Ben Hall Mayoral Candidate Interview: Tuesday’s Show (August 18, 2015)

For the next several Tuesdays on Houston Matters, we offer you a chance to speak directly with the major candidates running to be the next mayor of the city of Houston. We continue on this edition with Ben Hall. He’s a former city attorney who previously ran for mayor in 2013, losing to Annise Parker.

We discuss some of the issues facing Houston and what he thinks he would bring to the office. But really, this is a chance for you to ask your questions of this candidate. We field your questions.

Also this hour: More than 800 people from across Texas gather in Houston today to discuss suicide prevention. The 11th Annual Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium is co-presented by the Texas Suicide Prevention Council and Mental Health America of Texas. The event features suicide prevention research and programs, as well as what's called "postvention," actions taken after a death by suicide.

Merily Keller is a suicide prevention and postvention consultant for Mental Health America of Texas and the Texas Suicide Prevention Council. She's also a co-founder of the Texas Suicide Prevention Council. Keller talks with Houston Matters' Maggie Martin.

Then: Throughout the summer months, Houston Matters is dedicating time each week to books about Greater Houston, set in Greater Houston or written or edited by Houstonians. Our summer reading series continues today with A.J. Mistretta. He’s appeared on the program before, in his role as senior public relations manager for the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Now he's compiled a book called 100 Things to Do In Houston Before You Die, a collection of attractions and activities for both residents and first-time visitors. He talks with Houston Maters’ Michael Hagerty.