BUSINESS CONNECTIONS Houston
Community News & Business Reports
Published By Aubrey R. Taylor Communications Proudly Serving The Houston Community Since 1998
• Email: news@houston-businessconnections.com • NOVEMBER 2005
Voters Guide
ELECTION 2005 THIS VOTERS GUIDE IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF ROSA PARKS 1913-2005
The Spark That Lit The Modern Civil Rights Movement has passed away In 1943 and 1944 Rosa Parks tried to register to vote but was denied both times. To push forward the quest for black voting rights, she joined the Montgomery Voters League. Parks one of the most powerful icons of the civil rights era has passed away. However, its in part
due to her contributions that African Americans have the privilege to cast their vote in this year’s election. All citizens should value their sacred right to vote and be thankful for the contributions of individuals who were willing to stand up for their beliefs. SEE PAGE, 10B
EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2005
Your Vote Can Make A Difference!
Statement From Houston City Controller Annise Parker
“You may not be a city council person, you may not be a legislator, but, you can effect whether or not those people get in. So, when you see people with your views, your philosophy, and your values, those are the people you should vote for.”
For Houston Business Connections Readers
I
am one of the lucky elected officials. I do not have an opponent in my campaign for re-election as Houston City Controller. But I am still running a campaign, appearing at candidate forums, answering questionnaires, and speaking with citizens. I do it because I believe we deserve not only to hear from our leaders, but to ask them tough questions, share our ideas for a better city, and ultimately hold them accountable on Election Day. That is why I encourage every Houston voter to exercise his or her sacred right to vote. Does your vote matter? One needs only to look at the results of the last few elections to see the Parker power of a single vote cast, from two consecutive Presidential elections decided by a small number of votes in a single state to a Governors race in Washington state decided by less than 100 votes and taking months to sort out. Two current Houston Council Members won their seats by less than 40 votes out of thousands of votes cast. Much is at stake for our city. In my campaign, I talk about making sure our city has the resources it needs to deliver the quality services our residents deserve. That means managing our tax dollars wisely, continually examining the performance of city departments and programs,
and preparing accurate estimates of the budget so that the Mayor and City Council can make informed decisions on spending tax dollars. Many of the services of which I speak are necessary to sustain life. The city provides the water you drink and the sewage system to carry away waste, the roads you use to get to work and the ambulance that would come in an emergency. Much more, however, is at stake for our existence as a free people. I want my daughters to know and appreciate how much has been sacrificed for our right to vote, and how the long struggle for civil rights sadly continues today. I want them to understand the power that comes with freedom, and how quickly it can be lost. I want them to grow up and hold candidates and elected officials fully accountable for the trust we place in them. In short, I want them to exercise their right to vote, and to teach their children to do the same. Please join me and vote in this and every election. Election Day is November 8. Early voting begins October 24. Thank you.
Jefferson
INSIDE Candidates RESPOND to Questions Asked by Houston Business Connections Publisher.......................2B 2005 Internet Poll Results.................2B Proposed Constitutional Amendments On The November 8, 2005 Ballot.....3B Online Voting Results On Propositions.......................................3B
Houston City Controller
First Time Using e-Slate?.................7B
Rosa Parks Was A Noble Princes From God By Reverend Jesse Jackson
Jackson
“We are saddened by the passing of Rosa Parks. We rejoice in her legacy, which will never die. In many ways, history is marked as before, and after, Rosa Parks. She sat down in order that we all might stand up, and the walls of segregation came down.
Paradoxically, her imprisonment opened the doors to our long journey to freedom. Known as the mother of the civil rights movement, she wove glory with grace. History knocked on her door, and with quiet courage she answered with non-negotiable dignity. She offered her body as a living sacrifice. She embodied the
hopes, healing and the longing of three centuries of prayers and the desire for freedom. Her light in darkness illuminated the path for the majestic leadership of Dr. King. Together, they changed the course of American and world history. Long live the glory of this noble princess from God, Rosa Parks. Ironically I am in South Africa
NOW PUBLISHED BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS • 832.212.8735
as the guest of Nelson Mandela preparing to meet with him to discuss poverty, peace and freedom. These three giants, Rosa Parks, Dr. King and Mandela - without bombs, bullets or wealth - have shown the awesome power of right over might in history’s long journey toward peace and freedom.”
• NOVEMBER SPECIAL REPORT • 1B