Statement by 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."