longer with us to follow through in his uniquely industrious way.

"He advocated persistently for all business people to have a fair shot at doing business with city government, such as for construction and supply vending. That focus of his, he said, was 'so that every business owner has an opportunity to do business with the city – regardless of their age, race, sex, sexual orientation or distinguishing factor.'

"Council Member Green captured the essence of being an enlightened public servant for Houston. My heart goes out to his family, his colleagues and all city residents."

Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo:

Houston City Councilman Greg Travis: 
“He was a good man.  He represented his district. Though he and I may have not agreed on everything, he had his values and I thought they were well placed. I am floored.” 

Houston City Councilman Steve Le: 
“Councilman Larry Green is a friend and colleague who always fought for what is best in the interest of the city. He is a staunched supporter of small minority business owners and we see his passion whenever he speaks of the issue. I am honored to have worked with him and deeply sadden by his sudden passing.”

Texas Sen. Borris L. Miles:

"I am shocked and saddened by the death of Council Member Larry Green. Council Member Green was an incredible leader and an advocate for the community. He worked to increase economic development and opportunities in his district, improve policing to keep families safe and over the past six months, on Harvey recovery. He was well-respected among community leaders, business leaders and the Texas delegation and worked hard to ensure Houston was in the best position possible for success.

"Council Member Green and I have been friends since we were 13. As we grew up, we talked about how we would make our community better. As elected officials, we did just that. He worked every single day as a public servant for Houston City Council District K. His only wish was to serve the community honorably with passion and dedication. He did just that and more. He was my frat brother, my colleague and one of my closest friends. His loss has left a hole in the hearts of many in the community, including myself. Rest in peace, Larry."

Houston Professional Firefighters Association: 

“Houston firefighters mourn the passing of Houston City Council Member Larry Green. As we reflect on his untimely passing, we offer our respects to his family, friends, colleagues, and constituents. We appreciated his advocacy for District K and the civic causes important to him and to his constituents. His fights for fairness and equality inspired many. We also are grateful for Council Member Green’s support of firefighters and the Houston Fire Department through the years.” 

City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity director Carlecia D. Wright:

"On behalf of the department, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Council Member Larry Green and the residents of District K for their sudden loss. I first met Larry Green shortly after I arrived in Houston.

"In 2012, we began working together on our passion to build and grow businesses created and led by minorities across this great, diverse city. Council Member Green channeled that energy into strong advocacy for the Office of Business Opportunity, working hand-in-hand with the department on projects to elevate these historically underserved communities. One of them was the Small Business Economic Development Summit, which introduced dozens of entrepreneurs to opportunities to conduct business with the City of Houston.

"Council Member Green was well-known to the MWBE (Minority and Women Business Enterprise) community, many times championing their causes before the City Council and with the Office of Business Opportunity. For this and many other accomplishments, Council Member Green was awarded the Chairman’s Award at the Office of Business Opportunity 2016 Champions of Diversity Awards Ceremony.

"The City of Houston has lost a strong leader. Personally, I will miss Council Member Larry Green’s knowledge, passion and advocacy for the causes we believed in."