Grier Exit Interview and “Oops” Moments in Politics: Tuesday’s Show (March 1, 2016)

On Monday (Feb. 29, 2016), Terry Grier completed his final day as superintendent of the Houston Independent School District. He announced last September that he would resign before his contract his is up in June. Deputy Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer Ken Huewitt has been named the district’s interim superintendent.

After nearly seven years at the helm of the nation’s seventh-largest school district, Grier’s tenure has drawn mixed reviews. Last week, Grier sat down for an exit interview with News 88.7 education reporter Laura Isensee. We hear their expanded conversation on this edition of Houston Matters.

Famous Political  “Oops Moments”

Also this hour: On this Super Tuesday and Texas primary election day, we recall some of the worst mistakes politicians have made while running for high profile offices. It’s really not that uncommon for a campaign to make a misstep. In recent days, the Ted Cruz campaign pulled a campaign ad which happened to feature an actress who had appeared in soft-core pornography. And Marco Rubio’s campaign unveiled an ad referencing Ronald Reagan’s “Morning in America” ad, citing it was “morning again in America” – but the ad featured stock footage of Vancouver, British Columbia, and a tugboat bearing a Canadian flag. These sorts of “oops” moments occur all the time. We ask Professor Paul Brace of Rice University to share some famous oops, gaffes, and even dirty tricks from modern politics.

New Mental Health Crisis Services

Then: Recently Memorial Hermann opened its third Mental Health Crisis Clinic in Meyerland, open from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. so people in need in the middle of the night can access help. We learn more from Bill Kelly, director of government affairs and public policy at Mental Health America of Greater Houston, and from Theresa Fawvor, associate vice president of behavioral health services for Memorial Hermann.

Young Musicians

Plus: Friday night (March 4, 2016), Brazosport College in Lake Jackson’s Clarion Music Performance Center hosts From the Top, the NPR radio program, hosted by pianist Christopher O’Riley, showcasing the talents of young classical musicians. We talk with the program’s tour producer David Balsom about what he and his colleagues look for when selecting performers.

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