2015 Town Hall Meeting Edition (Part 2 of 4) -- Houston Business Connections Newspaper

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS HOUSTON

ECONOMICS. EDUCATION. POLITICS. BUSINESS. COMMUNITY.

Texas Supreme Court Justice Jeff Brown Talks to Aubrey R. Taylor About Freedom

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ATTORNEY BEN HALL DISCUSSES HIS LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY POLICY

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“MY #1 CONCERN TODAY IS POLICE BRUTALITY.”

DR. D.Z. COFIELD: “REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN AT THE GLOBAL LEARNING VILLAGE HIGH SCHOOL.”

832.217.3276

Call Us Today!

TOWN HALL MEETING SERIES - PART 2 SEE INFORMATION INSIDE THIS EDITION ON P.16

DENEKA DOVE AND HER DAUGHTER JAZMIN O. ARE CONCERNED ABOUT “POLICE BRUTALITY”

THOUGHT LEADERS FOR AUGUST 2015: Carol Justice, Briscoe Cain, Denise Singleton, Eraka Watson, Bishop K.J. Brown, Fannie L. Malone, Kelly Leornard Schmude, Michelle Renee’ Harden, Ed Kampf, Carl Davis, DiDi Chavis, Shareefah Muhammad, Renee Duhon, Keisha Roberts, Farrah Martinez, Toni Greatful Thomas, Carolyn Hill, Anita Faye Williams-Milton, Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones, and Darlene “Koffey” Smith.

CAROL

BRISCOE

DENISE

ERAKA

BISHOP K.J.

FANNIE

KELLY

MICHELLE

ED KAMPF

CARL

DIDI

SHAREEFAH

RENEE

KEISHA

FARRAH

UPCOMING EVENTS

FOX 26 PUBLIC POLICY ANALYST (JACQUIE BALY) TO SERVE AS MODERATOR FOR SEVERAL UPCOMING MAYORAL DEBATES AND FORUMS. She wil be taking part in events happening on: Thursday, Sept. 3rd, Friday, Sept. 11th, Thursday, Sept. 24th, and Sunday, Oct. 18th, 2015. SEE OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS INSIDE THIS EDITION.

www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com TONI

CAROLYN

ANITA

RHONDA

KOFFEY

“The mission of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications is to inform and empower people striving to reach their full potential.”

“I LOVE MISSOURI CITY” -- Mayor Allen Owen --

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EARLY VOTING: Oct. 19th - Oct. 30th

MEET RHONDA SKILLERN-JONES

Rhonda Skillern-Jones was elected to the

ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, Nov. 3rd

www.rhondaforhisd.com Supporters

Rhonda Skillern-Jones has made a significant impact on the Houston community.

Her leadership, support, and involvement with local organizations is astonishing. The Rhonda Skillern-Jones Campaign is proudly endorsed by the following people and organizations:

US Congress

Sheila Jackson-Lee, Congressional District 18

State Senators John Whitmire, District 15 Sylvia Garcia, District 6

State Representatives Dr. Alma A. Allen Harold V. Dutton, Jr. Borris L. Miles Ron Reynolds Senfronia Thompson Sylvester Turner Armando Walle

Houston City Councilmembers

Councilmember Dwight Boykins Councilmember Ed Gonzalez Councilmember Larry V. Green

City Controller Ronald C. Green Jewel McGowen Former Councilmember Jolanda Jones

Houston ISD

Dr Billy Reagan Hon. Carol Galloway, former HISD Trustee and Councilmember

HCCS

Trustee Zeph Capo Trustee Carroll G. Robinson

North Forest ISD

Former Trustee Albert Lemons Former Trustee Maxine Lane-Seals Houston Federation of Teachers Gayle Fallon

Supporter

Chief Thaddeus Seals, Former NFISD Trustee Fort Bend Constable Ruben Davis, Precinct 2 Harris County Constable Alan Rosen, Precinct 1 Attorney Melvin Hughes Attorney Rusty Hardin Attorney Chris Trittico Rev. Reginal Lillie Hon. Howard Jefferson, HCDE Trustee, Position 7

Board of Education in 2011. She was sworn in as Trustee in January 2012 and served as board secretary in 2012 and 2013, and First Vice President in 2014. She also represents HISD on the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Board of Directors.

Ms. Skillern-Jones, a wife and mother of five children, is a native Houstonian. She earned both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in clinical sociology from Texas Southern University.

She is a member of the Houston ISD Advisory Committee, Parent Engagement Committee, Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee, Budget Advisory Committee, and Gifted and Talented Committee. A fulltime HISD volunteer for 24 years, she has been on five PTO/PTA boards in various capacities including president. She was legislative chair of the PTA Council, a national liaison for Parents for Public Schools, and a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

In recognition of her community and district efforts to enhance the lives of Houston children and citizens, she has received numerous achievement awards and honors, and holds membership in several civic and community organizations.

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LET FREEDOM RING I INTERVIEW

Q&A WITH TEXAS SUPREME COURT JUSTICE JEFF BROWN

CHIEF JUSTICE NATHAN HECHT

JUSTICE DON WILLETT

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JUSTICE PAUL GREEN

JUSTICE PHIL JOHNSON

JUSTICE EVA GUZMAN

JUSTICE JEFF BROWN

JUSTICE DEBRA LEHRMANN

JUSTICE JOHN DEVINE

JUSTICE JEFFREY BOYD

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you Justice Jeff Brown?

JUSTICE JEFF BROWN: Freedom is a gift of God. Government can help secure and protect our freedom, but it’s not the source of our freedom. And government can just as easily deprive us of our freedom. God intends for us to live freely—to worship Him as our conscience directs us, to speak fearlessly against oppression and tyranny, and to be free to work and provide for our families. Living freely is the only way each of us can become the complete person God wants us to be. But freedom cannot be taken for granted; it must be protected and nourished.

Perhaps Ronald Reagan said it best: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.

We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.

It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

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LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR TEXAS SUPREME COURT JUSTICES AT: WWW.TXCOURTS.GOV/SUPREME

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why are you proud to be an American Justice Jeff Brown?

JUSTICE JEFF BROWN: I’m proud to be an American because our country is an exceptional place. It’s a place where big dreams can come true for those willing to work hard to achieve them. Being an American is not about belonging to one ethnicity; it’s about buying into a collection of ideas about how people should live their lives: freely, dutifully, and according to the rule of law. And I’m proud to be an American because more often than not, America has stood up for goodness and decency and fair play.

America and Americans are far from perfect, but we are exceptional because of the ideals we strive to realize, both for ourselves and the whole world.

JUSTICE JEFF BROWN was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court back in 2013 by former Texas Gov. Rick Perry. His term will expire in 2020.

Justice Brown is a Republican. He is pictured above with his wife Susannah.

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THE PUBLISHER I

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

P.28

What’s the goal:

HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER I 957 NASA PARKWAY #251 I HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058 I PHONE: (832)212-8735

TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE VOTING ON NOV. 3, 2015

to EDUCATE or GRADUATE?

By Dr. D. Z. Cofield, CEO Hope Educational District The statistics are alarming.

African American males are 5 times more likely to be in the juvenile justice system because of misdemeanor offenses than the white youth.

African American males are 6 times more likely to be arrested and charged than white youth.

Out of school suspension rates for serious offenses are twice as high (2x) among African American male youth compared to White male youth.

P.16

African American youth are 2.5 times more likely to be in POVERTY than white youth.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “PLEASE CONSIDER VOTING FOR PEOPLE WHO VALUE US AND OUR VOTE.”

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NEWS & INFORMATION

Helpful Info for Potential Candidates & Registered Voters in Houston, TX

READER ENDORSEMENTS WILL BE POSTED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 AT: WWW.AUBREYRTAYLOR.BLOGSPOT.COM

The Seats for Mayor, Controller, City Council At-Large #1, #4, G and H Will Be Open in the City of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election

H

By Aubrey R. Taylor Houston Business Connections Newspaper

ave you ever thought about running for Mayor of Houston, City of Houston Controller, or Houston City Council? Well there’s no better time than the present to hop to it. What’s stopping you from throwing your hat into the ring? Look, Houston is a vibrant City. Houston is a City of opportunity and limitless possibilities.

Houston’s also a City where dreams come true for those who are willing, and brave enough to go after their dreams. So what are you waiting for?

NOT SURE WHAT TO DO NEXT?

consultants on board. Sometimes, it almost looks like they’re just playing some sort of shell game with the donations that are being donated to the campaign.

STEP #10: Promote your campaign. But don’t just go out and purchase television and radio commercials in the blind. Make sure to develop a good media mix for your campaign. If possible, try to find yourself a few print and electronic media partners as well.

DON'T FORGET: You have the money and the power – so negotiate, negotiate, and then do some more negotiating to get the best bang for your buck. Again, if you’re not sure how to get this done give us a call at (832)212-8735 and we will give you the names of two or three individuals who are experienced in this area.

THE RACE FOR MAYOR

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Mayor Annise Parker is currently serving her third and final term. She is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. A few of the key candidates running for Mayor of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “CONSIDER OUR SUPPORTERS”

Okay, we’re going to make it easy for you. The information on pages 4 (this page) and 16 should help -- but if not, you can call us at: (832)212-8735 to discuss what your next move should be.

STEP #1: Pray and ask God whether (or not) He wants you to serve your community as a "Public Servant" at Houston's City Hall or in some other “ELECTED” capacity.

STEP #2: Wait on God to give you the answer to your prayer. If the answer is “NO” don’t proceed forward. However, if the answer is “YES” you will need to then start thinking about who you can appoint as your campaign treasurer. But do not go out and raise any money, or do anything else campaign related until after you have a campaign treasurer in place.

STEP #3: Determine whether you’re going to run for Mayor, City of Houston Controller, or City Council. If you feel compelled to run for City Council you will need to decide whether you are going to run for an “AT-LARGE” or “SINGLE-MEMBER” district seat. You can find your Council Member via calling 3-1-1. If you are calling from outside the City Limits, the number is 713.837.0311.

STEP #4: Take a moment to visit the website for the TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION to learn more about campaign rules and procedures.

STEP #5: Take a moment to download the form to designate your “Campaign Treasurer”. Then follow the directions on the form. If you have problems locating the form you can call Aubrey R. Taylor Communications and we will walk you through the process (FREE OF CHARGE). The number to call is (832)212-8735.

Also, please note that you (the candidate) -- not the campaign treasurer, is responsible for filing this form and all candidate/officeholder reports of contributions, expenditures, and loans. Failing to file a report on time or filing an incomplete report may subject you to criminal or civil penalties.

STEP #6: You want to take a moment and hand-deliver your form to the City of Houston Secretary. The current City Secretary for Houston is Anna Russell, and she’s been on the job for more than 60 years. The City Secretary’s Office is located at: 900 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002. The phone number is (832) 393-1100.

STEP #7: Go open up your bank account and schedule yourself a campaign fundraiser.

You want to invite everybody you know to come out and support your campaign.

STEP #8: Get a good consultant. However, you should try to get someone who believes in you and your candidacy. If possible, try to avoid any consultant who’ll suggest that you fork over everything you have (from your fundraiser) to get them to come on board to assist you. If you need a good proven consultant give us a call at: (832)2128735 and we will give you the names of two or three consultants who just may be able to help you achieve your goal of winning on Election Day. STEP #9: Let your consultant go to work for you. A good consultant should come armed with some great connections. These connections should prove to be invaluable.

One of the biggest mistakes I see viable campaigns make is that they have too many

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“I’M ASKING FOR YOUR PRAYERS, VOTE & SUPPORT”

Carroll Will Serve As The Taxpayers’ Voice “As City Controller, I will not only be the financial watchdog of city government and The Taxpayers’ Voice at City Hall, but also, under my leadership, The Controller’s Office will be The Solution Center of City Government.” -CARROLL G ROBINSON, 2015 CANDIDATE FOR CITY OF HOUSTON CONTROLLER

“WE’RE ALL ENDORSING CARROLL G. ROBINSON FOR CITY OF HOUSTON CONTROLLER” -- Ruben Davis (FORT BEND CONSTABLE, PRECINCT 2)

ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2015 VOTE EARLY MONDAY, OCTOBER 19TH THROUGH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30TH

Galloway

Colon

Loredo

Zeidman

Carreño

Untermeyer

Johnson

Thompson

Miles

Reynolds

Carol Mims Galloway (COUNCILWOMAN AND HISD BOARD MEMBER EMERITUS), Edgar Colon (HARRIS COUNTY SPORTS & CONVENTION CORPORATION CHAIRMAN), Eva Loredo (HCC TRUSTEE DISTRICT VIII), Fred Zeidman (FINANCE CHAIR), Hector C. Carreño (MANAGING PARTNER OF CAPWEST STRATEGIES), Hon. Chase Untermeyer (UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR EMERITUS), Jarvis Johnson (HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL MEMBER EMERITUS), State Rep. Senfronia Thompson (TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; 141ST DISTRICT), State Rep. Borris Miles (TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; 146ST DISTRICT), State Rep. Ron Reynolds (TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 27). JOIN US IN SUPPORTING CARROLL G. ROBINSON IN THE RACE FOR CITY OF HOUSTON CONTROLLER. Please take a moment to visit: www.carrollgrobinson.com

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NEWS & INFORMATION

Helpful Info for Potential Candidates & Registered Voters from Page.6

READER ENDORSEMENTS WILL BE POSTED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 AT: WWW.AUBREYRTAYLOR.BLOGSPOT.COM

Election is as follows: Chris Bell, Bill King, Adrian Garcia, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Sylvester Turner, Demetria Smith, Ben Hall, Victoria Lane, Khistina Dejean Caldwell Marty McVey, and Stephen C. Costello.

Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. THIS SEAT IS OPEN in the upcoming election.”

THE RACE FOR CONTROLLER

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “The current City of Houston Controller Ronald C. Green is currently serving his third and final term. He is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. A few of the key candidates running for City of Houston Controller in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election is as follows: Carroll G. Robinson, Bill Fraser, Chris Brown, Jew Don Boney, and Dwight Jefferson. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015.

THIS SEAT IS OPEN in the upcoming election.”

HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT A

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Brenda Stardig is currently serving her second term in office. At this time, Iesheia Avery-Wilson is a candidate seeking to unseat Council Member Brenda Stardig in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. STARDIG IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.” *The District A Houston City Council Member pretty much serves areas in northwestern Houston which includes communities north of Interstate 10 along the Katy Freeway. It also covers Spring Branch as well.

HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT B

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Jerry Davis is currently serving his second term in office. At this time, Earl White is a candidate seeking to unseat Council Member Jerry Davis in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. DAVIS IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.” *The District B Houston City Council District is widely considered to be an African American stronghold based on the way this district is drawn. District B pretty much serves the north and northeastern sides of Houston.

HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT C

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Ellen Cohen is currently serving her second term in office. At this time, Jason Hochman is a candidate seeking to unseat Council Member Ellen Cohen in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. COHEN IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.” *The Houston City Council District C district encompasses areas north of the 610 Loop, which overlaps into the Heights and Braeswood areas. District C also covers some parts of Montrose, the Houston Museum District and a few of the communities that surround Rice University.

HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT D

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Dwight

Boykins is currently serving his first term in office. We don’t know of any viable opponents who are seeking to unseat Council Member Dwight Boykins in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. BOYKINS IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.” *The Houston City Council District D is widely considered to be an African American stronghold district.

Texas Southern University and University of Houston both fall within the boundaries of this single-member district.

This district also covers a large portion of the northernmost part of Houston encompassing Midtown; but also covers areas such as Sunnyside.

HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT E

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Dave Martin is currently serving his first term in office. We don’t know of any viable opponents who are seeking to unseat Council Member Dave Martin in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. MARTIN IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.” *The Houston City Council District E pretty much covers Kingwood and portion of Houston that overlaps into the Clear Lake area.

HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT F

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Richard Nguyen is currently serving his first term in office. At this time, Steve Duc Le is the only candidate we know of who is seeking to unseat Council Member Richard Nguyen in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. NGUYEN IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.” *The Houston City Council District F Council district has a large Vietnamese American constituency.

This district pretty much covers southwestern Houston including parts of Alief, Westchase, Tanglewilde, and the Briarmeadow area.

HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT G

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Oliver Pennington is currently serving his third and final term.

He is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. Initially Pennington threw his hat into the ring as a 2015 Mayoral Candidate; but withdrew due his wife Beverly suffering an illness. At this time there are two key candidates running for the Houston City Council District G seat in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – those candidates are: Sandie Mullins Moger and Greg Travis. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. THIS SEAT IS OPEN in the upcoming election.” *The Houston City Council District G Council Member serves areas in western Houston that extend along the 610 Loop between 610 and Interstate 10.

Memorial, Tanglewood, and River Oaks make up a large portion of this district.

HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT H

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Ed Gonzalez is currently serving his third and final term. He is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. At this time there are four key candidates running for the Houston

City Council District H seat in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – those candidates are: Jason Cisneroz, Roland Chavez, Karla Cisneros, and Abel Davila. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015.

THIS SEAT IS OPEN in the upcoming election.” *The Houston City Council District H single-member council district covers some of the areas north of the 610 Loop. The larger portions of this district include the Near Northside and Northside of Houston extending to Little York Road. Parts of Downtown and the Heights also fall within the boundaries of this district.

HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT I

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Robert Gallegos is currently serving his first term. At this time Herlinda Garcia is challenging Council Member Robert Gallegos for his District I seat in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015.

GALLEGOS IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.” *The Houston City Council District I district includes many of the neighborhoods in southeastern Houston – and the East End of Houston. However it also includes most of Downtown Houston.

HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT J

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Mike Laster is currently serving his second term in office. At this time, Jim Bigham is the only candidate we know of who is seeking to unseat Council Member Mike Laster in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. LASTER IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.” *The Houston City Council District J single-member district covers several neighborhoods along Southwest Freeway (U.S. Route 59). It also includes the Sharpstown and Gulfton areas of Houston, and stretches from the 610 Loop south of Beltway 8.

HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT K

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Larry Green is currently serving his second term in office. We don’t know of any viable opponents who are seeking to unseat Council Member Larry Green in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. GREEN IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.” *The Houston City Council District K single-member district pretty much encompasses the far southwestern area of Houston. Parts of Almeda Road, Gessner, and Braeswood fall within the boundaries of this district. But this district also encompasses parts of 2234 in Fort Bend County.

CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION #1

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Stephen C. Costello is currently serving his third and final term. He is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. A few of the key candidates running for the Houston City Council AtLarge Position #1 seat in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election is as follows: Jenifer Pool, Chris Oliver, Lane Lewis, Tom McCasland, Tre-

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LARRY BLACKMON FOR HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION #4

Larry Blackmon Campaign

www.Blackmon4Houston.com Email: Larry.Blackmon@yahoo.com Facebook: Larryblackmon campaign Twitter: @blackmonhouston PO Box 88309-77288 Houston, TX 77035 Telephone: +1.281.415.0351 FAX: +1.281.437.1174

KEY ENDORSEMENTS

*Larry Blackmon has experience and expertise in dealing with public works, streets, and transportation related issues.

Together We Can Make It Happen

“My name is Larry Blackmon and I’m committed to making the voices of Houstonians heard. By playing an active role to make this city a safer place to raise our children, together we can forge a future filled with unlimited promise.

Share in the vision, connect with me and make it happen. I assure you, a meaningful difference can be made. Change can take place for our families, communities and this city!”

Tell A Friend...And Pray Me IN...

Election Day: Tues., Nov. 3, 2015 Larry Blackmon, native Houstonian is a graduate of Jack Yates High School. He has obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Lamar University and Master’s degree in Public Administration and Urban Regional Planning from Texas Southern University.

HAROLD DUTTON

State Representative House District #142

BORRIS MILES

State Representative House District #146

Political Ad paid for by the Larry Blackmon Campaign, Cary Yates, Treasurer

ALMA ALLEN

State Representative House District #131

NEWS & INFORMATION

Helpful Info for Potential Candidates & Registered Voters in from Page.8

READER ENDORSEMENTS WILL BE POSTED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 AT: WWW.AUBREYRTAYLOR.BLOGSPOT.COM

bor Gordon, Georgia Provost, and Griff Griffin. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. THIS SEAT IS OPEN in the upcoming election.” *The Houston City Council District At-Large Position #1 District covers the entire City of Houston. This council member is elected citywide.

CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION #2

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member David W. Robinson is currently serving his first term in office. At this time former At Large Position #2 Council Member Andrew C. Burks, Jr., and Modesto Rivera are seeking to unseat Council Member David W. Robinson in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. ROBINSON WILL BE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.” *The Houston City Council District At-Large Position #2 District covers the entire City of Houston. This council member is elected citywide.

CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION #3

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Michael Kubosh is currently serving his first term in office. At this time Atlas Kerr, John C.B. LaRue, Doug Peterson, Joseph McElligott, and Brad Batteau are a few of the candidates we believe to be seeking to unseat Council Member Michael Kubosh in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015.

KUBOSH WILL BE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.” *The Houston City Council District At-Large Position

“

#3 District covers the entire City of Houston. This council member is elected citywide.

CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION #4

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member C.O. “Brad” Bradford is currently serving his third and final term. He is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. A few of the key candidates running for the Houston City Council AtLarge Position #4 seat in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election is as follows: Amanda Edwards, Laurie Robinson, Larry Blackmon, Jonathan Hansen, Matt Murphy, Avery Ayers, and Roy Morales. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. THIS SEAT IS OPEN in the upcoming election.” *The Houston City Council District At-Large Position #4 District covers the entire City of Houston. This council member is elected citywide.

CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION #5

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Jack Christie is currently serving his second term in office.

At this time Durrel Douglas, Charles Tahir, and Philippe Nassif are the only candidates we know of who’s seeking to unseat Council Member Jack Christie in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October

19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015.

CHRISTIE WILL BE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.” *The Houston City Council District At-Large Position #5 District covers the entire City of Houston. This council member is elected citywide.

HISD SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE

2015 HISD CAMPAIGN WATCH: The Race for HISD Board Trustee for District 3 Features Manuel Rodriguez and Ramiro Fonseca; The HISD Board Trustee for District 4 Race Features Jolanda Jones, Paula Harris and Ann McCoy; The HISD Board Trustee for District 2 race Features Rhonda Skillern-Jones and Darlene "Koffey Smith on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 ballot.

HCC SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE

2015 HCC CAMPAIGN WATCH: On Tuesday, November 3, 2015 Houston Community College (HCC) will hold an election to fill three (3) HCC Board of Trustees expiring terms in geographic districts III, VI and VIII and one (1) unexpired term in geographic district IV. The HCC School Board incumbents running for reelection are: Adriana Tamez (HCC District III), Carolyn Evans-Shabazz (HCC District IV), John Hansen (HCC District VI), Eva Loredo (HCC District VIII). *The only competitive race we know of at this time is the race for the Houston Community College (HCC) District VIII seat. In the District VIII race HCC Trustee Eva Loredo is being challenged by Art Aguilar.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “LEARN MORE ABOUT JUDGE SCHMUDE AT: WWW.FAIRANDIMPARTIALJUSTICE.COM

“RELIGIOUS FREEDOM”

KELLY LEONARD SCHMUDE, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? Her response was: “RELIGIOUS FREEDOM”. Kelly is married to John Schmude, Judge for the 247th Family District Court in Harris County. Judge Schmude will be up for re-election in the 2018 Midterm Election.

JUDGE JOHN SCHMUDE AND KELLY are key supporters of our vision to inform, empower, uplift, inspire, encourage, and educate the readers of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. P.19

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ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

HOUSTON

READ THE HERO ORDINANCE FOR YOURSELF AT: www.houstontx.gov/equal_rights_ordinance.pdf

“ACCOUNTABILITY”

“

L.E.A.P. -- Law Enforcement Accountability Policy “Too many of our children are dying at the hands of police under questionable circumstances and too many citizens simply do not trust the police," says Hall. "Such distrust will only lead to more bad consequences, and more funerals."

“Let me be clear. Both citizens and the officers of the Houston Police Department are entitled to respect. We need police to protect us from criminals. Our officers' loved ones want them to come home safe at night, and we need to ensure encounters between police and our communities do not begin for the wrong reasons or end in unnecessary death."

To enhance more trust and respect, Hall released his initiative called L.E.A.P. -which stands for Law Enforcement Accountability Policy:

LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY POLICY

I. An effective and independent Citizen Police Review Board will be empaneled. This nine member board will be

empowered with subpoena power, and will have three members chosen from the community, one member from the business community, two members from the judiciary, two members from the law enforcement community and a member representing the Mayor's office.

II. Houston Police Officers will be required to appear before the Citizens Police Review Board on probable violation cases to directly answer questions about departmental policy violations lodged against them.

III. Every HPD officer interacting with the public on the streets will be equipped with and required to wear a body camera, with open microphones, to record every interaction. Any deliberate attempt to compromise the recordings will be grounds for disciplinary action, including termination.

IV. Every HPD officer will be required to provide his/her badge number upon being request to do so by any citizen, unless doing so would jeopardize the safety of the officer or another. The badge number must be provided, however, as soon as is reasonably possible without posing risk to the officer or another.

V. Confirmed excessive force complaints against officers will be posted online by badge number, along with a summary of the complaints and findings.

VI. Any police officer using deadly force that causes death or serious bodily injury will be required to submit to immediate drug and alcohol testing. A positive test will be grounds for immediate disciplinary

action, including termination.

VII. Houston Police Officers will not become unreasonably rude or escalate conflicts with the public, nor shall they intentionally place themselves in harm’s way to invite the use of deadly force.

VIII. Any Houston Police Officer who covers up for another officer’s wrongdoing will be held accountable for the same violation as the offending officer for whom he or she covered up.

IX. Dash Camera and Body Camera video of any altercation in which a citizen is charged with assault on a police officer or resisting arrest will be submitted to and/or reviewed by the Citizen Police Review Board members within 24 hours after written reports are filed.

X. Sworn complaints against any Houston Police Officer may be filed at any public library or public city building. Citizens who file false complaints on law enforcement officers will be investigated and charged with the crime of filing a false report.

We no longer have the luxury of absolute trust of police officers. This is a regrettable fact, but one that needn't persist. With these policy enhancements it is hoped that the deserved trust of out police officers will be re-established.

“

Houston Mayoral Candidate Ben Hall recently unveiled his comprehensive plan to promote accountability of Houston Police Officers to the public in the wake of heightened distrust of law enforcement across the country.

--------------------------------------------------------Ben Hall is a 2015 candidate running for Mayor of Houston. Election Day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

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“

ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

HOUSTON

READER ENDORSEMENTS WILL BE POSTED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 AT: WWW.AUBREYRTAYLOR.BLOGSPOT.COM

ATTORNEY ERAKA WATSON, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? Her response was: “THE ECONOMY”.

“POLICE BRUTALITY”

SHAREEFAH MUHAMMAD, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? Her response was: “POLICE BRUTALITY”. Shareefah also shared this thought: “Police brutality is on my radar... That's why I am pushing very hard for the #JusticeOrElse Movement!!!”

“

“THE ECONOMY”

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2015 HOUSTONIANS WILL VOTE ON TERM LIMITS”

A NOTE FROM CM ELLEN COHEN:

Houston to Vote on Term Limits: “Council voted to place an item on the November 2015 ballot to amend our city’s term limits for the offices of the Mayor, the Controller, and City Council Members. Our current system allows those officeholders a maximum of three, two-year terms and Houstonians will have the opportunity to vote on whether to amend this system to allow two, four-year terms. If passed, the transition period would allow elected officials currently serving their first term to seek two additional four-year terms. Elected officials currently serving their second term would be eligible to seek one additional four-year term. Mayor Parker and other elected officials currently serving their third term would not be eligible for any additional terms. This alternative reflects the solution recommended by the 21-member non-partisan Houston Term Limits Review Commission in 2010,” says Council Member Ellen Cohen (Houston City Council District C).

“

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ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

HOUSTON

READER ENDORSEMENTS WILL BE POSTED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 AT: WWW.AUBREYRTAYLOR.BLOGSPOT.COM

“POLICE BRUTALITY”

CARL DAVIS, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? His response was “POLICE BRUTALITY”. Pictured above from left to right are: Carl Davis and Democratic Strategist Donna Brazile.

“

“

KEISHA ROBERTS, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? Her response was: “POLICE BRUTALITY”.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “READER ENDORSEMENTS ARE COMING ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015.”

CAROL JUSTICE, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? Her response was: “SALVATION FOR ALL IN CHRIST JESUS”.

“

“SALVATION FOR ALL IN CHRIST JESUS”

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ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

HOUSTON

READER ENDORSEMENTS WILL BE POSTED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 AT: WWW.AUBREYRTAYLOR.BLOGSPOT.COM

BRISCOE CAIN, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? His response was “LOCAL DEBT”. Briscoe is pictured above with his son.

“

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “READER ENDORSEMENTS ARE COMING ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015.”

“

“LOCAL DEBT”

DENISE SINGLETON, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? Her response to our question was: “POLICE BRUTALITY”.

“STOP CRIME”

ED KAMPF, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? His response was: “CRIME”. Ed also shared this: "If our city isn't safe, the rest doesn't matter." He also believes that our police should travel in pairs. Pictured from left to right above are: Tom Adkins, Doc Green Sr., Ed Kampf, Carl Pittman, and Robert Rosenkranz.

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HOPE EDUCATIONAL DISTRICT

What’s the goal: to EDUCATE or GRADUATE?

3015 NORTH MACGREGOR WAY I HOUSTON, TEXAS 77004 - PHONE: (713)524-6578

Dr. Cofield with some of the students and teachers from Global Learning Village Elementary School on Great Day Houston with Deborah Duncan.

By Dr. D. Z. Cofield, CEO Hope Educational District

The statistics are alarming.

African American youth are 2.5 times more likely to be in POVERTY than white youth.

Out of school suspension rates for serious offenses are twice as high (2x) among African American male youth compared to White male youth.

African American males are 6 times more likely to be arrested and charged than white youth.

African American males are 5 times more likely to be in the juvenile justice system because of misdemeanor offenses than the white youth.

As a professional in the juvenile justice system I dealt with these realities everyday, quickly learning the only chance the kids on my caseload would have to change their lives was to get a quality education. But they had one major problem: the public school system had given up on them.

Over and over I had principals tell me my probationers must be removed from their schools and sent somewhere else. Where? They didn’t care, just as long as they were gone. They were given a child who was overage, under educated, and unprepared to be academically successful in their school. Their answer: push the child forward and let him/her be someone else’s problem. So I ended up with a caseload of children who were not only unable to read or write on grade level, but many of them were academically functioning 4-8 grade levels BELOW the grade they were actually in. How does a student, with no learning disabilities or neurological challenges, who is reading and writing at a 3rd grade level, end up in the 11th grade? How does a student who can’t do simple math have enough credits to be in a high school Algebra 1 class? The answer is we’ve pushed them thru our educational system by finding ways to graduate them without educating them. It may be hard to believe, but too many of our children have been over-graduated and under-educated.

This epidemic of passing students who haven’t mastered subject matter, giving students grades they haven’t earned and socially promoting students are corrupt, systemic practices that have been taking place for years. According to a FOX 26 News report former HISD Trustee Carol Mims Galloway said the practice of social promotion is em-

Dr. D.Z. Cofield congratulating a student after she received her high school diploma.

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HOPE EDUCATIONAL DISTRICT

3015 NORTH MACGREGOR WAY I HOUSTON, TEXAS 77004 - PHONE: (713)524-6578 bedded in the district's culture. "They try to do things in a hurry because everyone can get the big bonus at the end of the year and get the recognition," said Mims Galloway. I think she’s absolutely correct, and we are now reaping the social and economic fallout of our failure to educate all children.

• Children who DO NOT READ proficiently by the end of third grade are 4 times more likely to not graduate high school on time.

• Students who are 2 or more grade levels behind are significantly more likely to dropout and/or end up in the criminal justice system.

• Students who are under educated are many times unable to find and sustain gainful employment in a highly competitive, global job market, despite having a diploma.

So how can we help children who have been undereducated for years and are suffering as a result? How can we keep children from going into the cycle of being undereducated, functionally illiterate, unemployable and subsequently bound for the penal system? How can we break the generational barriers holding many of our children back?

As a child growing up in the projects of NYC, I was taught the importance of getting an education. The education rules set by my parents were simple: failure is not an option, mediocrity is unacceptable, and you have to be twice as good as others. I’ve benefited from those values, and I’ve dedicated my life to helping children become all they can be. The Hope Educational District provides a combination of teaching communities to educate your child with the end in mind. Looking for a preschool program that combines a loving environment with an academic program in 3 languages that builds intellectual stamina? The Barbara Jordan International Preschool is for you.

Looking for a rigorous elementary school program with a STEM emphasis, language immersion, project based learning philosophy, that’s free because it’s a public charter school? The Global Learning Village Elementary School is for you.

Has your high school child had academic challenges along the way and is in need of a program to assess where they are and develop a personalized plan to get them back on track? Or maybe you’re looking for a safe learning environment that will help your young person gain knowledge, grow as a person and prepare them to succeed beyond high school. The GLV High School is the place. Over the years we’ve helped students become the first person in their family to receive a high school diploma. We’ve helped students who didn’t think college was possible make it their reality. We’ve helped parents give their children opportunities they didn’t have and couldn’t afford to give them.

We believe it takes a village to educate

a child. Give us the opportunity to become part of your child’s village to help them become their best.

Dr. D.Z. Cofield

D. Z. Cofield is a native New Yorker who has traveled across the world serving in the gospel of Jesus Christ. After graduating from Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, he earned a Masters Degree in Theology at the Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas and a Doctor of Ministry Degree at Faith Evangelical Seminary in Tacoma, Washington.

Dr. D. Z. Cofield became the Senior Pastor of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in 1994. Since 1994, Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church has grown from 150 members to just under 3,000 members. With congregational growth has come campus expansion, including the complete renovation of the current sanctuary, the building and construction of the Center for Hope, a 66,000 square foot family life facility with future plans to build a new state-of-theart children’s ministry facility and senior citizens complex.

Dr. Cofield is the Founder of Hope for Families, Inc., a non-profit organization designed to rebuild communities by rebuilding families. Additionally, he also serves as CEO of the Hope Educational District, a non-profit organization designed to provide a quality, critical thinking learning environment for all children from infancy through high school. Educational entities under his leadership include Barbara Jordan International Preschool, Hope Academy Charter High School and the Global Learning Village, a K-12 open enrollment charter school focusing on project-based learning and language immersion.

Dr. Cofield has received numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Scholarship Award at Dallas Theological Seminary, the H. A. Ironside Award for Excellence in Expository Preaching. He was also listed in Who’s Who Among Students in Colleges and Universities for three consecutive years and was recognized in the Who’s Who in Black Houston publication in 2011. He has written for several Christian publications, including Preaching Today, Leadership Journal and the African-American Pastors’ Journal on Great Eulogies.

Dr. Cofield formerly served as an instructor at Dallas Theological Seminary, an adjunct professor at the College of Biblical Studies-Houston and former President of the Texas Center for Biblical Studies. He currently teaches nationally and internationally in the areas of Christian Education, Expository Preaching, Pastoral Ministries, Worship and Leadership.

---------------------------------------------------------

For more information on Dr. D.Z. Cofield or the Hope Educational District contact us at (832) 217-3276.

GLV CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL Student celebrating his graduation.

By Jerome Washington

T

he phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child” is an African Proverb that came into the spotlight as it is used today by Hillary Rodham Clinton with a book of the same title approximately 20 years ago. The purpose of the book was to show that individuals and groups outside of the traditional family unit can have an impact on meeting the needs of the child to help them become successful in society. That is the goal of the GLV Charter High School (GLVHS) My education started at home. I grew up in a family with both parents who worked, but always took time out to tend to the needs of me and my five siblings.

They took us to church, attended

school functions, and provided cultural activities for us consistently. Additionally we grew up and participated in the Civil Rights Movement.

Of course, in the early sixties, there were not as many vices as there are today, but they did exist.

The most important thing in my home and extended family was getting a good education and staying out of trouble. Staying home after high school was not an option. You were going to school.

The question was where were you were going to school and how were you going to pay for it.

After more than 30 years in education as a teacher and administrator in secondary and post-secondary education, I am now serving as Principal of GLVHS. The challenge has been an experience that will yield high results in

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HOPE EDUCATIONAL DISTRICT

3015 NORTH MACGREGOR WAY I HOUSTON, TEXAS 77004 - PHONE: (713)524-6578 Two year old students at Barbara Jordan International Preschool (BJIP) learning to count in Chinese.

Educating Your Child With The End In Mind

G

By Carla M. Brown, Parent and Educator

leaming campuses, beaming students, and school performance scores swirled in my mind a decade ago as a new mom to my firstborn son, Michael. Cherishing my wonderful experience with my own mom in education, I knew it was to be prioritized and carefully researched. I did my homework on Barbara Jordan International Preschool (BJIP) after a referral from a seasoned co-worker and was surprised by the wonders that flourished inside.

The curriculum was rigorous; the teachers were engaging, and the students took center stage.

Later becoming an educator intensified my love for the art and science of teaching, while heightening my appreciation for Michael's education, academically and socially. While I worked with him intensely, I noticed he was picking up on concepts that I hadn't taught him. As intimately acquainted as I was with his strengths and strides, it was his teacher who informed me that he was ready to read more advanced material after working profusely with an accelerated curriculum.

Michael was thriving from the moment I enrolled him at 18 months. I was so enamored with the quality of instruction, that I registered my son Christopher two years later at six weeks old. My discovery? It wasn't a fluke. Christopher enjoyed the same success with incessantly passionate teachers and their commitment to my contentment,

matched my own. Three years later, they completed the program and attended my elementary school.

The results were astounding! Their BJIP foundation primed them to perform higher than expected, and I was proud and pleased to know my thoughtful investment had paid off. Three years later, I was expecting another boy. So I went back home to Barbara Jordan to get reacquainted. While the level of excellence remained unchanged, the span of impact had grown.

They were introducing a new sister school for students in Kindergarten and First Grade - Global Learning Village (GLV) -that would incorporate immersion of Spanish, English, and Mandarin Chinese - at no cost at all. I was shocked and pleasantly elated. My heart was saddened that it was limited to Kinder and First because I was hoping to squeeze my third grader in.

Nevertheless, I un-enrolled the six year old son from my school where I taught (and that I loved) because I knew the caliber of education that he received would mirror or exceed what we'd experience just a few years ago. It's been two years since his transition - and I was absolutely right!

Not only does my eight year old speak English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese - he's learning to read and write it, too. He's bathed in cultural experiences that embody the traditions of the native teachers he has, embracing their art and food and while exploring their beliefs and values. With BJIP as a feeder for GLV, students are now being exposed to these languages in the 2 year old classes.

So my youngest, Isaiah is singing in Chinese, while my 8 year old sings with him. (I've since gotten the 10 year old a Chinese tutor!)

Seldom do parents realize the criticality of early childhood education - that which takes place before the first day of Kindergarten. My sons were (and are) so actively involved in their learning, discovery, and epiphanies that reinforcing the concepts at home is completed with ease and relief.

The impact is clearly denoted in their numerical fluency, writing creativity, hands on science and social studies. Not only are they advantaged with a broader link to academic achievement, but they enjoy recurring effects as they progress from one grade to the next. My 10 year old's 3rd grade test scores showed that he was reading at a 12th grade level, and he's rapidly improving each year. Nevertheless, these successes would have been difficult to attain had they not had the building blocks that are founded in their formative years.

I'm delighted that each of my boys have benefitted from an early childhood program that I know has proven success for me three times in a row.

I'm ecstatic that that two of the three now have access to a program that will enrich them culturally in such a manner that they will have global access through culture and langue with nearly two thirds of the known world.

I am a wife, I am a mother, and I am a teacher and I feel that gift of education that I've given them through BJIP and GLV is an investment that will cultivate dividends for a lifetime.

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HOPE EDUCATIONAL DISTRICT

3015 NORTH MACGREGOR WAY I HOUSTON, TEXAS 77004 - PHONE: (713)524-6578

GLV CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL

GLV Elementary students in a language immersion camp at The Confucius Institute at Texas Southern University.

THIS ARTICLE IS CONTINUED FROM

A PRIVATE SCHOOL ON A PUBLIC SCHOOL PLATFORM Dr. Chaney Williams-Ledet

“Ma’am the position you are applying for requires that you are literate and fluent in Spanish”… Do you understand?” “Yes, I replied.” “The principal will see you in a few moments, replied the school secretary” Casually returning to her desk, she whispered to the other office worker in my presence, “She’s black, how does she know Spanish?” The two workers exchanged smirks and proceed to laugh. That was the fall of 1985 and my first teaching position as an African-American Bilingual teacher.

The principal of that largely Hispanic school conducted the interview entirely in Spanish and communicated to me verbally two critical points: I was Black, African-American, Negro, a woman of color, and I was indeed literate and fluent in Spanish. The most critical and fundamental piece that she did not realize was my love for language and language learning began at the tender age of 2.

That passion would cause me to obtain a degree Spanish and a teaching certificate in Bilingual Education.

Born in the 1960’s into a single-parent household surrounded by generations of love, my mother, my brother, grandfather, grandmother and great-grandmother encouraged my love of learning. Although my parents were divorced, my father supported, praised and gently encouraged me as I progressed thru school. My mother, who was a musician by vocation, oddly enough resembled a person of mixed-parentage and found herself in a predominately Mexican-American school near downtown Houston. Struggling to make ends meet with one school aged child, my brother, and me a toddler, she sought safe place to leave me while she worked. Her employer recommended a lady who was Hispanic, placing me in a loving, nurturing all Spanish speaking environment. I was hooked on the food, the culture, the music and more importantly the language. The longer my mother exposed me in this environment, the more bilingual I became. What’s amazing is my mother didn’t know I was able to read, write and speak Spanish until I was 13 years old.

Motivated by my exposure to Spanish at an early age, I chose every Spanish class that was offered from middle school to my graduation from high school and later my graduation from college. And as I moved into education as a profession, I knew I wanted to share my special gift and love with African American children, to let them know learning a foreign language will open many doors of opportunity.

Nearly twenty-five years later I’ve held various positions a large public school dis-

Children identifying body parts in Spanish with the principal, Dr. Ledet.

trict, including being part of a group responsible for laying the foundation for Bilingual Education for Hispanic children. The children would thrive, progress and excel, surpassing their English-only speaking peers academically. I was praised, rewarded and compensated for my efforts, but something was missing. This love for language acquisition and language learning needed to be shared with African-American children. It was time to take my passion to another level, to join an innovative, revolutionary group committed to creating a new model of education. I would co-author and present before the State Board of Education a charter school committed to language immersion, emphasizing STEM and project based learning. This school, free to the public, would provide instruction in Spanish, English and Chinese (Mandarin), finally giving me the opportunity to share with children the joy I experience on a daily basis.

Additionally I could help children receive the same quality education I received at a private school, but do it on a public school platform for FREE. Yes, for FREE. I am the principal of the Global Learning Village Elementary School, located in the Medical Center area of Houston near downtown. We welcome you to enroll your child and watch them grow in their love and understanding of various languages and cultures as native speakers of the languages teach children language, cultural and core subject matters in all 3 languages. I work with a team of educators who understand the importance of creating a new model for education in this country. Our children are learning to communicate with 79% of the world’s population and with people who live in 66 countries around the world. The opportunities our children will have are limitless and without boundaries.

Bring your child to Global Learning Village Elementary School and give them what they need to help change the world.

our inaugural year. The school transitioned from Hope Academy, which was an alternative school for at-risk teenagers.

I took over the last 6 weeks of Hope Academy and was able to make changes that yielded unprecedented results that some believed were impossible. Students were excited not only about learning, but for the first time many students learned they can learn.

What was once a school where student interest and morale was markedly low, a transformation occurred and student excitement and enthusiasm were at all time highs.

We approach this new academic year with a sense of excitement. We will offer all of the classes required for graduation, but additionally classes will be offered that will educate them to be at the same level as other students within the greater Houston area. As opposed to processed meals, students will be provided healthy, nutritious meals prepared by a highly qualified chef. In other words, healthy home cooking students will look forward to having and enjoy eating.

Along my educational journey many people paved the way for me to get to where I am today. Often times it seemed like my forty day trip was going to take forty years, but someone always stepped in to give me a guiding light to refocus my mind and help me stay on the straight and narrow.

It worked! When talking with students about my journey, I always give credit to the people that guided me. The students frequently comment that they do not

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know the people to whom I refer and I tell them they do because what I give them is what was given me.

We go into this school year excited about building on what was started in summer school. We are committed to helping students gain more knowledge, grow as young men and women, and, by virtue of the hard work they put it, earn their high school diploma on their way to a post-secondary school and great career. Whether your child is on the right, or needs to get on the right path, GLV High School is a free public school that will assess where your child is academically, discuss with you your dreams for your child, help your child discover what they are passionate about, and then develop a strategy and plan to help them be successful in school and life. All children will have the opportunity to have mentors, and our course offerings will include career and technology classes, character education classes, as well as classes in African American history, culture and literature. A state licensed, NCI certified preschool is available on our campus for school age parents. Students who qualify will also have the opportunity to enroll in dual credit classes, and afterschool programs will help students enhance their cultural awareness, explore musical talents and participate in athletics.

We are committed to giving students all they need to be productive members of society. Send your high school student to GLV High School. They will leave us better than they came.

VISIT US AT WWW.GLVHOUSTON.ORG TODAY!

Students with Sara Collins Rudolph (seated) and Dr. Cofield during a program remembering the girls killed in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL. Mrs. Rudolph's sister, Addie, was one of the 4 girls killed in the blast. Sara was seriously injured in the blast.Call (832) 217-3276 for more information.

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ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

“CRIME #1 THEN POLICE

HOUSTON

READER ENDORSEMENTS WILL BE POSTED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 AT: WWW.AUBREYRTAYLOR.BLOGSPOT.COM

“

BRUTALITY #2” FANNIE L. MALONE, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? Her response was: “CRIME”. However, “POLICE BRUTALITY” is also a major concern for Fannie.”

“POLICE BRUTALITY”

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “PLEASE CONSIDER VOTING FOR PEOPLE WHO VALUE US AND OUR VOTE.”

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VOTE TO REPEAL THE HERO ORDINANCE! - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2015 “Men have absolutely no place inside the women’s restroom with us.“ - Victoria Lane

A VOTE FOR VICTORIA LANE IS A VOTE FOR A MORAL MAYOR VICTORIA WILL: Amend the HERO ordinance to clearly define the difference between a man and a woman; Reduce Houston’s debt; Make Houston the ‘Tourism Capital” of the South; Modernize and repair our streets; Improve the Education System; Employ local contractors for City governmental projects;Make sure every HPD Officer is equipped with a ‘Body Camera”, and work diligently and tirelessly to make Houston more friendly to our environment.

LANE VICTORIA

MAYOR FOR HOUSTON

‘“We need ‘GOOD GOVERNANCE’ and ‘MORAL LEADERSHIP’ in the driver’s seat at City Hall.” --Victoria Lane, 2015 Candidate for Mayor of Houston

PD. POL. AD BY THE VICTORIA A LANE FOR MAYOR CAMPAIGN, MICAELA GOMEZ, TREASURER

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HOUSTON

READER ENDORSEMENTS WILL BE POSTED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 AT: WWW.AUBREYRTAYLOR.BLOGSPOT.COM ATTORNEY FARRAH MARTINEZ, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? Her response was: “THE ECONOMY”.

“CRIME”

DIDI CHAVIS, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? Her response was: “CRIME”. She also shared this: “Recent crimes in public places raise serious concerns. I feel always on guard while trying to enjoy a meal at some of my favorite restaurants, wondering if at any moment a robber or robbers may come in. Or shopping in my favorite store and falling victim there because of some brazen criminal. Patrons should be able to enjoy supporting such businesses and others.” DiDi Chavis and her daughter Miracle.

“

“THE ECONOMY”

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “READER ENDORSEMENTS ARE COMING ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015.”

“

TONI GREATFUL THOMAS, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? Her response was: “MORAL DECAY”.

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DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO?

I Slipped and Fell.

Can I Sue?

SEND YOUR NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, OPINIONS, THOUGHTS, EVENT INFO, AND CONCERNS TO: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com

By Farrah Martinez, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyer www.InjuryLawyerHOU.com

Slips, Trips, and Falls.

I slipped and fell. Can I sue?

In Texas, slip and fall claims or premises liability claims can often be tricky. The burden of proof is on the injured party to show that the property owner knew or should have known that the property posed a serious danger and that the property owner failed

to exercise reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of their guests. So, the question, should not be whether you can sue but whether you can successfully prove the property owner had notice of the dangerous condition and failed to correct defaults.

Here are three things essential to any Texas slip and fall claim: The property owner owed a duty of care to you and failed to perform the duty.

The property owner failed to exercise proper care and caused your injury.

You, the injured party, suffered a loss, you were severely injured and suffered damages as a result of the injury. These damages would include loss of wages or earnings, medical bills, prescription expenses and possible exemplary damages which are often referred to as “special damages�.

If you or a loved one have suffered a slip and fall and have been

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injured, contact Farrah Martinez Houston Slip and Fall Lawyer at (713) 853-9296. Farrah will review your claim. If she agrees to represent you, she will seek maximum compensation for the losses and injuries you have suffered.

-------------------------------------------------------

*Disclaimer: The information and materials provided here are for general informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed nor should any such relationship be implied. Nothing on this blog is intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney. If you need legal advice, please consult with a competent attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.

CALL THE LAW OFFICE OF KERYL L. DOUGLAS AT (713)819-9945 WITH YOUR LEGAL QUESTION

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The Law Offices of Keryl L. Douglas

3730 Kirby Drive, Suite 1200 Houston, TX 77098 Phone: 713-819-9945

The Law Offices of

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READER ENDORSEMENTS WILL BE POSTED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 AT: WWW.AUBREYRTAYLOR.BLOGSPOT.COM

“CHRIS”

“UPCOMING EVENTS”

“MUSTAFA”

“JACQUIE”

On Sunday, October 18, 2015 The Roundup (only on FOX 26) will be hosting a “Mayoral Forum” during the airing of their show beginning at 7:30 A.M. The Roundup features: Sally MacDonald (Anchor), Chris Tritico (Legal Analyst) far right, Mustafa Tameez (News Analyst) far left, and Jacquie Baly (center) is the Public Policy Analyst.

FEATURED EVENTS

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “I strongly encourage “ALL” Houston area voters to try to attend one or more of the “MAYORAL CANDIDATE FORUMS” listed below.”

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

In case you haven’t heard, Damali Keith served as moderator for the Public Mayoral Candidates Forum hosted

by State Representative Senfronia Thompson (HD-141) and The Peoples United Summit. The event took place on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. @ Mt. Zion Baptist Church located at 9318 Homestead Road in Houston, Texas 77016.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

On Wednesday, August 19, 2015 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., A consortium of area young professional organizations will host the Keys to the City Forum with Houston mayoral candidates inside the University of Houston Student Center Theatre (Room S103) located at 4800 Calhoun Road in Houston, Texas. This

forum is intended to spark dialogue about Houston’s future with its uniquely diverse community of young professionals. Building a relationship with the young adult demographic in Houston is imperative for future leadership. Houston has one of the youngest populations in the nation with many recent college graduates moving to the city to take advantage of its favorable economic outlook. A few of the organizations participating in the forum include the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals, Harris County Young Democrats, Houston Branch NAACP – Young Adult Committee, Houston Young Republicans, Houston Chapter of Maverick PAC, and the University of Houston Master of Public Administration Program. THE ATTIRE FOR THIS EVENT IS BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL OR BUSINESS CASUAL. Admission for this event is FREE.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

On Thursday, September 3, 2015, Jacquie Baly (Fox 26) will serve as moderator for The Women Contractors Association (WCA) and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) mayoral panel discussion to be held at: Maggiano’s Little Italy - Houston located at: 2019 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056. Several of the major

2015 City of Houston Mayoral candidates are expected to discuss various public policy issues that affect women business owners and women contractors in the greater Houston area. According to Jacquie Baly, all the major candidates have already confirmed their intentions to attend this forum.

For more information, please go to: www.womencontractors.org. Women Contractors Association National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) — Houston Chapter.

Friday, September 4, 2015

On Friday, September 4, 2015 @6:30 P.M., The Texas Voters Alliance is hosting a debate/forum for all the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Candidates at The Fountain of Praise, 13950 Hillcroft Street in Houston, Texas. All candidates who file no later than August 31, 2015 will be invited to attend this forum. The moderator for this particular forum is: Victor D. Dunn. A few of the announced candidates who are expected to be in attendance are: Former Sheriff Adrian Garcia, State Rep. Sylvester Turner, Former City Attorney Ben Hall, Council member Stephen C. Costello, Former Congressman Chris Bell, Businessman Marty McVey, and Former Kemah Mayor Bill King.

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READ THE HERO ORDINANCE FOR YOURSELF AT: www.houstontx.gov/equal_rights_ordinance.pdf Thursday, September 10, 2015

On Thursday, September 10, 2015 from 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M., The Houston Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) is bringing the Houston political scene to your doorstep. This “MAYORAL FORUM” will take place in Downtown Houston at the J.W. Marriott located at: 806 Main Street. So mark your calendar for Thursday, September 10, 2015 as BOMA hosts a Mayoral Forum featuring key candidates in the race for Houston Mayor. Candidates in attendance will be asked their positions on fixing the permitting center, mandatory electricity benchmarking, city finances, economic development, public safety and more.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear directly from the candidates themselves about their plans to fix Houston. Here’s the lineup: State Representative Sylvester Turner; Council Member At Large Stephen Costello, Former Mayor of Kemah Bill King, Former Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia and Former City Attorney Ben Hall.

Friday, September 11, 2015

On Friday, September 11, 2015 Jacquie Baly (Fox 26) will serve as moderator for a “Mayoral Forum” being hosted

by THE ROUNDUP PANEL at Paul’s Kitchen@ 7:30A.M. Paul’s Kitchen is located at: 2502 Algerian Way, Houston, TX 77098. According to Baly, all the major candidates have already confirmed their intentions to attend this event. You can email Jacquie Baly at: jacquie@balyprojects.com if you need additional information about this event. The Roundup features: Sally MacDonald (Anchor), Chris Tritico (Legal Analyst) Above Center, Mustafa Tameez (News Analyst) Above Left, and Jacquie Baly (Above Right) is the Public Policy Analyst.

Lane, Marty McVey, and Stephen C. Costello.”

Thursday, September 24, 2015

On Thursday, September 24, 2015@11:30 A.M., Jacquie Baly (Fox 26) will serve as moderator for THE HOUSTON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION’S “Mayor Forum” to be held at The Junior League of Houston. In case you don’t know: The Junior League of Houston is located at 1811 Briar Oaks Land, in Houston, Texas 77027. According to Jacquie Baly, all the major candidates have already confirmed their intentions to attend this forum.

For more information on this event or the Houston Contractors Association, please go to www.houstoncontractors.org today.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

On Sunday, October 18, 2015 The Roundup (only on FOX 26) will be hosting a “Mayoral Forum” during the airing of their show beginning at 7:30 A.M. The Roundup features: Sally MacDonald (An-

chor), Chris Tritico (Legal Analyst) far right, Mustafa Tameez (News Analyst) far left, and Jacquie Baly (center) is the Public Policy Analyst.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

On Sunday, October 18, 2015 from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., emerge USA will be hosting a “CANDIDATES FORUM” for candidates running for Mayor and Houston City Council in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election. Attendees will be afforded a great opportunity to find out where the candidates stand on various issues, and who they propose to shape the future of Houston during their tenure if elected. THIS FORUM IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. And will be held at the Shahnai Reception Hall located at: 5920 Hillcroft Street (Suite D) in Houston, Texas 77036. emerge USA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan civic engagement organization engaging underrepresented communities into the political process. This group believes in power through participation.

www.houstontx.gov/equal_rights_ordinance.pdf

Saturday, September 19, 2015

On Saturday, September 19, 2015 @ 5:00P.M The Clear Lake Area Republicans will be hosting a “MAYORAL DEBATE” at Brookwood Elementary 16850 Middlebrook Drive in Houston, Texas 77059. All of the announced 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Candidates will be invited to attend this event. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Mayor Annise Parker is currently serving her third and final term.

She is term-limited and cannot run for reelection in the upcoming election. A few of the key candidates who are running for Mayor of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election is as follows: Chris Bell, Bill King, Adrian Garcia, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Chistopher Legier, Sylvester Turner, Demetria Smith, Ben Hall, Victoria

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Ask Yourself These Ten Questions Before Going to Vote in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election

groups, his/her donors, political action committees, or only those who supported their campaign should they get elected? WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION: In reality, the mayor of Houston is elected to two year terms by the citizens of Houston -- and they can't serve more than three (two year terms). So, this almost puts the mayor at a disadvantage of sorts. Let me explain: While on one hand the mayor has to handle the people’s business; on the other they really don’t ever get the opportunity to relax. In essence, the campaigning never stops. SO HOUSTON DOES NOT NEED A CANDIDATE WHO'S BEEN BOUGHT BY ANYONE: This is why you want to look for the candidate who will, for the most part, not be beholden to special interest groups, donors, PACS, other politicians, or the like.

#4

By Aubrey R. Taylor Houston Business Connections Newspaper

OUR THOUGHTS MATTER! So, in my capacity as the publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper, I’ve taken on the daunting task of trying to encourage, empower, inform, and engage voters who plan on participating in the process of electing the next mayor of Houston on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. To this end, I’ve developed “10 QUESTIONS” every voter should ponder before the start of early voting – which is on Monday, October 19, 2015. Please keep in mind that these questions were developed with the 2015 City of Houston Mayor’s Race in mind; but they can also be used in the races for Houston City Council and City of Houston Controller as well. Also, these questions were developed for people of faith; but anyone seeking to make a more informed and empowered voting decision can use these questions as part of their decision making process.

CANDIDATES TO WATCH

As it stands right now: Chris Bell, Bill King, Adrian Garcia, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Sylvester Turner, Demetria Smith, Ben Hall, Victoria Lane, Marty McVey, and Stephen C. Costello are the key candidates running for Mayor of Houston in the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election. But keep in mind that any other candidate hoping to run for Mayor of Houston, City of Houston Controller, Houston City Council, HISD Board Trustee, or HCC Board Trustee must file to do so before the deadline. The deadline to file for a place on the ballot isn't until Monday, August 24, 2015 -- but the sooner the candidate files: the better off they're going to be in terms of being included in the debates and such. And please don’t forget that early voting will begin on Monday, October 19, 2015, and end on Friday, October 30, 2015 -- very important to remember.

#1

QUESTION #1: Is the mayoral candidate I’m thinking about supporting on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 a person of faith? WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION: Some candidates say one thing on the campaign trail (seemingly just to get elected) then does something altogether different once they’re elected. You may have people try to convince you to ignore your religious beliefs when selecting a mayoral candidate. Some people will even tell you that you are electing a mayor -- not a pastor. But you should ignore these people. Typically, only a "Non-Believer" is going to try to convince a Believer to not use their faith in an important decision making process. ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION: If faith isn’t an issue: why do so many politicians make their rounds to churches during campaign season?

#2

QUESTION #2: Does this mayoral candidate I’m thinking about supporting on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 have the experience and educational background needed to best represent my interests at City Hall and elsewhere? WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION: In the city of Houston, the mayor wields a lot of power and influence. So typically, you don’t want to place too much power into the hands of a person who’s not adequately prepared to handle it. So as a rule of thumb, education is good. But you should look for candidates who also have the relevant experience that lends itself to enabling that particular candidate to function well under pressure. THE KIND OF CANDIDATE YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR: We should look for someone who can clearly articulate their position; deal with dignitaries from other nations; work well with local community leaders; and broker business deals that are in the best interest of all Houstonians.

#3

QUESTION # 3: Will this mayoral candidate I’m thinking about voting for on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 be working for me (the voter) or special interest

QUESTION #4: Does this mayoral candidate have a proven track-record of supporting issues, concerns, and policies that are important to me, and the wellbeing of my family? WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION: Most politicians are very persuasive people. So don’t just listen to their promises. ALWAYS BE RESPECTFUL: I mean, don’t be disrespectful; but in your quiet time, try to find out if they’ve (the candidate) done anything to indicate that they value you, your family, community, and the issues you deem to be important.

#5

QUESTION # 5: Does this mayoral candidate have a diverse campaign team reflective of the cultural diversity and makeup of the body of people living in the City of Houston? WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION: Not all; but there are some individuals who seek elected office to further their personal agenda. FIND OUT WHY THEY ARE RUNNING FOR OFFICE AND WHO'S BACKING THEIR CAMPAIGN: The last thing Houston needs is for a person with a selfish agenda to buy their way into the mayor’s office. This wouldn’t be good for us. Houston is a diverse City; and any viable candidate worthy of your vote and support should embrace our diversity.

#6

QUESTION #6: Who are the other 2015 City of Houston mayoral candidates attacking; or talking about the most? WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION: Politics can be a dirty business. I mean, it can be downright nasty -- despicable even. In some cases, political candidates will do whatever it takes to win -- and I do mean whatever it takes. So typically, long before opinion polls are released, candidates/campaigns have a pretty good idea of who their chief competitor/competitors are going to be in a race. SO PAY ATTENTION: If you sit back, observe, and identify who the other candidates are spending money to run negative attack ads on – you just might be able to identify who those candidates perceived the front-runner in the race to be.

#7

QUESTION #7: Does the mayoral candidate I’m thinking about voting for on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 understand the importance of being supportive, sensitive, knowledgeable, and attentive to the needs of a populous as culturally diverse as the City of Houston? WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION: I’ve said it before, Houston is an International City! LOOK FOR A PERSON WITH VISION: The Mayor of Houston should be open-minded and receptive to every citizen -- and definitely have vision. So ask questions. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking a candidate if they’ve ever had any diversity training -- or plan to do so in the future.

#8

QUESTION #8: What kind of money is the mayoral candidate I’m thinking about voting for on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 used to handling? WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION: The last thing Houston needs is someone who doesn’t understand the numbers game. Houston does not need a mayor who can't count; and doesn't understand the concept of restraint. KEEP THIS IN MIND: Some people deal in hundreds of dollars; some in thousands of dollars; some in tens of thousands; some in millions; and some in billions. The mayor of Houston needs to be someone comfortable with having conversations about what to do with billions of dollars.

#9

QUESTION #9: Is this mayoral candidate I’m thinking about supporting simply looking for a job? WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTION: There are a lot of “POLITICAL ENTREPRENEURS” running around out here. Every time you look up they’re placing their name on the ballot to run for something. Almost like playing the lottery – they’re in a sense, simply hoping to get lucky. THE 2015 CITY OF HOUSTON MAYORAL ELECTION IS NON-PARTISAN: There’s no straight-ticket voting in this election – so that pretty much takes care of the getting lucky part on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

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READ THE HERO ORDINANCE FOR YOURSELF AT: www.houstontx.gov/equal_rights_ordinance.pdf

#10

BE BLESSED

else? I think not -- so make them ask for your vote on Election Day!

QUESTION #10: Has this mayoral candidate I'm thinking about voting for actually reached out to ask me for my vote? WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK YOURSELF THIS QUESTIONS: You would be surprised at the games that are sometimes played in political circles. There are actually people in Houston who are sitting back and trying to determine who runs for office – and when it’s their turn to run. NO KIDDING!!! Back room deals are cut all the time in politics. After all, it’s a high-stakes winner take all game these guys are playing. SO DON'T JUMP ONTO BANDWAGONS: Make them ask for your vote directly! Would you marry someone who asked for your hand in marriage through someone

“My prayer is that you would be blessed, inspired, and empowered as you ready yourself to make a more informed voting decision in the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election. And DON’T FORGET THIS: “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” PROVERBS 29:2 in the New Living Translation of the Bible.” -- Aubrey R. Taylor

We’re Building Winning Lives...

“God Wants U 2 Win! God has a plan to prosper your life. Trust in God's Ways Listen to God's Voice. Follow God's Instructions. Move Forward in Faith and Win!” -- Bishop K J Brown

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READ THE HERO ORDINANCE FOR YOURSELF AT: www.houstontx.gov/equal_rights_ordinance.pdf

“

“

ANITA FAYE WILLIAMS MILTON, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? Her response was: “NONE OF THE ABOVE”. Anita’s #1 concern is the School System. She’s mainly concerned about standardized tests and curriculum development. However, lack or limited Physical Education (PE) activity in Elementary Schools is also a concern of hers.

KEISHA ROBERTS, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? Her response was: “POLICE BRUTALITY”.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “READER ENDORSEMENTS ARE COMING ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015.”

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www.FairandImpartialJustice.com

“We are grateful for your prayers, love, vote, and continued support.”

- The Schmude Family

John Schmude

for JUDGE 247TH DISTRICT COURT -- HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS --

POLITICAL AD PAID FOR BY JOHN SCHMUDE FOR JUDGE CAMPAIGN, IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY LIMITS OF JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN FAIRNESS ACT, VALOREE SWANSON, TREASURER.

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READER ENDORSEMENTS WILL BE POSTED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 AT: WWW.AUBREYRTAYLOR.BLOGSPOT.COM

“CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY #1”

“

RENEE DUHON, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebooknetwork was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? Her response was: “ALL OF THE ABOVE”.

“

“

“

BISHOP K.J. BROWN, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? His response was: “CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY”.

“

CAROLYN HILL, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? Her response was: “POLICE BRUTALITY”. Carolyn has four grandsons and she takes one of them to work because she’s afraid of what would happen to him if he were to get stopped by a cop. This particular grandson of hers has Autism and a speech impediment.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “READER ENDORSEMENTS ARE COMING ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015.”

“

MICHELLE RENEE’ HARDEN, a member of Aubrey R. Taylor’s facebook network was recently asked: What’s your #1 concern in 2015? 1) The Economy (2) Potholes (3) Traffic Congestion (4) Crime (5) Police Brutality (6) Houston's Debt or (7) Other? Her response was: “NONE OF THE ABOVE”.

Harden believes there needs to be more done for women ex-offenders. She wants all of you to know about The Naomi’s House.

So visit www.thenaomishouse.global when you get a chance. She is pictured with her husband Randy.

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READ THE HERO ORDINANCE:

PLACE YOUR AD IN THIS SECTION FOR AS LITTLE AS $40 DOLLARS

CALL 832.212.8735 TO DISCUSS YOUR INCLUSION IN THIS SECTION OF HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE

www.houstontx.gov/equal_rights_ordinance.pdf

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LET FREEDOM RING I INTERVIEW

Q&A WITH ATTORNEY JOLANDA JONES

READER ENDORSEMENTS WILL BE POSTED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 AT: WWW.AUBREYRTAYLOR.BLOGSPOT.COM

“

Jolanda Jones, a 2015 Candidate for HISD Board Trustee for District IV Recently Shared Her Thoughts on What Freedom Means to Her with Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: How do you define Freedom Attorney Jolanda Jones?

JOLANDA "JO" JONES: “Freedom is not the existence that the majority of African-Americans, Latinos and poor people experience. Freedom is the right to have equal opportunity to the American Dream. The opportunities include but are not limited to having access to: 1) quality, affordable and safe public education; 2) safe and affordable housing; 3) affordable healthcare; 4) affordable and healthy food, including fruit and vegetables; 5) employment that pays a living wage and without wage theft; 6) fair policing without racial profiling and excessive force; 7) a prison system that is not the equivalent of modern day slavery; and 8) government that allocates resources equally. Likewise freedom includes the right to be who you are and love who you love.

There is more to freedom but these are some of the most fundamental tenets.

To that end, for the afore-referenced communities true freedom does not exist. You judge a country by its treatment of its most vulnerable residents.

By that standard we still have a long way to go. We must continue to demand freedom in our political, educational, housing, healthcare and prison systems.

We will be much closer to freedom when we fix these broken systems. With July 4th rapidly approaching, it is important that we reflect and resolve to do our individual part to contribute to that illusive principle that is freedom.”

“

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “PLEASE CONSIDER VOTING FOR PEOPLE WHO VALUE US AND OUR VOTE.”

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“A vote for Ann McCoy is a vote for our children’s future.”

ANN M c COY FOR HISD TRUSTEE DISTRICT IV Dr. Ann McCoy has dedicated her professional career to research that improves opportunities for children and at-risk youth, focusing especially on their educational and social service needs.

EXPERIENCE IN CLASSROOMS IN HISD and with CHILDREN

Dr. Ann McCoy has visited hundreds of classrooms in HISD and surrounding school districts to work with schools and community organizations to improve instruction and learning for our children in her work with the Rice University School Mathematics Project (RUSMP). She also was a research specialist in HISD's Department of Research and Accountability.

Currently, Dr. McCoy serves as Director of Data Services and Research for All Kids Alliance at the University of Houston. She has also taught statistics and research methods at the University of HoustonDowntown and general and abnormal psychology at Texas Southern University.

Dr. McCoy has evaluated a variety of programs serving children and youth including compensatory education and school-based reading interventions for the Houston Independent School District, as well as teacher professional development programs for RUSMP.

DR. McCoy is the Right Choice!

This combination of experience in the classroom and experience in program evaluation will make her an asset on the HISD School Board.

“I am running for HISD District 4 School Board because I believe that strong public schools in every neighborhood are vital to the well-being of our communities.” Sign up to volunteer or donate to my campaign at: www.annmccoy4hisd.com

1001 Texas Avenue, Suite 1400 Houston, Texas 77002

(713) 853-9296

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› Construction Accidents › Insurance Bad Faith

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Don't wait another minute. Set up an appointment for a free consultation today. Call (713) 853-9296.

Personal Injury Attorney

At Farrah Martinez PLLC, we are dedicated to ensuring you get the compensation you deserve through experienced, aggressive and smart representation.

Farrah understands that when you or a loved one are injured in an accident, that you want your case handled by a lawyer that understands justice matters. She has that small town personality that people genuinely like, matched with vigor, tenacity and dedication to achieve big city results. Farrah will fight to get you the results you deserve. Personal Injury Consultations are Free.

My Personal Guarantee

I guarantee effective and aggressive representation for you and your loved ones. My experience, dedication and aggressive representation will get you the results you deserve. I provide injury and accident representation in Houston and throughout Texas. I do not get paid, unless you win. You do not pay any out of pocket personal injury lawyer fees .

I treat you with respect. Whether your injuries are small or you lost a loved one, we go to bat against the insurance companies with vigor and determination. It is not wrong to ask for the money you deserve for your injury. Before you try to handle the claim on your own, call me. I can help.

Contact Farrah Martinez Personal Injury & Accident Lawyer -- Injury and Accident Representation at (713) 853-9296.

www.injurylawyerHOU.com