Written By: Cecilia of Houston TREND

Given enough time everything evolves; even politics.

Holding the distinction of being the 4th largest city in the country, Houston is a haven for diversity; and current City Controller Ronald Green seems to have a knack for catering to the needs of its residents.In a nation with shifting ideologies, a loosening of former social norms, and a rapidly changing ethnic composition; to be a politician in today’s world, one must be able to accept and connect with a variety of people in order to truly serve them.

A native Houstonian, Green is a homegrown part of the very base he now represents, and his early ambitions gave no indication that he would one day find his way into politics.

A Debakey High graduate, by the time he reached the University of Houston it would be to pursue a future as a doctor, only to be thwarted and have his goals altered by something as small as a class.

Green says with a smile, “It was bio-chemistry that made me change my mind. As I went deeper into my degree I discovered that I didn’t actually want to become a doctor after all, and I decided to go into law instead.”

Going on to earn both a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from the University of Houston, he would see his goal of becoming a lawyer come to fruition after graduating from Texas Southern University’s acclaimed Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

By the time he received his law degree and became a licensed lawyer, he had amassed two prominent federal clerkships and went on to pass the Texas Bar. Subsequently, he was admitted to practice in Washington, D.C., the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

Yet despite his growing credentials Green would go against the grain, deciding to bypass the traditional route of a large firm and instead create his own; The Green Firm, LLP was born.

Diving into trial practice, the firm would quickly find success within the Houston market. Professionally life was going well, and with the addition of a new wife, Judge Hilary Harmon Green, his personal life was in accordance as well. Yet complacency was never a trait that Green possessed, thus when provided with an opportunity to serve the community, he took it.

“I was always involved within the community, and I believe that timing is everything. I believe when you have a window of opportunity you jump; so I jumped into civil service,” says Green.

In this case ”jumping” proved to be a good decision, and Green went on to win his first election the first time around, an uneasy feat for most new candidates, landing squarely on City Council where he quickly made a name for himself due to his love for improving the overall living conditions of his constituents.“I loved the City Council because I was allowed to make decisions that affected the lives of people that I actually got to see on a daily basis; the only downfall was the fact that we simply could not help everyone.”

Green was able to see firsthand how decisions implemented by he and his peers directly affected the residents of his area and beyond. Still a resident of Houston’s historic Third Ward, Green sees an area that is currently being both applauded and criticized as it attempts to beautify and attract new residents, while retaining current occupants; a difficult task that has people on both sides of the fence, with some lauding the improvements, and others lamenting the upheaval of those who have been there for years.

“We saw this happen in Fourth Ward and we let it get away from us, there were so many people that didn’t own their own homes that when the person that did own them decided to sell to developers they were all displaced. We can’t let that happen in Third Ward; that is why I am a staunch advocate for homeownership,” states Green.

He adds, “I love living in the area and I don’t think the area should be restricted to the most affluent.  We have to make sure everyone comes up, that everyone is afforded the same opportunities…people from all walks of life and professions.”

Faced with term limits and thus unable to run for city council again, Green made the decision to continue his role in civil service, just in a different capacity.  When the city’s Controller position became available, (then held by current Mayor Annise Parker), in true Green fashion he simply went for it.

And in true Green fashion he won.

On January 4th, 2010 he made history, as he was sworn in as the first African-American Controller, the 2nd highest office in the city, in the more than 175 year history of the city.

Leaning on experience in law and finance, and a penchant for commonsense, Green easily excelled in his new position and has become known for his commitment to guarding the city’s finances and improving residents’ overall quality of living through endeavors like housing initiatives, audits and bond refinancing.

Now in his second term, Green looks toward the future of the city; continuing to focus on empowering residents and looking to improve their way of life. Up next for the city is the focus on mobility, and giving Houstonians the ability to move more easily throughout the city.

“When it comes to public transportation we are years behind. When you look at areas like the Bay Area, you see cities that were built around its rail system, but in Houston, unfortunately we are building rail around the city. If you’ve never lived in a city with adequate public transportation you don’t really appreciate it, we’re simply trying to implement in Houston what other cities have already been able to enjoy, the ability to move around easily,” says Green. A bold and logical endeavor in a city so large and spread out which one can drive for over 30 minutes and still be considered within the city limits.

However the city isn’t the only thing on his mind; passing the torch on is as well.

“We aren’t the politicians of your parents or grandparents times. We have to be more accessible, more personable; but it’s up to the next generation continue that interest in what occurs around them,” says Green before stating, “I don’t think that you can generalize the younger generation, but look, MY tuition  rates aren’t going up, that’s something that should concern you even more than it concerns me. It’s up to you to demand accountability. Pick up an issue and run with it, because they think that you don’t care.”

Green has sought to bridge a gap between all generations, becoming a voice for both older as well as the younger generations and, in a sign of the times, has even embraced today’s ever increasing social media era. Staying in touch with constituents both the old fashioned way, as well as through his own social pages.

“Though I’m very aware that anything I post via Twitter, Facebook, or even Instagram could potentially end up as front page news, I am in control of my own pages. When you reach out to me you’re actually speaking to me,” says Green.”

Though there’s the possibility of a new term, the future remains uncertain for Green. From private sector to a continuance in politics, the amounts of possibilities seem endless.

Admits Green, “If the city wants me, I would love to return, be it in my current role or in a new position. In the end I’m simply focused on being a good man, a good father, and a good husband.”♦