Houston Business Connections Newspaper - Town Hall Meeting Series Part 3

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS HOUSTON

ECONOMICS. EDUCATION. POLITICS. BUSINESS. COMMUNITY.

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Check out a few of Governor Greg Abbott’s recent Appointments

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FIND OUT WHERE CITY OF HOUSTON ELECTED LEADERS STAND ON PROPOSITION 1

Cast Your Vote for Mike Knox

VOTE EARLY FROM MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 -- FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015 I ELECTION DAY FOR THE 2015 CITY OF HOUSTON GENERAL ELECTION IS TUES., NOV. 3RD

AT-LARGE POSITION

#1

Pd. Pol. Ad. by Mike Knox Campaign

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

Houston City Council

TOWN HALL MEETING SERIES - PART 3 VOTING BEGINS ON 10.19.2015

PLEASE CONSIDER VOTING FOR MIKE KNOX: The three important issues Houstonians face are the Budget, Infrastructure, and Public Safety.

WWW.MIKEKNOX.ORG

Here Are A Few of The People Featured Inside This Edition

SEE WHERE CITY LEADERS STAND ON THE HERO ORDINANCE: Mayor Annise Parker, Steve Costello, David W. Robinson, Michael Kubosh, C.O. “Brad” Bradford, Dr. Jack Christie, Brenda Stardig, Jerry Davis, Ellen Cohen, Dwight Boykins, Richard Nguyen, Oliver Pennington, Ed Gonzalez, Robert Gallegos, Mike Laster, and Larry Green.

PARKER

COSTELLO

ROBINSON

KUBOSH

BRADFORD

CHRISTIE

STARDIG

DAVIS

COHEN

BOYKINS

NGUYEN

PENNINGTON

NO MEN IN THE WOMEN’S BATHROOM

“Let’s OBEY GOD and leave the consequences to Him. Join me in voting “NO” on Proposition 1”

-- Pastor Kendall L. Baker

KENDALL BAKER CANDIDATE FOR HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT F

VOTE FOR DR. KENDALL L. BAKER Pd. Pol. Ad by Kendall L Baker Campaign, Tim Taft, Treasurer

www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com GONZALEZ

GALLEGOS

LASTER

GREEN

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

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

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“Vote “NO” on Proposition #1” - THE HERO ORDINANCE -

VOTE KENDALL L. BAKER FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT F

DR. KENDALL L. BAKER

2015 Candidate for Houston City Council District F

DEAR HOUSTONIAN:

Hello, my name is Kendall L. Baker, a native Houstonian, originally from the northeast side. I am a candidate for City Council District F in the 2015 City of Houston elections.

First and foremost, I love my city; particularly District F, where I've resided for nearly 25 years and where I’ve pastored a church for over 10 years now. I was employed with the City of Houston for almost 29 years servicing citizens directly in 911 Emergency, Public Dr. Kendall L. Baker with former Works and Engineering, Consumer Affairs Division and as Division Manager of the new U.S. President George H.W. Bush. improved 311 Help and Information Center. My excellent performance ratings and perfect attendance gave me the ability to see inside the core of what makes the City of Houston work and what doesn’t. Unfortunately, one thing I know for sure is that most of District F (Alief, Tanglewilde, Royal Oaks, Weshchase, Westwood, Briar Meadow, etc.) residents are underrepresented. Why? I'm glad you asked.

District F needs and deserves a candidate who can effectively communicate the needs of the entire district. My experience has equipped me to know every inch of District F extremely well, as well as the entire city. My motto is, "No constituent left behind!" My first task is to make sure our police department has adequate resources and personnel to provide better security in District F. Public safety overall includes improving the infrastructure by making sure roads are safe, by addressing our enormous pothole problem and broken streets. District F streets are broken in part by the underlying deteriorating water and sewer lines. I vow to immediately correct and improve these conditions as your next Councilman.

Second, I stand for “equality” but not “special rights!” Our current Mayor, Annise Parker, is calling for Equal Rights which are in fact particularly and especially designed, aimed, and intended for the LGBT community who wants to implement policy that will threaten religious freedom and those who stand for the protection of women and children.

This ordinance gives men access to women’s restrooms and other public accommodaDr. Kendall L. Baker with former tions. As your Councilman I’m against this type of ordinance and I will protect religious U.S. President Bill Clinton in the freedom, family values, women, children and citizens in general.

“Aftermath” of Hurricane Katrina.

Third, the key to any city’s financial security is economic development that will attract and incentivize corporations to relocate to Houston and provide more jobs! I pledge to Pd. Pol. Ad by Kendall L Baker Campaign, Tim Taft, Treasurer ensure that we do that; especially improving economic development, increasing jobs, building better infrastructure in District F! Fourth, our city must keep a disciplined fiscal accountability, bringing all debt under control, including the infamous pension fund; controlling unnecessary spending, and ceasing the present Administration’s “kick the debt down the road” mentality. This includes revisiting how we allocate funding to districts based on the actual prioritized needs of districts, not Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015 “under the table bargaining” to get a favor from the Mayor. This is why I will also support a Charter change that will allow councilmembers to place items on the agenda, not just the mayor only.

In addition, I will address other divisive issues including but not limited to the drainage fee and the feeding ordinance. I will protect, promote, advance, and fight for District F! Houston, it's time for us to be reunited again and this can be made possible by your vote this November. Please vote for Dr. Kendall L. Baker for District F because I truly care about Houston!

“No Constituent Left Behind”

Dr. Kendall L. Baker offers a refreshing change by an experienced candidate for all of District F. Call 832-858-4831 or email us at kendall.baker@sbcglobal.net.

w w w. K e n d a l l B a ke r. N e t

LET FREEDOM RING I INTERVIEW

Q&A WITH JUSTICE KEN WISE

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INTERVIEW: Justice Ken Wise, Justice 14th Court of Appeals, District 7 shares thoughts on Freedom with Aubrey R. Taylor AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What does freedom mean to you Justice Ken Wise?

JUSTICE KEN WISE: Freedom means the ability to achieve whatever you want and live however you want based on your own talent and willingness to work hard. The United States of America was founded on this ideal. Our founders desired a society with a very limited government designed only to protect the nation and foster the commerce that would help everyone succeed.

Our founders wanted to avoid a big government, which restricts freedom. Our founders want to avoid oppressive and voluminous laws, which restrict freedom. I pray for a return to the idea that each of us can succeed if we respect each other, work hard and develop our talents. children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

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FOCUSED ON PEOPLE WHO ARE PROUD TO BE CITIZENS OF AMERICA

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

JUSTICE KEN WISE: I am proud to be an American but even more than that I am so grateful to God for being born an American. No other country in the world gives its citizens the freedom we enjoy. The freedom to worship as we choose, build a business, raise a family, and do it all without a government directing how it is to be done is a precious state of affairs. I am proud of my country and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a small part of her government.

JUSTICE KEN WISE: A native Houstonian, Justice Wise has been very active in the Houston community. Justice Wise is a director of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and an advisory director of the Former Texas Ranger Foundation. Justice Wise is a fifth-generation native Texan and has one daughter, Sarah Jane.

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THE PUBLISHER I

Real World, Real Talk

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

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

With Dr. D. Z. Cofield

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

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Real World events with Real Talk from everyday people! Live discussions on local, national and international issues.

Listen in and get engaged in intelligent conversation.

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

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NEWS & INFORMATION

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

The Women Contractors Association and National Association of Women Business Owners Mayoral Debate Hosted by Baly Was a Huge Success

RECENT MAYORAL DEBATE: BACK ROW: Sylvester Turner, Bill King, Adrian Garcia, Demetria Smith, Steve Costello, Chris Bell, Marty McVey, Ben Hall, FRONT ROW: Carol Keough, Ann Harris Strouhal, Jacquie Baly, Donna Batten Molho, Heather Taylor Kelly, Manuela Arroyos, and Lenora Sorola-Pohlman.

J

acquie Baly (Fox 26) recently served as moderator for The Women Contractors Association (WCA) and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) mayoral panel discussion held at: Maggiano's Little Italy - Houston located at: 2019 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056. Several of the major 2015 City of Houston Mayoral candidates were on hand to discuss various public policy issues that continue to affect women business owners and women contractors in the greater Houston area.

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 -- DON’T FORGET TO VOTE EARLY

OVER 20,000 BALLOTS FOR THE NOVEMBER 3, 2015 ELECTION ARE IN THE MAIL Approximately 356,000 Harris County voters qualify to vote by mail

Stan Stanart, Harris County Clerk (left), and Chris Daniel, Harris County District Clerk

Approximately 356,000 Harris County voters qualify to vote by mail

Houston, TX – “If you meet the requirements to vote by mail, there is still plenty of time to submit a request for the November 3, 2015 election,” said County Clerk Stan Stanart, the chief election officer of the County. “Seniors and the disabled are able to receive their ballot at home versus walking or driving to a poll.”

In Texas, voting by mail is available to voters who are at least 65 years of age, ill, disabled, incarcerated but not convicted, or out of the county or country during the

Early Voting Period and on Election Day. For this election cycle, the deadline to request a mail ballot is Friday, October 23.

All requests for a mail ballot must be received, not postmarked, by the County Clerk’s Office by the Oct. 23 deadline.

Texas Election law was recently expanded to allow eligible mail voters to submit a mail ballot application by email.

“Voters may find the mail ballot application on www.HarrisVotes.com, which should be filled out, signed, and scanned as a PDF or JPG document before being attached to an email and sent to BBM@cco.hctx.net,” explained Stanart.

Ballot-by-mail applications may also be submitted by FAX, regular postal mail, or courier. More details can be found at www.HarrisVotes.com.

“There are approximately 356,000 voters in Harris County that meet the age requirement to vote by mail, according to the latest county voting records. Of those, 56 percent reside in the city of Houston,” noted Stanart. “As of Monday morning my office has received over 25,000 requests from voters seeking to vote by mail in this election.”

For more information about the ballotby-mail process or to obtain an application, voters can call the Harris County Clerk’s office at 713.755.3150, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit www.HarrisVotes.com.

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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

BY BENJAMIN L. HALL

WHERE THEY STAND!

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

BEN AND HIS WIFE OF MORE THAN 34 YEARS SAUNDRA HALL

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

Ben Hall Opposes Houston Proposition #1 (H.E.R.O.)

DEAR HOUSTONIANS:

As the former Houston City Attorney during the Bob Lanier administration, I have had the honor and obligation to write and approve laws and ordinances for this premier city. The laws I have written have never been set aside by any court of law when challenged in court. I also successfully provided legal support for the City's anti-discrimination MWBE (Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises) ordinance. In my 29-year legal career, I have never had any municipal law I have approved be held to be unlawful or unconstitutional. I know well-written laws and how to defend them.

While I agree that no one should be discriminated against, I oppose – and encourage others to vote against –the City of Houston's H.E.R.O. ordinance that will be on the November 3, 2015 ballot. H.E.R.O. is dangerous, unconstitutionally vague and will arbitrarily impose criminal penalties without required objective standards. The ordinance also tramples upon constitutional rights and due process requirements by exposing businesses and individuals to a near obligation to disregard 5th Amendment rights guaranteed under the United States Constitution (the protection against self-incrimination). It arbitrarily allows accusers to subjectively determine the outcome of a complaint. The Ordinance is also defective in its subjective definition of “gender,” which allows an individual claiming rights under the ordinance to determine whether he or she is male or female irrespective of anatomy at birth. Essentially, an anatomical male can “self-identify” as female without any objective criteria to determine or challenge such identity.

These problems are fatal to the ordinance.

In addition to being legally flawed, the ordinance will imperil and risk the safety of women and children in bathrooms, locker rooms and changing rooms. There is nothing in the ordinance that requires a male to betransgender. As written, any man can self-identify as female to gain access to public accommodations. Also, there is nothing in the ordinance that requires the self-identity to have been of long-standing existence or a lifelong characteristic. As such, there is no way for a police officer or business owner to know if any man is in the bathroom because he is transgender or is in the facility to do harm to a woman or child. Mothers, children, women and grandmothers deserve to feel safe in bathrooms and locker rooms and should not have to play “gender police” while using facilities.

Critics of my position assert that no such problems have arisen in other cities in which these laws have been passed. This criticism is factually incorrect because there have been numerous incidents with pedophiles and rapists attacking women in bathrooms. E.g., https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/sexual-predator-jailed-after-claiming-

to-be-transgender-in-order-to-assault; http://www.wthr.com/story/29650364/woman-allegedly-attacked-in-bathroom-stall-at-circle-centre-mall#.VhKcMNnT2OA.mailto; http://nypost.com/2015/04/14/woman-attacked-raped-in-bathroom-of-gramercy-bar/; http://www.cityoftaylor.com/content/man-charged-sexual-assault-store-police-urge-caution-when-using-public-restrooms; http://patch.com/maryland/annapolis/woman-rapeddowntown-annapolis-restroom-police-0;http://m.kirotv.com/news/news/police-man-crawl ed-under-bathroom-stall-attack-wom/ngM3H/;http://fox4kc.com/2015/05/07/womansays-ex-convict-cut-and-kicked-her-in-a-kearney-church bathroom/; http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-man-arrested-movie-theater-assault-20140611-story.htm l;http://fox5sandiego.com/2014/08/11/trial-ordered-for-man-in-attack-on-woman-in-biglots-restroom/. In addition, the critics choose to ignore the substantial differences between the City of Houston’s dangerous ordinance and laws in other cities. For example, the Fort Worth ordinance expressly excludes bathrooms and women’s locker rooms – thus protecting against the risk of predators entering these areas with legal permission.

Other city ordinances have also provided that the ordinance does not control private bathroom and female locker room use. Houston’s present mayor and legal department chose to ignore these safer provisions in other laws. Still, other critics complain that the absence of any cases of molestations and rapes in bathrooms should justify the passing of this law. Despite being factually false, this argument would require the rape of a child or woman in a bathroom before getting rid of an obviously dangerous law. The drafting of a criminal statute is intended to prevent and deter wrongful conduct, not for preview a foreseeable and certain danger before eliminating an obviously dangerous law. It is not necessary for a murder to occur to justify a law that punishes murderers. Similarly, it is not necessary to have a child or woman raped before exposing the dangerous nature of the City’s H.E.R.O. ordinance.

True leadership requires the courage to tell the truth even when it may not be politically popular. I will not play politics with public safety.

Vote NO to City of Houston Proposition No. 1.

Sincerely,

Benjamin L. ”Ben” Hall, III 2015 Candidate for Mayor of Houston *Ben Hall is the only mayoral candidate who has consistently opposed the H.E.R.O. ordinance for the last three years. Hall graduated from Harvard Law School. For more than 10 years, he has been repeatedly recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer in Texas Monthly magazine. Dual board-certified in Texas in civil trial law and personal injury trial law, he is the owner of the nationally-recognized Hall Law Firm and has taught at all three (3) Houston law schools.

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

Larry Blackmon Campaign

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

KEY ENDORSEMENTS

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

Together We Can Make It Happen

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

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

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

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

HAROLD DUTTON

State Representative House District #142

BORRIS MILES

State Representative House District #146

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

ALMA ALLEN

State Representative House District #131

BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR

WHERE THEY STAND!

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

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

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

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

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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EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 -- DON’T FORGET TO VOTE EARLY

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

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

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 -- DON’T FORGET TO VOTE EARLY

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

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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EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 -- DON’T FORGET TO VOTE EARLY

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

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!

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“FOR”- PROP. 1

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 -- DON’T FORGET TO VOTE EARLY

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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, Tahir H. Charles, 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

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

MEET RHONDA SKILLERN-JONES

Rhonda Skillern-Jones was elected to the

ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, Nov. 3rd

www.rhondaforhisd.com Supporters

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

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

US Congress

Sheila Jackson-Lee, Congressional District 18

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

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

Houston City Councilmembers

Councilmember Dwight Boykins Councilmember Ed Gonzalez Councilmember Larry V. Green

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

Houston ISD

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

HCCS

Trustee Zeph Capo Trustee Carroll G. Robinson

North Forest ISD

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

Supporter

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

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

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

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

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

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 R John Cu of adv (S

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

arroll G. Robinson

utter: Charlie, ever played roulette?

Rane: On occasion. utter: Well, let me give you a word vice. Always bet on black!

Scene 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

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

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

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 -- DON’T FORGET TO VOTE EARLY

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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 21

“

ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

HOUSTON

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

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

“

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 -- DON’T FORGET TO VOTE EARLY

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!

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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

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

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

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 -- DON’T FORGET TO VOTE EARLY

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

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 25

ELECTION FOCUS 2015 I

HOUSTON

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

“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!

EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 -- DON’T FORGET TO VOTE EARLY

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-

Governor Abbott Appoints Nine To Governor’s University Research Initiative Advisory Board

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Jacquie Baly, Cindy Conroy, Antonio Falcon, John Goodman, Wendy Gramm, James Huffines, J. Michael Lewis, Michael Plank, and Sam Susser to the Governor’s University Research Initiative Advisory Board for terms to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. The Governor additionally designated James Huffines as presiding officer.

These recent appointments follow the passage of SB 632 (Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay) and HB 26 (Chen Button, R-Richardson), which together implement Governor Abbott’s higher education research emergency item by eliminating the Emergency Technology Fund (ETF) and creating the Governor’s University Research Initiative. The research initiative will utilize a portion of the ETF’s unexpended balance to provide matching funds to help public institutions of higher education recruit prestigious, nationally-recognized researchers to their faculty.

The Governor’s University Research Initiative Advisory Board was specifically established to assist the office with the review and evaluation of applications for funding of grant proposals. The advisory board shall make recommendations to the office for approval or disapproval of those applications.

Houston Contractors Association. Previously, she served as a national delegate for the Women in Commercial Real Estate, and is a member of the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Transportation Policy Council and the Greater Houston Partnership’s Transportation Infrastructure Advisory Committee. She is also past president of both the Fort Bend Professional Women’s Group and the River Oaks Women’s Breakfast Club. Her awards include University of Houston’s Alumni Association’s “Rising Star Award,” Texas Executive Women’s “Woman on the Move” and KTRK-13 “Woman of Distinction.” Baly received a Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of Houston and a master’s degree in city planning from Texas Southern University.

Jacquie Baly of Sugar Land is president and chief executive officer for BalyProjects, a former member of the Sugar Land City Council, and former adjunct professor at the University of Houston. She is the Public Policy Director for the National Association of Women Business Owners Board and PAC Board member of the

Cindy Conroy of El Paso is first executive assistant and charitable giving coordinator at WestStar Bank.

Previously, she was an executive associate in the office of the associate dean of research and the director of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. She also has 12 years of academic administration and grant management experience with The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). She serves on the board of directors of El Paso Drive-a-Meal and the Pioneer Association of El Paso. She is the past board chair of Girls Scouts of the Desert Southwest, past president of El Paso Executive Forum, and has served on the board of Leadership Women. Conroy received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from UTEP.

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

CONGRATULATIONS 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 IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION FROM DR. D.Z. COFIELD

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

Antonio Falcon of Rio Grande City is medical director of Family Health Center, L.L.P. He is a member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, American Academy of Family Practice, Texas Academy of Family Practice, Texas Medical Foundation, Hidalgo-Starr County Medical Society, and the Health and Human Services Council. Additionally, he is a former member of the Parks and Wildlife Commission, United States-Mexico Border Health Commission, and the Nursing Facility Administrators Advisory Committee. Falcon received a Bachelor of Science from Baylor University and a Doctor of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine.

John Goodman of Frisco is founder and executive chairman of Family ER + Urgent Care Centers, and is a board member, co-founder, former executive chairman, and former chief executive officer of Goodman Networks. Previously, he held leadership positions at Bell Atlantic, GTE, and Verizon.

He is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors, board member of the Way of Grace Community Church, and former chairman of Friends of Scouting Circle Ten Boy Scouts. Additionally, he serves as a volunteer for Foodstep Uganda and Serving His Children Uganda, and he is a volunteer youth basketball coach for YMCA. Goodman received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University.

Wendy Gramm of Helotes is chairman of the Texas Public Policy Foundation Board of Directors.

She is a former senior scholar at the George Mason University Mercatus Center, where she founded the Regulatory Studies Program. Previously, she served as the executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Regulatory Relief, director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Economics, and administrator for Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget, under President Reagan’s Administration. She also served as chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission under Presidents Reagan and Bush, Sr. She is also a former member of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents and an emeritae director of the Independent Women’s Forum. Gramm received a Bachelor of Arts from Wellesley College and a Doctor of Philosophy from Northwestern University.

James Huffines of Dallas is president and chief operations officer of PlainsCapital Corporation and serves on the Hilltop Holdings, PlainsCapital Bank, and PrimeLending boards of directors. He is

CONTINUED ON

PAGE 30

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 enrollment charter school focusing on project-based learning and language immersion.

Dr. Cofield has received numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Scholarship Award

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

Dr. Cofield formerly served as an instructor at Dallas Theological Seminary, an adjunct professor at the College of Biblical 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.

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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 CONTINUED FROM

PAGE 29

partner and board member of the Andrew Harper Travel Publications, Inc. and vice chairman of the Texas Business Leadership Council. He is a member of the Dallas Citizens Council Board of Directors, Dallas Regional Board of Advisors, Texas Lyceum Advisory Council, and the Texas Philosophical Society. Additionally, he serves as a member of several University of Texas committees and boards including the Chancellor’s Council Executive Committee, Development Board of Directors, Foundation Board of Directors, William P. Clements Center Board of Directors, and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Foundation Advisory Board, Nomination Committee, and Executive Committee. Previously, he served as chairman of The University of Texas System Board of Regents. Huffines received a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas, and he also attended the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.

J. Michael Lewis of Dallas is a private investor and the general partner of Coronado Resources, Olympia Royalty, and Wellspring Royalties. He is a member of the Independent Petroleum Association of America and the Financial Executives Institute. Currently, he serves on the board of directors of the State Fair of Texas, Texas Tech Foundation, and the West Dallas Community School. Additionally, he is a member of the Texas Tech Investment Advisory Committee and the Salesmanship Club of Dallas. Lewis received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University and a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University.

Michael Plank of Houston is chairman and chief executive officer of The Plank Companies, Inc. and three affiliated companies; National Property Holdings, Rail Logix and Speed Shore Corporation. He is a member of the World Presidents’ Organization, past chairman of the Young Presidents’ Organization, and past president of both the Trench Shoring & Shielding Association of America and Houston Equipment Distributors. Additionally, he is a board member and past president of the Children’s Museum of Houston and a board member of the YMCA of Greater Houston. He also serves on the President’s Leadership Council for Houston’s Methodist Hospital, and the Texas A&M University Engineering Advisory Council. Plank received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University, and was inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Graduates in 2000.

Sam L. Susser of Corpus Christi is president of Susser Holdings II, L.P. and previously served as chairman of Sunoco, L.P. and Stripes, L.L.C. He is a member of the Texas Business Hall of Fame, World Presidents’ Organization, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi College of Business Advisory Council, University of Texas McCombs School of Business Advisory Board, UT Schusterman Center for Judaic Studies Advisory Board, and the UT Marine Science Institute at Port Aransas Advisory Board. Additionally, he is co-chair of the UT Kay Bailey Hutchison Center for the Study for Energy, Law and Business, a trustee of The Texas State Aquarium, and a trustee and chairman of the Driscoll Foundation. Susser received a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas.

Governor Abbott Names Chair And Appoints Three To Texas Board of Criminal Justice

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed and named Dale Wainwright as Chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice for a term set to expire on February 1, 2021.

Governor Abbott additionally appointed Tom G. Fordyce and Derrelynn Perryman for terms set to expire on February 1, 2021. The Texas Board of Criminal Justice provides confinement, supervision, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the state’s convicted felons.

Dale and Debra Wainwright Dale Wainwright is the managing partner of the Austin office of the international law firm of Bracewell & Giuliani LLP. He is an appellate lawyer representing clients in appeals of complex commercial disputes of all types in state and federal courts and administrative appeals of oil and gas and electric utility disputes. Prior to joining Bracewell, Wainwright served on the Texas Supreme Court for 10 years, authoring more than 125 opinions. Elected to the Supreme Court in 2002, he was the third-longest-serving member of the court at the time of his resignation in 2012. Wainwright began his judicial career in 1999 when he was appointed by Governor George W. Bush to preside over the 334th Civil District Court in Houston, Texas. As judge of the 334th District Court, he resolved some 3,000 cases and presided over more than 100 trials. Prior to becoming a jurist, he represented clients at trial and in appeals for more than a decade. Wainwright achieved a number of firsts in his life.

He was the first African American in history to reach the Texas Supreme Court by election. He is the first attorney in his family and was the first African American to graduate valedictorian from his high school. Wainwright has been honored with numerous awards such as 2014 Texas Super Lawyer, 2008 Prevent Blindness Texas Person of Vision Award, 2008 National Bar Association Humanitarian Award, 2006 National Black Prosecutors Association Trail Blazer Award and 2000 NAACP Legal Excellence Award.

Wainwright graduated summa cum laude from Howard University with his bachelor’s degree in economics. He studied abroad at the London School of Economics as the Lucy Dalbiac Luard Scholar. Wainwright earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago School of Law.

Tom Fordyce is a rancher, cow/calf operator and hay producer. He previously served as a commissioner for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Prior to that, Fordyce was the Director of Agribusiness and Land Minerals for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Most notably, Fordyce served in the United States Marines as a

Vietnam Era Sniper with the 1st Battalion 26th from 1966 – 1968, and medically retired in March of 1968 due to combat injuries. He currently serves as a board member for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Lone Survivor Foundation and Huntsville Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Board. Fordyce has previously received gubernatorial appointments to serve on the Trinity River Authority and Texas Assistive and Rehabilitative Services Council. He previously served on the Texas Veterans Commission advisory board, Huntsville Economic Development Council, Brownfield Memorial Hospital Board and KickStart for Kids program board. Fordyce earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Sam Houston State University.

Derrelynn Perryman is the Victim Services Coordinator for the Arlington Police Department, a position she has held since 1994. During her term of service, the Arlington Police Department has been recognized twice by the International Association of Chiefs of Police for excellence in victim services. She also serves as an adjunct instructor for the School of Social Work and the Criminal Justice and Criminology department at The University of Texas at Arlington. Prior to that she served as a therapist at Family Assessment, Consultation and Therapy Service (FACTS), where she developed programs for court ordered offenders, including a Batter’s Intervention Program, and a life skills curriculum for Federal probationers.

She is a TCLEOSE certified peace officer instructor and trains officers and first responders regionally. Annually since 2005, Perryman has provided group therapy as a counselor to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty through the Concerns of Police Survivors Kids Camp. Perryman was recognized by the National Association of Social Workers Tarrant County Branch as the 2006 Social Worker of the Year. Perryman has previously held leadership positions as past president of Texas Victim Services Association and co-chairman of the Tarrant County Criminal Justice Plan Committee. She is a former member of the North Central Texas Council of Government’s Criminal Justice Policy Development Committee.

She is a member of the Critical Incident Team with Arlington Police Department, National Association of Social Workers, Texas Victim Services Association, Coalition for Crime Victims’ Services, State Advisory Committee on Social Work and Victim Services, Office of the Attorney General’s Crime Victim Services Leadership Council and Tarrant County Council on Family Violence. She formerly volunteered as a foster home for Greyhounds Unlimited.

Perryman earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from The University of Texas at Arlington.

Governor Abbott Names Chair And Appoints Two To Board Of Pardons And Paroles

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Ed Robertson of Pflugerville and has reappointed David Gutierrez of Belton to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles for terms set to expire Feb. 1, 2021. The governor additionally designated Gutierrez as presiding officer. The Board makes parole decisions for Texas prison inmates, determines conditions for parole and mandatory supervision, and makes recommendations on clemency matters to the governor.

Ed Robertson is a 22 year veteran of public service. He is currently an advisor in the governor’s planning and policy office. Previously, he served as a budget and performance analyst for the Legislative

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

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David Gutierrez has served on the Board of Pardons and Paroles since 2009. He has 35 years of experience in criminal justice and law enforcement, including 11 years as sheriff of Lubbock County. He formerly served as chair of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards and the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or

Mental Impairments Advisory Board, and he is past president of the Texas Corrections Association and the Texas Jail Association. Sheriff Gutierrez received a Bachelor of Science from Wayland Baptist University.

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CLOSING THOUGHTS I PROJECT 21

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Abigale Fisher and Attorney Edward Blum

Affirmative Action Returns to the U.S. Supreme Court

Black Conservatives Join Supreme Court Legal Brief Demanding End to Race-Based University Admissions

Schools Accused of Trampling Constitution for Politically-Correct Diversity Goals

U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Same Racial Preferences Case Twice in Almost Two Years

Project 21, a leader in the promotion of black conservative public policy opinion and activism, has joined a new legal brief to the U.S. Supreme Court opposing racial preferences in school admissions.

Project 21 joined an amicus curiae ("friend of the court") legal brief written by the Pacific Legal Foundation and also joined by the Center for Equal Opportunity, American Civil Rights Institute and National Association of Scholars in the case of Abigail Noel Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, et al.

This is the second time the Fisher case will come before the U.S. Supreme Court.

In the case, Abigail Fisher, who is white, claimed that race preferences prevented her acceptance at the University of Texas at Austin in favor of a lesser-qualified minority applicant.

In 2013 the Court ruled 7-1 that race-conscious admissions policies must be narrowly tailored in order to be constitutional, and sent the case back to the federal 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to be reheard.

The Supreme Court justices told the 5th

Circuit to retry the case under standards of "strict scrutiny." The lower court sided with the University of Texas at Austin again. In July 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court accepted the case for a rehearing to determine if the 5th Circuit properly followed the Supreme Court's instructions.

A date for oral arguments at the Supreme Court has not been announced. A decision is expected by June 2016.

"The Supreme Court's earlier rulings make it clear that quotas and other kinds of broad-based racial preferences are impermissible," said Project 21 Co-Chairman Horace Cooper, a legal commentator who taught constitutional law at George Mason University and was a leadership staff member for the U.S. House of Representatives. "One would think that, in 2015, no school would think it necessary to rely on a racial test to balance out its student body. In this case alone, however, the Court has given every opportunity for the lower court and the University of Texas itself to reassess its race-based admissions policy. Yet it appears only direct intervention by the Court will now be sufficient.

The days for race-based social engineering are numbered."

Project 21's Cooper is a University of Texas at Austin graduate.

Fisher and her supporters, including Project 21, asked the Court to determine if the lower court followed the orders of the justices to thoroughly and thoughtfully re-examine if the University of Texas at Austin's race-conscious admissions policy is narrowly tailored and consistent with the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

When the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2003 that race preferences for the sake of campus diversity were permissible, the University of Texas at Austin immediately instituted the race-conscious admissions policy challenged in the Fisher case. It was instituted despite other schools' use of additional considerations to achieve their own diversity goals, factoring in

things such as parental income, parental educational histories, general family history and even a Texas policy that guaranteed state-run university enrollment for students in the top percentages of their high school graduating classes. The Project 21 brief notes:Washington, DC There is no evidence that the University considered many of these race-neutral options, nor has it documented why these options would fail to produce a critical mass of underrepresented students and the educational benefits a diverse student body provides.

The brief also argues that "the University has failed to prove that its race-conscious program is narrowly tailored" to benefit alleged diversity goals because the assertion is not proven, the university has not seemed to weigh the costs and benefits of a race-conscious admissions policy nor has it proved it pursued all available alternatives to a race-conscious policy.

Furthermore, the brief explained this problem is not limited to the University of Texas at Austin:

There is no evidence that universities have weighed the undeniable costs of racial preferences against the benefits that purportedly result from classifying individuals on the basis of race. And there is no evidence that universities have given serious thought to whether these benefits can be achieved through race-neutral means. This demonstrates that universities nationwide continue to flout the Court's limits on the use of race in admissions decisions.

Because the situation is not unique, Project 21 and the other organizations on the PLF-written brief noted the Court must definitively address the issue of the constitutionality of raceconscious admissions policies:

This Court's most recent decision in Fisher - emphasizing the need to exhaust race-neutral measures before turning to race-based classifications -

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has not changed the behavior at our nation's public universities...

[P]ublic institutions are not considering the costs attendant to racial preferences, and whether those costs outweigh the purported benefits.

"Over a century ago, Justice John Marshall Harlan said 'Our Constitution is colorblind and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens.'

The justices who underwhelmed almost everyone by sending the Fisher case back to the 5th Circuit in 2013 now have another chance to reaffirm Constitutional principle," said Project 21's Joe R. Hicks , the former executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's Greater Los Angeles chapter. "Justice Clarence Thomas got it right on Fisher when he wrote 'I would... hold that a state's use of race in higher education admissions is categorically prohibited by the Equal Protection Clause.' And, as my friend Richard Sander -- a UCLA law professor and expert on social and economic equality -- has patiently explained, race preferences hurt the supposed beneficiaries. These students, he wrote in The Atlantic, 'fall behind from the start and become increasingly lost as the professor and her classmates race ahead... the experience may well induce panic and self-doubt, making learning even harder.'"

The brief additionally cites "academic mismatch" as a perilous byproduct of poorly-crafted race-conscious admissions policies, noting that "racial preferences... cause acute harm to those who receive them." By placing minority students in schools above their academic aptitude so that the institution can achieve its diversity goals, the brief noted "[t]he result is a significant gap in academic credentials between minority and nonminority students at all levels." This may lead to

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CLOSING THOUGHTS I PROJECT 21

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PAGE 32

changed majors, dashed hopes and worst of all - disparate dropout rates among minority students.

Project 21's Hicks added: "The broader debate surrounding 'affirmative action' has changed since the Court last ruled on this case. This time, they are thankfully afforded a second chance to end the divisive practice of race preferences."

In sum, the Project 21 brief points out to the justices that:

When an educational institution discriminates on the basis of race, narrow tailoring requires that it prove independently how racial preferences are the least harmful means to secure the educational benefits of diversity... The Court can ensure that students are treated equally under the law by holding that the University's decision fails to satisfy the narrow tailoring requirements of the Equal Protection Clause.

United States Supreme Court Justices

VIEW THIS EDITION ONLINE AT: WWW.THEBULLETINBOARD.BIZ

Additional information about this case and the amicus brief just filed can be found in a blog post by the author of the brief, attorney Joshua Thompson, at the Pacific Legal Foundation.

Project 21 members have been interviewed or cited by the media on current events and politics in tens of thousands of instances since its founding in 1992.

Most recently, this has included Fox News Channel programs such as "Special Report with Bret Baier," the "O'Reilly Factor," "Fox and Friends" and "The Kelly File" as well as CNN's "The Situation Room," HLN's "Dr. Drew," Blaze TV, America One News Network, TVOne, RT and Newsmax TV. On radio and in print, Project 21 members have appeared on or been cited by the Salem Radio Network, Sean Hannity, Jim Bohannon, Bill Martinez, Radio America, American Urban Radio Network, Bill Cunningham, Roger Hedgecock, Mike Siegal, Dana Loesch, Thom Hartmann, the Progressive Radio Network, EurWeb, Orlando Sentinel, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, SiriusXM satellite radio and 50,000-watt talk radio stations that include WGN-Chicago, WBZ-Boston, WJR-Detroit, KDKA-Pittsburgh and WLW-Cincinnati.

Project 21 has participated in many cases before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding race preferences and voting rights and defended voter ID laws at the United Nations. Its volunteer members come from all walks of life and are not salaried political professionals.

Members of the Project 21 black leadership network are available for media comment on this case as well as the overall issue of race preferences in what some call a "post-racial" contemporary America.

A leading voice of black conservatives for over two decades, Project 21 is sponsored by the National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative, free-market, non-profit think-tank established in 1982.

Contributions to the National Center are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.

-------------------------------------------------------Note: The views of individual Project 21 members are not necessarily the views of the National Center for Public Policy Research or of all other Project 21 members.

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