Election day reminder edition of houston business connections newspaper final

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS HOUSTON

Dr. Ed

Young

Pastor of Second Baptist Church

ECONOMICS. EDUCATION. POLITICS. BUSINESS. COMMUNITY.

VOTE “NO” ON PROP 1 - THE HERO ORDINANCE

Vote “YES” for The Peoples Choice, Ben Hall For Mayor of Houston!

DON'T TRUST YOUR FUTURE...AND YOUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE...TO CAREER POLITICIANS. VOTE BEN HALL FOR MAYOR!

POL. AD PAID FOR BY BEN HALL FOR MAYOR CAMPAIGN.

2,083

“Pastors and Churches are endorsing Ben Hall for Mayor of Houston.”

ALL HOUSTONIANS SHOULD VOTE “NO” ON PROP. 1

TUES. NOV. 3RD!

ATTORNEY KERYL L. DOUGLAS: “Please Vote "NO" on Houston's Proposition 1. "HERO," as it is called, is fundamentally flawed and patently problematic as it is written. As a lifelong advocate of civil and equal rights, I realize that any promised protections are outweighed by HERO's potential problems; including decreased jobs, workplace protections and public safety. It should be voted down and appropriately rewritten if presented to voters in the future.”

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www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com (1) Attorney Keryl L. Douglas (2) Lance Berkman, (3) Pastor F.N. Williams (4) Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (5) Pastor Hernan Castano (6) Pastor David Welch (7) Dr. Kendall L. Baker for District F, (8) Rashanique Williams (9) Mike Knox for Houston City Council At-Large Position #1 (10) Bishop K.J. Brown (11) Pastor Khanh Huynh and (12) Pastor Steve Riggle are against HERO.

“ 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

THE PUBLISHER I

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

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

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All City of Houston Voters Are Encouraged to Vote “NO” on Proposition 1 -- The Hero Ordinance

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Discrimination is wrong and should not be tolerated in any way, shape, or form. However, Prop.

1 -- The Hero Ordinance is not the answer to solving issues related to discrimination in the City of Houston. So I am strongly encouraging all my readers, supporters, and friends to vote “NO” on Proposition 1 when you go to the polls.

Regards,

-- Aubrey R. Taylor

President/CEO Aubrey R. Taylor Communications Publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper

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

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VOTE “NO” ON PROP. 1

HERO IS PROBLEMATIC “Current State and Federal laws provide protections from discrimination and workplace injustice.”

ATTORNEY KERYL L. DOUGLAS: “Houstonians should "VOTE NO ON HERO", and any future ordinance should be given serious rewrite before consideration.”

All Houstonians Should Vote “NO” on Prop 1 -- The HERO Ordinance Dear Houstonians:

Please Vote "NO" on Houston's Proposition 1. "HERO," as it is called, is fundamentally flawed and patently problematic as it is written. As a lifelong advocate of civil and equal rights, I realize that any promised protections are outweighed by HERO's potential problems; including decreased jobs, workplace protections and public safety. It should be voted down and appropriately rewritten if presented to voters in the future.

Current State and Federal laws provide protections from discrimination and workplace injustice. The problem has been a lack of adherence and enforcement by employers, including the City of Houston. It is doubtful that a local ordinance would prove more effective. However, unlike other cities that have passed local anti-discrimination ordinances, Houston's proposed HERO seeks to also allow

people to choose going into the restrooms or "public accommodations" of the opposite sex if they feel so inclined.

This is problematic.

While the restroom component appears to be the primary motive or intent of Houston's Ordinance, this is the least advertised or transparent point pushed by its proponents. This too is unsettling.

Houstonians should "VOTE NO ON HERO", and any future ordinance should be given serious rewrite before consideration.

Keryl Douglas

Sincerely,

Keryl L. Douglas, Esq. Attorney/Lifelong Advocate of Civil and Equal Rights

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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

713.819.9945 PRACTICE AREAS:

aADR aBusiness aConsumer aCreditor-Debtor aCriminal aEthics-Legal Malpractice aFamily aGovernment/Administrative aIntellectual Property aLabor-Employment aLitigation aPersonal Injury aWills-Trusts-Probate aElder Law aEntertainment aImmigration aSchool Law aAppellate aCivil Law

The Law Offices of Keryl L. Douglas

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

The Law Offices of

KERYL L. DOUGLAS www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 05

“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

“I’M ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE ON TUESDAY, NOV. 3, 2015”

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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VOTE “NO” ON PROP. 1

Let’s Elect Ben Hall Houston’s Next Mayor: “Current State and Federal laws provide protections from discrimination and workplace injustice.”

HOUSTON IS A $5.1 BILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS...Can a politician run it? HOUSTON IS A FAMILY OF 6.6 MILLION...

Can a politician put family interests first? BEN HALL IS A BUSINESSMAN AND A FAMILY MAN...who will run the city by focusing on the same things Houstonians care about and want for their families...He's HONEST, COMPETENT and UNBOUGHT by special interests! Remember, a politician's career is politics; Ben Hall's career has been devoted to fighting for justice for all citizens and providing an equal opportunity to live their best lives! DON'T TRUST YOUR FUTURE... AND YOUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE...TO CAREER POLITICIANS. VOTE BEN HALL FOR MAYOR! VOTE TUESDAY, NOV. 3RD!!!

Gender Neutral Bathrooms: A Hot Button Issue in Houston’s 2015 Mayoral Race

By Akoshia Yoba REPRINT FROM THE HUFFINGTON POST

In a political environment where matters of gender equality are tossed around like a game of hot potato, few issues are more polarizing than the topic of gender neutral public restrooms. It can at once inspire a sense of freedom and fairness for some and fear and distrust in others.

The upcoming mayoral race in Houston, Texas is no exception, where this hot button issue has set one candidate apart from the pack. Ben Hall, a longtime attorney with a track record of fighting for equal rights, has been alone in his opposition to proposed legislation termed the HERO ordinance.

On its face, the ordinance would seem to be the answer to advancing the city’s efforts to protect citizens from discrimination. Yet, it can be difficult for voters to discern truth from myth and more importantly, what may be hidden in the fine print of laws designed to “protect our freedoms.”

When unpacking the language of equal rights/antidiscrimination laws, the questions are loaded, the answers are complicated, and the job of separating fact from political spin is not for the faint of heart — especially with the

onslaught of tweets, soundbites and provocative campaign ads coming from all sides.

Interview segment with Mayoral Candidate Ben Hall:

What sets you apart from other candidates such that voters should chose you for mayor on November 3rd?

I’m not a career politician and I not have not learned — apparently — the game of lying and over promising. I’m a real guy with real solutions for a great city. What I’ve noticed in this campaign is the shallowness amongst the other candidates.

They really don’t want to get in depth with some of our more complicated issues and I am alone in my consistent opposition to what is termed the HERO ordinance or the Human Equal Rights Ordinance, as it is being brandished about in Houston. It’s masquerading as an equal

ARTICLE CONTINUED ON

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PAGE 12

Vote The Peoples Choice, Ben Hall For Mayor -- Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Rosemary St. Smith

Liaison for the Diamonds and Pearls at St. John United Methodist Church

Ben Hall Fights for the Black Community

BEN HALL IS OUR FRIEND: Ben is the only candidate for mayor who has consistently been against the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO). Its deceptive wording hides the fact that men will be allowed to go into women’s bathrooms, despite documented evidence of the dangers of this practice.

Ben worked with residents of the Hiram Clarke and Fort Bend to prevent the building of a low-frills grocery store in their community. He invited members of the “Stop Joe V’s Coalition” and Council Member Larry Green, to appear on his radio station to discuss the issue of discriminatory redlining in black areas by major grocery store chains.

Ben successfully filed suit to save the historic brick streets in the Fourth Ward that were built by former slaves.

Ben saved the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center from unfair foreclosure by a predatory lender.

Ben paid for and donated the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Statue in MacGregor Park to keep this legacy alive for generations.

Ben saved the legendary voice of the black community, KCOH Radio (1230 AM), from financial ruin by purchasing the station and keeping it on the air.

BEN IS COMMITTED: Ben is a devoted family man who has been married to Saundra Hall for 34 years and has two sons, Ben IV and Zachary. He has also been an ordained minister for 42 years.

Ben fought and won a case against injustice for black employees of a ship channel company who were prohibited from using company equipment unless approved by their white supervisors.

Ben, the former City Attorney during the Bob Lanier administration, provided legal support for the city’s antidiscrimination protection for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises.

Ben is a proud life member of the NAACP and recipient of the NAACP’s Highest Award for Community Service.

Ben is the recipient of the Houston Area Urban League’s Community Award.

Ben was voted Texas Super Lawyer for the past 11 years.

“Ben Hall is a man of character.” -- U.S. Congressman Al Green

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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

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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 11

ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

HOUSTON

YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO VOTE “NO” ON HOUSTON’S PROP. 1 -- THE BATHROOM ORDINANCE

Gender Neutral Bathrooms: A Hot Button Issue in Houston’s 2015 Mayoral Race CONTINUED FROM

PAGE 08

rights ordinance but the lawyering in the language unnecessarily exposes people in the city to danger in sex segregated areas. Despite the fact that I have fought against discrimination all my life, I cannot support this ordinance.

I have seen the television ad (151007 Norwood bathroom ad) urging Houston citizens to vote “no” against Proposition 1 a.k.a. the HERO Ordinance. It is quite provocative and I must admit it gave me pause on an emotional level. Yet, given that the proposition is designed to protect the majority of Houstonians from discrimination across fifteen classes including, race, gender and military status as well as sexual orientation and gender identity - how did the issue of danger for girls and women in public restrooms become the central point of your opposition?

In fact, it’s not the central point of my opposition. I have a number of criticisms but that is the central point of the Campaign for Houston opposition to HERO. What you should know, is that in 2012 the city of Houston adopted a policy protecting thirteen of the fifteen categories. So we already have that law.

What this ordinance does is criminalize any discriminatory actions. So rather than civil or monetary sanctions they took it up a notch, two years after passing the initial ordinance. The only categories that our prior ordinance did not have were familial status and genetic information; all the other categories were already protected.

My criticism is a more technical one, because the law is dangerous. It has no objective criteria for what male and female is. It does not narrow itself to transgender individuals.

It actually says that anybody who self-identifies as male or female, irrespective of their anatomical construction, cannot be discriminated against based on that subjective self-identification. My criticism is that because there is no objective standard for police officers, or the

public or anyone else to determine whether a person is using the ordinance to gain permission to enter sex segregated areas like bathrooms and so on, it is too dangerous.

And I cannot support it.

And as a result, I have been very clear to say it’s too dangerous as written, in a county where we have 8,235 registered sex offenders. Granting this kind of blanket permission for sex offenders to self-identify and gain legal access into sex segregated areas is irresponsible.

Had they been more limited, or even excluded sexsegregated areas such as Fort Worth... Fort Worth actually excluded bathrooms, locker rooms, showers. The city of Houston’s ordinance goes too far and as a result that’s why you have that provocative commercial which shows just how easy it is to use this ordinance to endanger the lives of children and women.

It is my understanding that such LGBT inclusive and gay and transgender anti-discrimination laws exist in

ARTICLE CONTINUED ON

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

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PAGE 14

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

ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

HOUSTON

YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO VOTE “NO” ON HOUSTON’S PROP. 1 -- THE BATHROOM ORDINANCE

Gender Neutral Bathrooms: A Hot Button Issue in Houston’s 2015 Mayoral Race CONTINUED FROM

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seventeen other states and according to many sources, there have been no reports of abuses or sexual assaults in public restrooms that the ad I viewed opposing the bill would seem to suggest.

Also the proposition does not change the fact that it is illegal to enter a restroom to harass or harm other people. So I am wondering if your research has concluded that the city of Houston will have a different outcome given the large number of sexual offenders.

Well let me go back and kind of correct some of the assumptions of the predicate. Number one, the city of Houston— as our mayor has said— has the most aggressive formulation of this ordinance. No other city has as aggressive and ambiguous an ordinance as ours.

Number two, the city of Fort Worth, while it does have a similar ordinance, actually excluded sex segregated areas and said that the ordinance cannot be used to allow men to self-identify and gain access into women’s showers, bathrooms and so on.

So while there is this mantra and a lot of conversation saying that other cities have these same ordinances, the very hard work of going out and comparing the other ordinances is something that I have undertaken. I have read forty-three of the two hundred plus ordinances and I am telling you that I have found no other ordinance [so far] that has the language of our ordinance.

This is what our ordinance says: “we can no longer distinguish between a woman and a man...” That language is nowhere else, in any other law.

Also you said something else—that there is no instance of transgender individuals going into bathrooms to molest anyone. Let me correct that. If you go to our website www.benhallforhouston.com we have actually posted an event in Dallas where a transgender sex offender used

the ordinance to enter a restroom to molest a child and Phone Call: Preventing the Demise of Personal and Prothis is a documented case. There is also a case out of fessional Relationships,” which she co-authored with her brother, actor and activist Malik Yoba.

Toronto, Canada where they adopted Using the principles of their book they have this gender identity law— there was consulted with corporate and educational ora transgender male who sexually moganizations to present seminars on business lested a child in a sex segregated communication etiquette, personal integrity area. My criticism is not against and accountability. Yoba has also served as a transgender individuals—let me contributing writer for Stedman Graham’s make this clear.

Insightforyouth.com, a digital lifestyle publiMy criticism is about the ordication for the millennial generation. nance giving permission to individuMost recently she has created and proals to enter sex segregated areas duced a podcast series entitled “So She Says…” without objective criteria. So yes, it which serves as a companion piece to her soon to is true that anyone going in a bathbe published book under the same title. Akoshia room with the intent to do harm is a produced and presented a weekly radio segment criminal offense. The difference is about relationship health on WHCR 90.3 FM (The that we are giving a person who may AKOSHIA YOBA City College of New York’s radio station) where she be malintended, permission to go in served as co-host of the show “A Lesson In Affection.” and police officers can’t stop them from going in or preAs the creator of “Journey Through Journaling,” an exvent their access. periential workshop series focused on personal and profesThere are some who may just be a “peeping tom” sional development, Yoba received a Puffin Foundation and want to look or take pictures. These are the reasons grant to present the course to middle school girls. She is why I am saying we can do better and therefore instead also the designer of the “Sunday’s Child Life Expansion of being a politician, I am saying I cannot support it. It would have been easy to say, “Let’s just get along and go Workshop,” a self-discovery seminar for people of all ages.

For over ten years, Yoba has been conducting semialong,” but I think people want to have a real leader who nars and workshops on personal empowerment, which is telling them the truth, so I am saying this is dangerous include, The International Woman Artists’ Conference and I cannot support it. at Barnard College, The First Annual Youth Peace Summit Conference for New York City’s Board of EducaFollow Akoshia Yoba on tion, Women In Need’s homeless shelters for women in Twitter: www.twitter.com/yobagirl New York City, and at The Teaneck Community Charter School in New Jersey.

Author, writer and producer Akoshia Yoba has worked Akoshia Yoba graduated Cum Laude from the with Essence Magazine editor emeritus, Susan L. Taylor City College of New York and holds a BA degree in on “A New Way Forward: Healing What’s Hurting English. She resides in New York City.

Black Americans,” a training manual for The National Cares Mentoring Movement’s initiative on mentor recruitment. She is the co-author of “Please Return My

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

BEN HALL IS OUR FRIEND: Ben is the only candidate for mayor who has consistently been against the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO). Its deceptive wording hides the fact that men will be allowed to go into women’s bathrooms, despite documented evidence of the dangers of this practice.

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ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

HOUSTON

KEY CANDIDATES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO VOTE “NO” ON HOUSTON’S PROP. 1 -- “HERO IS NOT GOOD FOR US!” STATE OF TEXAS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ELECTION

PROPOSITION 1 The constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $15,000 to $25,000, providing for a reduction of the limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for those purposes on the homestead of an elderly or disabled person to reflect the increased exemption amount, authorizing the legislature to prohibit a political subdivision that has adopted an optional residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation from reducing the amount of or repealing the exemption, and prohibiting the enactment of a law that imposes a transfer tax on a transaction that conveys fee simple title to real property.

FOR or AGAINST --------------------------------------------------------

PROPOSITION 2 The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran who died before the law authorizing a residence homestead exemption for such a veteran took effect.

FOR or AGAINST --------------------------------------------------------

PROPOSITION 3 The constitutional amendment repealing the requirement that state elected officers elected by voters

statewide reside in the state capital.

FOR or AGAINST --------------------------------------------------------

PROPOSITION 4 The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit professional sports team charitable foundations to conduct charitable raffles.

FOR or AGAINST --------------------------------------------------------

PROPOSITION 5 The constitutional amendment to authorize counties with a population of 7,500 or less to perform private road construction and maintenance.

FOR or AGAINST --------------------------------------------------------

PROPOSITION 6 The constitutional amendment recognizing the right of the people to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife subject to laws that promote wildlife conservation.

FOR or AGAINST --------------------------------------------------------

PROPOSITION 7 The constitutional amendment dedicating certain sales and use tax revenue and motor vehicle sales, use, and rental tax revenue to the state highway fund to provide funding for nontolled roads and the reduction of certain transportation-related debt.

Vote The Peoples Choice, Ben Hall For Mayor

FOR or AGAINST --------------------------------------------------------

DON'T TRUST YOUR FUTURE...AND YOUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE..TO CAREER POLITICIANS. VOTE BEN HALL FOR MAYOR OF HOUSTON!

POL. AD PAID FOR BY BEN HALL FOR MAYOR CAMPAIGN.

HARRIS COUNTY AND HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT BOND ELECTIONS

Harris County PROPOSITION NO. ONE THE ISSUANCE OF $700,000,000.00 HARRIS COUNTY ROAD IMPROVEMENT BONDS, OF WHICH $60,000,000.00 SHALL BE FOR SUBDIVISION STREET REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR, AND THE LEVYING OF THE TAX IN PAYMENT THEREOF.

FOR or AGAINST -------------------------------------------------------Harris County PROPOSITION NO. TWO THE ISSUANCE OF $60,000,000.00 HARRIS COUNTY PARKS BONDS AND THE LEVYING OF THE TAX IN PAYMENT THEREOF.

FOR or AGAINST -------------------------------------------------------Harris County PROP. NO. THREE THE ISSUANCE OF $24,000,000.00 HARRIS COUNTY VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH ADOPTION AND CARE CENTER BONDS AND THE LEVYING OF THE TAX IN PAYMENT THEREOF.

FOR or AGAINST --------------------------------------------------------

Harris County Flood Control District PROPOSITION FOUR

THE ISSUANCE OF $64,000,000.00 HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT BONDS AND THE LEVYING OF THE TAX OF THE DISTRICT IN PAYMENT THEREOF.

FOR or AGAINST --------------------------------------------------------

CITY OF HOUSTON GENERAL ELECTION City of Houston, MAYOR Demetria Smith Ben Hall

Victoria A. Lane

Sylvester Turner

Adrian Garcia Bill King

Rafael Muñoz Jr. Marty McVey

Steve Costello Joe Ferreira

Hoc Thai Nguyen Chris Bell

Dale Steffes

-------------------------------------------------------City of Houston, COUNCIL, DISTRICT A Brenda Stardig

Iesheia Ayers-Wilson -------------------------------------------------------City of Houston, COUNCIL, DISTRICT B Jerry Davis

Ben White Jr.

Vince Duncan

Isaac Mayhorn

Kenneth "K.P." Perkins --------------------------------------------------------

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City of Houston, COUNCIL, DISTRICT C Carl Jarvis

Ellen R. Cohen

Michael McDonald -------------------------------------------------------City of Houston, COUNCIL, DISTRICT D

Dwight A. Boykins -------------------------------------------------------City of Houston, COUNCIL, DISTRICT E Dave Martin -------------------------------------------------------City of Houston, COUNCIL, DISTRICT F Steve Le

Kendall L. Baker

Richard Nguyen -------------------------------------------------------City of Houston, COUNCIL, DISTRICT G Greg Travis

Sandie Mullins Moger -------------------------------------------------------City of Houston, COUNCIL, DISTRICT H Jason Cisneroz

Abel Davila

Karla Cisneros

Roland M. Chavez -------------------------------------------------------City of Houston, COUNCIL, DISTRICT I Herlinda Garcia

Robert Gallegos -------------------------------------------------------City of Houston, COUNCIL, DISTRICT J Dung Le

Jim Bigham

Mike Laster

Manny Barrera -------------------------------------------------------City of Houston, COUNCIL, DISTRICT K

Larry Green -------------------------------------------------------City of Houston, COUNCIL MEMBER, AT-LARGE POSITION 1 M. "Griff" Griffin

Tom McCasland

Jenifer Rene Pool

Georgia Provost

Chris Oliver Mike Knox

Lane Lewis

James Partsch-Galván -------------------------------------------------------City of Houston, COUNCIL MEMBER, AT-LARGE POSITION 2 David W. Robinson

Moe Rivera

Eric Dick

Willie R. Davis

Andrew C. Burks, Jr. -------------------------------------------------------City of Houston, COUNCIL MEMBER, AT-LARGE POSITION 3 Michael Kubosh

John Christian Bullitt LaRue

Joseph McElligott

Doug Peterson -------------------------------------------------------City of Houston, COUNCIL MEMBER, AT-LARGE POSITION 4 Amanda Edwards

Jonathan Hansen

Larry Blackmon

Laurie Robinson

Evelyn Husband Thompson

Matt Murphy

Roy Morales --------------------------------------------------------

City of Houston, COUNCIL MEMBER, AT-LARGE POSITION 5 J. Brad Batteau Jack Christie

Philippe Nassif

Sharon Moses -------------------------------------------------------City of Houston, CITY CONTROLLER M. J. Khan

Chris B. Brown Bill Frazer

Jew Don Boney

Dwight Jefferson

Carroll G. Robinson

City of Houston, Special Election

City of Houston, Charter Amendment - 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?

FOR or AGAINST --------------------------------------------------------

City of Houston, Charter Amendment - Proposition No. 2

(Relating to Term Limits for City Elective Office.) Shall the City Charter of the City of Houston be amended to reduce the number of terms of elective offices to no more than two terms in the same office

and limit the length for all terms of elective office to four years, beginning in January 2016; and provide for transition?

Aldine I.S.D., Trustee, Position 2

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

THE ISSUANCE OF $798,000,000 OF BONDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, ACQUISITION, AND EQUIPMENT OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND THE PURCHASE OF SITES FOR SCHOOL BUILDINGS, AND THE LEVYING OF THE TAX IN PAYMENT THEREOF.

FOR or

AGAINST

Houston Community College System, Board of Trustees Election

Houston Community College System, TRUSTEE, DISTRICT III Adriana Tamez

Florida "Flo" Cooper

Houston Community College System, TRUSTEE, DISTRICT VIII Art Aguilar

Eva Loredo --------------------------------------------------------

Houston Community College System, Unopposed Candidates Declared Elected

Houston Community College System, TRUSTEE, DISTRICT IV Carolyn Evans-Shabazz

Houston Community College System, TRUSTEE, DISTRICT VI

John P. Hansen --------------------------------------------------------

Aldine Independent School District, OFFICIAL BALLOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING TRUSTEES OF THE ALDINE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Aldine I.S.D., Trustee, Position 1 Tony Diaz

Patricia "Pat" Bourgeois

C. "Jinx" Kerr

Paul A. Shanklin -------------------------------------------------------Aldine I.S.D., PROPOSITION NO. ONE

FOR or AGAINST --------------------------------------------------------

Aldine Independent School District, Unopposed Candidates Declared Elected Aldine Independent School District, Trustee, Position 6 Merlin D. Griggs

Aldine Independent School District, Trustee, Position 7

Viola M. Garcia --------------------------------------------------------

Alief Independent School District, Trustee Election

Houston Independent School District, Trustee Election Houston I.S.D., Trustee, District II

Youlette Jayne McCullough Darlene "Koffey" Smith

Rhonda Skillern-Jones

Larry Williams

Houston I.S.D., Trustee, District III Jose Leal

Manuel Rodriguez

Ramiro Fonseca

Houston I.S.D., Trustee, District IV Larry McKinzie

Davetta Mills Daniels

Ann R. McCoy

Jolanda Jones

Houston I.S.D., Trustee, District VIII Juliet K. Stipeche

Diana Davila

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

The Peoples Choice, Ben Hall For Mayor

Alief I.S.D., Trustee, Position 1 Lily Truong

Gigi Myung

Alief I.S.D., Trustee, Position 2 Rick Moreno

Alief I.S.D., Trustee, Position 3 Ann Williams

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

Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com - HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER n 17

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

READ THE HERO ORDINANCE:

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.”

Political Consulting Jury Consultant Government/ Contracts

832.258.7511 P.O. Box 667481 Houston, Tx 77266

ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2015

Patriot Group Strategies is a premier political consulting firm located in Houston, Texas. We specialize in campaign strategy, radio and TV advertisement and direct mail. Our firm has a history of producing effective and hard hitting ads. For a sample of our work send us a message. Our firm has expertise in targeting minority voters throughout the country.

PatGroupStrategies@att.net PatriotGroupStrategies@consultant.com Justin R. Jordan, CEO & Founder Patriot Group Strategies 11115 Sagevalley Dr Houston, Texas 77089 713.256.5756 Houston 202.641.8502 Washington, D.C

Patriot Group Strategies 11115 Sagevalley Dr Houston, Texas 77089 PatGroupStrategies@att.net 713-256-5756 202-641-8502

18 n HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER - www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.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 19

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