2012 Your Thought Matters General Election Handbook Draft

Election Handbook

NEWSPAPER “The People Who Want Your Vote!”

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OCT 2012

YOURTHOUGHTMATTERS.COM

YOUR VOTE IS A VALUABLE VOICE! - BISHOP K.J. BROWN - 02

WHY VOTE? - PASTOR L. ROBERT THOMAS - 18

THESE CANDIDATES ARE ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE

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EDITORIAL

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BRAY

ON LEADERSHIP

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NORIEGA

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EMMETT

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www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com 4

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KEEP FLOWING IN THE CURRENT THAT HE’S PROVIDING FOR YOU! "Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust in him; and he shall bring it to pass." -- PSALMS 37:5

AUBREY R.TAYLOR PRESIDENT

“If you’re an undecided or crossover voter participating in the Tuesday, November 6, 2012 General Election in Harris County, please check out “The Candidates Section” starting on page (4) of this issue. The candidates featured in this section are asking you for your vote on Election Day. If you’re looking for the full “2012 Harris County Sample Ballot” you’ll find it inside this issue starting on page (18). Also, if you are looking for one spot to find all the campaign website links and photos for our key 2012 Democratic and Republican candidates...visit www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com

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President Obama: Is the top Democrat on the Tuesday, Nov. 6th, 2012 U.S. Presidential Ballot

TOP REPUBLICAN

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ROMNEY

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Judge Ed Emmett on the importance of electing good leadership during times of crisis

TOP DEMOCRAT

OBAMA

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Chris Bell on the importance of electing good leadership during times of crisis

ON LEADERSHIP

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Congressman Kevin Brady on electing good leadership during times of crisis

ON LEADERSHIP

BELL

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Richard J. Noriega on the imporance of electing good leadership during times of crisis

ON LEADERSHIP

BRADY

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R.W. BRAY: Candidate editorial: “Appeal of a Black Republican” for Harris County voters

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Gov. Mitt Romney: Is the top Republican on the Tuesday, Nov. 6th, 2012 U.S. Pres. Ballot

THE OWEN REPORT

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OWEN

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Mayor Allen Owen: Is impacting the quality of life for citizens living in Missouri City, Texas

YOURTHOUGHTMATTERS.COM NEWSPAPER IS PUBLISHED BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS. *INDIVIDUALS FEATURED THROUGHOUT THIS NEWSPAPER ARE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ONE ANOTHER UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

From The Publisher YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER IS PUBLISHED BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS.

*INDIVIDUALS FEATURED THROUGHOUT THIS NEWSPAPER ARE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ONE ANOTHER UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

AUBREY: HERE’S A STATEMENT I REALLY LIKE! “What do you do when God speaks to you and nothing has happened yet? Very simple: Raise your expectations to the Word and bring your actions into agreement with Him.” -- Bishop T.D. Jakes “I really hope you find value in this issue of Your Thought Matters Newspaper. But, above anything else, don’t forget to vote on Tues., Nov. 6, 2012!” -- Aubrey R. Taylor

CALL 832.212.8735 TO GET INTO THE NEXT ISSUE!

Vote Tues., Nov. 6th BISHOP K.J. BROWN MINISTRIES -- “BUILDING WINNING LIVES”

YOUR VOTE IS A VALUABLE VOICE!

Voting is an empowered opportunity to choose leadership, which should be exercised every time we have the opportunity. Our collective voice is of great value to our neighborhoods, communities, city and country.

Our political system affords us the opportunity to vote...and every vote matters. Everyone who is eligible to vote should do so. Never buy in to polls and percentages put out in the media...and figure that your vote won’t make a difference. Every vote counts and every voice will be heard by you participating in this very important and pivotal election.

Be attentive to the issues and think forward. When I cast a ballot at the polls I use a biblical example as my guide. God chose David as King. When I read the story of David, I see a lesson we can all use in voting. God chose David because of the following reasons ONE: His heart. TWO: His History. THREE: How he would handle the issues. FOUR: How he would help the people.

FIVE: How he would be used to heal the land.

God knew that David wouldn’t be perfect; but God was able to use him in civil government in order to fulfill his divine purpose. Voting is not only valuable to the candidate. Voting is valuable to you and your family too. Our families are counting on us at the polls.

Your right to vote is very valuable. So use it to be a part of the collective voice that leads this country forward. God Bless America!!!

Bishop K.J. Brown Ministries

“Building Winning Lives!”

BishopKJBrown@gmail.com

www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com -- THE SPOT WHERE YOU CAN IDENTIFY THE CANDIDATES WHO WANT YOUR VOTE AND SUPPORT IN 2012!

“YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER BLOG IS THE BLOG FOR OPEN-MINDED PEOPLE!” -- SEND ALL EDITORIAL COMMENTS TO: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com

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The Candidates

“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to this issue!” -- Aubrey R. Taylor

THESE PEOPLE ARE SEEKING YOUR VOTE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH, 2012

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Pres. Obama is at the top of the Democratic ticket; has a family he cares about...and we should always respect the President of the United States.

- Ted Cruz -- In the race for United States Senate; James Cargas -- In the race for United States Congress for the 7th Congressional District; John Devine -- In the race for Texas Supreme Court Justice for Place 4; Michael Landrum -- In the race for Harris County Judge for District #129; Don Self -- In the race for Harris County District Judge for the 152nd District; Alan Rosen -- In the race for Harris County Constable for Precinct #2; Erica Lee -- In the race for Harris County School Board Trustee for Position 6, Precinct #1; and Louis Guthrie -- In the race for Harris County Sheriff.

Op-Ed Opinion

CARROLL G. ROBINSON: THIS NOVEMBER WE’RE VOTING FOUR OUR FUTURE

Gov. Romney is at the top of the Republican ticket, and he’s a family man too. Let’s be mindful and respectful of candidates seeking office.

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- CARROLL G. ROBINSON: “As a voter, this November, you will have a lot of decisions to make about the future of our country and community from who will serve as the next President of our nation to the election of county officials and local judges to whether or not to approve local bond issues and whether to allow Metro to keep all of its sales tax revenue to improve bus service and build more bus shelters and light rail which are needed in Northeast Houston, Sunnyside, Southwest Houston, Alief and the Spring Branch area.”

Advertiser Index for this issue

PLEASE SUPPORT THE PEOPLE BELOW WHO ARE SUPPORTING OUR VISION

05 - Don Self - Candidate for Judge of the 152nd District Court 07 - R.W. Bray - Candidate for Texas State Senate District 6 09 - Erica S. Lee - Candidate for Harris County Board of Education 32 - The Hunt Law Group, P.C. -- Attorney Joi-Lin Hunt, ESQ.

Contact Us

SMALL BUSINESSES. MINISTRIES, NONPROFITS, POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS, CORPORATIONS, AND CHURCHES SHOULD CALL US TODAY!

WHY VOTE IN 2012? - Check out this message on page (19) from Pastor Robert L. Thomas (pictured here with his wife Tracey). Pastor Thomas is the Senior Pastor of Olivet Missionary Baptist Church in Houston’s Fifth Ward. Olivet Missionary Baptist Church celebrated 80 years of continuous service this year.

Aubrey R. Taylor Communications is the publisher of Your Thought Matters Newspaper and website. If you have need of marketing, advertising, event promotions, or any other need related to branding you or your business call us today!

Phone: (832)212-8735

Mailing: 957 Nasa Parkway #251, Houston, Texas 77058

The Candidates:

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www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com -- THE SPOT WHERE YOU CAN IDENTIFY THE CANDIDATES WHO WANT YOUR VOTE AND SUPPORT IN 2012!

“YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER BLOG IS THE BLOG FOR OPEN-MINDED PEOPLE!” -- SEND ALL EDITORIAL COMMENTS TO: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com

These Candidates Are Seeking Your Vote on Tues., Nov. 6, 2012 in the General Election

Ted Cruz

A REPUBLICAN

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SPECIAL EDITION Why I am the best candidate for United States Senate

by Ted Cruz For Your Thought Matters Readers

I’m running for Senate because in my judgment, America is at a crossroads.

Barack Obama is the most radical president this nation has ever seen and we are facing the epic battle of our generation — a battle of whether this nation remains a free-market nation. The size, power, and spending of the federal government has increased faster in the past three years than ever before.

And we desperately need leadership to stand up and defend liberty, free-market principles, and the U.S. Constitution.

I think voters in Texas and across the country are tired of the same establishment incumbents. And 2010 showed they were looking for new leaders who have the courage of their convictions and are strong, principled conservatives who are willing to fight to defend limited government.

For the past decade, over and over again, I have been standing up for conservative principles and winning on the national level. Serving under Attorney General Greg Abbott, I was proud to successfully defend the Pledge of Allegiance, the Ten Commandments, the Second Amendment, and U.S. sovereignty from the World Court and the UN—all of which we won before the U.S. Supreme Court.

I am the only proven conservative in the race with a demonstrated record of standing up for conservative values and winning on a national level: • As the head of the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Tenth Amendment Studies, took a leading national role in fighting for States’ rights and against excessive federal regulation.

• Successfully represented Texas before the U.S. Supreme Court in Medellin v.

Texas, which upheld U.S. sovereignty and held that the World Court cannot bind the U.S. justice system and the President cannot order the state courts to obey the World Court.

• Under the leadership of Attorney General Greg Abbott, repeatedly defended the right to free speech and religious expression, including in a landmark decision protecting the Texas Ten Commandments monument.

• Played a leading role in several impor-

tant pro-life cases, including defense of the partial-birth abortion ban, parental consent laws, and prohibiting state funds from going to abortion.

• Led a coalition of 31 states protecting the 2nd Amendment by challenging the unconstitutional ban on gun rights in Washington, D.C. • Worked to strengthen border security and help ensure that America remains a nation of laws. Among other efforts, worked on efforts to increase penalties for felons who enter the country illegally.

• Defended the landmark lawsuit reform legislation implemented in Texas in 2003, protecting the constitutionality of that effort, which has led to greater access to health care and expanded economic opportunity.

• Successfully represented over 3 million veterans before the U.S. Supreme Court, defending the constitutionality of the Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial, which was erected in 1934 to honor WWI veterans.

• Fought on the federal level to defend marriage between one man and one woman as the fundamental building block of society.

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Why I am the best candidate for U.S. Congress for the 7th Congressional District

by James Cargas For Your Thought Matters Readers

I am the only challenger to the Tea Party’s Culberson who has previously worked in the U.S. Congress or held any public service positions. I am also the only life-long Democrat with decades of campaign experience in the July 31st runoff election. If elected, I will hit the ground running on January 20th serving all people of Texas’ 7th Congressional District.

1. My earliest memory of public service was at age 12, when I served as Democratic page in the Illinois Senate. My uncle

James Cargas

A DEMOCRAT was an Illinois Senator from Chicago and I spent the summer with him advancing Democratic principles of fairness, equality and responsibility. The highlight was coming close to seeing him pass the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. If elected, I will honor his memory by continuing his efforts to protect women from hostile legislation, education budget cuts, and unequal pay.

2. After college, I worked in the U.S. Congress for Rep. David Bonior (D-MI) as a Deputy Press Secretary.

3. During law school in DC, I served as a law clerk at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and learned the vital importance of affordable and reliable energy to our economy.

4. After law school and a few years in the private sector, I worked in the Clinton White House advancing solar and wind power, sustainable building practices and hybrid vehicles. Subsequently, I served in his administration at the U.S. Department of Energy under Gov. Bill Richardson.

5. Today, I am the Senior Assistant City Attorney for Energy for Mayor Annise Parker, a position I also was appointed to and held under Mayor Bill White.

6. My campaign experience reaches back to the Dukakis, Clinton, Gore, Edwards and Kerry campaigns. For Gore 2000, I was a paid staffer traveling across this beautiful nation – and filing tax returns in four states that I lived in. For Obama in 2008, I was asked to go the critical Columbus, Ohio area.

7. Given the importance of energy to our community, I joined with others to form the Oil Patch Democrats as a means of promoting Democratic energy policy alternatives. I also serve on the board of Green Door, Inc., a non-profit organization linking

under-served communities to opportunities in the Green Economy.

8. My many endorsements can be viewed at: www.jamescargas.com/supporters. They include: AFL-CIO, Houston Federation of Teachers, Teamsters, CWA, IBEW, Tejano Democrats, and the Houston Black American Democrats.

9. If elected, I will proudly represent Houston’s Energy Corridor. I will also work to cancel the Bush tax cuts and return to a balanced budget like Clinton’s. I will not support the Ryan Budget or any of the shameful cuts to Medicare and Social Security it contains.

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Why I am the best candidate for Texas Supreme Court Justice Place 4

by John Devine For Your Thought Matters Readers

For nearly 18 years I have served in various forms of judicial capacities in the state of Texas either as a special judge or a district judge. I believe I have the perquisite qualities necessary to serve in the highest

John Devine

A REPUBLICAN

court in Texas. These attributes are: personal restraint, moral integrity, academic excellence, self-sacrifice, spirit of service, firm reliance on God, humble nature, and undying respect for the Constitution. You might know me as the “10 Commandments

VOTE FOR DON SELF

IN 2012 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

- NOVEMBER 6TH, 2012 Don Self is a native Texan, married to Kimberly, and father of three children: Morgan 11, Logan 9 and Peyton 8

Why I am the best candidate for Harris County District Judge for the 152nd District Court

arbitrations and settlements in simple to complex, multi-party litigation including class actions.

I am a Leadership Houston member class XXV. I served on the Leadership Houston Board of Directors (2007-2009), Leadership Houston, Vice-Chairman, Business Development Committee (2007-2009). I am a member of the Houston Bar Association, Pasadena Bar Association, Republican Party, Memorial Drive Baptist Church, Boy Scouts of America, Neighborhood Centers, Inc. I served on the City of Houston Building and Standards Commission, Commissioner, Panel 3, (2006 – 2009). I am a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, International Ombudsman Association, BBB – Meby Don Self diator and Ford Motor ComFor Your Thought Matters Readers pany Autoline Arbitrator, EEOC – volunteer mediator, My name is Don Self, and I am a Republican ADR Section – Texas State candidate for the 152nd Civil District Court. I am Bar, Construction Law Section a fourth-generation Texan and Houston native. I – Texas State Bar, Association graduated from Westbury High School in Housof Conflict Resolution, Texas ton. I am married to Kimberly Self and we have Mediator Credentialing Assothree children; two daughters and a son. After ciation, Texas Association of high school, I joined the U.S. Navy where I Mediators (TAM), NAA-Naserved for six years. I was awarded a Navy tional Apartment Association, Commendation, two Navy Citations and an honHouston Realty Business orable discharge for my service.

Coalition.

I hold a JD degree and a Masters of Law My volunteer comdegree in health law from the University of munity involvement includes Houston. I am a certified mediator/arbitrator.

Leadership Houston, NeighI am a certified attorney ad litem and borhood Centers, Inc., Arbor guardian ad litem. I have been practicing School, Boy Scouts, Girl law for more than 16 years in civil litiScouts, and Girls Inc. I DON SELF gation representing individuals and am the head of the businesses. My practice areas are dimen’s ministry at Memoverse and broad-based, ranging from rial Drive Baptist Church. simple to complex, multi-party litigaI am a volunteer mediation, including, but not limited to busitor in healthcare and AND A COMMENDATION ness, commercial disputes, elder care, family and commercial real estate, aviation law, employment disputes for personal injury, elder law, health-care law, nursing the Better Business Bureau, EEOC. I do pro bono mehome abuse and class actions. I have handled cases diation, counseling and ombudsman assignments inin state and federal courts in Texas representing plainvolving nursing home conflicts. tiff and defendant clients on a local and national basis.

I am the most qualified candidate for the 152nd My diverse and broad-based practice provides experiDistrict Court because of my advanced education, cerence in depositions, pre-trial motions, trial, mediations,

U.S. Navy Veteran

* TWO NAVY CITATIONS

tifications, military leadership, depth and breadth of my legal experience and my community service. I continue to update my education and stay involved in the community in a leadership position.

About Don Self

• Hard working, common sense Texan who stands for conservative values and fairness • Will follow the law and not legislate from the bench • Attorney and small business owner with practical hands-on experience • Masters of Law Degree in health law from the University of Houston

Experience

• 16 years of private practice experience • A certified mediator/arbitrator • United States Navy Veteran, earned a Navy Commendation, Two Citations and honorable discharge • Republican Leadership Council Member • Board of Directors, Leadership Houston • Involved in the Boy Scouts of America

Vote for Don Self on Tuesday, Nov. 6th!

• Don Self has a true understanding of what it takes to be successful in law, business and the military. As a leader in the community, he has what it takes to become the Judge of the 152nd District Court • Native Texan, married to Kimberly, and father of three children: Morgan 11, Logan 9 and Peyton 8

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Pol. ad paid for by the Don Self Campaign in compliance with the volumeter limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, Janice Latham, Treasurer.

www.donselfforjudge.com

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www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com -- THE SPOT WHERE YOU CAN IDENTIFY THE CANDIDATES WHO WANT YOUR VOTE AND SUPPORT IN 2012!

“YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER BLOG IS THE BLOG FOR OPEN-MINDED PEOPLE!” -- SEND ALL EDITORIAL COMMENTS TO: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com Judge.” Where I received national acclaim for refusing to remove a painting of the Ten Commandments from his courtroom and defeated a related lawsuit by liberal activists.

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Why I am the best candidate for Harris County Judge District #129

by Michael Landrum For Your Thought Matters Readers

My name is Michael Landrum and I am a Republican candidate for Judge of the 129th Civil District Court. The incumbent is a Democrat named Michael Gomez, who defeated Grant Dorfman in the 2008 “Obama sweep”. Judge Dorfman has graciously endorsed me in this race. I am also honored to have the endorsements of Sen. Dan Patrick, Rep. Dwayne Bohac, Rep. Allen Fletcher, Paul Bettencourt and many others.

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SPECIAL EDITION

tions for many years.

I volunteer my time serving as counsel to Crossroads School, a private school that specializes in educating children with special needs. I have lectured in continuing legal education seminars, including presentations to Harris County judges. I volunteer as a judge in student competitions at South Texas College of Law. My wife, Mary Grace, and I have been active in local schools, the Spring Branch Education Foundation, our church, and other community activities. In years past, I coached little league basketball and soccer.

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Michael Landrum

A REPUBLICAN

I believe in our civil justice system. I believe that impartial courts and competent judges are essential to the success of free market capitalism, as business depends on the consistent and fair application of known and understood legal principles. You and your neighbors are more likely to be personally affected by a judge’s rulings than by the actions of any other elected official. I understand and believe that an independent and efficient judiciary will always be the last bastion of democracy.

I am the most qualified candidate, and not only because I have been representing businesses and business people longer and in a more diversified variety of cases than my opponent. I have worked hard to obtain specialty certification in two fields of legal specialty relating to the matters heard in a civil district court: my Civil Trial Law certification was awarded in 1989 and my Civil Appellate Law certification was awarded in 1995 by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. My opponent has not been awarded a specialty in any area of law.

For fourteen years, I presided in the Harris County tax court. In that part-time role I was responsible for a busy docket and for keeping a dozen sitting judges satisfied that cases were properly and expeditiously decided.

For over 20 years, I have been an arbitrator member of the American Arbitration Association. As an arbitrator, I have received evidence and rendered final awards in more than 200 cases involving a variety of issues. Some have involved relatively small consumer claims, and some were complex commercial matters involving millions of dollars. I realize that no case is trivial to the parties involved, and every case is entitled to a fair hearing and careful deliberation.

I am proud to be ranked “Well Qualified” over my opponent by two-to-one in the Houston Bar Association’s Judicial Qualification Poll.

I am a life-long conservative. I have supported conservative causes and candidates with my time and financial contribu-

Why I am the best candidate for Harris County District Judge for the 152nd District

by Don Self For Your Thought Matters Readers

My name is Don Self, and I am a Republican candidate for the 152nd Civil District Court. I am a fourth-generation Texan and Houston native. I graduated from

Don Self

A REPUBLICAN

Westbury High School in Houston. I am married to Kimberly Self and we have three children; two daughters and a son. After high school, I joined the U.S. Navy where I served for six years. I was awarded a Navy Commendation, two Navy Citations and an honorable discharge for my service.

I hold a JD degree and a Masters of Law degree in health law from the University of Houston. I am a certified mediator/arbitrator. I am a certified attorney ad litem and guardian ad litem. I have been practicing law for more than 16 years in civil litigation representing individuals and businesses. My practice areas are diverse and broad-based, ranging from simple to complex, multi-party litigation, including, but not limited to business, commercial disputes, commercial real estate, aviation law, personal injury, elder law, health-care law, nursing home abuse and class actions. I have handled cases in state and federal

courts in Texas representing plaintiff and defendant clients on a local and national basis. My diverse and broad-based practice provides experience in depositions, pre-trial motions, trial, mediations, arbitrations and settlements in simple to complex, multiparty litigation including class actions.

I am a Leadership Houston member class XXV. I served on the Leadership Houston Board of Directors (2007-2009), Leadership Houston, Vice-Chairman, Business Development Committee (2007-2009).

I am a member of the Houston Bar Association, Pasadena Bar Association, Republican Party, Memorial Drive Baptist Church, Boy Scouts of America, Neighborhood Centers, Inc. I served on the City of Houston Building and Standards Commission, Commissioner, Panel 3, (2006 – 2009). I am a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, International Ombudsman Association, BBB – Mediator and Ford Motor Company Autoline Arbitrator, EEOC – volunteer mediator, ADR Section – Texas State Bar, Construction Law Section – Texas State Bar, Association of Conflict Resolution, Texas Mediator Credentialing Association, Texas Association of Mediators (TAM), NAA-National Apartment Association, Houston Realty Business Coalition.

My volunteer community involvement includes Leadership Houston, Neighborhood Centers, Inc., Arbor School, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Girls Inc. I am the head of the men’s ministry at Memorial Drive Baptist Church. I am a volunteer mediator in healthcare and elder care, family and employment disputes for the Better Business Bureau, EEOC. I do pro bono mediation, counseling and ombudsman assignments involving nursing home conflicts.

I am the most qualified candidate for the 152nd District Court because of my advanced education, certifications, military leadership, depth and breadth of my legal experience and my community service. I continue to update my education and stay involved in the community in a leadership position.

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Why I am the best candidate for Harris County Constable for Precinct #1

by Alan Rosen For Your Thought Matters Readers

“My experience at the jail gave me a better understanding of how law enforcement can make a difference in the lives of those at a critical crossroads. In addition to seeing people who needed detention, I saw people who needed help not just punishment.” — Allen Rosen The citizens of Precinct 1 deserve a Constable with the proven law enforce-

Alan Rosen

A DEMOCRAT

ment, management and community experience to move the Constable’s Office to a higher level of service and accountability.

That is why Major Alan Rosen is the best choice for Precinct 1 Constable. Major Alan Rosen is a 21- year law enforcement veteran with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. Rosen is an honors graduate in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston. He is the only candidate in the run-off with direct patrol, management and budgetary experience.

Alan currently serves as a Major and Commander of the Special Operations Bureau for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office managing criminal warrants, fugitive warrants, the child predator apprehension team, sex offender tracking team and the.

Tactical Medical Team (Tac Medics), an elite team of Emergency Room Physicians and Paramedics who all have police and S.W.A.T. training.

Under Alan’s leadership the Harris County developed and instituted the Child Predator Apprehension Team, and warrant apprehension rates have increased 161% and capture rates for the increased by impressive numbers. Currently, the Child Predator Apprehension Team (CPAT) maintains an 84% capture rate.

As Commander of the Sex Offender Registration Tracking Team (SORT), Alan and his subordinates ensure that registered sex offenders are where they are supposed to be while conducting field interviews and surveying the entire home and work place during visits.

Alan began his law enforcement as a deputy sheriff. Working in the jail operations, he became well acquainted with policy issues and detention process, as well as the penal side of the job. Later, transferring to Harris County Law Enforcement, his experience and knowledge of the law expanded. Rather than allowing his work in the county to harden him, instead it helped Alan gain insight, and compassion into the depth and tragedy of the issues facing the incarcerated including mental illness and other problems.

Transferring to the Patrol Division, Alan learned to solve crimes by listening to what people said… and what they didn’t say, “We were able talk with members of the community, witness what was happening, then go in and make the arrest.” Working in narcotics, Alan was assigned to work on an Undercover Narcotics Street Task Force, purchasing narcotics on the street in an effort to track down the major traffickers supplying the street dealers.

www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com -- THE SPOT WHERE YOU CAN IDENTIFY THE CANDIDATES WHO WANT YOUR VOTE AND SUPPORT IN 2012!

“YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER BLOG IS THE BLOG FOR OPEN-MINDED PEOPLE!” -- SEND ALL EDITORIAL COMMENTS TO: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com

I Am... “Bray for Texas” is about renewal, growth and freedom. It’s about taking responsibility and stepping out on faith to change the status quo. It’s past time men of principle sit on our most principial positions. We Can ill afford to continue doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result. Texas needs a face lift! -- R. W. Bray For Texas Senate - District 6

I’m Inspired To Make A Change! i’ve DEDICATED MY LIFE TO PROTECTING ALL AMERICANS USAF - Member of the Texas Air National Guard 147RW/JA

I’VE PREPARED MYSELF TO REPRESENT YOUR BEST INTERESTS Law Officer Manager for Ellington Field AFB Jag Corps Chief Duty Director for Houston City Council Member Helena Brown Proud Initiator of Houston’s Annual Veterans Career Expo Author & Advocate of Houston’s “Veterans Points” for City Contracts Chief LANG Drug Testing Manager during Hurricane Katrina Business Banker for Wells Fargo

i’m INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY I’M SEEKING TO SERVE Vice President of Houston’s Young Republicans Member of the United Negro College Fund Houston Inter Alumni Council Member of Frederick Douglas Foundation

HERE’S A GLIMPSE INTO MY EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND Dillard University USAF Air University Study of Advanced Legal Studies

Objective: To present with enthusiasm and confidence, a vision for the future of Texas and District 6, by advocating, promoting and fostering a constructive environment for the advancement of education, entrepreneurship, social equality, business alliances and a 21st Century approach to joining private and public sector efforts to fuel our needs -- rather than a mere coalition of government interests. *Note: So even if you vote a straight ticket on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 you can still go back and do an over-ride to vote for me!

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www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com -- THE SPOT WHERE YOU CAN IDENTIFY THE CANDIDATES WHO WANT YOUR VOTE AND SUPPORT IN 2012!

“YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER BLOG IS THE BLOG FOR OPEN-MINDED PEOPLE!” -- SEND ALL EDITORIAL COMMENTS TO: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com Alan Rosen resides in the Constable Precinct One with his wife of 20 years and their three children. He is deeply committed to keeping families safe, addressing environmental issues and improving the quality of life for all residents of Harris County Constable District Precinct One. ----------------------------------------------------------

Why I am the best candidate for Harris County School Board Trustee Pos. 6 Pct #1

by Erica Lee For Your Thought Matters Readers

I seek to serve as a Trustee on the Harris County Board of Education because I believe all children deserve a quality education.

I am committed to bringing quality education to Harris County Precinct 1 and plan to use

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SPECIAL EDITION

efit from its services and resources.

I believe I am the most qualified candidate because I combine high-level policymaking and budget expertise with a deep passion for changing education outcomes for our children. I am the only candidate with federal, state and local policy-making experience. I have worked as a budget analyst for one of the nation’s largest democratic statesNew York. In this role, I created complex budget formulas for the state’s public schools and supported the drafting of key legislation to expand pre-kindergarten and protect high needs districts. I am a passionate advocate for children who will bring my skills, expertise and democratic values to my role as a Harris County Board of Education Trustee.

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Erica Lee

A DEMOCRAT

my experiences within local, state, and federal levels of government to do so.

I am committed to improving the education quality for students in Harris County. I truly believe that none of our children are throwaways and they all deserve opportunity. If elected to serve as a Trustee on the Harris County Board of Education, I plan to ensure that our system focuses on: • Quality professional development and support for our teachers and school leaders in Harris County.

• Quality implementation of educational services and enrichment programs for students.

• Quality management of the community’s financial resources.

• Quality outreach to and partnerships throughout our communities including the 26 ISDs and charter schools in Harris County.

In addition to being a former HISD teacher, I have worked for the state government finance contributing to the development of a $21 Billion education budget and navigated the complex federal legislative process.

My educational background includes a Masters of Public Policy, Duke University, Terry Sanford School of Public Policy and B.A. with Honors, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I have expertise in the legislative process and how the state and federal government work with local school boards like the County Board to institute education policy.

As Trustee, I will apply all of this expertise and know-how to improve the delivery of education services for our children.

For those who are unfamiliar with the board, the Harris County Board of Education Board ensures accountability for our public tax dollars. The Department saves districts money through sharing resources, improved efficiency and collaborating on best practices. Students benefit from high quality services like early intervention, after schooling and continued education. As a Trustee, it would be my mission to expand the outreach, accessibility and quality service delivery of the Harris County Department of Education beyond its traditional targets to ensure our highest needs communities ben-

Why I am the best candidate for Harris County Sheriff

by Louis Guthrie For Your Thought Matters Readers

The position of Sheriff is extremely important; effecting the safety and quality of life of every citizen. As we have learned from the current Democratic Sheriff, lack of experience, especially leadership experience, can have devastating consequences. I began my career in 1991 as a jailer with the

Harris County Sheriff’s Office and have since promoted through the ranks to Watch Commander and eventually Director of Special Crimes and Narcotics. Over my career, I have gained Supervisory and Command experience in almost every area of Law Enforcement.

Many of you are already familiar with my conservative law and order style of policing as well as my lobbying for safer communities, better immigration policies, and voter accountability processes in Harris County. I am actively engaged with Texas Legislators, having travelled to Austin many times in past legislative session to offer advice and opinions on Law Enforcement and Public Safety issues. I have always stood for:

Louis Guthrie

A REPUBLICAN

Constitutional Rights – State Rights – American Sovereignty – Less Bureaucracy – Less Taxes – More Personal Property Rights – The War on Terrorism.

Having been appointed by Commissioners Court to the Harris County CEFFC, I understand the need to have the smallest impact on Harris County tax payers. Serving as Vice President, I authorized over $700 million dollars for Hospitals and Health Care Facilities in Harris County; all with NO TAXPAYER EXPENSE. Through my years of public service, I have earned the trust and support of most leaders in the community and have gained overwhelming support from the law enforcement professional organizations. I will continue to work with Commissioners Court to revitalize the Sheriff’s Office, restore fiscal sanity and return integrity to the office. As your next Sheriff, I will make it a priority to REDUCE CRIME, CUT UNNECESSARY SPENDING, and put more Deputies on the street.

Being actively involved in civic and political issues since the age of eighteen, I have worked in many Republican Campaigns in Harris County and throughout Texas with the hope of giving Texans strong conservative choices. In this election cycle, we, as Conservatives, have a duty to elect not only the most qualified candidates, but also those candidates who have consistently shared our values and have an identifiable, reliable Republican track record.

Through my 21 years as a Peace Officer I have demonstrated the Integrity and Courage this job demands. As a public servant and leader I have developed the Vision and Judgment required to run Texas’s largest Sheriff’s Office. Together, these make me the best candidate for Harris County Sheriff and the most qualified candidate to represent you.

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VOTE ERICA S. LEE FOR HARRIS COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR POSITION 6, PRECINCT 1

“My daughter is well-qualified and ready to serve our community.

As a certified teacher, she knows how much our children deserve opportunity. She is ready to work for you.”

- Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN Erica believes in a...

Political Ad paid for by Lee for Education Germaine Champion, Treasurer

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OP-ED FROM A DEMOCRATIC PERSPECTIVE

WE ARE VOTING FOR OUR FUTURE THIS NOVEMBER ….

Carroll G. Robinson* Your Decisions

As a voter, this November, you will have a lot of decisions to make about the future of our country and community from who will serve as the next President of our nation to the election of county officials and local judges to whether or not to approve local bond issues and whether to allow Metro to keep all of its sales tax revenue to improve bus service and build more bus shelters and light rail which are needed in Northeast Houston, Sunnyside, Southwest Houston, Alief and the Spring Branch area.

Our Country & Our Community

If our country and community are to once again grow and prosper, we need to elect fair and thoughtful people to public office; create more good paying private sector jobs; ensure a well educated workforce; and build safe and clean neighborhoods with good streets, clean air and water, and easy access to public transportation, health care services and grocery stores with healthy and affordable food.

Vote For HCC Bond

On the November ballot, the Houston Community College System (HCC) will be asking for your support and permission to issue $425 million in bonds to build more buildings to educate more people to work in the healthcare and energy industries.

Some of the money will be used to help build more Early College High Schools to help more young people get a better education and workforce preparation while earning both a High School Diploma and a college Associate Degree or Workforce Certificate by taking Dual Credit courses.

Since its founding, over one million people have benefited from the services of HCC from GED and ESL classes to Associate Degrees, Workforce Certificates and continuing education courses.

HCC has and remains one of the cornerstones for building a better future for all the people in our community.

HCC helps ensure that we all have an opportunity to do better.

Currently, close to 100,000 people are attending HCC and more want to come and will, if we had the space to serve them.

Voting for the HCC bond would allow the System to build more buildings to serve more people all across our region from Katy and West Houston to Alief, Stafford/Missouri City and Fort Bend County to Southwest Houston, the Medical Center, Third Ward and Sunnyside/South Union to Southeast Houston to Northeast Houston and North Forest.

Hire Local First

Not only do we need more buildings for HCC, we also need to make sure that the contracts awarded to build them are awarded in a fair and inclusive manner.

With your help and support, I will work to make sure that is done.

All three bond proposals on the November ballot (the City of Houston’s, HISD’s and HCC’s) if passed, are major economic opportunities for shared prosperity, local job creation and broad based wealth building.

Local businesses and professionals should be hired first.

Big companies should be encourages to partner and joint venture with small, minority and women owned businesses.

Local voters can’t be called on the pass the bonds then all of the money is spent with companies and professionals from other states and outside of the Houston region. That’s not fair.

Vote No on Metro Referendum

Finally, Vote NO on the Metro referendum on the November Ballot.

After years of spending hundreds of millions of dollars of Houston taxpayer’s money on General Mobility, we still have Big Potholes in our streets, congestion of our highways and too much pollution in our community.

Metro needs to keep all of its sales tax revenue to provide better bus service, build more bus shelters and to build more light rail all across Houston and the Metro service area from Northeast Houston to Sunnyside to the University Line from Main Street to Texas Southern University to connecting both Hobby and Bush airports. It’s time for us to stand up for a bigger and better rail system in our community.

Conclusion

America is a democratic Republic, a representative democracy. Every year, you get to decide who will represent you and the things you believe in and the future you want for yourself your family and community.

This November it’s that time again. It’s time for you to decide. It’s time for you to choose the people you want to represent you and the future you want. You decide.

Make sure you are registered to vote, and VOTE. Take someone with you to the polls.

Vote to Build a Better Houston.

*Carroll G. Robinson is an Associate Professor at the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University; Trustee for Houston Community College System District IV, a former At-Large Houston City Council Member and former Chairman of the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce.

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“Appeal of a

Black

OP-ED FROM A REPUBLICAN PERSPECTIVE

I

n the Fall of 2005, when the air was cooling from the transition of seasons and the Gulf was warm and tremulous, one of the most devastating hurricanes in history tour to shreds the Gulf Coast and particularly, my city, the city of New Orleans.

After evacuating to Baton Rouge, one day after the storm touched land, I received a call from my superior informing me the Louisiana Air National Guard had been mobilized and I would have to return back to New Orleans and report for duty. Upon my arrival, I witnessed volunteers of “would be” heroes lined up for search and rescue, I joined a number of brave, caring Americans, who, regardless of color, was ready to help their fellow man. The rest is history.

Republican”

by R.W. Bray

2012 Republican Candidate for Texas Senate District 6 Notwithstanding, people forget history, and the stories that fill our hearts and fuel our passions, disseminate into nothing more than a lost utopia, a fiction only realized temporarily because of tragedy and the rare opportunity afforded to mankind to set aside differences in order to live. In the shelter of a frightening tent, I fell in love with an editorial written in the early 1850’s, entitled “Appeal of an Independent Democrat”; it was an editorial that had moved my hero, Frederick Douglas. I read the editorial, hoping it would move me.

It was an editorial by Horace Greeley, an abolitionist, the man who christened in the Republican Party. He lived in a time where the people wanted government to take a stronger role against slavery. During Greeley’s time, the government was oppressive, it robbed men of their natural ability and responsibility to succeed, and laws were in place that catered to a certain class and race, as if they were entitled. It stole humanity, self-worth, individual achievement, social advancement, dignity, respect, and independence from one race, so that another could reap what was not sown by them. As I read the article, it was a frightening similarity to the time I lived in. A few names were changed to protect the innocent, situations were a little turned around but it was the same oppressive spirit, a spirit that had found itself nestled comfortably in my generation. Knee deep in the throes of chaos and confusion, surrounded by rape and murder, pillagement and plunder, crippled by the inability to return to my love one in order to strengthen a union, that, unbeknown to me, had already be stolen, the eerie similarities of Greeley’s plight and mine, rang loudly. “This is slavery!” I yelled.

If “We, the People”, are to be saved from oppression, our ability to stand must be a permanent constitution of our psyche. No matter how big the crutch or the aid, no power other than the will of man and the grace of God can secure our livelihood. If the Government were the answer, then why did I participate in a search and rescue effort retrieving deceased brothers and sisters that had believed the lie that Gov-

ernment would take care of them. My people, who had been emancipated from slavery, by a party it now hates, found themselves slaves again, enslaved by a lie, the lie of entitlement and the “I’ll take care of you” deception.

My name is R.W. Bray, and if I lived in the mid1800’s they would’ve labeled me an Independent Democrat, (the initial name of the Republican Party). I am a Black Republican running for office to represent a District that has fallen prey to a lie. Consequently, the fruits of that falsity have spawned failure among my schools, made criminals of the children that live within my district, galva-

nized and corralled a certain race as if they were cattle and sacrificed another group, like pigs to the slaughter. I live in a District full of potential but has not lived up to its’ greatness in over a decade. The disparities of my district are incredible and it lacks growth because it is in dire need of true representation. I live in a Senate District where Republicans have been forced to settle for activities adverse to their

betterment and beliefs. Democrats have had no other choice except to keep the status quo due to lack of choice and a gerrymandering masterpiece, designed to keep a representative in office based on the ignorance of a voting base.

But this editorial will change all that. Much like the editorial I read years ago, the power of pen and the bravery of modern day abolitionist who truly believe in fairness and equality for all, regardless of race or party affiliations, men and women of character will join a search and rescue team politically, socially and spiritually, to bring about economic independence for my district by fostering an Entrepreneur environment, fueling our Energy resources, anchoring ourselves to a conviction that will redefine Education and success for our youth and with any luck create a party of all races and all backgroundsHoustonian Americans.

Someone once told me that my dreams were lofty, that I was a dreamer and unrealistic. I am a dreamer; an abolitionist, who believes that the city of Houston’s Economic freedom can and will be found once we embrace the three E’s mentioned above. If anyone comes across my name and wonders, “Who is this guy and what is his platform?”

Know that I am a man who believes it is time men of principle sit on our most principal positions. I’m on the ballot this November, so whether you’re Republican or Democrat, now you have a choice and a chance. In the up-coming elections the readers of this editorial can either vote straight ticket, or straight principle. The victory of my campaign and the campaign of so many in the Run-Off and the General election, depend on the latter. Let’s make history. Let’s vote principle over party, person over propaganda and stir up a Hurricane of growth and change that will break apart the dividing levees of our races and our society.

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PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SPECIAL EDITION

TIMES OF CR

HOW IMPORTANT IS ELECTING GOOD LEADERSHIP DURING

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RISIS?

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FORMER STATE REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD J (RICK) NORIEGA:

“In their land navigation training, my soldiers learn that if you’re off course a couple of degrees for a short distance, it doesn’t matter too much. But if you’re off course for a good while, then the divide from where you are and where you should be is so great that it is nearly impossible to get back on the right course.”

FORMER DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN BOYD L. RICHIE: “… Whether it is dealing with economic, healthcare, or national security issues, good leadership is necessary for our society to get through these difficult times. Level headed leadership is crucial in order to see the predicament through the end and to make certain all possible scenarios have been played out.”

CURRENT LIBERTARIAN CHAIRMAN PATRICK L. DIXON: “I doubt anyone would argue that leadership is not important at any time, but it is also necessary in order to prevent a crisis before it occurs. It is at times of crisis that the temptation for a leader to become a dictator grows. A great leader has followers that sincerely believe in the mission instead of being coerced to support a mission under threat.”

CURRENT U.S. CONGRESSMAN KEVIN BRADY: “It’s critical. In a terrible storm you don’t want to risk turning the helm of the ship over to someone who has never piloted one. These days voters want common-sense, qualified leaders with proven expertise to help steer this nation through rough economic times.”

FORMER MILITARY LEADER DEXTER HANDY: “Good leadership is absolutely necessary during times of crisis. When lives, livelihoods, safety, security, or infrastructures are at risk, a good strong leader must take control of the situation. As a former military leader I have the ability to quickly identify the critical problem areas, assess alternative approaches to fixing the problems, develop working solutions, pull together the right team to fix the problems, and make it happen. As a leader, I am also aware of communicating the solutions to the community affected, and taking measures to calm the fears of the people adversely affected.”

CURRENT U.S. CONGRESSMAN PETE OLSON: “Leadership and character are the two most important qualities for elected officials to possess in a crisis. These two qualities determine if someone will rise to the occasion, create a sense of teamwork and urgency and move the process along toward an appropriate solution. In Congress, we need more people who will be steadfast, keep their word and their principles and work toward the best result for the American people, and not for a given party.”

FORMER U.S. CONGRESSMAN Chris Bell: “Strong leadership in a crisis is critical.

A vast majority of Texans are dissatisfied with the lack of leadership they see in the state legislature on vital issues such as school funding, health care reform and spending transparency.”

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CURRENT SUPREME COURT JUSTICE WALLACE B. JEFFERSON

“The public benefits from a steady hand during a time of crisis — someone dedicated to evaluating whatever emergency is presented, conferring with all affected, and then making clear decisions together with contingency plans for unanticipated complications.”

FORMER HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF THOMAS: “Good leadership during times of crisis is especially important because the qualities good leaders possess give others confidence, provide direction and ease concerns related to the crisis. Good leaders possess many important qualities: a.) Honesty and integrity. b.) The ability to inspire others. c.) A vision for the future and the know-how to get the job done. d.) Qualifications and experience. e.) Good communication and organizational skills. f.) Ability to delegate.”

FORMER GALVESTON MAYOR JAWORSKI: “Leadership is critical during these uncertain times because the solutions to the challenges we face require broad public support to be effective...”

CURRENT SHERIFF ADRIAN GARCIA: “Good leadership is always critical not just during a crisis. However, the public and employees need to know that they have someone they can follow when they most need direction. Leadership should be visible and engaged, making the most difficult decisions. I saw this in Mayor Bill White during and after Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike. Effective leadership makes citizens feel protected before, during and after a critical incident. An effective leader needs to be respected and supported, and I am honored that the three main employee groups of the Sheriff’s Office have endorsed my candidacy and NOT their boss.”

CURRENT HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE ED EMMETT: “Leadership is critical during times of crisis, but effective leadership is born of preparation. The best leader with great instincts and skills will only be successful if he is prepared.”

OUTGOING HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PAT LYKOS: “Leadership is vital to swift assessment, rapid response, optimizing use of resources, adaptation to changing circumstances and minimizing collateral damage in controlling a crisis.

Leaders should always demonstrate a calm confidence and be decisive. The effective enforcement of our criminal laws is essential to keeping the social fabric intact, which is based upon law and order and the rule of law. As Drucker said, “Leaders do the right things and managers do things right.” Good leaders hold themselves accountable first, and then their subordinates.”

FORMER STATE SENATOR MIKE JACKSON: “Good leadership is crucial in times of crisis. We saw how smoothly the Hurricane Ike evacuation was handled by our local emergency management officials and we were therefore able to avoid massive amounts of loss of life because of it. As a leader you sometimes have to know when to get in front of a camera and when that isn’t necessary. For the most part, my work during the Hurricane focused on providing some of our local jurisdictions the state resources they needed during the aftermath because our local authorities did such a fabulous job.”

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CURRENT HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE DAVID MENDOZA

“Good leadership is of paramount importance in times of crisis. People want answers, people want leaders who have a vision and who produce good results for their constituents.”

CURRENT HARRIS COUNTY ATTORNEY VINCE RYAN: “I believe that in times of crisis “great” leadership is necessary. Certainly, war is one example. My training and experiences in my twenty eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve, including Vietnam and Panama during Operation Just Cause, taught me much about leadership in times of crisis. Primarily, a leader in all circumstances must lead by example, especially in times of crisis.”

CURRENT HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE RANDY ROLL: “Symbolically and substantively a strong leader can get things going. I am a leader not a follower. A ship without a captain, drifts aimlessly...”

FORMER HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE ROGER BRIGWATER: “It is the difference between success and failure. Besides giving direction, a leader gives confidence, inspires others to trust and join the team.”

CURRENT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER STEVE RADACK: “Good leadership is always vital during a crisis. But we must put the word “crisis” in perspective.

Harris County consists of nearly 4 million residents. It is safe to say that every second there is someone experiencing a crisis in their life. It could be one of the thousands of children abused annually, or a senior citizen struggling to pay the light bill while facing a mountain of medical expenses. It could be one of the hundreds of thousands of people treated at the Harris County Hospital District each year. Leaders come in all shapes and forms. As a leader, my best work is to make sure other leaders in the community have the tools they need to help all these people 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

The people of Harris County are dynamic and challenges are always present. Leaders, like those on Harris County Commissioners Court, find a way to make sure the community has the tools to deal with whatever confronts the people we serve.”

FORMER CITY OF HOUSTON POLICE CHIEF C. O. “BRAD” BRADFORD: “Good leadership is essential to the successful operation of any entity during a time of crisis, especially in a governmental organization that has the responsibility of protecting the public, such as the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. That office requires a leader with strength, integrity and sound judgment. During a crisis, a leader’s character is put to the ultimate test and their ability to lead must be an example for all who follow, uniting others to work for the greater good of all. A leader must be able to recognize the source of the crisis, ascertain available resources and then determine the most appropriate solution; then he or she must be strong and wise enough to efficiently and effectively implement that solution.” NOTE: C.O. Bradford is currently serving on Houston City Council as an At-Large Councilmember.

CURRENT STATE REPRESENTATIVE DWAYNE BOHAC: “Leadership during time of crisis is absolutely vital to our community and state. During my time in the legislature, I have always handled tough situations with one question in mind: “What is best for my district?” Having this mindset helps keep me calm and enables me to take on challenges and tough votes knowing that I am doing what I think is absolutely best for my district, no matter the situation.”

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SAMPLE BALLOT HARRIS COUNTY BALLOT FOR THE TUES., NO

WHY VOT

SAMPLE BALLOT FOR HARRIS COUNTY VOTERS ON THE

Early Voting Begins On Monday, October 22nd and ends on F

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OVEMBER 6, 2012 GENERAL AND SPECIAL ELECTIONS

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FOLLOWING (6) PAGES

Friday, November 2nd!

THE CHOICE IS YOURS Pastor Robert L. Thomas pictured with his wife Tracey.

By Pastor Robert L. Thomas For Your Thought Matters Readers:

I know many of us will say the old cliché’ “Our forefathers died for this right!”, which is very true; but that alone as an argument to motivate us to do what we should already be excited to do; just isn’t enough.

Why we have to extol the virtues of voting to a people just a few decades removed from one of the worst atrocities ever perpetrated against mankind in the detestable act of slavery is really beyond me.

It really boils down to this: if you are interested in having a better quality of life; you should go out and vote; if you want your children to be able to afford to attend college, then go vote; if you think your taxes are too high for the services you receive; go out and vote; if your school system is not what you want it to be; yep, you should get up and roll to the polls.

It really is true — your vote is your voice! We have to be stronger in voice, so that what we say, when we say it, matters, and we are responsible for doing that at the voting booth. Elected officials work for the taxpayers, not the other way around, and as such, they should not be able to tell us what they are going to do, they are to push forward the positive agendas for bettering our safety, opportunities, prosperity and quality of life.

The choice is yours, accept things as they are, or vote and seek the systemic change we all so richly deserve!

Robert L. Thomas, Jr. Be Safe, Stay Informed!

Senior Pastor Olivet Missionary Baptist Church Celebrating 80 Years of Continuous Service

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November 06, 2012 County nty-November

GENERAL ELECTION Strra aight Parrtty Ƒ Republican Party Ƒ Democratic Party tarian Party Ƒ Liberrtari Ƒ Green Party President and Vice President Ƒ Mitt Romney / Paul Ryan Republican Party Ƒ Barack Obama / Joe Biden Democratic Party Ƒ Gary Johnson / Jim Gray Libertarian Party Ƒ Jill Stein / Cheri Honkala Green Party Ƒ Write-in United States Senator Ƒ Ted Cruz Republican Party Ƒ Paul Sadler Democratic Party Ƒ John Jay Myers Libertarian Party Ƒ David B. Collins Green Party United States Repre esentative, District 2 Ƒ Ted Poe Republican Party Ƒ Jim Dougherty Democratic Party Ƒ Kenneth Duncan Libertarian Party Ƒ Mark A. Roberts Green Party United States Repre esentative, District 7 Ƒ John Culberson Republican Party Ƒ James Cargas Democratic Party Ƒ Drew Parks Libertarian Party Ƒ Lance Findley Green Party United States Repre esentative, District 8 Ƒ Kevin Brady Republican Party Ƒ Neil Burns Democratic Party Ƒ Roy Hall Libertarian Party United States Repre esentative, District 9 Ƒ Steve Mueller ty Republican Parrty Ƒ Al Green Democratic Party Ƒ John Wieder Libertarian Party Ƒ Vanessa Foster Green Party United States Repre esentative, District 10 Ƒ Michael McCaul Republican Party Ƒ Tawana W. Cadien Democratic Party Ƒ Richard Priest Libertarian Party United States Repre esentative, District 18 Ƒ Sean Seiberrtt Republican Party Ƒ Sheila Jackson Lee Democratic Party Ƒ Christopher Barber Libertarian Party

United States Representative, District 22 Ƒ Pete Olson Republican Party Ƒ Kesha Rogers Democratic Party Ƒ Steve Susman Libertarian Party Ƒ Don Cook Green Party United States Representative, District 29 Ƒ Gene Green Democratic Party Ƒ James Stanczak Libertarian Party Ƒ Maria Selva Green Party United States Representative, District 36 Ƒ Steve Stockman Republican Party tin Ƒ Max Marrti Democratic Party Ƒ Michael K. Cole Libertarian Party Railroad Commissioner Ƒ Christi Craddick Republican Party Ƒ Dale Henry Democratic Party Ƒ Vivekananda (Vik) Wall Libertarian Party Ƒ Chris Kennedy Green Party Railroad Commissioner, Unexpired Term Ƒ Barry Smitherman Republican Party Ƒ Jaime O. Perez Libertarian Party Ƒ Josh Wendel Green Party Justice, Supreme Courtt, Place 2 Ƒ Don Willett Republican can Party Ƒ RS Roberto Koelsch Libertarian Party Justice, Supreme Courtt, Place 4 Ƒ John Devine Republican Party Ƒ Tom T Oxford Libertarian Party Ƒ Charles E. Waterbury Green Party Justice, Supreme Courtt, Place 6 Ƒ Nathan Hecht Republican Party Ƒ Michele Petty Democratic Party Ƒ Mark Ash Libertarian Party Ƒ Jim Chisholm Green Party Presiding Judge, Courtt of Criminal Appeals Ƒ Sharon Keller Republican Party Ƒ Keith Hampton Democratic Party Ƒ Lance Stott Libertarian Party Judge, Courtt of Criminal Appeals, Place 7 Ƒ Barbara Parker Hervey Republican Party Ƒ Mark W. Bennett Libertarian Party Judge, Courtt of Criminal Appeals, Place 8 Ƒ Elsa Alcala b ican Par arty y Republ Ƒ W am Bryan S range L ber ar an Par y

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Elec tions

Member, State Board of Education, District 4 Ƒ Dorothy Olmos Republican Party Ƒ Lawrence Allen, Jr. Democratic Party Member, State Board of Education, District 6 Ƒ Donna Bahorich Republican Party Ƒ Traci Jensen Democratic Party Ƒ Gene Clark Libertarian Party Ƒ G C Molison Green Party Member, State Board of Education, District 8 Ƒ Barbara Cargill Republican Party Ƒ Dexter Smith Democratic Party State Senator, District 4 Ƒ Tommy Williams Republican Party Ƒ Bob Townsend Libertarian Party State Senator, District 6 Ƒ R. W. Bray Republican Party Ƒ Mario V. Gallegos, Jr. Democratic Party State Senator, District 7 Ƒ Dan Patrick Republican Party Ƒ Sam (Tejas) Texas Democratic Party State Senator, District 11 Ƒ Larry Taylor Republican Party Ƒ Jacqueline Acquistapace Democratic Party State Senator, District 13 Ƒ Rodney Ellis Democratic Party State Senator, District 15 Ƒ Bill Walker Republican Party Ƒ John Whitmire Democratic Party State Senator, District 17 Ƒ Joan Huffman Republican Party Ƒ Austin Page Libertarian Party Ƒ David Courtney Green Party State Senator, District 18 Ƒ Glenn Hegar Republican Party State Representative, District 126 Ƒ Patricia Harless Republican Party State Representative, District 127 Ƒ Dan Huberrty ty Repub y blican Par arty Ƒ Cody Pogue Democra c Par y S a e Represen a ve D s r c 128 Ƒ Wayne Sm h Repub can Par y S a e Represen a ve D s r c 129 Ƒ John E Dav s Repub can Par y

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County nty-November November 06, 2012

State Representative, District 130 Ƒ Allen Fletcher Republican Party Ƒ Arrtt Browning Green Party State Representative, District 131 Ƒ Alma A. Allen Democratic Party Ƒ Alfr fred ed N. Montestruc Libertarian Party fred ed Molison, Jr. Ƒ Alfr Green Party State Representative, District 132 Ƒ Bill Callegari Republican Party Ƒ Phil Kurtz Libertarian Party State Representative, District 133 Ƒ Jim Murphy Republican Party Ƒ Gerald W. (Jerry) LaFleur Libertarian Party State Representative, District 134 Ƒ Sarah Davis Republican Party Ƒ Ann Johnson Democratic Party State Representative, District 135 Ƒ Gary Elkins Republican Party Ƒ Paul Morgan Democratic Party State Representative, District 137 Ƒ M. J. Khan Republican Party Ƒ Gene Wu Democratic Party State Representative, District 138 Ƒ Dwayne Bohac Republican Party Ƒ Lee Coughran Libertarian Party State Representative, District 139 Ƒ Sam Brocato Republican Party Ƒ Sylvester Turner Democratic Party State Representative, District 140 Ƒ Armando Lucio Walle Democratic Party State Representative, District 141 Ƒ Michael Bunch Republican Party fron onia Thompson Ƒ Senfr Democratic Party

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State Representative, District 146 Ƒ Borris L. Miles Democratic Party State Representative, District 147 Ƒ Garnet F. Coleman Democratic Party Ƒ Deb Shafto Green Party State Representative, District 148 Ƒ Jessica Cristina Farrar Democratic Party Ƒ Henry Cooper Green Party State Representative, District 149 Ƒ Dianne Williams Republican Party Ƒ Huberrtt Vo Democratic Party State Representative, District 150 Debbie Riddle Ƒ Republican Party Ƒ Brad Neal Democratic Party Justice, 1st Courtt of Appeals District, Place 2 Ƒ Jane Bland Republican Party Ƒ Ron Lovett Democratic Party Justice, 1st Courtt of Appeals District, Place 6 Ƒ Har Harvvey Brown Republican Party Ƒ Chuck Silverman Democratic Party Justice, 1st Courtt of Appeals District, Place 7 Ƒ Terry Jennings Republican Party kes Ƒ Natalia Cokinos Oakes Democratic Party Justice, 1st Court rt of Appeals District, Place 8 Ƒ Michael Massengale Republican Party Ƒ Nile Copeland Democratic Party Justice, 1st Courtt of Appeals District, Place 9 Ƒ Rebeca Hu Hudd ddle Republican Party Ƒ Kathy Cheng Democratic Party Justice, 14th Courtt of Appeals District, Place 3 Ƒ Brett Busby Republican Party Ƒ Barbara Gardner Democratic Party

State Representative, District 142 Ƒ Har Harol old V. Dutton, Jr. Democratic Party

Justice, 14th Courtt of Appeals District, Place 4 Ƒ Jeff Brown Republican Party Ƒ Jim Wrotenbery Democratic Party

State Representative, District 143 Ƒ Doug Weiskopf Republican Party Ƒ Ana Hernandez Luna Democratic Party

Justice, 14th Courtt of Appeals District, Place 5 Ƒ Marrtha tha Hill Jamison Republican Party Ƒ Tanner Garth Democratic Party ar y

State Representative, District 144 Ƒ David Pineda Republican Party Ƒ Mary Ann Perez Democratic Party Ƒ Robb Rourke Libertarian Party

Justice, 14th Courtt o Appea s D s r c P ace 6 Ƒ Bill Boyce Republican Par y

State Representative District 145 Ƒ Car Caro o A varado Democra c Par y

Justice, 14th Courtt o Appea s D s r c P ace 8 Ƒ John Donovan Republican Par y Ƒ Julia Maldonado Democra atic Par y

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District Judge, 11th Judicial District Ƒ Bruce Bain Republican Party Ƒ Mike Miller Democratic Party District Judge, 61st Judicial District Ƒ Jeff Hastings Republican Party Ƒ Alfred ("Al") Bennett Democratic Party District Judge, 80th Judicial District Ƒ Richard Risinger Republican Party Ƒ Larry Weiman Democratic Party District Judge, 125th Judicial District Ƒ John Coselli Republican Party Ƒ Kyle Carrter ter Democratic Party District Judge, 127th Judicial District Ƒ Russell Lloyd Republican Party Ƒ R. K. Sandill Democratic Party District Judge, 129th Judicial District Ƒ Michael Landrum Republican Party Ƒ Michael Gomez Democratic Party District Judge, 133rd Judicial District Ƒ Lamar McCorkle Republican Party Ƒ Jaclanel McFarland Democratic Party District Judge, 151st Judicial District Ƒ John Wittenmyer Republican Party Ƒ Mike Engelharrtt Democratic Party District Judge, 152nd Judicial District Ƒ Don Self Republican Party Ƒ Roberrtt Schaffer Democratic Party District Judge, 164th Judicial District Ƒ Bud Wiesedeppe Republican Party Ƒ Alexandra Smoots-Hogan Democratic Party District Judge, 165th Judicial District Ƒ Elizabeth Ray Republican Party Ƒ Josefina Rendon Democratic Party District Judge, 174th Judicial District Ƒ Roberrtt Summerlin Republican Party Ƒ Ruben Guerrero Democratic Party District Judge, 176th Judicial District Ƒ Stacey Bond Repub ar y blican Party Ƒ Shawna L Reag n Democra c Par y D s r c Judge 177 h Jud c a D s r c Ƒ Ryan Pa r ck Repub can Par y Ƒ V v an K ng Democra c Par y

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SAMPLE BALLOT THE SA M PLE BALL OTHARRIS SA M COUNTY PLE BALL OT BALLOT SA M FOR PLE BALL OT TUES., N County nty-November November 06, 2012

District Judge, 178th Judicial District Ƒ Roger Bridgwater Republican Party Ƒ David L. Mendoza Democratic Party District Judge, 179th Judicial District Ƒ Kristin M. Guiney Republican Party Ƒ Randy Roll Democratic Party District Judge, 215th Judicial District Ƒ Ken Shorrtr treed Republican Party Ƒ Elaine H. Palmer Democratic Party District Judge, 333rd Judicial District Ƒ Joseph "Tad" Halbach Republican Party Ƒ Tracy D. Good Democratic Party District Judge, 334th Judicial District Ƒ Ken Wise Republican Party Ƒ Donna Roth Democratic Party District Judge, 337th Judicial District Ƒ Rene« Magee Republican Party Ƒ Herb Ritchie Democratic Party District Judge, 338th Judicial District Ƒ Brock Thomas Republican Party Ƒ Hazel B. Jones Democratic Party District Judge, 339th Judicial District Ƒ Brad Hart ty Republican Parrty Ƒ Maria T. Jackson Democratic Party District Judge, 351st Judicial District Ƒ Mark Kent Ellis Republican Party Ƒ Mack McInnis Democratic Party District Attorney Ƒ Mike Anderson Republican Party Ƒ Lloyd Wayne Oliver Democratic Party Judge, County Court rt at Law No. 1, Unexpired T er m Ƒ Debra Ibarra Mayfield Republican Party Ƒ Erica M. Graham Democratic Party Judge, County Court rt at Law No. 2, Unexpired T er m Ƒ Theresa Chang Republican Party Ƒ Damon Crenshaw Democratic Party County At Attorney Ƒ Roberrtt Talton Republican Party Ƒ Vince Ryan Democratic Party Sheriff Ƒ Louis Guthrie Republican Party Ƒ Adrian Garcia atic Party Democra ar y Ƒ Rem ng on A ess Green Par y

County Tax As ssessorr Collector Ƒ Mike Sullivan Republican Party Ƒ Ann Harris Bennett Democratic Party Ƒ Jesse Hopson Libertarian Party County School Trustee, Position 3, At Large Ƒ Mike Wolfe Republican Party Ƒ Diane Trautman Democratic Party County School Trustee, Position 4, Precinct 3 Ƒ Kay Smith Republican Party Ƒ Silvia Mintz Democratic Party County School Trustee, Position 6, Precinct 1 Ƒ JuLuette Bartlett-Pack Republican Party Ƒ Erica S. Lee Democratic Party County Commissioner, Precinct 1 Ƒ Chuck Maricle Republican Party Ƒ El Franco Lee Democratic Party County Commissioner, Precinct 3 Ƒ Steve Radack Republican Party Ƒ Glorice McPherson Democratic Party County Commissioner, Precinct 4, Unexpired T er m Ƒ R. Jack Cagle Republican Party Ƒ Sean Hammerle Democratic Party Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 1, Place 1 Ƒ Dale M. G Gorc orczynski Democratic Party Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 2, Place 1 Ƒ JoAnn Delgado ad Democratic Party Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 3, Place 1 Ƒ Mike Parrott Democratic Party Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 4, Place 1 Ƒ J. Kent Adams Republican Party Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 5, Place 1 Ƒ Russ Ridgway Republican Party Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 6, Place 1 Ƒ Richard C. Vara Democratic Party Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 7, Place 1 Ƒ Hilary H. Green Democratic Party Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 8, Place 1 Ƒ Holly Williamson Republican Party Ƒ Tommy Ginn Democratic Party Constable, Precinct 1 Ƒ Joe Danna Republican Party Ƒ Alan Rosen Democratic Party Ƒ James C er C. Lancaster L ber ar an Par y Ƒ Car os V a obos Green Par y

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Constable, Precinct 2 Ƒ Chris McDonald Republican Party Ƒ Christopher ("Chris") Diaz Democratic Party Constable, Precinct 3 Ƒ David Cruzan Republican Party Ƒ Ken Jones Democratic Party Constable, Precinct 4 Ƒ Ron Hickman Republican Party Constable, Precinct 5 Ƒ Phil Camus Republican Party Constable, Precinct 6 Ƒ Victor Trevino, Jr. Democratic Party Constable, Precinct 7 Ƒ May Walker Democratic Party Constable, Precinct 8 Ƒ Phil Sandlin Republican Party METROPOLITAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY Referendum Election Metr t opolitan Transit Authority, Referendum on Street Improvement Mobility Program THE CONTINUED DEDICATION OF UP TO 25% OF METRO'S SALES AND USE TAX REVENUES FOR STREET IMPROVEMENTS AND RELATED PROJECTS FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 2014 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025 AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW AND WITH NO INCREASE IN THE CURRENT RA RAT TE OF METRO'S SALES AND USE TAX. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST City of Houston, Texas Special Election To Fill A Vacancy City of Houston, Council Member, District E Ƒ Dave Martin Ƒ Elizabeth C. Perez Ƒ Lonnie Allsbrooks City of Houston, Texas Special Chartter Amendment Election City of Houston, Proposition No. 1 (Relating to amending the Charter of the City of Houston by repealing (removing) language that is obsolete or has been superseded by state and/or federal law.)

Shall the Charter of the City of Houston be amended by repealing (removing) language that is obsolete or has been superseded by other law: Arrtiticle I, Section 2-a, annexation of territory; Arrtticle I, Section 2-b, extension of city boundaries; Arrtticle II, Sections 14 and 14a, operation of the Houston Independent School District; Arrti ticle II, Section 16, paragraph 10, regulation of the price of goods; Arrtticle II, Section 16, paragraph 15, which authorizes ticle unequal treatment of the disabled; and Arrti IX, Section 10, exemption of city employees from jury duty? Ƒ Yes Ƒ No

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OVEMBER AND SPECIAL ELECTIONS SA M 6, PLE2012 BALL OTGENERAL SA M PLE BALL OT SA M PLE BALL OT County nty-November November 06, 2012

City of Houston, Proposition No. 2 (Relating to amending the Charter of the City of Houston to conform initiative, referendum, and recall processes to current law) Shall Arrtiticle V, Section 10 (adopted 1951), Arrtiticle VII-a (adopted 1913), and Arrtticle VII-b (adopted 1913) of the Charrter ter of the City of Houston be amended to remove obsolete ty primaries and partisan City references to parrty elections, to address the impact of current election laws and procedures, and to recognize the existence of council districts in initiative, referendum, and recall petition processes? Ƒ Yes Ƒ No City of Houston, Texas Special Bond Election City of Houston, Proposition A The issuance of $144,000,000 public safety improvement bonds for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation and equipment of public safety public improvements for police and fire departments and the levying of taxes sufficient for the payment thereof and interest thereon Ƒ For Ƒ Against City of Houston, Proposition B The issuance of $166,000,000 park improvement bonds for the conservation, improvement, acquisition, construction and equipment of neighborhood parks, recreational facilities and bayous, including such green spaces along all bayous to create an integrated system of bayou walking, running and bicycle trails to enhance, preserve and protect the health of citizens, water quality, natural habitat and native wildlife and the levying of taxes sufficient for the payment thereof and interest thereon Ƒ For Ƒ Against City of Houston, Proposition C The issuance of $57,000,000 permanent public improvement bonds for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, remediation and equipment of permanent improvements that supporrtt public health, sanitation and other essential general services of the City and the levying of taxes sufficient for the payment thereof and interest thereon Ƒ For Ƒ Against City of Houston, Proposition D The issuance of $28,000,000 library improvement bonds for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation and equipment of the public library system and the levying of taxes sufficient for the payment thereof and interest thereon Ƒ For Ƒ Against City of Houston, Proposition E The issuance of $15,000,000 affordable housing bonds for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation and equipment of afforda aff ordable housing and the levying of taxes sufficient for the payment thereof and interest thereon Ƒ For Ƒ Against

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City of Baytown Special Election City of Baytown, Proposition No. 1 The amendment of Section 9 of the Charter of the City of Baytown, Texas, to conform this section to state law, to require a description of the annexation ordinance be published in a ter the city council's first reading newspaper af after of the ordinance, and to reduce the number of days between publishing notice of the annexation in the newspaper and taking final action on the annexation. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST City of Baytown, Proposition No. 2 The amendment of Section 14 of the Charter of the City of Baytown, Texas, to compensate the members of the City Council for their service up to the following amounts: Mayor................................ $1,000/month Council Members............... $500/month Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST City of Baytown, Proposition No. 3 The amendment of Section 31 of the Charter of the City of Baytown, Texas, to conform this section to state law regarding the number of audits required per year. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST City of Baytown, Proposition No. 4 The amendment of Section 47 of the Charter of the City of Baytown, Texas, to conform this section to state law regarding changes/ of the amendments to the budget, the filing o budget, and the availability of the budget to the public. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST City of Baytown, Proposition No. 5 The amendments of the Charter of the City of Baytown, Texas, tto o repeal Sections 53 and 54 and to amen me d Section 52 to conform this section to the b budget content requirements of state law. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST City of Baytown, Proposition No. 6 The amendment of Section 55 of the Charter of the City of Baytown, Texas, to allow contingent appropriations to be used for the proper functioning of the City regardless of any declared emergency and to provide for the proper accounting of such expenditures. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST

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City of Baytown, Proposition No. 9 The amendment of Section 68 of the Charter of the City of Baytown, Texas, to clarif arifyy the legal level of control for fund transfers and to tments with allow fund transfers between deparrtm the approval of the city council at any time instead of only during the last three months of a budget year. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST City of Baytown, Proposition No. 10 The amendments of the Charter of the City of Baytown, Texas, to repeal Sections 79 and 80 and to amend Section 78 to conform the issuance and terms of anticipation notes to state law. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST City of Baytown, Proposition No. 11 The amendment of Section 82 of the Charter arifyy the ad of the City of Baytown, Texas, to clarif valorem tax rate limitation is for maintenance and operations of the City and to remove provisions concerning ad valorem tax valuation and assessment which are obsolete due to changes in state law. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST City of Baytown, Proposition No. 12 The amendments of the Charter of the City of Baytown, Texas, to repeal Sections 67(6), 83, 84, 85 and 86 to remove obsolete provisions conc on erning the assessment and collection of ad valorem taxes governed by state law. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST City of Baytown, Proposition No. 13 The amendment of Section 97 of the Charter of the City of Baytown, Texas, to better distinguish between a referendum and an erss sub ubjject to an initiative, to limit the matter initiative ordinance, to set a standard of review by the courts, and to establish 1,000 as the number of qualified voters' signatures required for a valid initiative petition rather than a percentage of the number of all of the qualified voters who voted at the last mayoral election. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST

City of Baytown, Proposition No. 7 The amendment of Section 57 of the Charter of the City of Baytown, Texas, to update this section to reference financing tools permitted by state law, including certificates of obligations and revenue bonds. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST

City of Baytown, Proposition No. 14 The amendment of Section 62 and Section 98 of the Charter of the City of Baytown, Texas, to remove the permissive referendum on bonds, to better distinguish between a referendum and an initiative, to limit the matters sub ubjject to a referendum ordinance, to ts, establish a standard of review by the courrts to extend the time period for which a referendum petition may be filed from 20 days to 365 days, and to establish 1,000 as the number of qualified voters' signatures required ffor or a valid referendum petition, rather than a percentage of the number of all of the qualified voters who voted at the last mayoral election. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST

City of Baytown, Proposition No. 8 The amendments of the Charter of the City of Baytown, Texas, to repeal Sections 59, 60, 61 and 63, to remove provisions regarding the form, content, title and sale of bonds which are governed by state law. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST

City of Baytown, Proposition No. 15 The amendment of Section 99 of the Charter of the City of Baytown, Texas, to conform the initiative and referendum petitions to state law and to require the petition circulator to witness the persons signing the petitions. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST

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SA M PLE BALL OTHARRIS SA M COUNTY PLE BALL OT BALLOT SA M FOR PLE BALL OT TUES., N SAMPLE BALLOT THE

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County nty-November November 06, 2012

City of Baytown, Proposition No. 16 The amendment of Sections 104 and 111 of the Charrter ter of the City of Baytown, Texas, to for referendum, establish the election date for initiative and recall elections, as the date of the next regular municipal election for which preclearance is obtained. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST City of Baytown, Proposition No. 17 The amendment of Section 110 of the Charrter ter equire that of the City of Baytown, Texas, to rreq the statement of the grounds for rrem emoval from office which are filed with the city clerk be attached to the petition being circulated. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST City of Baytown, Proposition No. 18 The amendment of Section 127 of the Charrter ter equire of the City of Baytown, Texas, to rreq members of the City Council as well as officers and employees of the City to comply with applicable state law conflict of interest provisions and to remove unenforceable, overbroad conflict of interest provisions. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST City of Baytown, Proposition No. 19 The amendment of Section 138 of the Charrter ter of the City of Baytown, Texas, to conform the process for charrter ter amendments to state law, to remove the requirement that the proposed charrter ter amendments be mailed to every qualified voter in the city, to add the ter requirement that the proposed charrter amendments be posted on the City's website, and to require a charrtter review committee be appointed by the city council at least 18 months before the date the City is required to call its regular municipal election. Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST City of League City General Election City of League City, Council, Position #3 (Three Year Term) Ƒ Mick Phalen Ƒ Heidi Thiess City of League City, Council, Position #4 (Three Year Term) Ƒ Todd Kinsey Ƒ John E. Babcock Ƒ Jay Frederick Ewend City of League City, Council, Position #5 (Three Year Term) Ƒ Geri Bentley Ƒ Phyllis Sanborn City of League City Special Election City of League City, Proposition No. 1 Shall Arrtiticle II, Sections 1 and 3, and Arrtticle III, Section 1, of the City Charter be amended to provide for biennial elections on a uniform election date in evenn numbered years, and allow a member of Council to serve a four year term rather than a three year term, effec eff ective with the 2014 general election, with adjustment of existing terms as necessary (not to ever exceed a one year extension of term) to cause municipal elections to occur every two years on a uniform election date, with the next municipal general election to occur in 2014, instead of every year as currently required for for the terms of Mayor and Council members in the Charter? Ƒ For Ƒ Against

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City of League City, Proposition No. 2 Shall Arrtiticle Il, Section 2, of the City Charter for more restrictive be amended to provide for term limits such that no person may be a candidate for Mayor if serving a second consecutive mayoral term or be a candidate for Council if serving a second consecutive councilperson term? Currently, no person may be a candidate for for Mayor if serving a third consecutive term as Mayor, or be a candidate for Council if serving a third consecutive term as a Councilperson. Ƒ For Ƒ Against City of League City, Proposition No. 3 Shall Arrtiticle II, Sections 1 and 13, of the City Charter be amended to provide that the Mayor shall vote on any ordinance, resolution, action or question presented to the Council, and be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum, as any other member of City Council?

Currently, the Mayor is prohibited from voting except in the case of a tie vote of City Council. Ƒ For Ƒ Against City of League City, Proposition No. 4 Shall Arrtiticle II, Section 11, of the City Charrter ter be amended to provide that a quorum of City Council for the transaction of business shall consist of 5 voting members of City Council?

The current provision requires 5 councilpersons, excluding the Mayor, and may be affected by other proposed amendments being submitted, including allowing the Mayor to vote. Ƒ For Ƒ Against City of League City, Proposition No. 5 Shall Arrtiticle IX of the City Charter be amended to include a new Section 8, in order to prohibit further renewal or de dep ployment of photographic traffic enforcement systems on the City's public rights of way when the co c ntract with Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. expires pursuant to its terms? A vote "For" thi th s proposition will prohibit future p photographic enforcement as specified above, and a vote "Against" will allow the City to continue use of such enforcement. Ƒ For Ƒ Against City of League City,Proposition No. 6 Shall Arrtiticle II, Section 22, Arrti ticle V, Section 4, and Arrti ticle VII, Section 8, of the City Charrter ter be amended to avoid any confusion in interpretation of the existing provisions, by clarif arifyying and adopting uniform language that a super ma majjority consists of a four-fifths majjority of the voting members of City Council, ma specifically including the Mayor, if given the right to vote? Ƒ For Ƒ Against City of League City, Proposition No. 7 Shall Arrtiticle II, Section 7, of the City Charter be amended to provide that a Councilmember remaining absent for 3 consecutive meetings of Council of any kind, including special meetings or workshops, shall be determined to have vacated office? The current provision provides for determination of vacancy upon a Councilmember remaining absent for 3 consecutive regular meetings of City Council. Ƒ For Ƒ Against

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Houston Community College System Bond Election Houston Community College System, Pro oposition THE ISSUANCE OF $425,000,000 SCHOOL BUILDING BONDS FOR CONSTRUCTION, ACQUISITION, AND EQUIPMENT OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS IN THE SYSTEM, SCHOOL SITES AND THE LEVYING OF THE TAX IN PAYMENT THEREOF Ƒ For Ƒ Against Channelview Independent School District Board of Trustee Election Channelview I.S.D., Trustee, Position No. 1 Ƒ Keith Liggett Ƒ Raquel Dobbins Channelview I.S.D., Trustee, Position No. 2 Ƒ Steve Dennis Ƒ Christa R. Colomb Channelview I.S.D., Trustee, Position No. 3 Ƒ Lonnie (LoJo) Hays Ƒ Willie Hodson Crosby Independent School District General Election Crosby I.S.D., Trustee, Position 4 Ƒ David N. Shaver Ƒ David Porter Crosby I.S.D., Trustee, Position 5 Ƒ Carla Mills Windfont Ƒ Will Locke Crosby I.S.D., Trustee, Position 7 Ƒ James J. Hofmann Ƒ Gerald Blankenship Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D. General Election Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D., Trustee, Position 3 Ƒ Darcy Mingoia Ƒ Lillian Wanjagi Ƒ Bill Morris Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D., Trustee, Position 4 Ƒ Kevin H. Hoffman Ƒ Angela M. Wesley HOUSTON I.S.D. SCHOOLHOUSE BOND ELECTION Houston I.S.D., PROPOSITION THE ISSUANCE BY HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT OF $1,890,000,000 SCHOOLHOUSE BONDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, ACQUISITION AND EQUIPMENT OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT (INCLUDING THE REHABILITA LITAT TION, RENOVATION, EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT THEREOF) AND THE PURCHASE OF THE NECESSARY SITES FOR SCHOOL BUILDINGS, AND THE LEVYING OF THE TAX IN PAYMENT THEREOF Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST HUFFMAN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL TRUSTEE ELECTION Huffman I.S.D., SCHOOL TRUSTEE, POSITION NO. 4 Ƒ Dean L. Tinnin Huffman I.S.D., SCHOOL TRUSTEE, POSITION NO. 5 Ƒ Charles Bardwell

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SA M6, PLE BALL OT SA M AND PLE BALL OT SA M PLE BALL OT NOVEMBER 2012 GENERAL SPECIAL ELECTIONS

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County nty-November November 06, 2012

Hufffman I.S.D., SCHOOL TRUSTEE, POSITION NO. 6 Ƒ Matt Dutton Hufffman I.S.D., SCHOOL TRUSTEE, POSITION NO. 7 Ƒ Patrick Keith Ƒ Guy Smith Klein I.S.D. School Board Trustee Election

Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 127 Directors s' Election Harris County M.U.D. No 127, Directors s

Vote for None, 1, 2 or 3

Ƒ John R. Gagne tega Ƒ Katrina Orrteg Ƒ Don R. Baylor thur C. Zavala Ƒ Arrthu Ƒ B.A. (Khris) Scherwitz

Klein I.S.D. Trustee, Position 3 Ƒ William F. (Bill) Pilkington Ƒ Jim Smith

HARRIS COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 148 Operations and Maintenance Tax Election

Klein I.S.D. Trustee, Position 4 Ƒ Stephen J. Szymczak

Harris County M.U.D. No. 148, Proposition 1 An operations and maintenance tax not to exceed fifty cents ($0.50) per one hundred ty dollars ($100) valuation of taxable properrty Ƒ For Ƒ Against

Klein I.S.D. Trustee, Position 5 Ƒ Ronnie Anderson New Caney Independent School District General Election New Caney I.S.D., Trustee, Position 3 Ƒ Alan Moreau, Jr. New Caney I.S.D., Trustee, Position 4 Ƒ Jeromi Wright New Caney I.S.D., Trustee, Position 5 Ƒ Gary Lemley Ƒ Chad Turner

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Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 179 Directors s Election Harris County M.U.D. No. 179, Director

Vote for None, 1, 2, or 3

Ƒ Dennis D. Malcolm Ƒ Al Nash Ƒ Mark Kishbaugh Ƒ C.H. "Buddy" Myers Ƒ David J. Ross

Nortth Fore est Independent School District School Board Election

Nortthampton Municipal Utility District Bond Election

Nortth Fore est I.S.D., Trustee, Position 4 Ƒ Thaddeus Seals

Nortthampton M.U.D., PROPOSITION THE ISSUANCE OF $38,000,000 OF BONDS, AND THE LEVY OF AD VALOREM TAXES ADEQUATE TO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF BONDS Ƒ For Ƒ Against

Nortth Fore est I.S.D., Trustee, Position 5 Ƒ Linda Bell Robinson Ƒ JoAnna Love Casey Ƒ Alberrtt Coleman Sheldon Independent School District Trustee Election Sheldon I.S.D., Trustee Position 1 Ƒ Keith Nor Norwo wood Ƒ Shane Schultz Sheldon I.S.D., Trustee Position 2 Ƒ Latricia Archie Sheldon I.S.D., Trustee Position 3 Ƒ Eileen Palmer Spring Independent School District General Trustee Election Spring I.S.D., Trustee, Position 6 Ƒ Ron Crier Ƒ Jim Davis Spring I.S.D., Trustee, Position 7 Ƒ Jana Anders Harris County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1-A 1 Bond Election Harris County F.W.S.D. No. 1-A, Proposition 1 THE ISSUANCE OF $6,140,000 UNLIMITED TAX BONDS AND LEVY OF TAXES ADEQUATE TO PROVIDE FOR PAYMENT OF THE BONDS Ƒ For Ƒ Against

Nortthampton Municipal Utility District Election for Designation of a Defined Area, Bond Election, and Maintenance Tax Election Nortthampton M.U.D., PROPOSITION 1 DESIGNATION OF THE DEFINED AREA Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST Nortthampton M.U.D., PROPOSITION 2 ISSUANCE OF $41,000,000 OF UTILITY BONDS, AND THE LEVY OF AD VALOREM TAXES TO RETIRE THE BONDS Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST Nortthampton M.U.D., PROPOSITION 3 ISSUANCE OF $17,000,000 OF ROAD BONDS, AND THE LEVY OF AD VALOREM TAXES TO RETIRE THE BONDS Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST Nortthampton M.U.D., PROPOSITION 4 LEVY OF A MAINTENANCE TAX Ƒ FOR Ƒ AGAINST

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Harris County Water Control and Improvement District No. 89 Directorrs s' Election Harris County W.C.I.D. No. 89 Directors s Vote for None, 1, 2 or 3

Ƒ Karri Garza Ƒ Sharyn Smalls Ƒ Michael Clancy Smith Ƒ Victoria D. Lastee Ƒ Byron Keith Watson, Sr. Ƒ Charles "C.G." Johnson Ƒ Arrthu thur Washington

Emergency Services District No. 200 General Election E.S.D. No. 200 Board of Emergency Serv vices Commissioners s Vote for None, 1 or 2

Ƒ Brooke Robinson Ƒ Roger Lieder Ƒ Tom Garbett Ƒ Tommy Davis

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THE OWEN REPORT PUBLISHED BY MAYOR ALLEN OWEN

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Mayor Allen Owen Has Served Missouri City, Texas For Over 35 years

- FOR YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS READERS -

MAYOR ALLEN OWEN

Have You Heard Yet? THE OWEN REPORT -- UPCOMING EVENTS FOR MISSOURI CITY RESIDENTS

Here Are A Few Things You Should Know Citywide Crime Prevention Meeting

The Missouri City Police Department will host a citywide crime prevention meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 14, to help curb crime rates during the upcoming holiday season—the time of year, statistically, when police see a spike in certain offenses.

The meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center, 3849 Cartwright Rd.

Sgt. Philip Enghlishbee will host the event, which will feature presentations from Police Community Liaison Officer Evett Kelly, and members of the Burglary and Auto Theft and Gang Task Forces. Sgt. Enghlishbee will discuss home and personal safety tips and the City’s proactive crime-prevention programs.

The forum was planned to further help citizens protect their families and property as Police generally see an increase in the following crimes during the holiday season: thefts, burglaries, criminal mischief and assault.

To learn about the City’s prevention programs, visit the website: www.missouricitytx.gov and watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse).

tiveness, transferability to other communities, the number of jobs trol and Improvement District No. 2 to interest the second largest created, community commitment and added value to the tax water bottling company in the United States in opening its doors base,” Graf said. “The Texas Economic Development Council in premier Lakeview Business Park. looks at what tools were used as a community effort. For exam“We are very pleased with this achievement that involved ple, we were able to secure the deal with the help of other entities CenterPoint, representing power, WCID number two, representthat will provide the resources that Niagara’s ing water, Fort Bend Economic Develop356,000 square foot plant will require.” ment Council, providing tax abatement UPCOMING In its recognition, TEDC also noted assistance and the Greater Houston Partthat “Missouri City attracted Niagara Botnership, which initiated the discussion,” tling Company to the site of a former golf said Mayor Allen Owen, who shared decourse, which had been re-developed into the Lakeview Business tails of the recognition at the Oct. 1 City Council meeting. “This Park by Trammell Crow Company. Missouri City provided a 10is an exemplary example of the significant growth and developyear tax abatement and used a Section 380 Agreement to help ment our City is experiencing.” Mayor Owen, City Manager Edstreamline the development process. The $60 million investment ward Broussard and Economic Development Coordinator Bob will create nearly 100 jobs.”

Graf traveled to Austin recently to receive the award.

The Austin-based professional association is dedicated to the “The criteria used to determine the winners included, innova-

City Wins Prestigious State Award

Missouri City’s steadfast commitment to economic development and private-public partnerships that promote growth was recently rewarded with the prestigious 2012 Community Economic Development Award for the Niagara Bottling Company project.

The honor was bestowed by the Texas Economic Development Council and the “Show Me City” won the top award for cities with populations of 40,001 to 100,000.

In making its decision, TEDC cited Missouri City’s “team effort” in partnering with the Greater Houston Partnership, the Fort Bend Economic Development Council, Fort Bend County, CenterPoint Energy Economic Development Group and Water Con-

“The Show Me City” is the Region’s Most Diverse City

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development of economic and employment opportunities, and established the Community Economic Development Award in 1995 to honor excellence and exceptional contributions of Texas communities in business growth.

“We are honored by the recognition of our economic development peers for the work we did with Niagara,” Broussard said. “This is the result of the outstanding partnerships we have with our public and private partners, as we work together to build the economic infrastructure for our community.”

Niagara’s Missouri City plant is scheduled to be fully operational in Lakeview Business Park in the first quarter of 2013. When complete, the facility will include water processing, bottle manufacturing, warehousing and a distribution facility. The local plant will be the company’s 12th location countrywide, and will serve an expansive regional market for private label bottled water. Headquartered in Ontario, California, Niagara has bottling plants in eight states including Texas.

The 168-acre Lakeview Business Park, located adjacent to major thoroughfares such as the Sam Houston Parkway, Highway 90A and U.S. Highway 59, is currently home to manufacturing and distribution companies representing a variety of industries.

Following the purchase of land by Niagara, Lakeview developer Trammell Crow will add $2.75 million in drainage and road improvements to the business park.

Missouri City has three years to reimburse Trammell Crow for these improvements and will do so with Metro sales tax rebates earmarked to be used for general mobility projects. The water and sewer improvements will be managed and reimbursed through WCID No. 2.

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Taking Healthy Strides

Residents, City Council Members, police officers, firefighters and local officials united Tuesday night to promote public safety and fitness during National Night Out. Hundreds of people gathered with their neighbors to host block parties, and this year, as the City participates in a statewide health initiative—the Healthy at H-E-B Community Challenge— many communities incorporated a healthy aspect in their events.

Citizens mixed and mingled during their crime prevention gatherings and many shared healthy snacks including Subway sandwiches and fruit and vegetable trays. Police officers, firefighters and City Council Members visited block parties, reminding homeowners of the importance of getting to know their neighbors and making sure their homes are safe.

National Night Out correlated perfectly with the healthy challenge, which encourages health and fitness in all aspects of life, and Missouri City continues to be a strong contender a month into the competition.

The “Show Me City” is currently in second place in its category (cities with populations ranging from 0-100,000) in the Healthy at H-E-B Community Challenge. For the past few weeks, the Show Me City has trailed the City of Pflugerville, however; each has owned the No. 1 spot for short intervals.

To engage citizens, Missouri City has some fun and exciting events planned as part of its participation. All residents are encouraged to take part in: Missouri City Police Officers Association’s Kids’ 5K Zombie

Dash: Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Missouri City Police Department 7 a.m.

Tricks & Treats in the Park: Saturday, Oct. 27 at Buffalo Run Park 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Challenge website to sign up and share their healthy activities, thereby building our community’s overall score. An email address is the only requirement to sign up. Watch this video to see details on how to register.

Missouri City kicked off its participation in the program on Saturday, Sept. 15, with a Health Fair and Tennis Play Day that attracted about 200 people of all ages to its new Recreation and Tennis Center. City officials were also on hand to support the initiative: Mayor Allen Owen, Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Wyatt and Council Members Danny Nguyen and Floyd Emery visited with the guests.

Visitors were treated to cooking demonstrations, a farmers market, fitness classes, XBOX 360 Fitness, massages and spinal checks. H-E-B Sienna’s pharmacy also gave flu shots. Among the other vendors were H-E-B Sienna Market, Houston Community College-Missouri City Campus, and Sienna Modern Dentistry.

“With this event, Missouri City and its partners took a giant step in encouraging citizens to be active and to live a healthy lifestyle,” Director of Parks & Recreation Larry Foos said.

To follow the City’s progress in the Challenge, visit the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, join the Twitter conversation #ItsTimeMCTX and watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse).

“The Show Me City” is the Region’s Most Diverse City

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People Using Their Facebook Network To Share Positive Thoughts, Prayers, Wisdom and Opinions 1

Cheryl Carr

Obedience To God Is Doing What Go Says To Do, When God Says To Do It

I am led to teach obedience today for those who may read this post because it is such a grey area in Christian circles these days. We have such an "all access" to God attitude that defies and denies His holiness. You cannot do/be/say any old thing with God. His word is held above all things and when we disobey we reap consequences and need mercy. Obedience is better than sacrifice people! (1 Samuel 15:22).

Obedience to God is doing what God says to do, when God says to do it, and how God says to do it. It seems like such a simple concept, but how easy is it for the cares of this world to snuff out our fellowship with God! It is also a fact that God always rewards obedience to him. In the bible rewards are spoken of for the child of God in this life. There are no rewards in heaven, for heaven is by the grace of God. But in this life God rewards those who are obedient to him. Deut. 28 speaks of blessings for those who hearken diligently to the voice of the Lord, to observe and do all his commandments. It also speaks of curses to those who will not hearken nor observe to do all his commandments and his statutes. Isaiah 1:19-20 says, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it”.

Ed

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Rhino

Have You Extended Your Hand?

Joyce Adejumo

“You have no right to complain where you have not extended your hand to help." - Ed Rhino

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Thank You For Being By My Side

“Father in Heaven, thank You for being by my side during the victories and storms I have faced and for those that will confront my path ahead. Your strength is more powerful than any problem, sickness or defeat I could ever encounter. You are the answer to all my needs. I praise You for Your goodness, Your faithfulness and for never leaving me alone to fight my battles. Thank You for the priceless gift of today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.” - Joyce Adejumo

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VivianMartin

Have Faith And Trust God

“FAITH.....FOREVER ANTICIPATING INCREDIBLE THINGS HAPPENING! Have Faith and trust God even When you can not trace Him!!!!” - Vivian Martin

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Avery

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Washington

If The Book Being Judge Was You

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"Judging a book by its cover is very easy for most of us to do, but I wonder if the pages would unravel if the book being judged was you."

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Apostle

Come Out And Be Free

Williams

Apostle Valencia Mashiach Williams - This is what the Lord says:“In the time of My favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a Covenant for the people, to Restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ -ISAIAH 49:8-9

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Cleo

Jackson, Jr. There’s Something Noble In You

“God has put something noble and good into every heart His hand created.” - Cleo Jackson Jr.

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Tammi

Nothing “Just Happens” In Life!

Durden

“What's your plan? What is your strategy for your life? Where are you headed? Are you just existing...living from day to day...hoping and wishing that good things happen for you? Nothing "just happens" in life.

You've got to have a plan. Spend some quiet time with GOD and listen as he speaks. GOD has a great plan for your life. *KEEP WINNING IN 2012!*” - Tammi Matthews-Durden

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Cheryl

His Mercies Are New Everyday

Barrett

"Praise God for His AMAZING GRACE! His mercies are new EVERYDAY and His favor rests upon those whom He has called according to HIS purpose!" - Cheryl Douglas Barrett

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Noel

Pinnock, Mpa Keep Us Close To You Always

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of today. We choose to focus on the blessing of each moment instead of allowing the little things and worries to steal our joy. Keep us close to You always as we submit every area of our hearts and minds to You in Jesus’ name...in Jesus' name...in Jesus' name...amen.” - Noel Pinnock, Mpa

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Eddie Ray

There Is A Word From The Lord

Frazier

“It’s awkward that when God is calling you to move forward in life, situations, circumstances, even some people try to hold you back. There is a word from the Lord.” -- Philippians 3: 12-14.

-- 12 Not that I have already attained or am already perfected: but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended: but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

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I AM Michelle Obama!

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Over the past few years since the Obama’s have come into the spotlight, I have heard many men say “I want me a Michelle Obama”. That statement has increased many times over after her outstanding speech recently during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention. Well fellas, we are here! (Yes, I said WE) We are the women who support our men – we encourage him; we pray with him and over him. We “hold it down” when life beats him up, and we love him with all that is within us.

We take good care of our families no matter what the economy throws at us, and we make sure that there is balance – fun, discipline, and God. We are intelligent and beautiful. We are strong and emotional. We are concerned

We are also many times about our communities and our overlooked. We are sometimes bodies. We are enlightened darker than Rihanna. Our hair and entertaining. We are sodoesn’t always phisticated and flow like Beyclassy. We are OPINIONS once’s. Our women of Faith. breasts are full We speak eloor just relatively “normal” and quently and don’t have to anwe don’t let them spill over nounce our arrival – people everything that we wear like know we are there. We are elsome of the latest reality stars. egant and we carry ourselves Our clothes are stylish and fit like ladies.

without cutting off our circulation. We may not have a booty like Nikki Minaj. Yet nonetheless, in the perfection of the way that God has created us, we are fine – make that foine!

So, in the same vein of the statements made after the tragedy in Florida, I stand and proclaim, I AM Michelle Obama….where are YOU, Barack?

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