HOUSTON (October 21, 2009)—The four-way race for the mayor’s job in Houston reflects a shift in the city of big oil toward greener options.

The candidates are focusing their low-key campaigns on such issues as public transit, regulated development and environmentally friendly policies.

Rice University sociologist Stephen Klineberg said the Nov. 3 election shows the surprising consensus for planning, a need for light rail and a need to move beyond oil and gas.

No clear-cut favorite has emerged in the race to replace Bill White, who is barred by law from seeking another term.

The candidates are Gene Locke, a former city attorney; Annise Parker, the city controller; Peter Brown, a city councilman; and Roy Morales, a retired Air Force officer.