BUSINESS CONNECTIONS HOUSTON
WHAT’S NEXT FOR MARIA T. JACKSON? M
Houston Business Connections Newspaper is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All Rights Reserved.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
Maria “Terri” Jackson
Durrell K. Douglas, founder of Houston Justice, a non-profit, nonpartisan grassroots organization empowering Houston communities through civic engagement, homeless outreach, and voter contact summarized it best when he said, “I have my fingers crossed there’s something even bigger for Judge Maria Jackson. Whatever it is, I’ll help however I can! She’s the real deal.” MORE INFORMATION ON PAGE 2A
PEOPLE TO WATCH
Many Democrats are pondering what lies ahead for Maria “Terri’ Jackson — and rightly so. Electing to not run for reelection in 2020 had to be a tough decision for Judge Jackson. However, if this is what she’s decided to do, you can rest assured that it’s a calculated move for her. I think
80TH DISTRICT COURT SPOTLIGHT
A KEY WOMAN TO WATCH IN THE 2020 PRIMARY
PUBLISHER’S OPINION
To Forgive or Not to Forgive? Attorney Jeralynn C. Manor, Will Seek
A
to Unseat Judge Larry Weiman in 2020
A lot of folks look back on the 2016 Presidential Election as a turning point in Harris County politics. However, the 2016 election cycle was more about what was happening at the top-of-the-ballot in the race for President of the United States between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump than it was about individual down-ballot judicial races. Get this, every Democrat running for office back in 2016, including Judge Larry Weiman in the race for the 80th Civil District Court enjoyed
a 70,367 “STRAIGHT-TICKET” voting advantage over their Republican counterparts. So, the 2016 election cycle was more of a “COLLECTIVE ACHIEVEMENT”, or victory for the Harris County Democratic Party as a whole, than it was about individual strength of the Democratic ballot. After all, comparatively speaking, 472,030 Democrats voted a “STRAIGHT-TICKET” back in the 2016 Presidential Election in Harris County, versus 401,663 Republicans. PAGE 14B
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Walking around in unforgiveness is a form of imprisonment. So, by forgiving the person who has wronged you, or your family you free yourself. The person unwilling to forgive is holding themself hostage. Look, I am not a preacher, a saint, or a theologian; but I was raised in the church. That being said, please be reminded of Mark 11:25: "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” What this means is that if we have anything against anyone, we should forgive them, just like we have been forgiven of our trespasses by God.”
Former police officer Amber Guyger given 10-years, and forgiveness by the brother of the man she murdered. “I love you like anyone else,” he said.
TWO DEMOCRATS TO WATCH IN 2020 WEIMAN
AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
Candance White is a Democrat who is planning to run for the 339th State District Court Bench in the Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Democratic Party Primary. Candance White began her career as an environmental lawyer in 1993 with a Fortune 500 Oil Company as a graduate from the University of Texas School of Law. She went on to obtain her Masters in Law (LLM) from the University of Houston Law Center in 2002. Her thesis was
“Environmental Justice and the Clean Air Act.” Te'iva Johnson Bell is a Democrat who is also running for the seat Judge Maria T. Jackson stepped down from. Democrats will be able to vote for Te’iva Johnson Bell and other candidates vying for the 339th State District Court bench on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 in the Democratic Party Primary for Harris County, Texas. Early voting will begin on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, and end on Friday, February 28, 2020. Te’iva Johnson Bell currently works as an Assistant Public Defender for Harris County, Texas.
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com Attorney Candance White
Attorney Te’iva Bell
DEMOCRATIC
02A
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
Happenings
...PEOPLE ON THE MOVE!
“Keep a Close Eye on Former Judge Maria “Terri’ Jackson in 2020.”
S
®
281.788.3033
Something tells me that we haven’t heard the last of Maria “Terri” Jackson. Nope, she won’t be on the ballot in the Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Democratic Primary running for re-election in the race for the 339th Criminal District Court. However, I would strongly encourage you to keep a close eye on Jackson between now and the Monday, December 9, 2019 filing deadline for candidates seeking to earn 2020 Democratic Party nominations. At this time, Attorney Candance White, and Attorney Te’iva Johnson Bell are two of the women vying to become judge of the 339th District Court in 2020. But I’m sure they won’t be alone.
A
(281)788-3033
©
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA Parkway #251 I Houston, Texas 77058 Email: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com
FORMER JUDGE MARIA “TERRI” JACKSON IS THE REAL DEAL
According to her website, Judge Maria T. Jackson has been the presiding Judge of the 339th State District Court in Houston, Harris County, Texas since the 2008 Presidential Election. Judge Jackson presides over serious felony offenses, which run the gamut from low-level drug offenses to capital murder. She has presided over well-over one hundred jury trials, and several have been featured on The First 48 Hours national television show. She has appeared on many Houston radio and media outlets like Red, White and Blue Political Show, Magic 102, KCOH, and The Prison Show on FM 90.1. While on the bench, Judge Jackson took the lead in implementing sweeping changes for DWI probationers in her court. The changes made by Judge Jackson, while on the bench, were so notable that the Harris County Probation Department followed her lead in implementing them countywide.
Education
at Arlington Doctor of Jurisprudence Texas A&M School of Law formerly Texas Wesleyan School of Law
Professional Experience
Judge Jackson has served by appointment of the Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice as the presiding Judge in Cameron County, Texas. The United States Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, the District Attorneys of Alabama, and the National Judicial College selected Judge Jackson as one of twentyfour judges from across the country to receive training at the National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI). In 2003-2008, Judge Jackson was appointed by the Mayor and City Council as a Fulltime Municipal Court Judge for the City of Houston. During her tenure as a Municipal Court Judge, she also served as a trainer and instructor for the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center. She was a Municipal Bond Attorney and a certified Mediator.
Recognition
Learn more at: www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com
Judge Jackson’s passion for public service has not gone unnoticed. Her service to the community has led several organizations to recognize her. Judge Jackson was named “Best Criminal Court Judge of 2011” by the Houston Press, making her the first African American woman to be given this honor. D-Mars.com Business Journal awarded Judge Jackson the People’s Choice Award for two consecutive years in 2012 and 2013. In 2014, Judge Jackson was named one of the “Top 30 Most Influential Women of Houston.” In 2015, Judge Jackson was recognized again for her judicial service to the community by the Lebanon Times magazine. She was a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Black Heritage Honoree, a Houston Bar Association-CLE distinguished member, and recognized by Houston’s Influential 40 Under 40. The Houston Sun honored Judge Jackson the “Women of Power and Purpose” award in 2013. In addition to breaking the barriers for minority women in the legal profession, Judge Jackson broke barriers for Houston Municipal judges by being the first judge to be acknowledged by the
Mayor’s Spotlight City of Houston employee newspaper. In addition to her accomplishments at the state level, Judge Jackson has been recognized as a “Woman of Now” hall of fame honoree by the U.S. House of Representatives, 18th Congressional.
Professional Activities and Memberships
Judge Jackson’s devotion does not stop at public service. She is also a devoted member to her profession and her alma mater Texas A&M University School of Law formerly Texas Wesleyan School of Law. Judge Jackson serves on the Board of District Judges, where she chairs the Security Committee and serves on the Administration of Justice and the Legislative Committee. She serves on the Mental Health Task Force Board. She is currently a member of the State Bar of Texas, Texas State Bar College, Garland R. Walker American Inns of Court, American Bar Association, Houston Lawyers Association, Houston Bar Association, and the Mexi-
can American Bar Association. She serves on the Harris County Bench Bar Pro Bono Awards Committee. She is a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and the Houston Bar Foundation. She previously served as past Co-Chair on the Speakers Bureau Committee for the Houston Bar Association and the Board of Directors for Texas A&M University School of Law.
Community Involvement
When Judge Jackson is not pursuing her passion for the law, she serves her community by volunteering as a mentor for at-risk youth, high school students, law students, and young lawyers. She is a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She is an active member of the Houston Chapter of Links, Inc., where she serves as Chair on the Services to Youth program. She is a sustaining member of the Harris County Democratic Party. She is a member of the Lakewood Church. She is also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com B.A. Political Science The University of Texas
Awards and
EMAIL YOUR PRESS RELEASE TO AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION AT: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com
“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
®
832.212.8735
“I’M HONORED TO BE YOUR JUDGE!”
“As your judge of the 246th Family District Court, I promise to always serve on this bench with compassion, integrity, and respect.” — JUDGE ANGELA GRAVES-HARRINGTON
“I’M GRATEFUL FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT!” Dear Harris County Voters:
It is indeed an honor and privilege to serve as your judge for the 246th Family District Court in Harris County. Before being elected to the bench, I often reflected on events that have caused me to question the integrity of our courts. In January 2017, President Obama implored us to “grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office” if we were disappointed in our elected officials. As fate would have it, after I entertained the thought of running for judge, I was in the audience when Congressman Castro said, “it’s time to get off the sideline and do something.” At that moment, I knew my time to effectuate change had come, and with your prayers and support, we did it! I practiced law for over a decade before becoming your judge of the 246th Family District Court. During my time on the other side of the bench, I represented clients in all phases of litigation, from mediations and arbitrations to bench and jury trials. Actively practicing law before becoming a Judge has given me a wealth of technical knowledge, but my family has been the most integral factor in preparing me to serve as a family court judge. As a wife of nearly 16 years (and counting) and mother of two sons, I understand the compassion and empathy required during times of discord and conflict. The practicality of daily family life, coupled with my years of experience representing families, has given me a unique perspective on life and the job I’ve been hired to do. As an officer of the court, I observed judges completely disregarding the rule of law and rendering decisions based on feelings (and sometimes favoritism). Litigants in Harris County courts deserve able, fair, and independent jurists on the bench and I am honored to say that I am already making a difference in Harris County, Texas. As your judge, I am fully committed to interpreting the law honestly and integrally. Every person who enters my courtroom can be confident that my rulings will be based solely on the merits of his or her case. I can assure you that justice is (now) administered in the 246th Family District Court in a fair, compassionate and impartial manner. My courtroom will continue to be one where we treat everyone with the respect he or she deserves. As your judge, I promise to always serve on this bench with compassion, integrity, and respect. May God continue to bless you and yours. Your Public Servant,
Judge Angela Graves-Harrington 246th Family District Court, Harris County, Texas
246TH FAMILY
DISTRICT COURT
“I would like to take this moment to thank a few of the organizations that endorsed me back in 2018.” — Judge Angela Graves-Harrington AFL-CIO, Harris County Labor Assembly COPE Clear Lake and Webster (CLAW) Bar Association Communication Workers of America, Local 6222 Houston Chronicle (2018 Democratic Primary) Mexican American Bar Association Houston Houston Black American Democrats Harris County Tejano Democrats
Association of Women Attorneys Texas Coalition of Black Democrats - Houston Chapter Texas Progressive Executive Council Houston GLBT Political Caucus Pleasantville Voters League International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 716 Bay Area Democratic Movement
Political Advertising paid for by Angela L. Harrington Campaign, 12 Rothwell Street, Houston, Texas 77002. Darryl D. Harrington, Treasurer, in compliance with the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.
Judge Angela Graves-Harrington will be up for re-election in 2022.
“VOTE FINCH TO THE BENCH” Back in 2018 Toria J. Finch was“PROUDLY’ endorsed by:
Texas Coalition of Black Democrats The Houston Chronicle Tejano Democrats Our Revolution Houston Lawyers Association AFL-CIO Houston GLBT Political Caucus Pasadena Bar Association Area 5 Democrats Northeast Harris County Ministers Alliance Houston Black American Democrats Houston Association of Women Attorneys Texas Organizing Project
Judge Toria J. Finch HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW NO. 9
Thank You, Harris County, Texas for Your Vote!!!
We did it! Winning could not have been possible without you. When I announced my candidacy for Judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 9, on July 28th, 2017, I knew that we could win no matter the challenges and adversity that we would face. We won our campaign because of your confidence, your contributions, your prayers, your sacrifices, your unwavering support, and your time. I look forward to continuing to serve Harris County, Texas well and making your vote count each day that I take the bench as your newly elected Presiding Judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 9. Because of Your Vote, Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 9 will be a court for the People, where the three tenets of Truth, Justice, and Fairness will abound.
Sincerely,
Hon. Toria J. Finch Presiding Judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 9
JUDGE TORIA J. FINCH CONTINUES TO MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT!
As of January, 1, 2019, Judge Toria J. Finch and her fellow Democratic County Criminal Court at Law Judges Continue to make Your Vote Count:
• Dismissal of the appeal in the ongoing federal bail bond lawsuit • Misdemeanor offender jail population is steadily decreasing • Increased percentages of personal recognizance bonds with appropriate conditions are being issued • New specialty courts are being created to address the needs of our community • Several ongoing efforts aimed at fixing errors and reforming the criminal justice system with innovative ideas to address: discriminatory practices and policies, disproportionate sentencing, increased diversion opportunities, judicial efficiency, mass incarceration, responsible judicial spending of taxpayer dollars, treatment-based rehabilitation, and bridging the gap between the community and the courts.
Judge Toria J. Finch will be up for re-election in 2022.
WWW.VOTETORIAFINCH.COM Truth, Justice, and Fairness
My Court Team from Left to Right: Sheri Gilbert, Court Coordinator, Diana Ramos, Court Reporter, Carmen Sanchez, Court Liaison Officer (CLO), and Deputy Kirk Fretty, Court Bailiff (Not Pictured).
Pd. Pol. Ad by Vote Toria J. Finch for Judge Campaign, in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, Pedro Danilo Quezada, Treasurer
TEXAS CAN’T KEEP WAITING
“
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
05A
“
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
It's time to stop the exploitation of student athletes. College tuition, room and board, and food, together, are not enough to constitute a fair share of the billions of dollars generated by student athletes. It's past time to end the NCAA monopoly over college sports.
I
By Carroll G. Robinson
If Texas wants to generate more revenue for our public schools, institutions of higher education and mental health services, without raising state taxes, we need to legalize sports betting, casino gaming and decriminalize, regulate and tax marijuana. Legalizing gambling and decriminalizing marijuana will also help reduce crime and allow us to better protect Texans. The Legislature should do those things during a Special Session this year to address gun violence and gun safety, in Texas. We don't have to keep waiting on Congress to do something to protect our children and ourselves. It's also time for the Texas legislature to stand up to the NCAA and join California and other states in allowing college athletes to earn a fair and equitable share of the billions of dollars they generate for their colleges and universities as well as media networks. It's time to stop the exploitation of student athletes. College tuition, room and board, and food, together, are not enough to constitute a fair share of the billions of dollars generated by student athletes. It's past time to end the NCAA monopoly over college sports. The Legislature also needs to get to work on protecting our privacy online. We can't keep waiting on Congress to do it. We also need to start studying the impact of artificial intelligence (A.I.) on the future of the Texas economy and employment across our state. We also need to know how A.I. Is being used to drive government decision making and any negative impact that it’s having on Texans. It's time to start moving Texas into the future to protect Texans against climate change and environmental injustice, ensuring that the so-called gig economy does not drive up inequality, poverty, hunger and homelessness across our state.
In order to help secure a brighter more prosperous future for the state of Texas, the Legislature needs to be proactive on several issues that we are confronted with now and those that we know will impact us in the not so distant future. Indecision OPINION and delay will cause us to be stagnate and miss opportunities that could help us have the resources needed to improve education, reduce crime and poverty and provide a better quality of life for all Texans.
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com “It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
®
832.212.8735
06A
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
STARTING NEW TRADITIONS: “We are starting new traditions in Harris County Misdemeanor Veterans Court. If you ever have free time, please come see how Veterans with Mental Health diagnosis and criminal charges are changing the narrative. Criminal Justice Reform must include mental heath!” — JUDGE ERICA HUGHES
Judge
ERICA HUGHES
JUSTICE
“HERSTORY”
INTEGRITY
Judge Erica Hughes will be up for re-election in 2022.
ALWAYS READY TO SERVE
JUDGE ERICA HUGHES UNSEATED THE REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT JUDGE NATALIE C. FLEMING BACK ON NOVEMBER 6, 2018 IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS — SHE WILL BE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION IN THE MARCH 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
In case you don’t know, Judge Erica Hughes would have still defeated Republican Judge Natalie C. Fleming in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court at Law No. 3 – even without the 105,158 straight-ticket voting cushion she received from Democratic voters in Harris County, Texas back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the midterm election. Here’s why: Erica Hughes received 659,197 overall votes. When you subtract the 515,812 straight-ticket votes, you come up with 143,385 votes. Com-
paratively speaking, if you subtract the 410,654 straight-ticket votes, Judge Natalie C. Fleming received from her overall vote total of 521,594 you come up with 110,940 votes. So, in essence, even if you hypothetically stripped away the straight-ticket votes received by Erica Hughes back in 2018, she would have still unseated Judge Fleming by approximately 32,445 votes back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the midterm election in my opinion.
®
THIS MOMENT IN TEXAS HISTORY...
“Women like Judge Erica Hughes are “PROOF-POSITIVE” that dreams do indeed come true for those of us who are bold enough to believe in ourselves. So, I implore you to make it your business to go after the dream that’s been placed in your heart during this pivotal time in the history of our great nation. God bless!”
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com — DON’T FORGET THAT “STRAIGHT-TICKET” VOTING IS NO LONGER ALLOWED IN THE STATE OF TEXAS —
Political advertising paid for by Erica R. Hughes in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.
“Judge Erica Hughes will be up for re-election in the March 2022 Democratic Party Primary in Harris County, Texas. Judge Erica Hughes cares about every American.”
®
832.212.8735
JUDGE SEDRICK T. WALKER II
"I am extremely grateful to the voters of Harris County for electing me as Judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 11. The 2018 election presented an opportunity to achieve impactful change in our government, and the citizens of Harris County turned out in historic numbers to make their voices heard. I have been given an incredible responsibility, and I am committed to serving on this bench with impartiality, honor, and professionalism." — JUDGE SEDRICK T. WALKER II
HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW NO. 11 ABOUT JUDGE WALKER
Judge Sedrick T. Walker II is a Houston native and graduate of Texas A&M University. He graduated with honors from A&M in 2005 with a B.S. in Political Science. After graduating from University of Texas School of Law in Austin, he worked as a prosecutor at the Harris County District Attorney's Office from 2009 to 2012 where he handled thousands of cases ranging from misdemeanors to 1st-degree felonies. His experience included working on every aspect of cases from the initial filing stage, gathering evidence, making grand jury presentations in felony cases, and ultimately the trial phase. As an Assistant DA, he was recognized for his willingness to work long hours, fairness in negotiations with the defense bar, and a constant commitment to a prosecutor’s ultimate duty – to seek justice, not merely to convict. After working tirelessly in the criminal courtrooms of Harris County for many years he decided to run for the Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 11 bench and won, back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Judge Sedrick T. Walker brings a reasonable and even-keeled approach to the bench and is committed to ensuring that everyone entering his courtroom is treated with professionalism, dignity, and respect. ———————————————————
Judge Sedrick T. Walker II will be up for re-election in 2022.
www.sedrickforjudge.com
FAIR FOCUSED FORWARD-THINKING
PAID POLITICAL AD BY SEDRICK T. WALKER II FOR JUDGE CAMPAIGN, IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY LIMITS OF THE JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN FAIRNESS ACT.
FATHER. JUDGE. MILITARY VETERAN.
DASEAN JUDGE
“
JONES 180TH
CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
We must be careful in how we distribute “justice”. The system has the potential to build, destroy, or do nothing. Too often the choice is to label rather than understand. Someone once told me that no matter how you spin the needle on the wheel of justice the poor, black, brown, addicted, and mentally impaired consistently face disadvantage. Studies show that many crimes are the outcome of social ills. Yet, our leaders are more focused on being agencies of punishment and brutality. If we are honest, we should seek to pull out the roots of the problems — Defeat the impetus as opposed to suppressing the outcomes in perpetuity.”
Judge DaSean Jones will be up for re-election in 2022.
NOT AFRAID TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS.
As an undergraduate at Tuskegee University, DaSean Jones was a member of Army ROTC. He graduated from college and immediately commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. DaSean attended the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course and volunteered for his first duty station in Uijongbu, Korea, where he worked as a Multiple Launcher Rocket System Platoon Leader. The Army taught DaSean how to make tough, life changing decisions. And as Judge of the 180th Criminal District Court he’s afforded the unique opportunity to leverage the lessons obtained from his experience as an Army combat arms officer to make tough decisions for the men and women of Harris County, Texas.
WWW.DASEANJONESFORJUDGE.COM Political advertising paid for by DaSean Jones for Judge, Tony Eiland, Treasurer, in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.
“Making Law and Order EQUAL Justice.” “Hacer que la Ley y el Orden Sean IGUALES a la Justicia.”
JUDGE DEDRADAVIS 270th CIVIL DISTRICT COURT Dear Harris County:
I want to thank the voters of Harris County, Texas for entrusting me with the honor of serving as your judge of the 270th Civil District Court. Since taking the bench, I have held to the promises I made while campaigning to be your public servant back in 2018. “Making Law and Order Equal Justice” isn’t just a slogan I made up – it’s a commitment I’ve made to you! I believe every citizen should have a voice and receive a fair day in court. I don’t know about other courtrooms, but in the 270th Civil District Court we treat everyone who enters this courtroom with all of the dignity and respect they deserve by putting “JUSTness” into justice as I rule with a firm, yet compassionate hand. I love our young people and believe they are our future. One of the ways we help our young people who are a part of civil cases is to allow them to come up onto the bench so they can
see themselves from a position of power and strength. I believe how we see ourselves is extremely important. That’s why, since taking the bench, I’ve allowed over 400 students from various public schools in our area to sit in the judge’s seat in the 270th Civil District Court. I also love our young adults. One of the ways I am helping to shape the lives of young adults is to have them serve as interns in the 270th Civil District Court. Since taking the bench, I’ve hired over fifteen interns from the Houston area. Before becoming your judge, for the 270th Civil District Court, I served as a lawyer for 21years, with almost ten years as a civil litigation paralegal, and 23 years as a Certified Mediator. I’m Dedra Davis, and I’m “Making Law and Order EQUAL Justice,” in Harris County’s 270th Civil District Court.
Judge Dedra Davis Sincerely,
Judge Dedra Davis 270th Civil District Court Harris County, Texas
Facebook - DedraDavisForJudge
Twitter - @DedraDavisWins
Instagram - @DedraDavisForJudge
Judge Dedra Davis will be up for re-election in 2022.
www.DedraDavisForJudge.com
PAID POLITICAL AD BY DEDRA DAVIS FOR JUDGE CAMPAIGN, IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY LIMITS OF THE JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN FAIRNESS ACT, TOI ANDERSON, CPA, TREASURER.
10A
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
"JUDGE SONYA HEATH IS A FAIR AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY JUDGE!"
A
Meet Judge Sonya Heath
Judge Sonya Heath will be up for re-election in 2022.
A judge must be knowledgeable, fair and impartial. Sonya's relevant familiarity and involvement in the process, with 30+ years of legal-related service, (9 years as a licensed attorney, and 23 years as a civil litigation assistant), equip her to be that judge who can identify and understand the distresses and hards h i p s t h a t f a m i l i e s e n c o u n t e r. Thereby equipping her to assist them in getting back some semblance of their previous lives, and with any success, restore their broken families. Sonya's previous experience (before being elected to the bench back in 2018) includes The Craig Washington Law Firm, the First Court of Appeals as a judicial intern and Vice Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association's Family Law Committee. During 2008-2009, she was Vice Chair, Employee Benefits General Committee, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section of the ABA, and she has served on several committees in the Mexican American Bar Association. In 2006, she was a Court Appointed Special Advocate in Rock County, Wisconsin. Sonya's law practice, accomplishments and committee involvement have prepared her to be a very good judge. Her wealth of experience and first-hand knowledge provide Sonya with the tools that are necessary to be
“HERSTORY” JUDGE SONYA HEATH UNSEATED THE REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT JUDGE LISA A. MILLARD BACK ON NOVEMBER 6, 2018 IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS — SHE WILL BE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION IN THE MARCH 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
In case you don’t know, Judge Sonya Heath would have still defeated Republican Judge Lisa A. Millard in the race for Judge, 310th Family District Court – even without the 105,158 straightticket voting cushion she received from Democratic voters in Harris County, Texas back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the midterm election. Here’s why: Sonya Heath received 663,582 overall votes. When you subtract the 515,812 straight-ticket votes, you come up with 147,770 votes. Comparatively speaking, if you subtract the 410,654 straight-ticket votes, Judge Lisa A. Millard received from her overall vote total of 517,767 you come up with 107,113 votes. So, in essence, even if
you stripped away the straight-ticket votes received by Judge Sonya Heath back in 2018 she would have still hypothetically unseated the incumbent by approximately 40,657 votes back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the midterm election in my opinion.
®
THIS MOMENT IN TEXAS HISTORY...
“Women like Judge Sonya Heath are “PROOF-POSITIVE” that dreams do indeed come true for those of us who are bold enough to believe in ourselves. So, I implore you to make it your business to go after the dream that’s been placed in your heart during this pivotal time in the history of our great nation. God bless!”
a fair and knowledgeable judge. In her personal life, Sonya enjoys and has participated in the BP MS150 cycling event (150+ miles from Houston to Austin). The fundraising event is held annually and serves to bring hope to many who are affected by multiple sclerosis. Sonya recently completed her tenure as President of the University Area Rotary Club, and was very active with the United States – Russian Intercountry Committee Rotary Exchange. Sonya also enjoys reading and being actively involved with her church, First United Methodist, downtown branch. Sonya has two adult sons, Christopher and Nicholas, who wholeheartedly support her in this campaign. Her experience, as well as commitment to improving the lives of families, makes her the best candidate for Judge of the 310th Family District Court. By supporting Heath4Judge, you are aiding Sonya and her commitment to supporting families.
— DON’T FORGET THAT “STRAIGHT-TICKET” VOTING IS NO LONGER ALLOWED IN THE STATE OF TEXAS —
Political advertisement paid for by Sonya Heath in Compliance with the Voluntary Limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, Melinda Schmidt, Treasurer.
QUALIFIED Judge Sandra Peake will be up for re-election in 2022.
PEAKE Judge
EXPERIENCED
FAIR
257th DEMOCRAT
Family District Court
“FAMILIES FIRST!”
“Prior to becoming the Judge for the 257th Family District Court I practiced before these Courts for more than 30 years. So, I am very sensitive when it comes to the unique issues that arise in family law cases. I believe the citizens of Harris County deserve consistent application of law, courtesy and fairness. And as your Judge for the 257th Family District Court I am up to the challenge of ensuring judicial excellence by ruling decisively and with impartiality.” — JUDGE SANDRA J. PEAKE, 257TH FAMILY DISTRICT COURT IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
“FAMILIES MATTER!”
THE HONORABLE JUDGE SANDRA J. PEAKE
In voluntary compliance with the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. Political ad paid for by the Sandra Peake for Judge Campaign, David G. Peake, Treasurer
J
2022
- TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2022 -
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Harris County Civil Court at Law #2
Judge Jim Kovach graduated from The University of Houston Law School in 1991 after earning a BBA in Marketing from The University of Texas. Having spent 26 years as an attorney in Harris County, before becoming the Judge for Harris County Civil Court at Law #2, Jim successfully handled more than 10,000 cases. His former law firm represented both Plaintiffs and Defendants, so, his balanced legal experience serves as a great asset to him on the bench. Judge Kovach reviews every case impartially, and not based on some preconceived biases. Whether a person is represented by an attorney or representing themselves, he believes everyone should start the case without any side having an unfair advantage or head start in the courtroom.
Harris VOTE Coun TO RE-ELECT J ty Civ UDGE WWW JIM F i l C ourt a . KOVACH .KOVA t Law CHFOR #2 JU
DGE.C O
M
“LIFE MAY NOT BE FAIR, BUT JUDGES SHOULD BE.”
JUDGE JIM KOVACH: “I believe everyone should start the case without any side having an unfair advantage or head start in the courtroom.”
Pol. adv. Jim Kovach Campaign. April Ayers, Treasurer. In compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.
ATRUE GEM...
“…In short, this courtroom dealing with youthful offenders needs an overhaul, and the impressive Moore exhibits the commitment to fair and impartial justice that is currently lacking.”
“We’ve searched the Harris County archives and cannot find any election returns from a past Presidential Election Cycle or Midterm Election Cycle showing a woman of color gaining more (Harris County) countywide votes than the 674,976 gained by Michelle Moore back in the Tuesday, November 6, 2018 Midterm Election. So, from a historical perspective, Judge Michelle Moore is indeed a true gem.” – Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©
Judge Michelle Moore is Genuine
I care about the children and families of Harris County. I dedicated my entire legal career to serving the public be-
fore becoming your Judge for the 314th Juvenile District Court in Harris County, Texas. I understand the challenges that modern families face and I promise to make decisions that fit your situation while following the law.
Judge Moore brings a Fresh Perspective to the Bench
I truly believe that all children need love. Adoption is a fundamental necessity in our society. According to openly published statistics, as of June 2017, over 2,386 children in Harris County were in foster
homes. I intend to do everything within my power as Judge of the 314th Juvenile District Court to reunify families whenever it is safe to do so.
Judge Moore Has a Plan
I believe a three-prong approach is key when working with our troubled youth: rehabilitation programs (plus) mentorship (plus) education is my focus. I recognize being in a court of law can be very stressful. Knowing this, I treat every person who comes into the 314th Juvenile District Court with dignity and respect.
Judge Michelle Moore will be up for re-election in 2022.
www.michellemoorefor314th.com
JUDGE TONYA JONES HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 15
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Dear Harris County Voters:
Judge Tonya Jones will be up for re-election in 2022.
“As your judge of Harris County Criminal County at Law No.15, I am committed to the task for which you have elected me. I will remain accessible and accountable to the vision of a progressive criminal justice system.”
— Judge Tonya Jones, County Criminal Court at Law No. 15
JUDGE TONYA JONES: “Allow me to introduce you to the heart of Court #15. They hold me down and without them I wouldn’t be able to focus on being the best judge I can be. There are no “big I’s or little you’s”...I don’t have staff, I have a team...and my team is pretty solid.”
Political ad paid for by Tonya Jones for Judge in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, D'Lenya Jones, Treasurer
JUDGE LASHAWN A. WILLIAMS “Trusted Administration of Justice with Courtesy and Respect.”
HA RR IS C
OU NTY
CIV
IL C
OU RT AT L
AW NO .3
“I am honored to serve the extraordinary families, communities, and businesses of this great county in Texas!” — Judge Williams
FOREVER GRATEFUL DEAR HARRIS COUNTY VOTERS:
Judge LaShawn Williams will be up for re-election in 2022.
Not a day has gone by that I have not given thanks to God for bestowing the honor of serving as the judge for Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 3 upon me. An event such as winning an election is life-altering. My team and I worked hard to win back in the 2018 midterms. I lost count of all the places I visited, meeting wonderful people like you. You all gave me encouragement and the much-needed strength to campaign hard. You helped me silence doubt and enabled me to forge forward in faith — trusting God. I could not have done it without you. Since taking the bench back in January, my court staff and I have conducted over 13 jury trials and have received overwhelmingly good feedback from the 78 jurors who’ve performed their civic duty. These 78 jurors reported by a survey that Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 3 is doing a great job in the areas of staff performance, efficiency, courtesy, trial management, and the Court’s preparedness. When asked if they would serve again as jurors based on their experience in County Civil Court at Law No. 3, I’m pleased to inform you that
98% of the jurors said they would. I am eternally grateful for your support, and extend my endless and forever thank you for all that you have done to help me take my rightful place as judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 3. You all are wonderful, and I know that you have high expectations of judicial excellence of me. I look forward to meeting and exceeding your expectations every day I take the bench. Winning my election was a huge step in a great journey. But I look forward to earning your future support and humbly ask for your prayers as my staff, and I strive to make a real difference in Harris County, Texas. Humbly yours,
LaShawn A. Williams Judge, Harris County Civil Court at Law #3
WWW.LAWFORJUDGE.COM
*Pol. Ad. Paid for by Campaign for LaShawn A. Williams for Judge, in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Act. Michelle Boldon, Treasurer
PROUDLY SERVING HARRIS COUNTY WITH JUDICIAL EFFICIENCY!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
“I am thankful for every Harris County voter who cast their ballot to elect me as judge for County Criminal Court at Law #2 back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. I promise to serve you with impartiality and blind-fold justice. I am appreciative that you’ve bestowed this honor upon me and want you to know that I will adhere to the laws as written. I will be firm, yet fair, and I will evenhandedly work to ensure that no person is pressured to enter plea agreements because of oppressive bond amounts. As your judge of County Criminal Court at Law #2, I will make informed decisions to ensure the punishment fits the crime committed and all people receive indiscriminate treatment in my courtroom.”
2022 BOWMAN
“HERSTORY” - TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2022 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
JUDGE RONNISHA BOWMAN UNSEATED THE REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT JUDGE BILL HARMON BACK ON NOVEMBER 6, 2018 IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS — SHE WILL BE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION IN THE MARCH 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
One of the things I love most about Judge Ronnisha Bowman is the fact that she is battle-tested. I mean, she just knows how to win. While she was the underdog in both of her 2018 contests, she (in my book) proved that she can stand on her own and duke it out with the best of them! Yes, she gained my respect back on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, in the Democratic Primary when she faced off against fellow Democrat Harold J. Landreneau. While some doubted this rising “DEMOCRATIC STAR” she showed poise, grace, faith in God, and confidence in her ability to get the job done! And after the smoke had cleared, Ronnisha Bowman had amassed 74,045 votes for 53.07 percent of the vote while Landreneau fell short with 65.491 votes for 46.93 percent of the vote. But she wasn’t done! After taking out her fellow Democrat, Bowman turned her attention to the November 2018 midterms in what was supposed to be her toughest challenge – unseating the incumbent at the time, Republican Judge Bill Harmon. While many doubted her once again, calling her young and inexperienced, she took it all in stride and kept her eyes firmly affixed on her goal of becoming judge for Harris County Criminal Court #2. And in the end, her hard work, determination, tenacity,
JUDGE, COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW #2
and unwavering faith in God propelled her to victory. “I trust God,” she proclaimed to me on Election Night as she looked back over her life in amazement at God’s faithfulness. In case you don’t remember, Ronnisha Bowman (as a candidate) earned 650,963 votes for 55.24 percent of the vote back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the Midterm Election, to unseat Republican Judge Bill Harmon who could only muster 527,402 votes for 44.76 percent of the vote. So, when you hear uninformed folk say that straightticket voting is the only reason Democrats swept through Harris County, Texas back in 2018 – please share Judge Ronnisha Bowman’s inspiring story with them. After all, even if you stripped away every straight-ticket vote she received back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, she would have still hypothetically unseated the incumbent judge at the time by more than 18,403 votes in my opinion.
®
THIS MOMENT IN TEXAS HISTORY...
“Women like Judge Ronnisha Bowman are “PROOF-POSITIVE” that dreams do indeed come true for those of us who are bold enough to believe in ourselves. So, I implore you to make it your business to go after your dream during this pivotal time in the history of our great nation. God bless!”
— DON’T FORGET THAT “STRAIGHT-TICKET” VOTING IS NO LONGER ALLOWED IN THE STATE OF TEXAS — PAID POLITICAL AD BY RONNISHA BOWMAN FOR JUDGE CAMPAIGN, IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY LIMITS OF THE JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN FAIRNESS ACT, KEN D. HOUSE - TREASURER.
GROUND GAME ...HARRIS COUNTY
DISTRICT J
“I’m asking for the vote of every registered Houston City Council District J voter on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Please cast your ballot for me.” — NELVIN
DISTRICT D PUBLISHED BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS©
HARRIS COUNTY
MEET NELVIN ADRIATICO ON PAGE 6B
A FEW PEOPLE YOU SHOULD GET TO KNOW!
A
QUESTION: Could a December 14, 2019 Runoff Between Cave and Brailey Be in the Making? AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
As the start of early voting draws nearer, Dr. Carla Brailey continues to press forward with her methodical grassroots push to woo voters. She appears to be riding high as donations continue to roll in as she uniquely positions herself for her stretch run. Most of the “OPEN-MINDED” folks I’ve been talking to seem to like Brailey a lot in this race. A few others seem to think that Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz has an outside shot to finish in the top three or four. However, in a surprise move, the Houston Chronicle has endorsed Rashad Cave in the District D race. How much of a difference will the Houston Chronicle endorsement help Cave? Will it help him to close ground on Dr. Carla Brailey down the stretch? It may be a little bit too early to tell at this point. However, one thing is for certain, if you haven’t been watching Rashad Cave, it might be a good idea to start doing so in the race for Houston City Council District D.
AT-LARGE 5 SEE MORE INFO ON RASHAD CAVE ON PAGE
4B
CARLA BRAILEY
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
M
Dr. Marvin McNeese, Jr. is Asking for Your Vote on Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Political Advertisement paid for by Citizens for Marvin McNeese, Jr.
Marvin McNeese, Jr. is currently the Chair for the General Education Department at College of Biblical Studies in Houston where he has taught political science for more than 15 years and has served as a grant writer in the Development Department. His training in political science and economics began at Albion College in Michigan and continued at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. At the same time, he enrolled in the Teresa Lorenzo Long Institute of Latin American Studies because he wanted to understand Hispanic Americans and what life is like in their countries of heritage. After earning two master’s degrees, he took a two-year assignment with Avant Ministries in Panama, as well as numerous other residencies and trips in six other Latin American countries. He earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from Rice University in 2015.
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DR. MARVIN McNEESE, JR. PLEASE CHECK OUT PAGE
10B
Chickens coming HOME to roost
02B
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
T
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
By Gary Wade COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDER
The Chickens are coming home to roost...if you go back to my comments to the City of Houston Mayor on Thursday, January 26, 2017, I was crystal clear when I used my 3 minutes to explain that there was a serious problem with the Office of Business Opportunity. In fact, those 3 minutes ended up morphing into thirty-three minutes of questions and answers from most of the council members who were present. It is obvious that Mayor Sylvester Turner “The CEO” did not understand what I was trying to explain about the systemic issues surrounding the City of Houston’s MWBE program. Simply put, the program is not working as it was designed to work. The problem is not with just a few friends of the Mayor receiving business from the city, it is much deeper than what any average Houstonian can understand. For far too long, some of those who receive prime contracts (The Prime Contractors) have been bandits. None of the accused MWBE’s that Mr. Tony Buzbee mentioned in his press release has committed any crime(s); but being involved in a fraudulent scheme is another matter altogether. I am talking about being listed as a minority subcontractor on an approved contract and the minority subcontractor doesn’t even know that they are a party to the contract — this is a PROBLEM! You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that someone is cheating. Whether Ex-Director Wright and/or the Mayor knew that this practice was taking place on his watch is yet to be determined. So now that the chickens are coming home to roost, all of the involved parties who are afraid of what could possibly happen — SHOULD BE AFRAID!. If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, walks like a duck it’s probably a duck. As I have been suggesting for as long as I can remember, all you have to do is play by the rules. The taxpaying public elected you to be fair and impartial in all of your decision makings, but instead, you hire and/or appoint individuals who are everything but fair and impartial. Mr. Tony Buzbee’s press releases are only there to smear the Mayor. However, if the Mayor had a better handle on his administration, Mr. Buzbee would not have
Gary Wade
Businessman and Concerned Houstonian
HOUSTON CITY HALL
anything to smear the Mayor on. Having said that, the facts are facts and facts don’t lie — PEOPLE DO!!! I cannot stop thinking about me crying tears asking the Mayor and council members to stop the madness and protect the legitimate MWBE’s/taxpayers; but apparently that cry fell on deaf ears. Now that the Chickens are coming home to roost, my advice made public should have been evaluated and Mayor Turner, you should have overhauled the entire administration, but you chose to leave the same rotten ass people in the same places. What a terrible mistake. Let me again set the record straight, I am not personally accusing you on any wrongdoing, others are doing that. However, as the CEO, like you like to call yourself you are responsible for things when things are going bad. AND THINGS ARE REALLY BAD MR. CEO!!!! As the word says… “We Perish for The Lack of Knowledge”. Couple that passage of scripture with the cliché that “Everything done in the dark will come to the light” is the situation at hand. Issues that began long before Sylvester Turner became the Mayor of Houston are issues that the Mayor could and should have changed by now. MAYOR TURNER you left the same people in the same places…what did you expect? Issues don’t change unless you change the people who implanted the issues. If that is not the case it certainly looks like it is. Because of such, we need new leadership who will stand up for what is right no matter what. The culprits of this disservice to the minority community (African American) are those who are well respected in the same communities that they, themselves, are shortchanging. All that these so-called community leaders care about is their own families and friends. I am personally heading a campaign to try and correct this terrible flaw in the system that has stunted the growth of our communities for years. It is time for everyone to stand up and hold each other accountable. Some of us may die, perhaps will die, or perhaps be killed off, so that all who are legitimate and have integrity, those qualified, and certified MWDBE’s can live. It is happening right now, across all sectors; professional services, legal, construction, and many other areas. Just
like we have asked TX DOT and other governmental agencies to pack fair, the MWDBE Community has to shoulder just as much of the blame. If we lift our voices for change -- not chump change, but real change; trust me, in half the time that it has taken to get to where we are now, we can improve the economic situation for our children and their children’s future. I will not name-call in this op-ed, but those who are cheating themselves and the system must cease immediately. Over the last five (5) plus years, I have personally analyzed many so-called minority businesses in the Texas (Houston) Market who claim to provide a “Commercially Useful Function” in many different areas of the NAISC. My own personal disparity study of MWDBE’s in the Houston market that can actually perform a “Commercially Useful Function” in their areas of certification is less than 30% of those who have received the same certification from the Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP). The leaders of this great city in Texas (City of Houston) are asleep at the wheel -- it's just that simple! We need leaders in office who truly understand that the MWBE program in Houston, Texas like many other cities is systemically broken and in need of a complete overhaul.
EDITORIAL OPINION
Sylvester Turner
Mayor of Houston
GOT AN OPINION?
If you have an “EDITORIAL OPINION’ you want to see published inside Houston Business Connections Newspaper, please email it to:
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com
“The opinions expressed in this “EDITORIAL OPINION” are those of the author only. Thier opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views or opinion of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, Houston Business Connections Newspaper, our advertisers, readers, sponsors, our supporters in any way, shape, or form.
®
832.212.8735
“Bill King will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 8th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
“Mayor Sylvester Turner will be running for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 9th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
“Dwight Boykins will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 11th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.
“Tony Buzbee will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 10th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
“Sue Lovell will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. She will be the 7th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like her, you have a right to cast your ballot for her.”
“Kendall Baker will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 5th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
DISTRICT D 04B
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
Candidate for City of Houston District D Rashad Cave Receives the Endorsement from the Houston Chronicle
Houston, TX – October 4, 2019 Rashad Cave, Candidate for the City of Houston District D received the endorsement of the Houston Chronicle. Rashad Cave is a self-starting, influential leader with over 13 years of people management experience. He has a proven track record of building relationships, developing and implementing strategic plans. Cave currently serves as City Council Liaison with the City of Houston. He strengthens constituent's relationships by serving as a primary communication channel between the
Department of Neighborhoods and Houston City Council Members, fielding an average of 18 calls per week. He employs various communication methods to resolve community concerns across 7 Council Districts by influencing community leaders and the Houston City Council office. Rashad provides procedural direction pertaining to Chapter 10 code enforcement violations, resulting in a 12% increase in overall compliance; he identifies and implements solutions to improve functionality within City Programs and commission.
POLITICAL NEWS
POLITICAL AD PAID FOR BY RASHAD CAVE CAMPAIGN
Rashad is also endorsed by the ACEC (American Council of Engineering Companies). The Chronicle has recognized what we have said all long - that Rashad Cave is the best-suited person to lead District D into the future. From his knowledge of City Hall’s inner workings to the long history of working within the District, Rashad Cave is clearly the best choice for District D.
—————————————————Early voting begins Monday, October 21 - October 27, 2019. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2019
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RASHAD CAVE FOR HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT D, PLEASE VISIT: www.cave4districtd.com
GLADYS HOUSE FOR DISTRICT C ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019 HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT C SPOTLIGHT
Preservation of Neighborhoods on national and local levels; saved heritage brick streets; obtained largest historic district of its kind in America
Renamed Westheimer HPD Storefront in honor of Sgt. R.V. Wilson in 2019
Co-Founder of CDC of Greater Houston to empower residents in their neighborhoods economically Partnership for Houston neighborhood improvements
Recognized as community worker by United Nations in September of 2012 Business owner for nearly 20 years
Challenged banks to reinvest in neighborhoods since 1998
Constantly seeking transparency and justice for neighborhoods at Houston City Hall
Gladys
HOUSE
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com Political ad paid for by Elect Gladys House Campaign, Gertha Giles, Treasurer.
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
®
832.212.8735
“Derrick Broze will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 6th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
“Johnny “J.T.” Taylor will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 12th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
“Victoria Romero will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. She will be the 3rd candidate listed on your ballot. If you like her, you have a right to cast your ballot for her.”
“Naoufal Houjami will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 2nd candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
“Demetria Smith will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. She will be the 1st candidate listed on your ballot. If you like her, you have a right to cast your ballot for her.”
“Roy J. Vasquez will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 4th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
DISTRICT J
06B
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
“I’M NELVIN JOSEPH ADRIATICO AND I AM ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE ON NOV. 5, 2019.”
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
I
I came to this country with almost nothing, but through determination and hard work, I laid down my roots here and built a successful career. Since coming to this country many years ago, I have been a firm believer in the American Dream. As a husband, father, business owner and a community advocate, I have been blessed by the promise of that Dream and in-turn want to pay forward so I can continue to serve my community in a formal capacity. As an immigrant I know the struggle and the hardships of coming to a country you’re not familiar with. I want to serve and empower our community to have a voice, to be better and realized that American Dream is “real” and achievable through work hard and determination. We just need to grasp the opportunity given by being engaged, being involved and learned how to participate in the community because REPRESENTATION matters. Growing up, my Mother used to tell me, “If you want to make a change, be part of the change. You can’t complain and expect something to happen”. That
became paramount for me and became very active in joining different organizations and volunteering since I was a little. I have always advocated that REPRESENTATION matters, we cannot continue to be silent and be on the sideline especially if we want to take a stand and fight for what we believe in. We must secure a seat at the table! My bi-cultural background and focus on community collaboration and engagement has led me to several volunteer opportunities and leadership roles including: Chairman – La Rosa Multicultural Family Services; Board Member of HISD-Asian Advisory Council; Co-Chairman of Houston’s Mayor Advisory of the New Americans and Refugees; Past President – Asian Pacific American Heritage Association (APAHA); Past President – Houston Royal Oaks Lions Club Foundation (HROLCF); Board Chairman of The Alliance Multicultural Community Services; Past President of Asian Pacific American for Public Affairs
(APAPA), Vice President of Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA); and Past Chairman of Philippine American Chamber of Commerce-Texas to name a few. . I have organized several programs and projects like; Annual Back to School, Health Fair and Business Expo for the past 12 years, Adopt a Mom, Adopt a Family Christmas Program for 11yrs, Alief Health Fair, Mission and Vision Hope for Lions Club, Calamity and Relief Effort for Disaster and Impacted community to name a few. I have been serving as a Board member to three (3) Political organizations namely; 80-20 Asian American PAC; Philippine American Coalition of Texas (PACT), and Filipino American Coalition for Empowerment (FACE). I have also volunteered to help with fundraising and block-walking with our two past Mayoral candidates namely; Anise Parker and Sylvester Turner, the first time he ran. I have attended two Candidate Leadership
POLITICAL NEWS
POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR BY ADRIATICO4J CAMPAIGN
Trainings for Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) in Houston and Washington DC, and just recently became an graduate of the Victory Fund Institute Candidate Campaign and Leadership Training last April. I am currently volunteering and doing Voters Registration with PACT to increase voter turnout of Hispanic and Asian Americans in District J because of its historical lower voter turnout every election. He is married to Avinash S. Thadhani and they have a son name AJ who is currently a Junior at the University of Houston major in Political Science. Besides his passion for community service, He enjoys cooking Filipino food, singing, dancing and animals. The family has a rescue dog named Bella. Adriatico, is the recipient of the Asian Chamber of Commerce Community Ambassador Award, Fresh Spirit Wellness Legacy Unsung HERO Award, Lions Club Jack Wiech Fellow Award and Texas Association of Realtors Community HERO Neighborhood Award.
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
07B
08B
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
The Grand Tuscany Hotel 12801 Northwest Freeway Houston, TX 77040
Metropolitan Multi Service Center 1475 West Gray Street Houston, TX 77019 Texas Southern University - Terry Library 3100 Cleburne Street Houston, TX 77004
Ripley House Neighborhood Center 4410 Navigation Boulevard Houston, TX 77011
University of Houston - University Center 4800 Calhoun Road Houston, TX 77004
Moody Park Community Center 3725 Fulton Street Houston, TX 77009 Young Neighborhood Library 5107 Griggs Road Houston, TX 77021
SPJST Lodge 88 1435 Beall Street Houston, TX 77008
Kashmere Multi Service Center 4802 Lockwood Drive Houston, TX 77026 Fiesta Mart 8130 Kirby Drive Houston, TX 77054
Harris County Public Health 2223 West Loop South Freeway Houston, TX 77027 HCCS Southeast College 6960 Rustic Street Houston, TX 77087
HCC West Loop South 5601 West Loop South Houston, TX 77081 Sunnyside Multi-Service Center 9314 Cullen Boulevard Houston, TX 77051
Trini Mendenhall Community Center 1414 Wirt Road Houston, TX 77055
Acres Homes Multi Service Center 6719 West Montgomery Road Houston, TX 77091 Northeast Multi Service Center 9720 Spaulding Street Houston, TX 77016
Galena Park Library 1500 Keene Street Galena Park, TX 77547
Hardy Senior Center 11901 West Hardy Road Houston, TX 77076 Bayland Park Community Center 6400 Bissonnet Street Houston, TX 77074
John Phelps Courthouse 101 South Richey Street Pasadena, TX 77506
ENGAGING
East Harris County Activity Center 7340 Spencer Highway Pasadena, TX 77505
Baytown Community Center 2407 Market Street Baytown, TX 77520
Hiram Clarke Multi Service Center 3810 West Fuqua Street Houston, TX 77045
Octavia Fields Branch Library 1503 South Houston Avenue Humble, TX 77338
Big Stone Lodge 709 Riley Fuzzel Road Spring, TX 77373
Tracy Gee Community Center 3599 Westcenter Drive Houston, TX 77042
Prairie View A&M University Northwest 9449 Grant Road Houston, TX 77070
North Channel Branch Library 15741 Wallisville Road Houston, TX 77049
Freeman Branch Library 16616 Diana Lane Houston, TX 77062
Lone Star College Victory Center 4141 Victory Drive Houston, TX 77088
County Attorney Conference Center 1019 Congress Houston, TX 77002
INFORMATIVE
BakerRipley East Aldine Campus 3000 Aldine Mail Route Road Houston, TX 77039
Raindrop Turkish House 9301 West Bellfort Boulevard Houston, TX 77031
Nottingham Park 926 Country Place Drive Houston, TX 77079
Alief ISD Administration Building 4250 Cook Road Houston, TX 77072
Harris County Scarsdale Annex 10851 Scarsdale Boulevard Houston, TX 77089
Fallbrook Church 12512 Walters Road Houston, TX 77014
Katherine Tyra Branch Library 16719 Clay Road Houston, TX 77084
Harris County MUD 81 805 Hidden Canyon Road Katy, TX 77450
Kingwood Community Center 4102 Rustic Woods Drive Kingwood, TX 77345
Klein Multipurpose Center 7500 FM 2920 Spring , TX 77379
Champion Forest Baptist Church 4840 Strack Road Houston, TX 77069
Juergen's Hall Community Center 26026 Hempstead Highway Cypress, TX 77429
Lone Star College Cypress Center 19710 Clay Road Katy, TX 77449
Tomball Public Works Building 501B James Street Tomball, TX 77375
Crosby Branch Library 135 Hare Road Crosby, TX 77532
Atascocita Branch Library 19520 Pinehurst Trail Drive Atascocita, TX 77346
Katy Branch Library 5414 Franz Road Katy, TX 77493
October 21st - October 26th 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. October 27th 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. October 28th - November 1st 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Iesheia Ayers Wilson City of Jersey Village City Hall 16327 Lakeview Drive Jersey Village, TX 77040
Richard & Meg Weekley Community Center 8440 Greenhouse Road Cypress, TX 77433
HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT A SPOTLIGHT
FOR HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
DISTRICT A
“I’M RUNNING TO REPRESENT ALL HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT A RESIDENTS”
I
Representing ALL!!! For too long our elected officials have neglected our communities with funds and services. I’m going to be the one that listens to the people and hears their needs and take action at City Hall. I want to bring transparency back to the city, I am going to work with the homeless community, I want to reorganize the City of Houston's Citizens Review Board where community leaders along with City Council and law enforcement are on the board to make sure the community has a voice and can be heard. I want to work directly community activist who are actually doing the work to see how the City can better assist them so we all can be successful. I want to make sure Houston is represented in a positive light for ALL!
IESHEIA AYERS WILSON: “My name is Iesheia K. Ayers-Wilson and I running to be YOUR next City Council Representative. I grew up in Carverdale, TX on the outskirts of Fairbanks, Jersey Village and Spring Branch. I grew up in a family where there were five children so I definitely know how to pull my weight as the fourth child. I pride myself on being a hard worker, dedicated servant and a responsible leader. I graduated from Cypress Falls High School and I am recent graduate at Lone Star CollegeCyfair Campus with a degree in Business Accounting looking forward to pursuing my Bachelor's at University of Houston-Down-
town!!!! (soon) I am married to my wonderful husband who always supports my endeavors and believes in me and my vision. I attend church at Mt. Zion MBC where I am under the leadership of Pastor and First Lady Joshua Davis. I love working in my church and helping as many people as I can. I am here to serve the people any capacity inside and outside the church. I am not new to helping the community. I am an active member of Carverdale Community Civic Club and attend other club meetings. I like to remain in the background because helping people is not about me it’s
about doing what is suppose to be done in order to help others grow. I am looking forward to working with every citizen , Mayor and Council Member to help improve not only my district, but the City of Houston. I am ready to get to work for the city. I believe change is something that has to happen rather good or bad. You just have to roll with the punches until you can adjust!”
WWW.IESHEIAWILSON.COM Sincerely,
Iesheia Ayers Wilson
Iesheia Ayers Wilson For Houston City Council District A
Political Ad Paid for by the Iesheia Wilson Campaign,Treasurer Detra Holcomb
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
Mike Knox is a native Houstonian. He married his high school sweetheart in 1977 and they have raised one son; who now serves the city as a Houston Police Officer. Mike Knox obtained an Associate of Arts degree from the Houston Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston – Downtown while working as a Houston Police Officer.
M PAID POLITICAL AD BY MIKE KNOX
Mike has a long history of honorable public service. Mike Knox is a veteran who served in the United States Air Force and served over 15 years as a Houston Police Officer. Mike was one of two officers responsible for the creation of the Houston Police Department’s first divisional gang unit in 1988 and helped create and served on the original board of directors for the Texas Gang Investigators Association. Mike authored a book entitled Gangsta in the House; Understanding Gang Culture, which was published in 1995. This book added to the knowledge base on gang culture and was recognized in 2001 by the National Gang Research Center who awarded it the prestigious “Thrasher” award. Mike served his fellow officers as a Board Member of the Houston Police Patrolmen’s Union and chaired the HPPU Political Action Committee. In addition, he served as editor of the “Sentinel” (HPPU) monthly newsletter. Shortly after publishing his book in 1995, Mike began a consulting business focused on helping law enforcement, schools districts, and communities understand and deal with street gangs and violent youthful offenders. Mike Knox has served his community as a board member of the Spring Branch Education Foundation and was among the original funders of the Spring Branch ISD “Fund for the Future” endowment. He contributed to the creation of the Spring Branch Good Neighbor program. Mike was recruited in 2007 to help the Spring Branch Management District develop the Public Safety component of its service plan and worked as their Director of Community Service for three years. For the past seven years Mike Knox has served as the President of the Yupon Estates Homeowners Association. Mike has a deep interest and investment in Houston and believes Houston City Council deserves a dedicated servant.
ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019
Political Analyst Jacquie Baly has endorsed Council Member Mike Knox in the race for Houston City Council At-Large Position #1 on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
“Councilman Mike Knox is a public servant who values, respects, ® and appreciates our vote, prayers, and support!”
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com “It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
®
832.212.8735
KEEP PUSHING FOR SPECIAL TEXAS LEGISLATIVE SESSION 10B
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
D
By Carroll G. Robinson
Democrats must keep pushing for a Special Texas Legislative Session (this year) to Address Gun Violence in our State
We must also push to address other important issues:
• Protecting a Women’s Right to Choose & Better Women's Health Care • Police Accountability • Gun Safety • Public Education Funding • College Affordability & Free Community College • Voting Rights & Expanded Access To Voting
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
• Better Protection of Our Environment & Environmental Justice • Building More Affordable & Work Force Housing • Decriminalizing, Regulating & Taxing Marijuana • Legalizing Sports Betting & Casinos In Texas We must do all these things--and more--to address Health Disparities, Hunger, Poverty, Homelessness and advancing the cause of Criminal Justice Reform in Texas. Finally, when we elect a Democratic Texas State House in 2020, Democratic State Representatives must vote to elect a Democratic Speaker of the Texas House committed to protecting and advancing our rights at the start of the 2021 Legislative Session.
AT-LARGE 5
AUBREY R. TAYLOR “The article published above by former Houston City Council Member, and HCC Trustee Carroll G. Robinson is not connected to the paid advertisement published below by Dr. Marvin McNeese, Jr. for Houston City Council At-Large Position 5 in any way shape or form. If you have any questions I can be reached directly at (281)788-3033.”
HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
Professor Marvin McNeese Jr. Announces Candidacy for Houston City Council At-Large Position 5
H
McNeese Plans to ‘Keep First Things First’ by Fully Funding Downstream Drainage Projects and Police Department, Restoring Faith in City Hall
HOUSTON – Professor Marvin McNeese Jr. is running for Houston City Council At-Large Position 5. As a City Council Member, McNeese will work to restore faith in Houston’s City Hall directly by pushing to use the ReBuild Houston funds on downstream drainage projects and finding money in the budget to hire more police officers. McNeese will also press the city to keep first things first by staying focused on public safety, road maintenance, clean water, and waste removal. Through his influence and collaboration with other civic leaders and citizens, McNeese intends to improve drainage, grow the local economy, improve education for our youth, decrease crime, and create equity for all Houstonians. McNeese, who has a doctorate in political science and has been a professor of political science for 15 years, is now ready to put his knowledge into action for the citizens of Houston. A known problem solver who seeks efficiency when developing solutions, McNeese is eager to create a path towards progress for the City of Houston. “I’ve been inspired and excited by politics my whole life; I dedicated my career to educating people about our government, and now I feel prepared to serve the citizens of Houston as a City Council Member,” said McNeese. “As an active volunteer at my church and in many local organizations, I understand what our citizens need and desire from the City of Houston. This connection to the community, my deep knowledge of how the system works, and the ability to develop new solutions to ongoing issues provide me with a unique skill set that I believe
will benefit Houstonians.” McNeese not only understands how the city works, but he has also created a pragmatic vision to step-by-step resolve issues that affect Houstonians. Over the course of the campaign, I look forward to sharing my ideas to improve drainage in all areas of the city and create efficiencies within our government to provide the resources we need to keep citizens safe and improve their quality of life. Together we can do better,” said McNeese.
Lampson, a former student of McNeese’s at the College of Biblical Studies-Houston. “Dr. McNeese has demonstrated genuine concern for his community, the political savvy to successfully navigate the challenges of government, and the integrity to transcend a polarized and corrupt political system without compromise and make a positive impact. His commitment to upholding God's purposes for the institution of government and his respect for the people whom he serves makes him the right person for this position.”
“Dr. McNeese is bright and engaging and offers unparalleled expertise of the political system,” said Dr. Joe Parle, Provost of the College of Biblical Studies-Houston. “As his colleague, I am impressed with his ability to take a large issue and break it down into manageable pieces to then come up with a solution or a cause. Dr. McNeese would serve the Houston community well on City Council.” “We’ve known Marvin’s family for years and have enjoyed watching him serve at Houston’s First Baptist Church,” said Richard and Andrea Kim, long-time members of Houston’s First Baptist Church, and Partner at Stanton Chase, and former Chairman of the Board of The Source for Women, respectively. “His passion for people and his faith are second to none. We proudly support Marvin in his run for Houston City Council At-Large Position #5.” “I have known Marvin during his time as a volunteer coach for youth flag football teams for both of his sons. During his time, he decided to coach his son's teams without hesitation. With patience and the ability to demonstrate strategy clearly, he drew out the best from his teams, in turn, the kids looked up to him as a role model, and their parents were grateful,” said Adam Spiegel, Senior Program Director of YMCA Houston. “I know Marvin to be passionate, dependable, honest, committed, hardworking and organized. He puts all of his efforts when it comes to coaching children. Marvin has an excellent rapport with people of all ages. Marvin is an asset and I support him as he has supported our community.” “I have never met anyone more passionate or gifted at engaging in politics who is also selflessly motivated to solve real-world problems the right way,” said Chris
Dr. Marvin McNeese Jr. is currently the Chair for the General Education Department at College of Biblical Studies in Houston where he has taught political science for more than 15 years and has served as a grant writer in the Development Department. His training in political science and economics began at Albion College in Michigan and continued at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. At the same time, he enrolled in the Teresa Lorenzo Long Institute of Latin American Studies because he wanted to understand Hispanic Americans and what life is like in their countries of heritage. After earning two master’s degrees, he took a two-year assignment with Avant Ministries in Panama, as well as numerous other residencies and trips in six other Latin American countries. He earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from Rice University in 2015. Most of Dr. McNeese’s career has been spent in higher education, though he has helped several churches to develop and raise funds for their social service and charitable activities. He is also a Deacon at Houston’s First Baptist Church where he, his wife and four children have been members since 1993. Dr. McNeese also volunteers at the Texans and Trotter YMCAs, University Village Civic Club, Third Ward Complete Community, and the Emancipation Economic Development Council. He is a regular donor with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center.
Testimonials of Support
About Professor Marvin McNeese Jr.
Connect with Dr. McNeese at: www.marvinmcneese.com Political Advertisement paid for by Citizens for Marvin McNeese, Jr.
DEMOCRATIC HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
SPOTLIGHT
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
11B
ENGAGING
...AUDIA JONES FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY 2020
“We need change, not broken promises of reform. I’m running for district attorney because we need a DA for the many, not the few.” — Audia Jones for Harris County District Attorney 2020
A
2020 Candidate for Harris County D.A. Rolls Out Policies To Keep People Out of Jail
Audia Jones, 2020 Candidate for Harris County District Attorney recently unveiled her plans for bold progressive reforms in Harris County. She vows to increase public safety while ending mass incarceration. Read more about her plans to bring balance back to sentencing.
THE PLATFORM
Public safety is compromised every day in Harris County because our elected leaders choose to focus the
attention of the criminal justice system on low-level crime while failing to solve and successfully prosecute some of the most serious crimes. This approach is costly, counterproductive, and cruel. It creates a cycle of incarceration that destroys people and families without doing anything to make us safer. The current District Attorney promised that she would reform this broken system, but sadly little has changed. We are still locking up people for possessing marijuana and detaining people who are presumed innocent because they cannot afford the high bail amounts requested at the direction of the current District Attorney. We need to rewrite the rules of our criminal justice system in Harris County. We must focus our resources on holding people accountable for the most serious crimes, and investing in evidence-based services like mental health and drug treatment that we know work to interrupt cycles of crime and help people become stable, contributing members to their families and communities. That’s the justice system Audia Jones will fight for everyday as your District Attorney. Audia is running for District Attorney because true
criminal justice reform in Harris County requires policies that will:
Increase Safety While Ending Mass Incarceration; End Excessive Punishment; Ensuring That No One Is Above The Law; Support Crime Survivors; and, Build Community Trust.
INCREASE SAFETY WHILE ENDING MASS INCARCERATION
Incarceration should always be the last resort, but right now we treat incarceration as the default way to hold people accountable. People who pose no threat to public
AUDIA JONES FOR D.A.
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com CONTINUED ON PAGE
12B
EARLY VOTING WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020, AND END ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
®
832.212.8735
DEMOCRATIC 12B
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
SPOTLIGHT
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
...AUDIA JONES FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY 2020
“Real change begins the moment we have honest conversations with the people who genuinely want to see change made and make change happen.” — Audia Jones for Harris County District Attorney 2020
2020 Candidate for Harris County D.A. Rolls Out Policies To Keep People Out of Jail
AUDIA JONES FOR D.A. CONTINUED FROM PAGE
11B
safety should not be jailed, particularly when they’re only there because they can’t afford to pay to get out. As District Attorney, Audia will stop seeking cash bail and will seek to eliminate pretrial incarceration unless necessary to ensure community safety or to prevent willful failure to return to court. Furthermore, we must recognize that the incarceration for certain criminal offenses does little to increase public safety, and, instead, only makes our communities more dangerous by making people and their families even less stable. This is particularly true for brown and black
families, because prosecution of low-level crimes contribute to a persistent racial imbalance in our criminal justice system- for example, even though Latinos, African-Americans and white people use marijuana at the same rate, Latinos and African-Americans are more likely to be arrested, charged, and convicted than their white counterparts. In order to focus on those crimes that affect public safety, Audia will de-prioritize low level offenses like marijuana possession and criminal trespass when the trespass occurred due to a person’s homelessness. The prosecution of these cases in particular draws vital resources and attention away from the cases that need it the most, and contribute to racial disparities in our criminal justice system. Harris County must also focus on programs that build
both the individual and their community. Audia will expand no-fee diversion programs, which have been shown to reduce rates of re-arrest, for crimes such as theft, and crimes of poverty and homelessness. She will ensure that prosecutor-led diversion programs are administered in ways that are fair to citizens and non-citizens alike, and that ability to pay fees is not a barrier to treatment. Possession of small amounts of narcotics will be handled effectively, by treating the problem as one of a public health issue and not something that the criminal justice system can solve on it’s own.
AUDIA JONES FOR D.A.
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com CONTINUED ON PAGE
13B
EARLY VOTING WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020, AND END ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
®
832.212.8735
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
13B
“We need change, not broken promises of reform. I’m running for district attorney because we need a DA for the many, not the few.” — Audia Jones for Harris County District Attorney 2020
ENDING EXCESSIVE PUNISHMENT
Harris County has sent more people to death row than any other county in Texas. The retrograde practice risks the execution of a wrongly convicted person, serves no purpose beyond retribution, and is disproportionately applied to people of color. As District Attorney, Audia Jones will use her voice at the legislature to oppose capital punishment in Texas and she will end Harris County’s ignoble position as one of the country’s largest producers of death sentences and executions. Our prisons have become one of the largest health care providers in the country for older Americans who have spent decades behind bars for crimes they committed in their youth. Moreover, there are thousands of people serving long or life sentences in Texas that have served enough time, transformed their lives while incarcerated, and no longer present any serious safety risk to the community. Audia Jones will actively advocate for parole and compassionate release for those who are elderly or sick, and for everyone who has earned a second chance to re-enter society as a productive neighbor and community member.
NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW
While our criminal justice system targets the poor, people of color, the homeless, and those who are mentally ill, more serious crimes and abuses of power are far too often left unpunished. This is why Audia Jones will follow best practices and expand oversight to hold all individuals equally accountable under the law including, Powerful Actors, to increase public trust in law enforcement while decreasing socially-damaging crimes. We must also make sure that the people and corporations who commit serious harms to our environment through their criminal actions are held accountable, and
that people and corporations that steal wages from our most vulnerable communities are not able to do so without consequence. Finally, it is a black-eye to our justice system that nearly 40% of homicides go unsolved. Nothing undermines confidence in the law and respect for law enforcement than failing to solve murders while focusing resources on marijuana prosecutions. We have too much punishment and too little accountability. As District Attorney, Audia will ensure that resources saved by ending unnecessary prosecution and imprisonment of poor people will be redirected to investigate high-level and violent cases in an adequate and timely manner, ensuring that we can justly prosecute those offenses that affect our communities the most, in a way that does not punish race or poverty.
SUPPORT CRIME SURVIVORS
For too long, the primary way that prosecutors show crime survivors that we care about the harm done to them is to treat the person who committed the harm as harshly as possible — locking them up and throwing away the key. However, a recent survey of Texas crime survivors shows that harsh treatment of the offender is not the support that survivors want or need. What crime survivors want most is to make sure that the harm never happens to them or anyone else again. This is especially important because crime survivors often live in the same homes and often even in the same bodies as people who perpetrate harm. Since most people who go to jail or prison will re-enter society again, the smartest course of action is to focus resources on stopping the cycle of harm. That’s why the vast majority of crime survivors want their elected leaders to focus just as much on investing far more resources on treatment and prevention as they do on punishment. Instability and vulnerability breed cycles of
harm and violence. So, when we focus on drug treatment, mental health services, or job training we make people more stable and connected to their communities, and therefore less likely to be a perpetrator or victim of crime in the future.
BUILDING COMMUNITY TRUST
Audia Jones recognizes that repeated systemic failures and broken promises of reform have severely eroded public trust in Harris County’s criminal justice system. Under her leadership, the Harris County D.A.’s Office will establish a community advisory board to provide community leaders with a public forum to voice concerns or provide feedback regarding office policies and actions. The District Attorney’s office will also assign public points of contact for communities, hold frequent town halls for public comment, and clearly communicate reasons for prosecutorial action or inaction regarding cases in the public interest. Audia will use her platform as Harris County District Attorney to advocate for important policy reforms and investment in our communities, such as in education, housing, and healthcare, and pledges to work with other county officials and departments to meet these shared goals. It’s long past time to acknowledge that Harris County’s social and economic problems will not be solved by prosecution and incarceration. We will build a safer, stronger Harris County by holding more people accountable, ending excessive punishment, and decreasing our bloated jail and prison populations and preparing people to thrive back home in their families and communities. After enduring decades of abuse and mistreatment, our communities have had enough. We need big, bold reform not more broken promises. Audia Jones is running for District Attorney because we need a District Attorney who will fight for all of us.
Join the Campaign: info@audiajones.com
DEMOCRATIC
O
SPOTLIGHT
...Attorney Jeralynn C. Manor Will Seek to Unseat Judge Larry Weiman in the Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Democratic Primary AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
One of the most intriguing races on the Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Democratic Party Primary ballot in Harris County, Texas will be the race for Judge of the 80th, Civil District Court. In this race you will have a 17-year legal veteran in Attorney Jeralynn C. Manor, a life-long Democrat seeking to unseat a sitting Democratic judge whom she feels needs to go. Can she accomplish her objective? The answer to this question is YES. Will she accomplish her objective? The answer to this question will depend on whether she can get the financial support she needs to do so. Now, don’t get me wrong, Attorney Manor is more than capable of self-funding her entire Democratic Party Primary run. However, no “DULY-QUALIFIED” candidate should have to do so in my opinion. Thus, as you prepare to make an informed voting decision in 2020, please keep in mind that Attorney Jeralynn C. Manor is a “DULYQUALIFIED” lifelong Democrat who values and respects your vote. And on top of that, she will need donations to accomplish her goal of becoming a member of the judiciary. A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF A JUDGE GETTING UNSEATED IN A DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
In the past, local attorneys have been reluctant to challenge Democratic sitting judges in their party’s primary. We see such few challenges to incumbents, partly because of the huge war-chests, they are typically sitting on. And another reason is because of the negative feedback the potential challenger could potentially receive from pundits and other inner-party operatives. However, one doesn't have to delve too far into the annals of Harris
COFFEY
BATES
County history to see a perfect example of how a Democratic incumbent can be unseated by a “DULY-QUALIFIED” challenger who is unafraid to challenge them. For example, back in the 2018 Democratic Primary election race for Harris County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, Position 2, Judge Don Coffey lost to his Democratic challenger — Lucia Bates a life-long Democrat. After leading Bates in absentee voting by a total 1,629 (ABSENTEE BALLOTS) for Judge Don Coffey, to 803 (ABSENTEE BALLOTS) for Lucia Bates the wheels came off for Judge
Coffey as Bates’ “GROUND-GAME” grassroots strategy proved too much for Judge Coffey to handle. In case you don’t know, Bates, the Democratic challenger beat Judge Coffey in (EARLY VOTING) ballots by a total of 2,817 early votes for Lucia Bates, to 2,287 early votes for Judge Coffey. And she really ran up the numbers on actual (ELECTION DAY) ballots by receiving 2,497 election day votes, to Judge Coffey’s 1,640 election day votes. So, in the end, Lucia Bates unseated Judge Don Coffey (the incumbent) Democrat by gaining 6,117 overall votes, or 52.40%, while Judge Coffey could only muster 5,556 overall votes for 47.60% in his re-election bid to earn the Democratic nomination back in 2018.
ATTORNEY MANOR IS SEEKING TO UNSEAT JUDGE LARRY WEIMAN IN 2020
In case you don’t know, Attorney Jeralynn C. Manor has her own personal wealth, so, she is more than capable of (self-funding) her campaign to unseat Judge Larry Weiman. However, it is incumbent upon community stake-
ris County, Texas chose to not cast a ballot in the race for Judge, 80th Civil District Court for one reason or another.
THE 2012 GENERAL ELECTION
On Tuesday, November 6, 2012, Larry Weiman, the Democratic incumbent was challenged by his Republican rival Richard Risinger. As what is customary in Harris County, Risinger, the Republican jumped out to an early lead during the (ABSENTEE BALLOT) phase of the game by receiving 39,090 (ABSENTEE VOTES), to Weiman’s 30,545 (ABSENTEE VOTES). Richard Risinger also beat Weiman in the (EARLY VOTING) phase of the game by receiving 335,208 (EARLY VOTES), to Weiman’s 331,898 (EARLY VOTES). However, Judge Larry Weiman, like many of his other Democratic colleagues on the strength of President Barack Obama running for re-election to his second term as the first African American President of the United States was able to overtake his Republican rival with a robust Election Day turnout. As a refresher, Judge Weiman received 213,244 (ELECTION DAY VOTES), for 50.78% of the vote, while his Republican challenger, Richard Risinger could only muster 183,687 (ELECTION DAY VOTES), for 49.22% of the vote in his losing bid.
THE 2016 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
WEIMAN
MANOR
holders, attorneys, and ordinary citizens to understand that people who are willing to step up to the plate and run for public office need “OUR” support. In the case of Manor, she is seeking to unseat a sitting judge who has been on the bench since winning the seat back in the 2008 Presidential Election, which featured President Barack Obama in his history-making feat.
THE BOOK ON JUDGE WEIMAN
Back in 2008,Larry Weiman defeated two opponents to earn the Democratic nomination in the race for Judge, 80th Civil District Court. In case you don’t remember, Larry Weiman received 86,700 votes for 35.45% of the vote. Marc Isenberg received 85,662 votes, for 35.03% of the vote. And Tanner Garth received 72,196 votes for 29.52% of the vote. Because no candidate received a majority of the vote, Larry Weiman, and Marc Isenberg advanced to the Tuesday, April 8, 2008, Runoff Election where Larry Weiman defeated Marc Isenberg by gaining 5,539 votes, for 59.09% of the vote, to Isenberg’s 3,835 votes, for 40.91% of the vote.
THE 2008 GENERAL ELECTION
After defeating Isenberg in the 2008 Democratic Primary “RUNOFF ELECTION”, Larry Weiman went on to also defeat Republican Judge Lynn M. Bradshaw-Hull in the Tuesday, November 4, 2008, Presidential Election in Harris County, Texas. In case you don’t remember, Larry Weiman (the challenger) trailed Judge Lynn M. BradshawHull heavily in the (ABSENTEE BALLOT) category. Judge Bradshaw-Hull received 38,657 (ABSENTEE BALLOTS), while Larry Weiman received 21,136 (ABSENTEE BALLOTS). However, Weiman, like many of his Democratic colleagues were able to ride the “OBAMA WAVE” to victory. In the end, Weiman defeated Judge Lynn M. Bradshaw-Hull by gaining 557,399 overall votes, for 50.48% of the vote. While Judge Bradshaw-Hull only managed to receive 546,856 overall votes.
THE 2012 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Back in 2012, Larry Weiman did not draw a challenger in the Tuesday, May 29, 2012, Democratic Primary. But in case you’re wondering, he still received 6,830 (ABSENTEE VOTES), 20,780 (EARLY VOTES), and 54,128 overall votes. However, 22,358 Democratic Primary voters in Har-
Back in 2016, Larry Weiman did not draw a challenger in the Tuesday, March 1, 2016, Democratic Primary. But in case you’re wondering, he still received 11,001 (ABSENTEE VOTES), 48,311 (EARLY VOTES), and 146,841 overall votes. However, 80,325 Democratic Primary voters in Harris County, Texas chose to not cast a ballot in the race for Judge, 80th Civil District Court for one reason or another.
DEMOCRATS FLEXING MUSCLE
A lot of folks look back on the 2016 Presidential Election as a turning point as it relates to Harris County politics. However, the 2016 election cycle was more about what was happening at the top-of-the-ballot in the race for President of the United States between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump than it was about individual down-ballot judicial races. That being said, 2016 was a “STRAIGHT-TICKET” voting nightmare for the Harris County Republican Party as they suffered the “BIGGEST” defeat in the 71-year history of their party at the time. Get this, every Democrat running for office back in 2016, including Judge Larry Weiman in the race for the 80th Civil District Court enjoyed a 70,367 “STRAIGHT-TICKET” voting advantage over their Republican counterparts. So, the 2016 election cycle was more of a “COLLECTIVE ACHIEVEMENT”, or victory for the Harris County Democratic Party as a whole, than it was about individual strength of the Democratic ballot. After all, comparatively speaking, 472,030 Democrats voted a “STRAIGHT-TICKET” back in the 2016 Presidential Election in Harris County, versus 401,663 Republicans.
NO MORE STRAIGHT TICKET VOTING
It is imperative that “WE” do our very best to make sure that we are electing “DULY-QUALIFIED” who value our vote, prayers, and support when we go to the polls in 2020. Why? There won’t be any “STRAIGHT-TICKET” voting on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, in the Presidential Election. So, Democrats must make sure that they nominate a field of candidates in their Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Democratic Party Primary who will help them to drive out their base.
IMPORTANCE OF THE BLACK VOTE
In closing, nobody can argue how important the Black vote is on the local and national stage for the Democratic Party. However, there are too many occurrences where the Black community is left feeling unappreciated. Heck, even Tom Perez, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee was quoted as saying, “Black women are the backbone of the Democratic Party, and we can’t take that for granted.” Well, the nomination process that’s scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, is going to be a proving ground for Democrats in Harris County, Texas if you ask me.
EARLY VOTING WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020, AND END ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
15B
MEET ATTORNEY MANOR
J
Jeralynn Manor -B.S. Administration of Justice- 1998-TSU J.D.2001 TSU License All Texas State Courts Southern District of Texas/Bankruptcy Court
Jeralynn Manor was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her mother was a nurse and her father a career officer with the New Orleans Police Department. There he set the bar high for his daughter. He attained numerous awards and accommodations including various achievements such as becoming the first African American counter-sniper for the SWAT department and the first African American diver on the dive team. Manor’s hard work and high goal standards are certainly founded in her bloodline. Manor’s “service to all mankind” mantra and dedication to her craft is evidenced in her career achievements. Manor studied philosophy at Xavier University in New Orleans before finishing her undergraduate studies in Administration of Justice at Texas
Southern University. She went on to Thurgood Marshall School of Law where she earned the American Juris Prudence Award in Bankruptcy under the tutelage of the Honorable Justice Manual Leal, of the Southern District of Texas Bankruptcy Court and won 1st place in the Mock Trial competition. In 2001 Manor earned her Juris Doctorate and became a licensed attorney by the Texas Supreme Court. In her 17 plus years of practicing law, attorney Manor has worked in several areas. She concentrated her early career as a fee attorney for 3 major title companies. Here, Manor was of but a handful (at times the only) African American Woman fee attorney for these title companies in Houston. Throughout her fee attorney and escrow practice, Manor closed and played an integral role in helping thousands of Texas to achieve homeownership. Manor currently practices in the areas of Immigration, Mass Tort, Personal Injury, Civil Rights
Pol. ad paid for by Jeralynn C. Manor Campaign, Natalia Cruz Treasurer. In compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.
and, Employment Law. Manor works alongside with her husband Rod L. Manor, at the Manor Law Firm PC, who handles the firm’s Criminal Defense
division. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with in the legal community. Manor is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.,
Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Pro Bono College of the Texas State Bar, and a member of the Champions of Justice Society of the Texas Equal Access to Justice. NAACP- Life Member and Boy Scouts of America (served as Den Mother to my son’s pack) She is also on the board of directors of The Black Heritage Society/Original MLK Parade Foundation. This nonprofit has been in existence since 1978. Under the direction of the late Ovide Ducantell and with IPM license from the King Center in Atlanta, GA., commissioned by the late Martin Luther King Sr. (Daddy King), Houston is home to the very first and the original Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. Manor enjoys being a mother to her three children Taft (17), Rogdrick (13), and Brooklynn (7). Manor instills into her children the same values of hard work, dedication, service to all mankind and love, passed on to her by her father, the late Sgt. Jerome M. Dupre.
GROUND GAME ...FORT BEND COUNTY
THE MOST ETHNICALLY DIVERSE COUNTY IN AMERICA
PUBLISHED BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS©
FORT BEND COUNTY
FBISD Trustee Jim Rice Named PresidentElect of TASB Board of Directors PAGE 4C
FORT BEND ISD STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN 2019 TAPIA SAY STEM CAMP
Pictured are Suhani Shah, Sanjana Mittal, Maya Neti, Akhila Chikkula and Aaron Xu.
F
FORT BEND ISD – Sixteen Fort Bend ISD students were among a select group of students from across the state to attend the 2019 Tapia Say STEM Camp at Rice University. The students include Abdullah Amer, Howard Bartee III, Akhila Chikkula, Austin Merkel, Travis Merkel, Sanjana Mittal, Maya Neti, Kenley Nguyen, Asher Roohullah, Enara Roohullah, Suhani Shah, Anjali Sivasothy, Justin Sivasothy, Rohit Venigalla, Leena Wilson, and Aaron Xu. SEE MORE INFORMATION ON PAGE 5C
Update: Appeals court validates Fort Bend ISD’s legal actions related to discovery of historic cemetery
FBISD Board President Jason Burdine and Chief Operations Officer Oscar Perez at the construction site.
FORT BEND ISD — A three-judge panel of the Houston Court of Appeals issued an opinion validating Fort Bend ISD’s legal actions regarding the Sugar Land 95. The panel agreed that the District had the right to nonsuit the case and that District Court Judge Jim Shoemake abused his discretion when he appointed a master of chancery and an ad litem, concluding that the appointments were invalid. The District is moving forward with its plan to reinter the remains of the 95 individuals discovered during the construction of the James Reese Career and Technical Center. It has contracted with a local funeral home to procure appropriate burial vessels and is planning a communitybased memorial to honor and memorialize the Sugar Land 95. The remains will be reinterred to the same locations they were discovered. “We are grateful for the opinion of the appellate
court that supports the actions taken by Fort Bend ISD,” said FBISD Board President Jason Burdine. “We look forward to memorializing and honoring the Sugar Land 95 with our community, and our continued work to ensure their lives are not forgotten. Crossing this hurdle now allows us to move forward to finalizing our ongoing negotiations with the county regarding the future conveyance of the land.” Fort Bend ISD will share more information about reinterment and the pending memorial service once plans are finalized. In May of 2019, the FBISD Board of Trustees adopted a local social studies standard related to the state-sanctioned convict-leasing system and the local history associated with the Sugar Land 95. This standard was incorporated into the curriculum at the beginning of the 2019-20 school year.
RE-ELECT FLOYD EMERY FOR MISSOURI CITY COUNCIL — DISTRICT D
“I’M ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019.”
Ensure Public Safety Protect Property & Family Values Attract New Businesses w w w EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019 PAID POL. AD BY FLOYD EMERY CAMPAIGN, FRED GRATES, TREASURER
02C
RE-ELECT FLOYD EMERY FOR MISSOURI CITY COUNCIL — DISTRICT D
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
Ensure Public Safety Protect Property & Family Values Attract New Businesses w w w EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
- DISTRICT D -
PAID POL. AD BY FLOYD EMERY CAMPAIGN, FRED GRATES, TREASURER
MESSAGE FOR RESIDENTS OF MISSOURI CITY
ACCOMPLISHMENTS ALLIANCES HOA/CITY
I take great pride in being responsive to the HOA Boards and the many residents they represent. In addition to attending HOA Board and Annual meetings, I listen and respond to the concerns, suggestions and recommendations of the residents of Quail Valley, sections of Quail Valley East, Lake Olympia, Lakeshore Harbour, Creekmont South , Waterbrook(s), Silver Ridge(s) and other equally important neighborhoods in District D. With the outstanding support and solution-based action of the Missouri City Staff we have made great strides in making Missouri City and District D the place we are proud to call home. PUBLIC SAFETY
Missouri City continues to be ranked as one of the safest cities in Texas. Our police and fire personnel complimented with the latest equipment, technology, and training required to protect our citizens and safety personnel, has been one of my major priorities. Through the ongoing competitive assessment of our salary and benefit plans we continue to attract and retain quality personnel. From 2011 thru 2017, we have added 32 additional sworn and non-sworn officers to our police force including the formation of a 4 person motorcycle squad. Additionally, we have provided our officers with Body and Patrol Car Cameras providing an additional level of safety and transparency for our officers and the citizens they serve. During this same period, we have added 13 additional Firefighters and opened fire station #5 as we strived to maintain our response time standards. Our Fire Department achieved an ISO 1 insurance designation, 1 of only 100 Cities across the nation to receive this highest Insurance classification. Through these initiatives and actions, Missouri City continues to maintain our ‘Safest Texas City’ designation. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Working with the former Mayor and fellow councilmembers, we have overseen the commercial development of two major business parks in Missouri City. Lakeview and Park 8/Ninety is home to Ben E Keith, Fed Ex, Best Buy, Niagara Water and over 30 additional well established and recognized businesses. From these and other new businesses we have added over $500 million in new taxable property, provided an employment opportunity for over 1500 new jobs/positions for Missouri City residents and an increase in property tax revenue from our commercial base. With this emphasis on commercial growth we are experiencing a larger share of our property tax revenue from the business sector thereby providing
relief to our residential property tax base citizens. Our sales tax revenue stream, which is the secondlargest source of revenue, has increased significantly. The expansion of retail businesses along Hwy. 6, FM 1092 and other prime locations are fueling this increase. SOLID WASTE
In 2016 the City contracted with a single waste management company, and the cost of waste collection to our residents, MUD’s, HOA’s and businesses was lowered by $1.5 million annually. Besides this agreement allowed the City to initiate a recycling program which many citizens had urged us to implement. This recycling program continues to grow as more and more of our citizens recognize the value of recycling. FINANCIAL AWARENESS
Our City Staff continues to search out opportunities to reduce the cost of doing the business of Missouri City. As an example, in 2017, the cost of funding $72 million of our indebtedness, using lower interest rates available in the bond marketplace, resulted in a $7 million savings to the City. Missouri City continues to receive high praise and awards for our budget process, the transparency of our financial records all made available to our citizens, regulatory officials, and other stakeholders. As a result of our fiscal policies, our Bond rating was recently upgraded from AA- to AA thereby providing access to lower interest rates when borrowing is needed. Our City Manager, Anthony Snipes, has implemented programs that establish our short and long term budget and Capital needs. He has developed a management structure and process that brings all staff members into the budget process thereby promoting ownership of this process. As a result, in the 2018 budget process the staff identified $2.4 million reductions in budget funding requests.
ANIMAL CONTROL
In 2018 the Council called for the examination and inspection of our Animal Shelters’ charter and its associated policies, practices, and funding needs. Through this review, new procedures for our dedicated volunteers were implemented, a policy for the compassionate handling and treatment of pets in City custody was developed, an effective program reuniting lost pets with their owners and policy for finding new homes through the adoption of animals in our care was implemented. To these initiatives the Animal Shelter funding was increased significantly, a full-time Shelter Manager was hired and we contracted with a licensed veterinarian. We are working with this business model and will be diligent to ensure that Missouri City has a humane and comprehensive policy for the care of animals.
During Hurricane Harvey, approximately 360 homes out of an approximate 27,000 homes located in Missouri City had some form of flooding. While one is too many, this experience reflects that our drainage program(s) which includes the use of streets as emergency retention and the designed retention areas around the City was effective. In spite of the enormous amount of rainfall experienced in Missouri City and the flood level on the Brazos River the City’s Emergency Management Operations Center performed effectively and mitigated several potential flooding events in Missouri City.
MOBILITY
This continued to be a major issue and priority over the last few years due to the business and residential growth experienced in Missouri City and the surrounding areas. To mitigate this issue the City has taken action including; the installation of additional turn lanes at major intersections; additional left turn on yellow signals; upgrading equipment needed to synchronize traffic flow at major roads/intersections; signage, restriping and additions of Stop, Yield and speed control signage on major roadways and neighborhood streets. Additionally, certain major mobility projects including the extension of Vicksburg Blvd.to Lake Olympia Parkway, Hurricane Lane roadway completion, traffic control improvements at intersections of Watts Plantation at Sienna Parkway and Ft. Bend Toll Road at Sienna Parkway were undertaken and completed.
INFRASTRUCTURE
From our inventory of infrastructure needs covering streets, sidewalks and bridges the following projects were completed: safety mandated replacement of 2 bridges in QV with a third in design; replacement of Thunderbird street and adjoining sidewalks; section of Misty Hollow street and sidewalks; Ashmont street and sidewalks; major sections of pavement on Cypress Point, La Quinta, El Dorado, Lake Olympia, Crow Valley, Quail Valley East and other areas in need of major repair. Sidewalks are being repaired or replaced based on a needs and priority assessment recently completed by our Public Works staff and to the extent where funding is available.
QUAIL VALLEY GOLF COURSE AND CITY CENTRE
We continue to monitor the financial and operational health of this amenity. Over the last 4 years, operations and management performance reflect a range of 96% to 103% of revenue to operating cost. In 2017 this amenity recorded over 60,000 rounds of golf, 161 corporate or charity events and 364 non-golf
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com DRAINAGE
“This double-page spread is a political advertisement paid for by the Floyd Emery campaign, Fred Grates Treasurer. Please be reminded that Floyd Emery is asking for your vote in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, race for Missouri City Council District D.”
®
832.212.8735
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
events at the Golf Course and City Centre, thus making it the number one attraction site for visitors and residents (estimated at 130,000) to Missouri City. Many of these events draw sales tax-paying visitors to Missouri City as they utilize the Golf Course, the City Centre venue for special occasions and food and beverage. Equally important is the visitor’s potential use and sales tax generation at other Missouri City retail businesses. The golf facility caters to many local High School and College boys and girls golf teams, the First Tee at Quail Valley, golfers from all sections of Missouri City and numerous golfing visitors from surrounding Cities, Counties and out of State/Country. Golfers visiting and using our facility cut across all age groups, gender and demographic lines truly reflecting a balanced use of the Golf Course and City Centre at Missouri City. When assessing the value of this amenity to Missouri City, the demonstrated fact that home values in Quail Valley and the immediate surrounding neighborhoods were stabilized and increased by the City’s purchase and rebuilding of this amenity. This action translates into an increase in residential property tax revenue thereby offsetting the payment of the property acquisition Bonds that were approved overwhelmingly by the citizens of Missouri City.
be diligent in the application of tax abatements where the value to Missouri City must be the determining factor. Small business initiatives will have a place in the economic development strategy. Retail and commercial business along Hwy 6, Hwy 90, FM 1092 and the Texas Parkway/Cartwright corridors will continue to be an important segment in the overall economic development strategy. Redevelopment of Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road properties will continue to be a priority when developing our overall economic development plan. I will continue to support the build-out of Lakeview and Park8/Ninety business Parks.
ACTION ITEMS FOR 2019 AND BEYOND PUBLIC SAFETY
We must continue to maintain our status as one of the Safest Cities in Texas. To that end I will be supporting the following actions: Maintain a competitive Salary structure and Benefits package for our Public Safety personnel. Ensure adequate funding for equipment, services, and training needed to perform their duties. Support the building of Fire Station #6 and acquisition of the needed personnel and equipment Provide funding for the staffing of the police and fire operations needed to meet our public safety expectations. HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
Currently, we provide a homestead exemption of $15,000 to residents age 65 and over and who have designated their home as a homestead. This exemption provides approximately $500,000 annually in tax relief. In the 2019 budget process I will be asking my Council colleagues to consider a separate $10,000 Homestead exemption for all residents who have designated their home as a homestead. To place this in perspective, a $10,000 exemption would give residents approximately $1.2 million in tax relief or $63/year for each homestead. This would require an increase in revenue from other sources, a reduction of our annual budgeted expenditures and for the City Council to establish a priority for this offering above other services/projects covered in our annual budget. RETIREMENT BENEFIT REVIEW
For those employees who have retired or will retire before January 1, 2020, certain health benefits and cost were promised to these retirees. The City should continue to honor these commitments. Health benefits and cost for future retirees should be reviewed for competitiveness and options available in the public/private sector and presented to Council for consideration. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
We will continue to evaluate those areas of developable land in our comprehensive land-use plan. Areas along the Fort Bend Toll Road, Hwy 6 south and Hwy 90 at the Beltway will be of prime interest. Missouri City has a limited number of open tracts of land available for development. We must where possible push for best land use and
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
MOBILITY
To mitigate certain traffic issues, we will implement recommendations from a recent traffic study of FM 1092 from 5th St. to Hwy 6. Complete the replacement/construction of Knight Rd., Watts Plantation, Trammell Fresno Rd. to FM 521, the extension of Ft. Bend Toll Road and for safety purposes the closing of Cravens Rd. at Hwy 90. DRAINAGE
We have requested and expect to receive approximately $950,000 to complete the drainage plan for the Cangelosi Watershed. As Board Chairman of H-GAC (Houston Galveston Area Council), I was able to bring to the attention of our staff the opportunity for funds from an H-GAC process for which they submitted a grant funding request. We will be investigating major drainage flow issues to determine if there was an impact from Hurricane Harvey or other high water events. Any found will be considered as a potential candidate for remediation by the City or other governmental entities. INFRASTRUCTURE
We must continue to work on those known projects that are in most need of repairs or replacement. The City must decide on how best to address these needs and the funding of these projects. We will continue to utilize the approximately $3.9 million annual rebate from Metro, existing funds from prior transportation bonds and our interlocal arrangements with Ft. Bend County where they partner with the City on mutually beneficial projects. These revenue sources are important when examining the overall cost of a major infrastructure program. However, additional funding will be required if we are to make a serious impact on our overall infrastructure needs. PARKS
Missouri City is home to 20 parks covering over 400 acres. Our Parks are an important City amenity and a key factor when businesses and residents consider moving to our City. The City recently completed a Park's assessment where maintenance or replacement of key park elements was identified. To address and fund these needs we will continue to use our available park funds and to reach out to our business and public partners for Grant opportunities. Our efforts to date have been encouraging. A grant from Lowes for $50,000 replaced playground equipment at QV North Park. A $65,000 grant was received from Niagara Water to be used for Community Park projects. The City provided land and a grounds maintenance commitment in Mac Naughton Park to QV Fund HOA who in return committed over $250,000 to install major playground equipment, a pavilion for family gatherings, outdoor exercise equipment, and restroom facilities. BC/BS of Texas and Kaboom have donated time and dollars for improvements and additions at Rhone Park. Freedom Tree Park
I co-chair with Council Member Jeffrey Boney the Freedom Tree Park Committee comprised of public and educational officials, private citizens, and community
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
03C
stakeholders. Our charge is to transform the existing passive park in Lake Olympia to one that captures the history and cultural relevance of the Freedom Tree and to find the necessary private/public /grant funding needed to implement a reimagined design for the park.
First Tee at Quail Valley
The City has allocated parkland to be used as an expansion of the First Tee of Houston at Quail Valley. For context, this program uses the medium of golf to teach and instill their 9 core values in kids from age 7 to 14. Its roots in Quail Valley were planted 7 years ago with 15 kids and today has over 500 kids in the program with a waiting list. Most of the students are from Missouri City and Ft. Bend County and the demographics reflect diversity similar to that of Ft. Bend County and Missouri City. This program which uses the Quail Valley Golf Course and City Centre has outgrown their allocated space and now requires a separate and dedicated area for continued growth. This is not a City program rather it has been allowed to use QV facilities and the committed Park land for this growing program. I will be working with the QV LGA, MGA and other stakeholders to acquire private funding to build the facility needed to continue to allow this program to grow.
MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT (MUD) STRATEGIC PLAN
I, along with my fellow councilmembers will be reviewing the results of the current consolidation study to determine if there is value to our residents, the City and current stakeholders. Key to a decision to embark on this venture must be the stated value to our residents, investment requirements and operating demands placed on the City. We currently have an established business model in place (MUD’s) that for over 30 years has adequately supplied our requirements for water, wastewater, storm sewer capacity and maintenance at rates extremely competitive with surrounding cities and counties. For me, any consideration to consolidate a MUD or MUD’s must provide compelling evidence of its value to the City and the Citizens of Missouri City.
ANIMAL CONTROL
I will continue to monitor the results of the business model we put into place last year to ensure it is meeting the stated goals for our Shelter.
QUAIL VALLEY GOLF AND CITY CENTRE
We will be reviewing the recommendations of the current ongoing Golf Course and City Centre evaluation study to ensure we are effectively managing this amenity. Any option that would degrade the value or scope of this amenity with its associated negative impact on home values in Quail Valley and the surrounding neighborhoods for me will not be acceptable.
FBISD COORDINATION
With the continued and forecasted growth in residential properties and its potential impact on FBISD educational facilities, I will be asking the City staff to explore from a legal and development aspect a student loading consideration into our discussions with developers, home builders, and the FBISD Board. Currently we are experiencing another controversial zoning issue that impacts many of the middle and high schools in Missouri City. In fairness to our residents we need to explore what actions if any we can take to mitigate or lessen this impact in the future. As a caveat to the ‘Action Items for 2019 and Beyond ’, our State Legislature is currently considering a 2.5% cap when calculating our Rollover Tax Rate. Should this be approved, the reduction in property tax revenue to the City will have an impact on the viability of these new offerings and current City Services.
Any comments or questions related to these accomplishments are welcomed and can be directed to femery@missouricitytx.gov
RE-ELECT FLOYD EMERY FOR MISSOURI CITY COUNCIL — DISTRICT D
Ensure Public Safety Protect Property & Family Values Attract New Businesses w w w EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019 PAID POL. AD BY FLOYD EMERY CAMPAIGN, FRED GRATES, TREASURER
04C
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
F
FORT BEND ISD TRUSTEE JIM RICE NAMED PRESIDENT-ELECT OF TASB BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FORT BEND ISD — Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustee Jim Rice has been named PresidentElect of the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). The association elected its 2019-20 officers during its recent Delegate Assembly and Convention in Dallas. Rice was elected to the TASB Board of Directors in 2012. A graduate of Leadership TASB, he chaired the Legislative Committee during the recent 86th legislative session and during the 84th session. He has held several board positions, including Chair of the Legislative Committee and the Budget and Finance Committee, Secretary/Treasurer, 2nd Vice President and 1st Vice President. He has also served on the Nominations, and Planning and Development committees. He is a strong advocate for public education and works for the benefit of FBISD students and staff. In 2021, FBISD students will be showcased at the TASB General Session.
Rice joined the FBISD School Board in May 2010. He was elected board secretary in June 2011 and board president in 2012, serving two consecutive terms in that office. Rice is the president of Rice and Gardner Consultants, Inc., an engineering and construction management firm. In addition to his professional duties, he currently serves as the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Education Division Vice-Chair and is a 2005 graduate of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Forum Class. He is also involved in numerous civic organizations for Fort Bend County, including Fort Bend Cares, the Fort Bend Literacy Council, the Fort Bend P16 Regional Council, and the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council. Rice is cofounder of the charity Fort Bend Cares, which benefits underprivileged youth in the community.
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com Jim Rice is the Fort Bend Independent School District Board Member for Position #3
“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
®
832.212.8735
FBISD STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN 2019 TAPIA SAY STEM CAMP
F
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
FORT BEND ISD – Sixteen Fort Bend ISD students were among a select group of students from across the state to attend the 2019 Tapia Say STEM Camp at Rice University. The students include Abdullah Amer, Howard Bartee III, Akhila Chikkula, Austin Merkel, Travis Merkel, Sanjana Mittal, Maya Neti, Kenley Nguyen, Asher Roohullah, Enara Roohullah, Suhani Shah, Anjali Sivasothy, Justin Sivasothy, Rohit Venigalla, Leena Wilson, and Aaron Xu. Sponsored by ExxonMobil, the summer camp is available to rising 8-12 grade students and features a weeklong residential experience with a challenging STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculum. Camp participants experiment with hands-on STEM projects, like building miniature wind turbines using household items such as glue, cardstock and popsicle sticks. At the same time, students enhance their communication skills by learning how to simplify
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
05C
complicated STEM ideas via graphic drawings and an endof-camp oral presentation – all while experiencing life on a university campus. About the Tapia Center
The Richard Tapia Center for Excellence and Equity at Rice University was founded in 1995 to promote greater participation of underrepresented minorities and women in the sciences and engineering and empower them to be future leaders. Since inception, the Tapia Center has provided direct training and guidance to more than 6,000 students and 2,500 teachers and educated nearly 250,000 students and professionals about the importance of diversity and representation. The Center’s founder, Dr. Richard Tapia, is a national leader in education and outreach, and internationally known for his research in the computational and mathematical sciences.
ELECTION/ELECCIÓN
Shown are Rohit Venigalla, Anjali Sivasothy, Justin Sivasothy, Leena Wilson, Kenley Nguyen and Abdullah Amer.
FORMER MAYOR ALLEN OWEN: “Don’t forget to cast your ballot for Floyd Emery in the race for Missouri City Council District D”
D
During the October 17, 2016, Regular City Council meeting, Councilmembers voted 4-3 to approve a resolution that moved the City's general elections from May to November. In accordance with the Texas Election Code, the City of Missouri City will hold a General Election on November 5, 2019. Positions and candidates on the Ballot:
District A City Councilmember Reginald B. Pearson Cheryl Sterling
District B City Councilmember Jeffrey L. Boney JaPaula Kemp
District C City Councilmember Anthony G. Maroulis Raj Joseph Steve Okoroha S.A.M. Chatriwala
Floyd Emery
District D City Councilmember
EARLY VOTING BEGINS: Monday, October 21, 2019
EARLY VOTING ENDS: Friday, November 1, 2019
ELECTION DAY: November 5, 2019
Allen
OWEN
RE-ELECT FLOYD EMERY FOR MISSOURI CITY COUNCIL — DISTRICT D Cindy Forney
PAID POL. AD BY FLOYD EMERY CAMPAIGN, FRED GRATES, TREASURER
Ensure Public Safety Protect Property & Family Values Attract New Businesses w w w EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019 PAID POL. AD BY FLOYD EMERY CAMPAIGN, FRED GRATES, TREASURER
06C
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
MEET THESE PUBLIC SERVANTS ONLINE AT: WWW.FORTBENDTX.GOV
F
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
THE MOST ETHNICALLY DIVERSE COUNTY IN AMERICA
Fort Bend County strives to be the most family friendly community in Texas by providing a high quality, enriching and safe environment. Each department and elective office provides fast, friendly service to its customers and continually strives to be number one in efficiency and effectiveness. The Commissioners Court fulfills its leadership role by providing necessary resources to the offices and departments to accomplish their duties and goals by establishing budgets, policies and procedures to make the most efficient use of the resources and by actively pursuing quality businesses to locate in Fort Bend County.
The Gulf of Mexico is located only 50 miles from Fort Bend County and its close proximity helps to hold the summer and winter temperatures to moderate levels. Extremes in climatic changes are usually short in duration. View current weather conditions.
Natural Resources
Fort Bend County has approximately 11 square miles of surface water in rivers, creeks and small lakes. The County is drained by the Brazos and San Bernard Rivers as well as Oyster Creek. The Brazos River formed a broad alluvial valley, up to ten miles wide in places. The
resulting fertile soils have been a major contributing factor to the agricultural industry in the County. The three permanently floatable waterways in Fort Bend County are the Brazos River, the San Bernard River south of Farm to Market Road 442, and Oyster Creek south of State Highway 6. The San Bernard River south of Interstate Highway 10 is a seasonally floatable waterway, shared on the west with adjacent counties. Soils vary from the rich alluvial soils in the Brazos River Valley to sandy loam and clay on the prairies. Native trees include pecan, oak, ash and cottonwood, with some old bottomland forests remaining along waterways. Mineral resources include oil, gas, and sulfur. Sand, clay, and gravel are commercially produced.
Location
Fort Bend County is located in the Houston metropolitan area of southeast Texas. It encompasses a total of 875.0 square miles (562,560 acres). The terrain varies from level to gently rolling with elevations from 46 to 127 feet above sea level, with an average elevation of 85 feet. US 59 traverses the center of the County from northeast to southwest, while US 90A crosses from east to west. State Highways (SH) 6, 36 and 99 provide important north-south routes. Neighboring counties are Austin, Brazoria, Harris, Waller and Wharton.
Climate
WWW.FORTBENDCOUNTYTX.GOV The growing season is 296 days, with an average annual rainfall of 45.3 inches. The average first freeze date in the fall is December 7, and the average last freeze date is February 14. Temperatures range from a mean minimum in January of 41º to a mean maximum in July of 93º.
MANISH SETH REPUBLICAN PARTY PRIMARY — TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020
FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE DISTRICT 27 MANISH SETH: “First and foremost, I am a family man. I have been married to my wife, Rumana, for over 20 years. We are blessed to have two wonderful daughters. My priority in life is to be the best husband and father to these three remarkable women God has so graciously put in my life. My roots are in this Fort Bend community. I am a proud member and contributor to the community that has given me so much. I have served this community tirelessly by dedicating time to causes near and dear to my heart. As a Board Member & Treasurer on the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, I worked closely with small businesses to ensure they had the most prudent growth strategies. I have also served on AccessHealth (Board Member), Cullinan Park Conservancy Board (Board Member), Ridge Point Orchestra Booster Association (Treasurer), and Fort Bend Republican Party (Treasurer). Most recently, I was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the One Call Commission Board, which has allowed me to serve at the State level. I was raised in this area and was able to take the opportunities presented to me and capitalize on them. I plan to take my experiences and work to bring opportunities to District 27. I want to bring a perspective of knowing the area since childhood to our House seat, and to use my experiences in growing a business, hiring people, and working with others to build our District 27 House seat.”
TRUSTWORTHY COMMITTED DEDICATED QUALIFIED HONEST
www.seth4state.com
Political Ad Paid for by Manish Seth, Candidate for Texas House of Representatives District 27, Andrew Barbe. Treasurer
There are several areas I want to focus on:
Education: We have to work with the local schools to continue providing a long-term educational plan for our children. This includes providing activities to enhance learning after normal school hours. It also means finding ways to provide skills to help the next generation transition from high school and skills to help when they enter the workforce. But it’s not just the children; it’s also the teachers. Making sure our teachers are paid fairly and are given the necessary resources from the State.
Business: District 27 is rapidly changing, and as data shows, many new people are moving to our District. With the influx of people, the District needs to continue to promote business and provide a pro-business growth environment. Local businesses that provide jobs must become a priority. To attract businesses to our community, infrastructure planning must happen at the State level. From my experience working with start-ups to large companies, I believe I have the skills of a “Business Acumen” to take this to the State Legislature to advocate on behalf of our District.
Healthcare: As someone who deals with several different healthcare clients, and through my work with AccessHealth, I have seen first-hand the need for healthcare services in our District. I also have experience in working to make sure it comes in a cost-efficient manner. We must look at ways to make sure our State is taking care of Texans, all Texans. Whether it’s our children, the elderly, or our veterans, we must ensure healthcare is accessible to all.
Property Taxes: We live in a very desirable District. As the demand for property in our area increases, so does our property taxes. Property tax laws have changed, and I will monitor to make certain the changes are positive for District 27.
Floyd
www.floydemery.com
EMERY
MISSOURI CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT D Councilman Floyd Emery To Seek Re-election for Missouri City Council - District D Floyd Emery announced he would seek another term on the Missouri City Council representing District D in the upcoming November 05, 2019 City election. Emery was first elected to that position in May of 2011 and has run opposed in all subsequent elections. He contributes running unopposed in 3 election cycles to his ability to keep his platform promises and to connect with his constituents on issues important to them. “I am seeking reelection on a platform heavy into Public Safety which includes the building of Fire Station 6; maintaining the scope of services provided by the Quail Valley Golf Course and City Centre while stressing its importance on home values in Quail Valley; continuing our economic development strategy where many nationally known businesses such as Niagara Water, Ben E. Keith, Comcast, Fed Ex, Best Buy have selected Missouri City as their business location bringing substantial capital investments and job opportunities to our city; transparency of our financial and operating records including City Council actions; a continuation of building and strengthening our alliances with our many HOA Boards and a commitment to maintain our current City Council/City Manager form of City Government.” “Missouri City needs an experienced and dedicated Council member to address the critical ongoing issues of Mobility, Drainage, and Infrastructure demands. Upcoming issues such as FBISD Coordination, MUD study evaluation, Parks evaluation, Homestead exemption evaluation, and Animal Control
PAID POL. AD BY FLOYD EMERY CAMPAIGN, FRED GRATES, TREASURER protocol are areas that also demand a seasoned Council member with a broad range of financial and operational experience.” Emery asks “why to change your Council repre-
sentative when in the current councilmember you have experience, dependability, and commitment to the position, service-oriented to constituents needs and one with a full range of knowledge and experience in most of the issues now facing our City.” “ I am proud to be associated with a city council where during my tenure Missouri City has and continues to be recognized as one of the safest cities in Texas, one of the most diverse cities in the state, best city to live in and most affordable for homebuyers among many other awards and recognitions.” “I am asking the constituents of District D to allow me to complete many of the initiatives I have outlined in my plans for Missouri City by reelecting me for another term on the City Council.” Emery is a 40 year resident of Missouri City all in District D, married to Linda for 60 years with two grown sons both educated in the Ft. Bend school system. In addition to the City, Council Emery continues to be active in community organizations as past president of QV Proud, an active member of the QV/Missouri City Exchange Club, co-chair of the Missouri City Police Officers Association annual fundraising golf tournament and heavy involvement in the Quail Valley First Tee program. For more detailed information on his accomplishments and plans for the future, visit www.floydemery.com or follow him on his Facebook page.
RE-ELECT FLOYD EMERY FOR MISSOURI CITY COUNCIL — DISTRICT D
“I’M ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019.”
Ensure Public Safety Protect Property & Family Values Attract New Businesses w w w EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
GROUND GAME ...HARRIS COUNTY
ALVIN BYRD: “District B is hands down the best community in Houston! In District B we teach our children good values like honesty, courage, and hard work. Please visit my website and read my platform to learn how our shared values will revitalize District B for decades to come.”
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019
PUBLISHED BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS©
HARRIS COUNTY
DISTRICT B
DISTRICT K
A FEW PEOPLE YOU SHOULD GET TO KNOW!
I
District K Neighbors,
It's hard to believe it has been 17 months since I was sworn in as your Houston City Council Member of District K. Although the circumstances are still heartbreaking, it has been my honor to serve out the final months of the late Council Member Larry Green's term. I vowed to complete the projects he started and to keep District K moving forward and that's exactly what my team and I have done. I am proud of the accomplishments we have made and have enjoyed celebrating our district's successes with each of you. Even on the really tough days, I am inspired by the people of this district and this city, to work harder and to push our team, to be better. Change and transitions due to death are not easy. Our office was faced with two major transitions in a five month span and although we were saddened by the tremendous loss, we kept showing up each day to give you the representation you each so
earnestly deserve. I hope that you all know how much I desire to restore people's faith in government and humanity. No situations are perfect, but we can always improve, even on our best. Thank you for your support and growing engagement in our change movement. I hope you recognize the changes and improvements in our community and are drawn to join our quest. You are needed in your neighborhood, our community and our city. Elected officials cannot do it alone. Engagement is a two way street. I am prepared to continue to listen, learn and lead District K. I'm asking for your continued support and most importantly, your vote on November 5, 2019. Our work is not done. Let's do it again!
OPEN LETTER
DISTRICT D Yours in service,
Martha Castex-Tatum Houston City Council Member-District K
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
POL ADV PAID FOR BY CARLA BRAILEY FOR DISTRICT D CAMPAIGN
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “I’m strongly encouraging “ALL” Houston Business Connections Newspaper© readers to cast “YOUR” ballot for candidates who value “OUR” vote.”
POLITICAL
02D
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
Happenings NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
...PEOPLE ON THE MOVE!
ENGAGING
®
REMINDER: “Alvin Byrd is asking for “OUR” vote in the Race for Houston City Council District B.” 281.788.3033
W
“We would like to take this moment to thank Alvin Byrd for finding value in helping us to publish this “ELECTION INFORMATION’ to inform the readers of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©. It is imperative that we elect candidates to public office who truly value “OUR” vote. So, please don’t forget that Alvin Byrd is a candidate who values and respects our vote when you go to the polls on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, to cast your ballot. (281)788-3033
©
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
DISTRICT B 957 NASA Parkway #251 I Houston, Texas 77058 Email: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com
You can learn more at: www.alvinbyrd.com
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
A
Alvin Byrd was born and raised in Houston’s historic Fifth Ward neighborhood and attended the Texas public school system Wheatley High School and Texas Southern University, respectively. The son of a shoemaker, Alvin valiantly served in the United States Navy becoming a skilled shipbuilder, leading him to become an active member of labor unions like the Pipefitters Union and Iron Workers Union. In his stellar public service career of over 30 years, Alvin started his journey as a sanitation
worker and worked his way up the ladder to become chief of staff for two Houston City Council Members: Jarvis Johnson (District B) and Richard Nguyen (District F). Alvin is engaged to his best friend Sandra; they enjoy spending time with their beautiful children and grandkids. Alvin believes the role of government is serve all people and ensure every Houstonian enjoys the basic freedoms and rights as their neighbor. As a civic leader, he has dedicated his life to providing quality and accessible services and programs that will enhance the lives of the people of Houston, fighting for reforms that will benefit all, and ensuring District B residents can achieve their full potential. Because of his proven track record as a trusted fighter, Alvin Byrd is by far the most experienced candidate to lead District B to a bright and promising future. ————————————————————— On November 5, 2019, elect Alvin Byrd as your next Council Member for District B.
BYRD ALVIN
Political Ad Paid for by the Alvin Byrd Campaign.
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com
“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
®
832.212.8735
EARLY VOTING WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020, AND END ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
04D
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
“AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Please make it your business to research these candidates before going to the polls to cast your vote!” Positions Drawn on the ballot for the Tues., November 5, 2019 General Election
Mayor
Demetria Smith Naoufal Houjami Victoria Romero Roy J. Vasquez Kendall Baker Derrick Broze Sue Lovell Bill King Sylvester Turner Tony Buzbee Dwight A. Boykins Johnny “J.T.” Taylor
Council Member, District — A
Mehdi Cherkaoui Amy Peck Marina Angelica Coryat Lois Myers George Harry Zoes Iesheia Ayers-Wilson
Council Member, District — B
Alice Kirkmon Ben White, Jr. Karen “KKC” KossieChernyshev Robin J. Anderson Broderick F. Butler Alvin Byrd Cynthia Bailey Prince E.W. Bryant II Karisma D. Gillam Tarsha Jackson Kenneth Perkins Renee Jefferson Smith Huey German-Wilson Alyson Quintana
Council Member, District — C Kevin Walker Amanda Wolfe Michelle Gianz Sean P. Marshall Gladys House Mary Jane Smith Bob Nowak Abbie Kamin Daphne Scarbrough Candelario Cervantez Greg Meyers Shelley Kennedy
Council Member, District — D Jerome Provost Ken Moore Carolyn Evans-Shabazz T. “Nissi” Hamilton Carla Brailey Mike Grissom Travis McGee Brad “Scarface” Jordan Dontrell L. Montgomery Anthony Kirk Allen Dennis Griffin Rashad Cave Terrill D. Thomas Marlon A. Christian Andrew C. Burks, Jr.
Council Member, District — E Dave Martin Sam Cleveland
Council Member, District — F Tiffany D. Thomas Jesus Zachary Zamora G. “John” Nguyen Richard Nguyen Anthony Nelson Van Huynh
Council Member, District — G Tom Baker Greg Travis Crystal Pletka
Council Member, District — H Gaby Salcedo Cynthia Reyes-Revilla Karla Cisneros Isabel Longoria
Council Member, District — I Robert Gallegos Richard “Rick” Gonzales
Council Member, District — J Andrew “Drew” Patterson Barry Curtis Sandra Rodriguez Nelvin Adriatico Federico “Freddie” Cuellar II Edward Pollard Rafael Galvan
Council Member, District — K Gerry Vander-Lyn Martha Castex-Tatum Kim Sauke
Council Member, At-Large — Position #1
Mike Knox Georgia Provost Raj Salhotra Yolanda Navarro Flores Larry Blackmon
Council Member, At-Large — Position #2
David W. Robinson Willie R. Davis M. “Griff” Griffin Emily Muñoz Detoto Jim Honey
Council Member, At-Large — Position #3
Jose Carlos Gonzalez Michael Kubosh Marcel McClinton Janaeya Carmouche
Council Member, At-Large
Houston Independent School District — DISTRICT II
Cloe V. Short Katherine BluefordDaniels Jevon D. German John C. Gibbs
Houston Independent School District — District III
Sergio Lira Daniela E. Hernandez
Houston Independent School District — District IV
Reagan D. Flowers Patricia K. Allen Larry L. McKinzie Ashley Butler Matthew C. Barnes
Houston Independent School District —District VIII
L. Diana Davila Judith A. Cruz
— Position #4
Ericka McCrutcheon Tiko Hausman James “Joe” Joseph Jennifer Laney Nick Hellyar Bill Baldwin Jason Rowe Anthony Dolcefino Christel Bastida Javier Gonzalez Letitia Plummer
Council Member, At-Large — Position #5
J. Brad Batteau Ralph “Rafa” Garcia Catherine Garcia Flowers Eric Dick Sonia Rivera Michelle Bonton Sallie Alcorn Ashton P. Woods Marvin McNeese, Jr.
Houston Community College Board Trustee — DISTRICT I
Dave Wilson Dakota John Stormer Monica Flores Richart
Houston Community College Board Trustee — DISTRICT II
Brendon Singh Kathleen Lynch-Gunter Linda Murray Rhonda Skillern-Jones
Houston Community College Board Trustee — DISTRICT VII
Cynthia Lenton-Gary ****NO OPPONENT
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON OCTOBER 21, 2019
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
05D
06D
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
You Should B Here – Renee’s Plan Improve District B’s Housing and Neighborhoods Ensure residents have access to quality affordable housing Create after school programs/ centers dedicated to developing District B children through strong partnerships with school board members and non-profit organizations located in the district Tackle illegal dumping and improper use of green space Revitalize our neighborhoods with beautification projects while also curbing gentrification efforts to maintain the integrity of District B’s neighborhoods
Strengthen District B’s Health and Wellness Equality
Strongly push for better access to medical care within the district Implement more health and wellness programs for treatment and preventative care Support incentivizing construction of grocery stores and a healthy food corner store network within the district
Grow District B’s Economic Development
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
A strong work ethic that was rooted in corporate & public service and entrepreneurialism, Renee began her professional career working as a Regional HR Manager in the Oil & Gas industry for over ten years. Eventually, her desire to serve and impact the community more directly, Renee was inspired to open her own small business establishment, and for the past five years, she has hosted and facilitated empowerment and enrichment programs and hired individuals throughout the community. Renee believes she was called to make a difference. She understands the power to build up and elevate; to operate with heart, and care deeply about leading others. Renee Jefferson Smith is a faithful resident of District B, now residing in the Trinity Garden Community. She has served the constituents of District B for the last 15 years and is especially passionate about working with senior citizens and veterans. Through her efforts more than 300 seniors were provided a sundry of services. In 2017, during Hurricane Harvey, Renee led the effort to establish Northeast Alliance of Hope, a strong resident service program where more than nine distribution sites throughout District B were opened. She led the community with the Annual Cemetery Clean-up of Oak Park Cemetery held around Juneteenth. In the summer of 2018, she gave away more than 60 AC units to Seniors in need. She was successful in assisting a 91-year old senior citizen in reclaiming and renovating her home. Renee works tirelessly to demonstrate compassion and admiration to the Veterans of District B and the City of Houston. For the last four years in the Acres Home Community, Renee hosts events on Veterans and Memorial Days with other City officials to honor and celebrate the service of Veterans. Renee is an active member on several boards and committees. As a member of the Mayor’s “Complete Community Initiative” she works to improve neighborhoods so that all of Houston’s residents and business owners can have access to quality services and amenities. She serves as a Board Member on the College of Health Care Professionals to help prepare students for challenging and rewarding careers in healthcare. Renee is often recognized for her community service and philanthropic work. In 2017, Renee was presented the Congressional Community Advocate Award by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and on November 28, 2017, she was proclaimed “Renee Jefferson Smith Day,” by Councilmember Dwight Boykins and Mayor Sylvester Turner. Renee was honored as a “Harvey Hero,” by the East Houston Economic Development Corporation for making a difference in the lives of others during Hurricane Harvey.
Attract new businesses to stimulate district economy and to provide more jobs within the community Create a business incubator within the district to provide guidance and office space for small business owners as well as technical and vocational training programs Work to create more tax increment reinvestment zones
MEET RENEE JEFFERSON SMITH
Renee Jefferson Smith, a life-long Houstonian, grew up in the Acres Homes Community with a demonstrated track record of service and leadership in the community. Being raised and influenced by her Grandparents, she undoubtedly learned the value of hard work, compassion, and service to others by watching their daily sacrifices. On weekends she would accompany her Grandmother to feed the homeless and visit nursing homes with her Great Grandmother. While in middle school, Renee learned of a classmate who was in foster care and in need of clothing. Without hesitation, she packed up some of her clothing and brought them to the little girl. These experiences as a young child would be the cornerstone of transforming the lives of others and foster the importance of community service.
“I was called to make a difference.” — Renee
JEFFERSONSMITHFORHOUSTON.COM
Education and a commitment to life-long learning is an integral part of Renee’s DNA. HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
As a young girl, she attended Ermel Elementary and Shotwell Middle School. She graduated from Eisenhower High School, and enrolled and attended Texas South
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
University. Renee continued her college education and graduated from the University of Phoenix. She was selected and delivered the commencement address before
INFORMATIVE
a crowd of more than 2000 attendees. Led by her faith and driven by her passion for people and service, Renee has accepted her calling to be an active partic-
ENGAGING
07D
ipant in the betterment of Houston for all residents. Renee is the proud wife and mother of four beautiful children.
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
DISTRICT K 08D
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
“I’M ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE AND SUPPORT ON NOVEMBER 5, 2019.”
C
ABOUT MARTHA CASTEX-TATUM
Council Member Martha CastexTatum won a special election on May 5, 2018 and was sworn in as the Houston City Council Member for District K on May 16, 2018. She currently serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, the Economic Development Committee, the Housing and Community Affairs Committee, and the Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure Committee. As a longtime and active resident of District K, Martha is committed to serving constituents through her passion for the community and her diligence as a public servant. She is an advocate for senior citizens and small business owners. She is also dedicated to increasing beautification projects and economic development throughout the district, among other projects and initiatives. Martha graduated from Lamar High School in Houston ISD. She is also a graduate of Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State University, in San Marcos, TX., where she earned both her Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Public Administration degrees. After graduating she served as an adjunct professor at the University while beginning to voice her passion for her community through political service. While in San Marcos, Martha’s desire to serve wherever she lives led her to unseat a 12- year City Council incumbent, becoming the first African-Ameri-
can woman to be elected in the city’s history. Martha served on the San Marcos City Council from 2000-2003 and held the position of Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore during her tenure. She also served on the San Marcos Economic Development Council and the Convention and Visitor Bureau.
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
The City Council is the City's legislative body, with the power to enact and enforce all ordinances and resolutions. Houston City Council meets every Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Council Chamber on the second floor of City Hall. The Tuesday sessions are devoted to public comments and concerns, while the Wednesday sessions are for matters that require council action. All meetings are open to the public. The City of Houston City Council agenda is published on Friday afternoons and details the actions that Council will consider the following week. You can also watch meetings live online. Council Member Castex-Tatum currently serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, the Economic Development Committee, the Housing and Community Affairs Committee, and the Transportation, Technology, and InfraMartha Castex-Tatum at a ground-breaking with the late Donald Perkins (Chief of Staff), and structure Committee. the late Councilman Larry Green prior to her becoming the District K representative.
MARTHAFORDISTRICTK.COM
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
09D
The late Donald Perkins (Chief of Staff), and the late Councilman Larry Green working at the “GRAND OPENING” of the Southwest Police Station in District K prior to her becoming the Houston City Council District K representative. Councilwoman Martha Castex-Tatum won the Saturday, May 5, 2018 Special Election. She is the second District K representative.
Councilwoman Martha Castex-Taum at the ribbon-cutting ceremony and Grand Opening of the first Philippine Community Center located in Houston City Council District K.
Councilwoman Martha Castex-Taum is working hard for District Councilwoman Martha Castex-Tatum celK. She recently kicked off her #CleanStateofMind Campaign for ebrating the 70th Anniversary of Three Houston City Council District K residents. Brother’s Bakery.
Councilwoman Martha Castex-Tatum and members of the Houston Police Department participating in National Night Out.
Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum currently serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, the Economic Development Committee, the Housing and Community Affairs Committee, and the Transportation, Technology, and Infrastructure Committee.
Councilwoman Martha Castex-Tatum supporting After-School Programs throughout Houston City Council District K.
COUNCILWOMAN MARTHA CASTEX-TATUM IS A VISIONARY WHO KNOWS WHAT MATTERS TO DISTRICT K
IMPACTING LIVES RE-ELECT 10D
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
JOE STEPHENS Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, Position #1
A Home Grown Leader Standing Tall for Our Kids, and Our Community.
I
DEAR PRECINCT 3 VOTERS:
I’m dedicated and committed to community service. Thus, I’m grateful for the trust that has been bestowed upon me by you, the voters of Harris County Precinct 3. It has been both an honor and privilege to serve as your Harris County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, Position 1 for these past few years. As I have traveled the precinct serving you, I have seen how vital it is to have a Justice of the Peace with a heart for our community. So, I hope and trust that my track-record of service has proven my love for our community and has earned me the opportunity to continue my service as your Harris County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, Position 1. Our community is uniquely positioned to continue to be one of the fastest-growing in Harris County, and with our ever-changing demographics, I plan to continue the long-lasting traditions of humility, pride, and integrity we deserve. I have tremendous respect for our community and see it as my duty to continue to give back as your humble public servant. After all, I am still, a Northeast Houston boy who has a heart for our community and will serve it until the day I die. So, please consider casting your vote for me again in 2020. And yes, I want to continue to be your Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, Position 1; but I can only do so with your vote, prayers, and support in 2020 and beyond.
Thank you,
Joe Stephens
Candidate for Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 Pos. 1
WWW.VOTEJOESTEPHENS.COM
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “JUDGE JOE STEPHENS CARES ABOUT THE COMMUNITY. AND HE’S ASKING FOR OUR VOTE IN THE 2020 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY.”
Former Houston Rockets Player Becomes Judge
M
HBC NEWSPAPER REPORTS©
Making an impact requires more than making promises and leaving a good yet, fleeting impression. Making an impact involves empowering people to make positive changes in their lives and leaving a legacy of prosperity, health, and safety in our community. As Justice of The Peace for Precinct 3, Position 1, my goals have centered on making such an impact. Since I took office in 2017, I have implemented initiatives that change attitudes and behaviors, contributing to a healthier, safer, and more empowered community. Justices of the Peace are well-known for our duties related to traffic court, evictions, personal disputes, juvenile issues, and marriages. I am committed not only to executing these duties but also to, our community on a greater scale through programs that include teaching, training, and research. These programs were designed to empower members of our community to develop sustainable positive attitudes and behaviors. Below are some examples of our impact programs in Precinct 3, Position #1: * Boys Rock 2 Life Skills mentoring program was created to support the mentorship of young men in the 7th thru 12th grades. This unique, one-day, fun-filled workshop connects participants with local schoolbased partners, law enforcement, local leaders, and clergy. Since its inception, the program has served over 800 young men and their families. The program teaches fundamental life skills while helping the young men prepare for future careers. The program focuses specifically on professional attire, money management, and constructive interactions with law enforcement. * TRIAD Prevention Program provides countywide services to intervene with youth and families. One of the nine programs that operate under the TRIAD program is the JP Court Liaison. The Liaison works with youth and families who appear before the JP court for various class c misdemeanor offenses including: truancy, shop lifting, disorderly conduct, and disruption of school classes. JP, Precinct 3, position 1, hosts an annual breakfast with the TRIAD Liaison, Harris County Juvenile Court Representatives, and over five different School District’s representatives staff liaisons. * Educational Seminars are available to increase the knowledge our citizens have of their rights and benefits. These educational seminars include the following:
Tenants and Landlord Rights - a courtroom discussion on evictions, self-help remedies, surety bonds, appeals, and much more;
Veterans Brown Bag Luncheon - a seminar for veterans to discuss applying for VA benefits, medical care, and transportation, and much more; Community Interaction meeting with Law Enforcement to help build a better, safer community; Teen Court for students interested in a career in the judicial system, community service project, and much more;
• Community Engagement
Holiday Food Distributions Back To School Backpacks & School Supplies Donations First Responder during natural disasters Cody’s Law – testified in Austin over the Years, House Bill 76 passed 2019- for ecg screening to prevent Sudden Cardiac Death in student-athletes Board of Trustees at Galena Park ISD Galena Park/ Jacinto City Rotary Barrett Station Civic League LULAC Council
A Home Grown Leader Standing Tall for Our Kids, and Our Community.
12D
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
Cast Your Ballot for Judge Fredericka Phillips on Tuesday, March 3, 2020
F
Fredericka Phillips is a mother, judge, and community organizer. She is a native of Beaumont, Texas where she began her early involvement in politics and law through her participation in voter registration drives and canvasses with local civic organizations including the Beaumont Branch of the NAACP. Fredericka attended college at Lamar University Beaumont where she received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice graduating cum laude in 1996. She attended law school in Houston at South Texas College of Law where she was a member of law review. Fredericka received her Juris Doctorate in May 2000 and practiced law in for over 17 years law representing clients across the country in state and federal courts including successfully arguing cases before the US Fifth Circuit and the Texas Supreme Court. Fredericka’s practice covered all areas of civil litigation from personal injury to complex business litigation to collections. In November 2016, Fredericka was elected judge of the 61st District Court. She began serving as the first African American female judge of the 61st District Court on January 1, 2017. Fredericka has been a frequent speaker at legal education seminars. Fredericka was also recently appointed to oversee the civil seizure & forfeiture docket for all civil courts. Fredericka was also selected to be a member of the Texas Bar Foundation, Fredericka believes in helping others and uses her legal expertise to give back to her community. She has volunteered her time over the years in pro bono activities with the Houston Bar Association, the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program and served as an Election Protection volunteer lawyer for the 2008 and 2012 election cycles protecting all citizens access to the polls and right to vote. As a mother, Fredericka also knows the importance great role models play in helping to shape our future generations. As such, Fredericka has also volunteered her time working with children at DePelchin Children’s Center, building houses for Habitat for Humanity, and raising money for and participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and the Sisters Network African American Breast Cancer Walk. She also served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader for several years. Fredericka is also a frequent speaker at empowerment seminars for women and girls and conferences centering around political engagement.
DEMOCRAT
Fredericka is active in several political clubs in Harris county. Fredericka served as Vice Chair of the Texas Democratic Party from 2014 to 2018 and was a member of the Democratic National Committee during that time Judge Fredericka Phillips was voted to be the presiding judge over civil seizure forfeiture case earlier this year and also inducted as a member of the Texas Bar Foundation back in the fall of 2018.
Judge Fredericka Phillips
Tuesday March 3 , rd,
2020
WWW.FREDERICKAPHILLIPS.COM Pol. ad paid for by Fredericka Phillips Campaign, Alva WesleyThomas Treasurer. In compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.
EARLY VOTING WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020, AND END ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING
13D
C
Time for new energy in Texas Politics AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why do you want to run for State Representative?
CAREY LASHLEY: “I am energized by the way government works with lawmakers to accomplish change. Seeing positive change with President Obama, Congressman Al Green and the Black Girl Magic Movement, our community and government can accomplish real positive change when the right people and resources are utilized. I am running for office to continue to build positive change within my community, district and state of Texas. I want to energize, empower and educate my community and bring real positive change
to Texas government that will empower our community.”
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Tell us about yourself, who is Carey Lashley? CAREY LASHLEY: I’m patient, strategic and very observant. Working as an educator and social worker for many years helped me build confidence, self-awareness and taught me the importance of observing and understanding other’s needs. I am a constant advocate and change agent for self-improvement. Most importantly, I am a husband and a father of three (2) girls and (1) boy.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR What experience do you have that is relevant to the office you are seeking?
CAREY LASHLEY: “I have initiated and supported change in my community working with the NAACP and several Non-profit agencies. I collaborated and lead families and youth, communities and organizations to continuous learning, self-awareness and change. Energizing, empowering and educating others is part of my id and I will continue to fight for change for my community, district and for the great state of Texas.”
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
15D
ENGAGING
BULLETIN BOARD CALL (832)212-8735 TO ADVERTISE!
(832)564-3804 CALL MARJORIE A. MURPHY AT:
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
“It’s imperative that you know the rights that have been afforded to you as an American citizen in these “UNITED” STATES of America.”
®
832.212.8735
16D
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
NONPARTISAN
OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP
INFORMATIVE
ENGAGING