2015 Early Voting Reminder Edition of Houston Business Connections Newspaper

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

HISD

IV

HOUSTON

DISTRICT

ECONOMICS. EDUCATION. POLITICS. BUSINESS. COMMUNITY.

JOLANDA “JO” JONES IS ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE!

Candidate Jolanda Jones

Pd. Pol. Ad. by Carroll G. Robinson Campaign

Vote Early Before Oct. 30th

“I WANT YOUR VOTE!”

ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOV. 3RD: Steve Costello, Adrian Garcia, Chris Bell, Ben Hall, Bill King, Marty McVey, and Sylvester Turner are key candidates running for Mayor of Houston. NANCY SIMS: “My greatest hope for our freedom is that people take ownership of their government back and engage in reasonable and rational debate.” -- INTERVIEW ON P.04

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Discrimination is wrong and should not be tolerated in any way, shape, or form. However, Prop. 1 -- The Hero Ordinance is not the answer. We should vote “NO” on Proposition 1 when we go to the polls.”

(1) Herlinda Garcia, (2) Dr. Ed Young, (3) Lance Berkman, (4) Pastor F.N. Williams, (5) Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (6) Bishop Anthony Allen, (7) Pastor Hernan Castano, (8) Pastor Magda Hermida, (9) Pastor David Welch, (10) Rashanique Williams, (11) Pastor Khanh Huynh, (12) Dr. Kendall L. Baker for District F, (13) Pastor Steve Riggle, (14) Mike Knox for Houston City Council At-Large Position #1, and (15) Bishop K.J. Brown are all standing “AGAINST” PROPOSITION 1 - The HERO Ordinance/Bathroom Ordinance/Equal Rights Ordinance.

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www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “MEN SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN WOMEN’S BATHROOMS, LOCKER ROOMS OR SHOWERS.”

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

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“ D r. K e n d a l l L . B a k e r h a s O v e r 2 9 Ye a r s o f E x p e r i e n c e i n M a n a g e m e n t a t t h e C i t y o f H o u s t o n . ”

Kendall L. Baker is Endorsed by the Baptist Ministers of Houston Area and Vicinity

“NO” MEN IN WOMEN RESTROOMS” - KENDALL L. BAKER 2015 “WE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGING YOU TO VOTE “NO” ON PROPOSITION 1” - MR. AND MRS. KENDALL L. BAKER

Q&A WITH NANCY SIMS LET FREEDOM RING I INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW: Nancy Sims, Senior Vice President at Pierpont Communications discusses Freedom with Aubrey R. Taylor

ABOUT PIERPONT COMMUNICATIONS: Pierpont is one of the largest independent PR agencies in the Southwest serving clients regionally, nationally and globally. Through our affiliation with MSLGROUP, we ensure comprehensive client service globally. MSLGROUP has 30 offices throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Call us at: (713)627-2223

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NANCY SIMS IS A NATIVE TEXAN, WITH DEEPLY ROOTED RELATIONSHIPS ACROSS THE STATE

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you Nancy Sims?

NANCY SIMS: Freedom is a precious word that must be treasured deeply. For many citizens of the world, it means the chance to live free of dictatorship and controlling governance. For many Americans, it is reflected in our core values of democracy and the right to freely choose our leaders. Beyond that, it means so many different things to so many different people. For me, freedom means the right to live in a society governed by its citizens. Sadly, I fear that this most basic tenet of our society is at risk. It may be at risk primarily because the citizens are in default. My greatest hope for our freedom is that people take ownership of their government back and engage in reasonable and rational debate.

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

NANCY SIMS: “I am most proud to be an American when I think of our military and their commitment to protecting our freedoms. I am proud when I see our flag flying or hear voices raised in unison singing our national anthem and I am most proud when election day comes and voters cast their ballots to protect and engage in our democracy.”

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THE PUBLISHER I

Bob McNair Rescinds

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

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

Donation

to help defeat

PROP. 1

SEE. P.06

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

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VOTE “NO” ON PROP. 1

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

Bob McNair, Owner of the Houston Texans Rescinds $10k Donation to

Defeat Prop. 1

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Discrimination is wrong and should not be tolerated in any way, shape, or form. However, Prop. 1 -- The Hero Ordinance is not the answer. We should vote “NO” on Proposition 1 when we go to the polls.”

What You Will See On The Ballot When You Go to the Polls City of Houston, Proposition No. 1

(Relating to the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance.) Are you in favor of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, Ord. No. 2014530, which prohibits discrimination in city employment and city services, city contracts, public accommodations, private employment, and housing based on an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, familial status, marital status, military status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or pregnancy?

Yes or

No

What You Need to Know About Prop. 1 - The HERO Ordinance

According to the language in the HERO Ordinance, DISCRIMINATE means to intentionally distinguish, differentiate, separate, or segregate to the

advantage or disadvantage of any person on the basis of a protected characteristic, except as required by federal or state law or court.

According to the language in the HERO Ordinance, PROTECTED CHARACTERISTICS means an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, familial status, marital status, military status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or pregnancy.

According to the language in the HERO Ordinance, GENDER IDENTITY means an individual's innate identification, appearance, expression or behavior as either male or female, although the same may not correspond to the individuals body or gender as assigned at birth.

According to the language in the HERO Ordinance, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION means every business with a physical location in the city, whether wholesale or retail, which is open to the general public and offers for compensation any product, service, or facility. The term includes, but is not limited to, all hotels, motels, restaurants, bars, lounges, theaters, washaterias, bowling alleys, skating rinks, golf courses, and other places or public amusement, and all public conveyances, as well as the stations or terminals therof.

Every Houstonian Will Be Affected

By The HERO Ordinance

Please note that every person living in (or visiting) the City of Houston will be impacted by the HERO Ordinance. Voters will decide whether men should be allowed in public restrooms, locker rooms, showers, and other "PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS" when early voting

begins on Monday, October 19, 2015.

Meet Robert C. McNair Chairman and CEO of the Houston Texans

Robert C. McNair, a leading businessman, sportsman and philanthropist in the city of Houston for more than 50 years, is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of the Houston Texans. McNair is perhaps best known in the business community as the founder of Cogen Technologies, which was sold in 1999. Cogen was the largest privately-owned cogeneration company in the world, with aggregate capacity of 1,400 megawatts.

McNair serves as chairman of The McNair Group, headquartered in Houston, Texas, where he oversees an investment portfolio that includes interests in two cogeneration plants in the eastern United States. McNair owns Palmetto Partners, Ltd. and RCM Financial Services, L.P., private investment entities that manage the McNairs’ private and public equity investments, and is a member of the Texas Business Hall of Fame.

Committed to bringing a National Football League team to Houston, McNair formed Houston NFL Holdings in 1998. On October 6, 1999, the NFL announced that the 32nd NFL franchise had been awarded to McNair, returning professional football to the city of Houston in 2002.

McNair’s efforts and influence have also played an integral role in bringing two Super Bowls to Reliant Stadium: Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 and Super Bowl LI, to be played in February of 2017. His Texans won their first AFC South title in 2011 and gave the city its first NFL playoff game in nearly 18 years, a 31-10 win against Cincinnati in

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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

VOTE “NO” ON PROP. 1

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

“I’m strongly encouraging all Houstonians and Houston Business Connections Newspaper readers, supporters, and friends to vote “NO” on Proposition 1 when you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015” -- Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher CONTINUED ON

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the Wild Card round on January 7, 2012.

The Texans claimed their second consecutive AFC South title in 2012 and finished the regular season 12-4, matching the most regular-season wins in the city of Houston’s NFL history. McNair hired Bill O’Brien as the third head coach of the franchise in January 2014, ushering in a new era of Texans football following a disappointing 2013 campaign.

McNair is actively involved in NFL affairs serving as chairman of the Finance Committee and is a member of the Audit committee.

As Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the AdvoCare Texas Bowl, McNair revived Houston's collegiate bowl game on December 28, 2006. The game now features teams from the Big 12 and SEC conferences and on average draws nearly 58,000 fans each year to NRG Stadium, 6th best among non-College Football Playoff bowls. McNair selected DePelchin Children’s Center as the charity beneficiary of the Bowl game in 2006, and DePelchin has been awarded nearly $700,000 in financial support and received more than $11,000,000 in promotional value through the Texas Bowl partnership.

Stonerside Stable, a major thoroughbred horse farm in Kentucky, is also among McNair’s successes. A 1,947-acre thoroughbred horse farm and racing stable, Stonerside was home to more than 275 racehorses, broodmares, yearlings and weanlings. From its inception in 1994, Stonerside won 72 Graded Stakes races including Grade I wins in the Belmont, Breeders’ Cup Mile, the Travers, the Haskell, the Hollywood Gold Cup, the Cigar Mile, the Carter, the Swaps, the Wood Memorial, the Matriarch and the Oak Leaf Stakes. Stonerside also has finished second and third in the Kentucky Derby and was the co-breeder of Fusaichi Pegasus, winner of the Derby in 2000. Stonerside has bred the winners of over $50-million, including the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Raven’s Pass and 2008 Champion American Juvenile colt Midshipman, the winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Stonerside was named breeder of the year in 2007 and 2008 by Kentucky horsemen. McNair served on the boards of the Breeders’ Cup and Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. He was awarded the Allan Bogan Memorial award for outstanding services to the Texas Thoroughbred Association. McNair is a member of the prestigious Jockey Club which governs the sport of thoroughbred racing. In October 2008 McNair sold Stonerside Farm and Racing Stable.

McNair is Chairman of The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, The Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation in Forest City, NC, and the Houston Texans Foundation. The McNair Foundation was honored as the 2003 Out-

standing Philanthropic Foundation by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and in November 2004, the Foundation was honored by the Houston Independent School District with a Hall of Fame Award.

Young Audiences of Houston awarded the Foundation its Houston Community Arts Partner Leadership Award in 2008. The McNair Foundation was honored by the Neuhaus Education Center in March 2012 for their loyal support over the past 15 years. The Foundation was one of several honored at the Mayor’s Literacy Leadership Breakfast in May 2012 for their support of literacy training for adults. In March 2013, the Foundation was honored

by Hermann Park Conservancy for support of its Centennial Gardens.

The McNairs have given generously to a wide array of charitable, scientific, literary, educational and religious organizations through the Robert and Janice McNair Foundation. Major support has been given to scholarship programs at Baylor College of Medicine’s MD/PhD Program, the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, Rice University, Austin College, Virginia Tech and Houston Community College. Educational initiatives supported include the HISD Fine Arts Program, Project GRAD, Teach for America, Neuhaus Education Center and local charter schools. Contributions to the community include the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat at the Houston Zoo, the jogging trail at Discovery Green, Equestrian Center for the San Jacinto Girl Scouts, McNair Cub Scout Adventure World, the Computer Training Center Room for the United Way, McNair Hall and McNair Plaza at Houston Baptist University, and sponsorship of community outreach programs for the Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and Young Audiences. The McNairs endowed the Janice and Robert McNair Chair in Public Policy at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University, which currently is held by the founding director, The Honorable Edward P. Djerejian. The McNairs turned their philanthropic focus to medical research in 2007 and gave a transformational gift to establish the McNair Medical Institute at Baylor College of Medicine to fund the McNair Scholars Program which recruits top physicians/scientists in the fields of juvenile diabetes, breast and pancreatic cancer and the neurosciences. Additional McNair Scholars Programs were established at M.D. Anderson, Menninger Clinic, Texas Children’s Hospital and Texas Heart Institute.

The McNairs adopted three horses for the Houston Police Department’s Mounted Patrol and renamed the horses Texan Star, Cushing 56 and J.J. Watt 99. Major donations were made in 2013-14 to the AD Players Theater, the Nau Center for Texas Cultural Heritage, the United Way 21-1 Capital Campaign, the Star of Hope Family Place, Houston Parks Bayou Greenways 2020 and Houston Zoo for

their Phase II African Forest campaign.

McNair is the recipient of many awards, including the Anti-Defamation League’s Torch of Liberty Award, the Northwood University Outstanding Business Leader Award, the Association for Private Enterprise Education’s Herman W. Lay Memorial Award, the Distinguished American Award from the Houston Chapter of the National Football Foundation, the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Rotary Club of Houston, The South Main Center Association City Builder Award, the Houston Advertising Federation Annual Trailblazer Award recognizing him for significantly enhancing the overall image of Houston both locally and globally, the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Sam Houston Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, The Denton A. Cooley Leadership Award from the Texas Heart Institute, the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge National Award for Outstanding Patriotism, Responsible Citizenship and Community Involvement and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush Community Impact Award. In June 2005, Rice University announced that the newest building on the campus, the 167,000-square-foot home of the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management, had been officially named Janice and Robert McNair Hall by the Rice Board of Trustees. In January 2006, the McNairs were the recipients of the Texas Association of Partners in Education Award for the Texas Outstanding Sports Partnership. In October 2007, the Baylor College of Medicine bestowed their first Pink Ribbon Hero Award for Ambassadorship on the McNairs for their support of past Pink Ribbon Houses and for their commitment to the fight against cancer. In April 2009 the McNairs were honored at the annual KIPP Academy dinner as devoted supporters of education for inner city and underprivileged youth. In May 2009 McNair was named Entrepreneur of the Decade by the Houston Technology Center. In November 2009 McNair was awarded the James A. Baker III Prize for Excellence in Leadership which recognizes nationally and internationally renowned leaders for their excellence in public service and civic life. In December 2009 McNair received the inaugural Rotary Lombardi Humanitarian Award. In February 2010 Janice and Bob McNair received the Encore for Excellence Award from the High School for the Visual and Performing Arts for their support of the fine arts in the Houston Independent School District. In April 2010, the McNairs received the Kezia DePelchin Award for their support of the DePelchin Children’s Center and long history of philanthropic efforts in the Houston area. In May 2010, McNair was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. McNair also is a founder of the Cotswold project, a revitalization project focused on downtown Houston. The Association of Fundraising

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Professionals honored the McNairs at their National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on November 3, 2010 with their Maurice Hirsch Award for Philanthropy, the highest recognition given to honor an individual or family for their exceptional generosity and outstanding civic and charitable responsibility. The McNairs were selected to be featured as Houston Treasures in The Social Book – 2011, a Houston publication.

McNair was honored by the Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas as a member of the Class of 2011 Laureates, JA Hall of Achievement in April 2011.

Texas Children’s Cancer Center honored the McNairs as the 2011 Community Champions in September 2011. The McNairs were honored to serve as headliners of the Escape Family Resource Center’s annual Celebrity Serve Benefit in April 2012. In October 2012, the McNairs were honored at the 10th Anniversary of McNair Hall at Rice University. McNair was one of the Men of Distinction honored at the May 2013 luncheon benefitting medical research and treatment for children in the Texas Medical Center. Bob and Janice McNair were Honorary Co-Chairs of the Impact a Hero Gala in May 2013 and the Honorary Campaign Chairs for raising money for the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge Houston. They were the Community Partners Honorees along with the Houston Texans at the Houston Symphony’s Centennial Opening Night in September 2013. In November 2013, they were the Honorary Event Chairs for the DePelchin Children’s Center Gala. Houston Community College Foundation honored the McNairs with their Crystal Eagle Award in February 2014.

McNair is a current or past member of the Boards of Trustees of a number of institutions, including Rice University; Baylor College of Medicine; the Texas Heart Institute; Houston Grand Opera; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; the Greater Houston Partnership; the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau; the Free Enterprise Institute; the Sigma Chi Foundation and the Federal Reserve Banks of Dallas and Houston, and the World Presidents’ Organization.

Born in Tampa, Florida, McNair and his wife, Janice Suber McNair, have been residents of Houston since 1960. Mr. McNair graduated from the University of South Carolina in Columbia in 1958 with a bachelor of science degree, and Mrs. McNair is a 1959 graduate of Columbia College in Columbia, South Carolina. In 1999, Mr. McNair received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from the University of South Carolina. In May 2010, he was presented with an honorary doctor of humanities in Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine.

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

BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR

WHERE THEY STAND!

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

READ THE HERO ORDINANCE: http://www.houstontx.gov/equal_rights_ordinance.pdf

“FOR”- PROP. 1

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HERE’S WHERE MAYOR ANNISE PARKER STANDS ON PROPOSITION 1 -- THE HERO ORDINANCE

Annise Parker is currently serving her third and final term as Mayor of Houston, Texas – due to term limits. Mayor Parker voted to “PASS AND APPROVE” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. She also voted to put the HERO Ordinance before the voters of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election as “PROPOSITION 1” rather than repeal it when she was given the opportunity to do so. NOTE: The candidates running for Mayor of Houston in 2015 are: Chris Bell, Stephen Costello, Joseph John Ferreira, Adrian Garcia, Benjamin L. Hall III, Bill King, Victoria Lane, Marty McVey, Rafael Munoz Jr., Thai Hoc Nguyen, Demetria Smith, Dale Steffes, and Sylvester Turner. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Don’t forget to vote!”

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ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

HOUSTON

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER STEPHEN COSTELLO STANDS ON PROPOSITION 1 - THE HERO ORDINANCE

Stephen Costello is currently running for Mayor of Houston, Texas. He is also serving as the Houston City Council AtLarge Position #1 Council Member. Costello voted to “PASS AND APPROVE” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. He also voted to put the HERO Ordinance before the voters of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election as “PROPOSITION 1” rather than repeal it when he was given the opportunity to do so. NOTE: The candidates running for Houston City Council At-Large Position #1 seat are: Michael “Griff”Griffin, William M. “Mike” Knox, Lane Lewis, Tom McCasland, Chris Oliver, James Partsch-Galvan, Jenifer Pool, and Georgia Provost. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Don’t forget to vote!

“FOR”- PROP. 1

Council Member Stephen Costello is also a 2015 Candidate running for Mayor of Houston, Texas in the 2015 City of Houston Election.

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EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

HERE’S WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER MICHAEL KUBOSH STANDS ON PROPOSITION 1 - THE HERO ORDINANCE

Michael Kubosh is currently the incumbent Houston City Council Member representing At-Large Position #3 on the city council. He is also running for re-election. Kubosh voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. He also voted to “REPEAL” the HERO Ordinance rather than place it on the November ballot to let Houston voters decide its fate. NOTE: Council Member Michael Kubosh is now being challenged by John C.B. LaRue, Joseph McElligott, and Doug Peterson for his council seat. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Don’t forget to vote!

“AGAINST”- PROP. 1

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

WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER DAVID W. ROBINSON STANDS ON PROP 1 -- THE HER0 ORDINANCE

David W. Robinson is currently the incumbent Houston City Council Member representing At-Large Position #2 on the city council.

Robinson is running for re-election. He voted to “PASS AND APPROVE” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. He also voted to put the HERO Ordinance before the voters of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election as “PROPOSITION 1” rather than repeal it when he was given the opportunity to do so. NOTE: The candidates running for Houston City Council At-Large Position #2 seat are: Andrew C. Burks Jr., Willie Davis, Eric Dick, Modesto Rivera-Colon, and David W. Robinson. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Don’t forget to vote!.

“FOR”- PROP. 1

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ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

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EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

HERE’S WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER RICHARD NGUYEN STANDS ON THE HERO ORDINANCE

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Richard Nguyen is currently the incumbent Houston City Council Member representing District F on the city council.

He is running for re-election. Nguyen voted to “PASS AND APPROVE” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. He also voted to put the HERO Ordinance before the voters of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election as “PROPOSITION 1” rather than repeal it when he was given the opportunity to do so. NOTE: Council Member Richard Nguyen is now being challenged by Dr. Kendall L. Baker and Dr. Steve Le for his council seat. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Don’t forget to vote!

“FOR”- PROP. 1

WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER JERRY DAVIS STANDS ON THE HERO ORDINANCE

Jerry Davis is currently the incumbent Houston City Council Member representing District B on the city council. He is running for re-election. Davis voted to “PASS AND APPROVE” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. He also voted to put the HERO Ordinance before the voters of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election as “PROPOSITION 1” rather than repeal it when he was given the opportunity to do so.

NOTE: Council Member Jerry Davis is now being challenged by Vincent Ferguson Duncan, Isaac Mayhorn, Kenneth Perkins, and Ben White Jr. for his council seat. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015. Don’t forget to vote!

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“FOR”- PROP. 1

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

WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER LARRY GREEN STANDS ON PROPOSITION 1

Larry Green is currently the incumbent Houston City Council Member representing District K on the city council. He is running for re-election unopposed. Green voted to “PASS AND APPROVE” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. He also voted to put the HERO Ordinance before the voters of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election as “PROPOSITION 1” rather than repeal it when he was given the opportunity to do so. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Don’t forget to vote!

“FOR”- PROP. 1

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HOUSTON

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

HERE’S WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER DAVE MARTIN STANDS ON PROPOSITION 1 - THE HERO ORDINANCE

Dave Martin is currently the incumbent Houston City Council Member representing District E on the city council. He is running for re-election unopposed. Martin voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014.

He also voted to “REPEAL” the HERO Ordinance rather than place it on the November ballot to let Houston voters decide its fate. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Don’t forget to vote! “We must endeavor to become more active participants in the process of selecting those who govern our city, state, and nation,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.

“AGAINST”- PROP. 1

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

WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER BRENDA STARDIG STANDS ON THE HERO ORDINANCE

Brenda Stardig is currently the incumbent Houston City Council Member representing District A on the city council.

She is running for re-election. Stardig voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. She also voted to “REPEAL” the HERO Ordinance rather than place it on the November ballot to let Houston voters decide its fate. NOTE: Council Member Brenda Stardig is now being challenged by Iesheia K. Ayers-Wilson for her council seat. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015.

“AGAINST”- PROP. 1

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ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

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EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER C.O. “BRAD” BRADFORD STANDS ON PROP 1 -- THE HER0 ORDINANCE

C.O. “Brad” Bradford is currently serving his third and final term as the Houston City Council At-Large Position #4 councilman – due to term limits. Bradford voted to “PASS AND APPROVE” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. He also voted to put the HERO Ordinance before the voters of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election as “PROPOSITION 1” rather than repeal it when he was given the opportunity to do so. NOTE: The candidates running for Houston City Council At-Large Position #4 are: Larry Blackmon, Amanda Edwards, Jonathan Hansen, Roy Morales, Matt Murphy, Laurie A. Robinson, and Evelyn Husband Thompson. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Don’t forget to vote!

“

“FOR”- PROP. 1

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

“

I’m encouraging Houston to vote “NO” on PROP. 1

“AGAINST”- PROP. 1

WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER JACK CHRISTIE STANDS ON THE HERO ORDINANCE

Dr. Jack Christie is currently the incumbent Houston City Council Member representing At-Large Position #5 on the city council. He is running for re-election. Dr. Christie voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. He also voted to “REPEAL” the HERO Ordinance rather than place it on the November ballot to let Houston voters decide its fate. NOTE: Council Member Jack Christie is now being challenged by Brad J. Batteau, Sharon Moses, and Phillipe Nassif for his council seat. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 15

JOLANDA CARES ABOUT OUR CHILDREN!

JOLANDA JONES FOR HISD TRUSTEE, DISTRICT IV POL. ADV. JOLANDA JONES CAMPAIGN

“Jolanda Jones has more than 15 years of experience working directly with HISD students, administrators, and faculty.”

A Few Contributors: Gene Collins Committee on Political Education Tony Council Mathea Davis Hon. Ruben Davis James Douglas James Dykes Samuel Eaton Tiye Foley

Frederick Taylor Cheryl Glover Hon. Larry Green Lori Hood Andrew Hughey Charlene Johnson Dr. Luckett Johnson Shelley Kennedy Kimberly Lawson Hon. Glen Maxey Hon. Gilberto Hinojosa

Max Moll Yolanda Morrow Hon. Fredericka Phillips Jeanette Rash Jean Roberts Tony Rocha Deandre Sam Zsaquez Smith Tanya Douglas Joe Stephens Monique Sparks

16 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com

Ernestine Stewart Hon. Senfronia Thompson Hon. John Whitmire Emily Wade Sekeia Wyatt Hon. Randy Roll Marchris Robinson Cydoni Fairfax Hon. Borris Miles Hon. Rhonda Skillern-Jones Rep. Ron Reynolds

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 full-time 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.

Political Ad Paid for By Rhonda Skillern-Jones Campaign www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 17

“Our City could use some new money. Thi Casino Gaming in Houston. We can use t police officers, firefighters and to help

-- Ca

John Cu Charles John Cu of adv (S

is is why I support Legalizing the new money to hire more fix our pension funds.”

arroll G. Robinson

tter: Charlie, ever played roulette?

Rane: On occasion. tter: Well, let me give you a word vice. Always bet on black! cene from Passenger 57)

Let’s Legalize Casino Gaming in Houston

Dear Friends:

Let’s Make The City Controller’s Office The Solution Center of City Government!

It has been estimated that there are 800 illegal gaming rooms in Houston and Harris County.

Each game room takes in $20,000 to $200,000 a day.

All together, that is an estimated $1 Billion a year.

That is on top of all the millions of dollars already leaving Houston for legal casino gaming in other states.

Our City could use some of that money. This is why I support Legalizing Casino Gaming in Houston. We can use the new money to hire more police officers, firefighters and to help fix our pension funds.

As a Home-Rule City, nothing in our City Charter prevents the City from legalizing casino gaming.

Gambling is already legal in Texas. We have a lottery, dog and horse racing, bingo and the Texas Penal Code only limits the size of prizes for games based on luck. There is no limitation on skill based games. There is growing academic and scientific research that most casino games are skill based as opposed to simply luck.

Finally, recent United States Supreme Court decisions undercut the Texas constitution prohibition on casino gaming as a violation of the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth (14th) Amendment and the First (1st) Amendment's right to Freedom of Association.

If you agree with me that Houston could use some of that money, I would greatly appreciate your Vote and Support to serve as City Controller so we can get this done. Please visit my website at: www.houstoncontroller2015.com and donate $5, $10, $15, $25, $50, $100 or more to my campaign to help get us across the finish line.

Sincerely,

Political Ad Paid for By Carroll G. Robinson for Houston Victor L. Cardenas, Jr., Treasurer

ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

HOUSTON

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

HERE’S WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER ELLEN COHEN STANDS ON PROPOSITION 1 -- THE HERO ORDINANCE

“

Ellen Cohen is currently the incumbent Houston City Council Member representing District C on the city council. She is running for re-election. Cohen voted to “PASS AND APPROVE” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. She also voted to put the HERO Ordinance before the voters of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election as “PROPOSITION 1” rather than repeal it when she was given the opportunity to do so. NOTE: Council Member Ellen Cohen is now being challenged

by Carlton Jarvis and Michael McDonald for her council seat. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Don’t forget to vote!

“FOR”- PROP. 1

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

20 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com

www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 21

“

ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

HOUSTON

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

HERE’S WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER ED GONZALEZ STANDS ON PROPOSITION 1 - THE HERO ORDINANCE

Ed Gonzalez is currently serving his third and final term as the Houston City Council District H councilman – due to term limits. Gonzalez voted to “PASS AND APPROVE” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. He also voted to put the HERO Ordinance before the voters of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election as “PROPOSITION 1” rather than repeal it when he was given the opportunity to do so. NOTE: The candidates running for Houston City Council District H are: Roland M. Chavez, Karla Cisneros, Jason Cisneroz, and Abel Davila. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Don’t forget to vote!

“FOR”- PROP. 1

“

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

WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER DWIGHT BOYKINS STANDS ON PROP. 1 -- THE HER0 ORDINANCE Dwight Boykins is currently the incumbent Houston City Council Member representing District D on the city council.

He is running for re-election unopposed. Boykins voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. However, rather than vote to “REPEAL” the controversial HERO Ordinance he decided that it was in the best interest of his constituents for him to let the voters decide its fate in November. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Don’t forget to vote!

22 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com

MAKE THE WRIGHT CHOICE AGAIN...TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2018

FREEDOM...and Justice for ALL

Loyd Wright Judge Harris County Probate Court No. 1

Ed Emmett

Harris County Judge

LOYD WRIGHT

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to earn your trust and support as Judge of Harris County Probate Court No. 1” -- JUDGE LOYD WRIGHT

- JUDGE HARRIS COUNTY PROBATE COURT #1 -

INTEGRITYFEXPERIENCEFDILIGENCE POLITICAL AD PAID FOR BY JUDGE LOYD WRIGHT CAMPAIGN 2018, IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY LIMITS OF JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN FAIRNESS ACT.

www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 23

ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

HOUSTON

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER ROBERT GALLEGOS STANDS ON THE HERO ORDINANCE

“

Robert Gallegos is currently the incumbent Houston City Council Member representing District I on the city council. He is running for re-election. Gallegos voted to “PASS AND APPROVE” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. He also voted to put the HERO Ordinance before the voters of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election as “PROPOSITION 1” rather than repeal it when he was given the opportunity to do so. NOTE: Council Member Robert Gallegos is now being challenged by Herlinda Garcia for his council seat. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Don’t forget to vote!

“FOR”- PROP. 1

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

TPK BISHOP “A”

Bishop A Enterprise 281.210.8374

EMAIL: bishopaaallen@yahoo.com

“I’m encouraging you to inform yourself before you go to vote in the 2015 City of Houston Election!”

-- TPK BISHOP “A”

AMERICA: “We Can Do This!” www.souncloud.com/user49720770

24 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com

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

NEED AN EXCEPTIONAL LEGAL MIND WORKING FOR YOU? .CALL KERYL L. DOUGLAS

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The Law Offices of

KERYL L. DOUGLAS www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 25

ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

HOUSTON

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

“FOR”- PROP. 1

“

HERE’S WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER MIKE LASTER STANDS ON THE HERO ORDINANCE - PROP 1

Mike Laster is currently the incumbent Houston City Council Member representing District J on the city council. He is running for re-election. Laster voted to “PASS AND APPROVE” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. He also voted to put the HERO Ordinance before the voters of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election as “PROPOSITION 1” rather than repeal it when he was given the opportunity to do so.

NOTE: Council Member Mike Laster is now being challenged by Manuel C. Barrera and James G. Bigham for his council seat. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Don’t forget to vote!

“

“AGAINST”- PROP. 1

HERE’S WHERE COUNCIL MEMBER OLIVER PENNINGTON STANDS ON THE HERO ORDINANCE -- PROP 1

Oliver Pennington is currently serving his third and final term as the Houston City Council District G councilman – due to term limits.

Pennington voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. He also voted to “REPEAL” the HERO Ordinance rather than place it on the November ballot to let Houston voters decide its fate. *Initially Pennington decided to run for Mayor of Houston, but changed his mind due to the illness of his wife. NOTE: The candidates running for Houston City Council District G seat are: Sandie Mullins Moger and Greg Travis. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Don’t forget to vote!

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

EARLY VOTING ENDS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

26 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com

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.

www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 27

Real World, Real Talk I

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TUNE INTO REAL WORLD, REAL TALK EVERY SUNDAY @ 6:00PM ON KTSU 90.9 FM ON YOUR RADIO DIAL

HAPPENINGS & HIGHLIGHTS Gov. Greg Abbott’s

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Featuring:

-APPOINTMENTS-

ICYMI: Governor Abbott: My Goal Is To Make Texas The No. 1 State For Women-Owned Businesses

By Governor Greg Abbott Forbes

If every woman-owned business in America were able to add just one new job tomorrow, the nation would reach full employment.

Women business owners are a powerful economic force, and my goal is to make Texas the most welcoming home for them. That is the message I will share today with the National Association of Women Business Owners in San Antonio as the organization celebrates 40 years of encouraging women entrepreneurs.

There are over 9.4 million womenowned businesses in the nation, employing over 7.9 million people and generating nearly $1.5 trillion in revenues according to the 2015 State of Women-Owned Businesses study from American Express OPEN and Womenable.

`Women are now majority owners of nearly one in three U.S. firms, and 887 net new women-owned enterprises open every day.

Unsurprisingly, many of these startups are finding the freedom to flourish in Texas.

The Lone Star State is second only to California in the number of women-owned businesses, but they are growing at a rate well ahead of both California and New York. In fact, businesses owned by women in Texas are growing at more than twice the rate of all firms nationwide.

Women cite the vision for an idea as the top motivation for going into business for themselves in a survey by the National Association of Women Business Owners.

We see that same entrepreneurial passion here in Texas, and women are making gains in every industry sector.

Here are just three success stories from San Antonio.

Securing financing was a challenge June Bratcher faced when she started her business at her kitchen table with just

A VISIT WITH THE GOVERNOR: Local Houston area businessman Arthur J. Smith II (front-row) with Gov. Greg Abbott. Also pictured are Darlene “Koffey” Smith (wife), Arthur J. Smith III (son) standing (far-right), and several other of Arthur J. Smith team members.

Smith had the honor of meeting with Gov. Abbott on his recent visit to Houston, Texas. $200 in grocery money. Daisy Charter and Shuttles has since grown to a milliondollar enterprise with nationwide service and more than 50 employees.

Finding expert answers to help her

“fast forward through business mistakes” was a struggle for Darlene Kirk, CEO and founder of Kirk’s Global Compass.

Today, with a staff of 21 at her marketing and professional services company, she

EARLY VOTING STARTS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

Real World, Real Talk

With Dr. D. Z. Cofield

Airs Sunday Nights, 6PM (CST) 28 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com

Real World, Real Talk I

Listen to KTSU 90.9 FM ANNOUNCEMENTS

TUNE INTO REAL WORLD, REAL TALK EVERY SUNDAY @ 6:00PM ON KTSU 90.9 FM ON YOUR RADIO DIAL

HAPPENINGS & HIGHLIGHTS IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION FROM DR. D.Z. COFIELD encourages other women business owners to take advantage of peer-to-peer support systems.

Competing for government contracts designated for small businesses helped Julissa Carielo gain credibility when she launched her construction business. Honored as the Small Business Owner of the Year by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce last year, she now employs a team of 50 at Tejas Premier Building Contractor Inc. and gives back to the community.

There are more success stories like these every day all across Texas. San Antonio is the top metro area in the nation not only for the number of womenowned firms, but also for the jobs they create and their economic clout. Dallas is second in number, and Houston is No. 1 in revenue and fourth in number.

That success is diverse. Texas is second in the nation in the number of Latina-owned businesses and third in the number of businesses owned by AfricanAmerican women and by Asian-American women. And as I noted on my recent trip to Mexico to promote expanded trade, businesses owned by Hispanic women in Texas will create more jobs this year than those in New York, California or any other state.

Whether launching a micro-enterprise employing the proprietor only or a small business hiring other employees, women are looking for the same opportunities as all entrepreneurs: more access to capital, fewer barriers to entry and greater freedom to grow.

Texas offers more of these growth opportunities for women businessbuilders:

Texas imposes no personal income tax and no corporate income tax, and we just cut the business franchise tax by 25 percent.

We are speeding up permitting processes and have eliminated occupational licensing fees for more than 600,000 Texas professionals.

Occupational license and exam fees are now waived for veterans with the required education, training and experience gained in the military, and new veteran-owned business are exempt from franchise taxes for the first 5 years.

My office hosts Small Businesses Forums in communities around the state offering expert advice on financing, networking, marketing and more.

We are also connecting Texas business women to resources offered by government agencies and private entities through the Governor’s Commission for Women.

And I proudly approved $2.2 million in funding this legislative session to establish a Center for Women in Business at Texas Woman’s University in Denton to provide more of the tools needed to succeed.

Women investing in themselves represent one of the greatest potentials for job growth, and my goal as governor is to make Texas the No. 1 state for womenowned businesses.

MORE ON PAGE

PAGE 30

DR. D.Z. COFIELD 3015 N. MacGregor Way Houston, Texas 77004 PHONE:| (713) 524-6578

Real World, Real Talk

With Dr. D. Z. Cofield, CEO of the Hope Educational District

D

Airs Sunday Nights, 6PM (CST) on KTSU 90.9FM

. 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 stateof-the-art 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 enrolment 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 StudiesHouston 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.

www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 29

Real World, Real Talk I

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Governor Abbott Appoints Three To Texas State Board Of Pharmacy

TUNE INTO REAL WORLD, REAL TALK EVERY SUNDAY @ 6:00PM ON KTSU 90.9 FM ON YOUR RADIO DIAL

Tuesday, October 06, 2015 • Austin, Texas • Appointment

Governor Greg Abbott appointed Jennifer “Jenny” Downing Yoakum of Longview, Rebecca “Suzette” Tijerina of Castle Hills and Isaac “Chip” Thornsburg of San Antonio to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for terms set to expire August 31, 2021. The Texas State Board of Pharmacy fosters the provision of quality pharmaceutical care to the citizens of Texas and regulates the practice of pharmacy in accordance with the highest standards of ethics, accountability, efficiency, effectiveness and openness.

Governor Abbott Appoints Clemmer Judge Of 450th Judicial District Court Monday, October 12, 2015 • Austin, Texas • Appointment

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Don Clemmer of Austin as judge of the 450th Judicial District Court in Travis County for a term set to expire at the next general election in November 2016. Governor Abbott made the appointment to fill a vacancy created by HB 3153, which passed during the 83rd Legislative Session.

Don Clemmer is deputy general counsel in the Office of the Governor. Previously, he served as deputy attorney general for criminal justice in the Texas Attorney General’s Office and an assistant district attorney in Harris County. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas.

Clemmer received a Bachelor of Science from The University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston School of Law.

JENNIFER DOWNING YOAKUM Jennifer “Jenny” Downing Yoakum is a pharmacist who specializes in Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacist-In-Charge at Med Shop Total Care, Inc. in Longview, where she consults with veterinarians routinely regarding a variety of medical challenges affecting equine, feline, canine and exotic patients. She is licensed to practice pharmacy in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Kentucky, Nebraska, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Additionally, she is a member of the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists, Texas Pharmacy Association, Alliance of Independent Pharmacists of Texas, National Community Pharmacist Association, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.

Yoakum received a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy.

Rebecca “Suzette” Tijerina is the director of pharmacy and mail operations for CVS Caremark in San Antonio. She oversees a cross functional team responsible for prescription entry and client plan design management. Prior to working for CVS Caremark, Tijerina served as a staff pharmacist at Baptist Medical Center in San Antonio. Tijerina received a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from The University of Texas at Austin.

Isaac “Chip” Thornsburg is a patrol officer and local agency security officer for the City of Helotes Police Department and is a former military serviceman. He oversees compliance with the FBI and DPS computer network security policies at the local level to protect the integrity and confidentiality of criminal justice information. He is a member of the High Technology Crime Investigation Association, National White Collar Crime Center, National Rifle Association, and the US Secret Service: Electronic Crime Task Force. Thornsburg received a Bachelor of Science in criminology from Texas A&M University at San Antonio, an Associate of Applied Science in criminal justice and police science from San Antonio College, and an Associate of Applied Science in management from Southwest Texas Junior College.

Governor Abbott Names Chair And Appoints Two To Texas Facilities Commission

Tuesday, September 29, 2015 • Austin, Texas • Appointment

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed and named Robert Thomas as Chairman of the Texas Facilities Commission for a term set to expire on January 31, 2021.

Governor Abbott additionally appointed Patti Jones for a term set to expire on January 31, 2021. The Texas Facilities Commission manages state government buildings and handles the sale of surplus property, including property donated to the state by federal programs.

Robert Thomas is an attorney, businessman and founding principle of the Thomas Consulting Group, a business strategy consulting and advisory firm. Thomas currently serves as board member for the African American Cultural Heritage District, vice president of the Northwest Austin Civic Association, tri-chair of the Austin ISD Community Bond Oversight Committee and a board member of the Austin Community College Bond Oversight Advisory Committee. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Rotary Club, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Fifth Circuit Bar Association and Austin Bar Association. Thomas received a gubernatorial appointment and served on the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. He has been involved with SafePlace, Real Estate Council of Austin and the Austin Chapter of the Entrepreneur Organization. Thomas graduated from Loyola University with his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and German. He received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business and earned his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. Patti Jones is president of JJJ Farms, LLC. She has also been serving as a Lubbock County Commissioner since 2000 making history as the first woman to serve on the Commissioner’s Court. Jones is currently vice president of the Bayer Museum of Agriculture, chairman of the Lubbock County Soil and Water Conservation

District and chairman of the Lubbock Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Committee. She has previously held leadership positions with the Texas Association of Regional Councils, County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, Texas Association of Counties and West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association and several local non-profits. Jones has served on the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Finance Authority Board of Directors. She has been recognized by the Texas Tech College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources with the “Gerald W. Thomas Outstanding Agriculturalist Award for Public Service”, the West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association’s “2013 Official of the Year” and by the Lubbock Hotel/Motel Association’s “Tourism Trumpeter” Award. Jones earned her degree in accounting from Commercial College.

Governor Abbott Appoints Three To University Of Houston System Board Of Regents Monday, September 21, 2015 • Austin, Texas • Appointment

Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Tilman Fertitta and Beth Madison, and appointed Gerald McElvy to the University of Houston System Board of Regents for terms to expire on August 31, 2021.

Tilman Fertitta of Houston is chairman and president of Landry’s, Inc. Currently, he serves as chairman of the University of Houston System Board of Regents, Houston Police Foundation, and the Houston Children’s Charity. He also serves on the boards of the Greater Houston Partnership, Central Houston, Inc., The Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Houston, Inc., Texas

TILMAN FERTITTA

Business Hall of Fame, and Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America and is a trustee of the Texas Heart Institute. He also is on the executive committee and is a board member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Fertitta attended the University of Houston and Texas Tech University.

Beth Madison of Houston is a shareholder and managing director of Higginbotham and Associates, and co-founder of Madison Benefits Group. She is a member of the Society of Certified Employee Benefits Specialists and the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Society, and she is a life member of the University of Houston Alumni Association and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Additionally, she is a board member of the Foundation for Teen Health, board secretary of the Rice University Shep-

30 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com

Real World, Real Talk I

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TUNE INTO REAL WORLD, REAL TALK EVERY SUNDAY @ 6:00PM ON KTSU 90.9 FM ON YOUR RADIO DIAL herd School of Music Society, and a trustee of the Madison Charitable Foundation. She is senior board chairman of the Houston Grand Opera, board secretary of the Alley Theatre, and a board member and past president of the World Affairs Council of Houston. Madison received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Houston.

Gerald McElvy of Southlake is retired after 33 years with the Exxon Mobil Corporation, the last six of which as president of the Exxon Mobil Foundation. Cur-

rently, he is executive vice-president of Branwar Wine Distributing Company. He is an advisory board member of the Texas Academy of Math and Science and the University of Houston Bauer College of Business, and he is former vice-chairman of Reasoning Mind. Additionally, he is a former trustee of the Eisenhower Fellowships, and he has served in several leadership positions for the University of Houston Alumni Association, Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation, United Way of Texas Gulf Coast, and the Odyssey House.

McElvy received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston and a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles, and he completed ExxonMobil’s Advanced Management training programs at Columbia University and the University of Lausanne.

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

www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 31

www.InjuryLawyerHOU.com

Rules of the Road for Runners, Joggers, and Walkers

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

Like many of you, I am a runner.

However, most of Houston and Harris County is not setup to travel by foot. If you do not live near one the city's amazing running trails, navigating the traffic and dodging cars is often a challenge.

Running or walking with cars can be dangerous. The Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 552, outlines the rules of the road for pedestrians aka runners, joggers, and walkers. This blog post will also tackle the biggest question among those on foot versus those traveling by vehicle:

Who has the right of way?

Here are some tips to avoid an accident and to ensure you are on the right side of the law?

1. Sidewalks. When there is a sidewalk, you must use it! A pedestrian may not

run, walk or jog along and on a roadway if an adjacent sidewalk is provided and is accessible to the pedestrian.

2. No Sidewalks. When there is NO sidewalk, a runner, jogger or walker that is traveling along and on a highway must, if possible, run, walk or jog on: (a) the left side of the roadway; or (b) the shoulder of the highway facing oncoming traffic.

3. Traffic Control Signals. A traffic control signal, displaying green, red, and yellow lights or lighted arrows, apply to a pedestrian unless the pedestrian is otherwise directed by a special pedestrian control signal.

4. IF a Control Signal is Present, Pedestrian Right of Way. (a) A pedestrian control signal displaying "Walk," "Don't Walk," or "Wait" applies to a pedestrian; (b) a pedestrian facing a "Walk" signal can walk, run or job across a roadway in the direction of the signal. A driver must yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian; and (c) a pedestrian cannot start to cross a roadway in the direction of a "Don't Walk" signal or a "Wait" signal. A pedestrian who has partially crossed

while the "Walk" signal is displayed can continue to run, walk or job to a sidewalk or safety island while the "Don't Walk" signal or "Wait" signal is displayed.

5. Pedestrian Right-of-way at Crosswalk. (A) Drivers must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway in a crosswalk if: (i) there is no traffic control signal or if it is not working properly; or (ii) the pedestrian is: (a) on the half of the roadway in which the vehicle is traveling; or (b) approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

TWO BIG No-Nos

(1) A pedestrian cannot suddenly leave a curb or a place of safety and proceed into a crosswalk in the path of a vehicle (2) A driver approaching from the rear of a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross a roadway

www.InjuryLawyerHOU.com 32 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com

cannot pass the stopped vehicle.

These rules are here to protect the runner as well as the driver. By staying on the side of the road facing traffic, you can see approaching cars and bicycles and they can see you. Wear reflective gear when running in the dark. Stay on the sidewalk when you can and never ever assume that a vehicle is going to stop for you. If possible, make eye contact with the driver before you proceed.

Let them go by unless they yield to you, and then continue your workout.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured while walking or running, call Houston Accident and Pedestrian Lawyer Farrah Martinez at (713) 853-9296. It takes a runner to understand one!

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*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.

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

JOSHUA BULLARD “When winning, is the only option.”

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www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 33

1001 Texas Avenue, Suite 1400 Houston, Texas 77002

(713) 853-9296

PRACTICE AREAS:

› Construction Accidents › Insurance Bad Faith

› Medical Malpractice

› Motor Vehicle Accidents › Personal Injury

› Products Liability › Slip & Fall

› Workers’ Compensation & Personal Injury

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

VOTE “NO” ON PROPOSITION 1 - 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

www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 35

Mike Knox for Houston City Council, At-Large #1

The three important issues Houstonians face are the Budget, Infrastructure, and Public Safety.

• We all need to live within our means…Including City Hall.

• We deserve roads without potholes, that don’t flood.

• And, our communities need to be safe.

With your support, together, we can make Houston work for us again!

Vote Mike Knox for Houston City Council, At-Large Position 1

Mike Knox Campaign P.O. Box 1581 Houston, TX 77251 p. 713.973.6992 e. campaign@mikeknox.org

Pd. Pol. Ad. by Mike Knox Campaign

www.mikeknox.org

VOTE “NO’ ON PROPOSITION 1