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(HOUSTON) – Houston Mayor Annise Parker has been nominated for best mayor in the world.

Parker made the short list of finalists for the 2014 World Mayor Prize.

The Prize is sponsored by the City Mayor’s Foundation, an international think tank on urban affairs.

According to The City Mayor’s Foundation, the award honors mayors with “the vision, passion and skills to make their cities incredible places to live in, work in and visit.”

Parker is one of four North American mayors on the short list for the international award.

“I was surprised, flattered and honored to be nominated,” Parker said.  There are four North American mayors who are nominated.  I know the other mayors and I’m pleased to be in their company.”

The other North American Mayors nominated are the mayors of Oklahoma City, Sacramento, and Calgary, Canada.

Parker said she hopes the nomination will open new doors for Houston.

“That may lead to a new company deciding to relocate here, or someone to take advantage of all the phenomenal medical facilities or all the range of things that Houston does very well.

Parker also credited the media coverage she received after being elected the first openly-gay mayor of Houston for giving her the opportunity to talk about everything that makes Houston great.

“Our willingness to push the envelope, do things in a different way.  That defines Houston,” Parker said.  “We’re the place that put a human being on the moon.  We’re the place that wanted to be a port and built the Ship Channel to do it.  We’re the place that invented indoor baseball.  If you can dream it, you have a chance of putting it into reality in Houston in a way that very few other cities do.”

In all, there are 26 finalists from all over the world.

To vote for Mayor Parker, you’re asked to email a testimonial about why she should win to Houston@worldmayor.com.  Please insert ‘Houston Parker’ in the subject line and provide your name at the end.  It can be a full name, first name, or initials.  Voters are also asked to include where you live.

Parker Nominated for Best Mayor in the World  was originally published on news92fm.com