Necessary signatures gathered for ballot initiative limiting power of Houston mayor Signatures gathered for initiative to limit Houston mayor’s power FOX 26 Political Reporter Greg Groogan has more on an initiative that could limit the powers of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. HOUSTON - In the nation's 4th largest metropolis, the power to place a measure on City Council's agenda for debate and possible adoption - lies exclusively with the mayor. It is "extraordinary" authority that may soon slip away. FOX 26 has learned the necessary 35,000 signatures have been secured by a coalition of groups seeking to offer voters the option of whittling down the mayor's power through passage of a ballot initiative.