A Few Key Endorsements for the Saturday, December 14, 2019, City of Houston Runoff Election

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS HOUSTON

RUNOFF ENDORSEMENTS

Houston Business Connections Newspaper is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All Rights Reserved

BRAD “SCARFACE”JORDAN AND DR. CAROLYN EVANS-SHABAZZ WILL FACE OFF ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019 IN THE RACE FOR DISTRICT D

SUPPORT FOR TONY BUZBEE AND MIKE KNOX CONTINUES TO GROW IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY AS THE START OF EARLY VOTING APPROACHES

TONY BUZBEE

Attorney Tony Buzbee is endorsed by members of the clergy, like Bishop Destry C. Bell Sr., and a host of other Black leaders in the Saturday, December 14, 2019, RUNOFF RACE FOR MAYOR OF HOUSTON, TEXAS.

MIKE KNOX

Councilman Mike Knox is endorsed by Black leaders like Larry Blackmon and Georgia D. Provost in the Saturday, December 14, 2019, RUNOFF RACE FOR AT-LARGE POSITION #1 IN HOUSTON, TX.

NO -RUNOFF FOR DISTRICT B

D

NO DISTRICT B JACKSON

BAILEY

RUNOFF ELECTION

EDWARD POLLARD HAS A MESSAGE FOR DISTRICT J VOTERS - PAGE 12B

Due to a legal challenge, the City of Houston Council Member District B race will not appear on the December 14, 2019 Runoff ballot. This will not affect any of the other races or the election procedures the Harris County Clerk’s Office carries out.

For further information on this matter, please contact Douglas Ray Special Assistant of the Harris County Attorney’s Office 713-274-5163 or Ron Lewis City Attorney for the City of Houston 832-393-6491.

Early voting will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 -- the day before Thanksgiving. Early voting will then skip a few days, and resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019.

RHONDA SKILLERN JONES

FOR HCC DISTRICT II

DR. RHONDA SKILLERN JONES: “I’M HUMBLY ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14TH.”

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Is Tony Buzbee a Republican or Democrat?...Who Cares?

Let me take this moment to be clear: THE 2019 RUNOFF RACE FOR MAYOR OF HOUSTON, TEXAS IS A NONPARTISAN RACE!!! What does this mean? I’m glad you asked. When an election is deemed to be nonpartisan it means that it should be free from political party influence, bias, and partisan labels. One of the things l like most about Tony Buzbee is that he is doing his best to run for Mayor of Houston, Texas on his own merits. He’s running his race as a true nonpartisan candidate. In my opinion, that’s the way it should be in nonpartisan elections.

So, don’t forget to vote early! Early

voting will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 -- the day before Thanksgiving. Early voting will skip a few days, then resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019. And election day voting will take place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.

(281)788-3033

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AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA Parkway #251 I Houston, Texas 77058 Email: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com

REMINDER: “I’m asking for the vote of every Houstonian.”

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“Please look at the dates on the next page, compare them to the dates in your calendar and find ONE 30 MINUTE time slot, that you can dedicate to voting. I know you’re busy.

Thanksgiving, holidays, hunting season, vacations, but more than ever — we are all depending on each other to get out and vote again. Change is within our grasp, all we have to do is show up and vote!!!”

TONY

BUZBEE

www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com Paid political advertising paid for by Tony Buzbee for Mayor, Gilbert Garcia Treasurer

“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.”

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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.”

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Tony Buzbee is a decorated Marine, successful lawyer and business owner, philanthropist and change agent. He is running for Mayor of Houston to end corruption, restore effective government and deliver results for all Houstonians.

“SUPPORT FOR TONY BUZBEE IS CONTINUING TO GROW IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY.” Paid political advertising paid for by Tony Buzbee for Mayor, Gilbert Garcia Treasurer

YOUR VOTE COULD BE THE DECIDING VOTE ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019. CAST YOUR VOTE FOR TONY BUZBEE.

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TONY BUZBEE is a decorated Marine, successful lawyer and business owner, philanthropist and change agent. He is running for Mayor of Houston to end corruption, restore effective government and deliver results for all Houstonians...Tony is frequently asked about his party affiliation; whether he is a Republican or a Democrat. The simple answer is that Tony is Independent — independent of divisive partisan politics and partisan bickering…independent of cronyism and special interests and…independent of the pay-to-play donors who control politicians with their campaign contributions...Tony Buzbee is THE Independent voice for all residents of Houston, whether Republican or Democrat.

RELATIONSHIPS MATTER...

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“Tony Buzbee has made it a part of his “BUSINESS STRATEGY” to support candidates running for president, as well as, U.S. Presidents like President Barack Obama, the first African American to become president of the United States of America, former U.S. President William “Bill” Jefferson Clinton. And yes, he supported current U.S. President Donald J. Trump back when he was running for office. However, he also supported Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to name a few.”

Yes, Attorney Tony Buzbee supported President Barack Obama. His daughter loves President Barack Obama, and was so happy to meet him.

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Dear Houstonians,

As a successful businessman, I have spent my career helping those in need of fair representation. My company has hired many individuals that make up the diversity of Houston. As mayor, my staff and leadership team will reflect the demographics of Houston, as you should expect as a taxpaying citizen.

As Houston continues to grow, as a firstclass city, we will face more challenges, from flooding, crime reduction, homelessness, and others. So, as I implore you to work with me to engage our federal and state officials to help us with getting the funding we need.

Over the years, I have built relationships with both Democrats and Republicans to make sure that I had lines of communication open at the local, state and federal levels.

As mayor of Houston, having relationships with both Republicans and Democrats

Yes, Attorney Tony Buzbee supported President Bill Clinton.

will allow my administration to have open lines of communication with Washington D.C. should we need it. Under my leadership Hurricane Harvey residents would have received funding quicker (due to relationships) rather than waiting on the state reimbursement process.

RELATIONSHIPS MATTER...

I am Tony Buzbee, and as your Mayor, I promise you “Performance Not Politics,” as we work together to move our city forward.

Attorney Tony Buzbee and Sylver, a small business owner.

WE CAN DO BETTER WORKING TOGETHER...

Yes, Attorney Tony Buzbee supported Gov. Rick Perry.

ATTORNEY TONY BUZBEE: “I don’t have a taxpayer funded security detail to carry me around Houston like our current mayor does. And I won’t have one as your mayor. I’ll pay my own way.

Everytime I’m in an Uber, the driver is excited and wants a pic. This is Sylver. He is from the Congo.

He owns a small business here. He loves Houston but tells me the streets are terrible. I already know that Sylver! We will do better!!!”

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Attorney Tony Buzbee is THE Independent voice for all residents of Houston, whether Republican or Democrat.

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Pastor Terrance Hall, and Tony Buzbee giving back to the community. Pastor Hall is the senior pastor of the Kingdom Builders Cathedral Church, located in Houston, Texas.

TONY BUZBEE: "My life has been nothing but serious. My mother drove my school bus. My father was a meat cutter. So, I know what it’s like to be in want. We will tackle homelessness, hunger, poverty, potholes, illegal dumping, flooding, and other pressing matters when I’m your mayor. Oh, and we are going to damn sure take care of our firefighters too.”

Paid political advertising paid for by Tony Buzbee for Mayor, Gilbert Garcia Treasurer

WWW.SYLVESTERTURNER.COM

A FEW OF MAYOR TURNER’S MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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Education

Mayor Turner went from sharing one room with eight brothers and sisters to attending the University of Houston and Harvard Law School, founding his own business and then becoming a champion for every voice in the state legislature and now in Houston’s City Hall.

Mayor Sylvester Turner knows every voice matters in our city. That’s why he is working every day to lift every voice in Houston – so we can do great things for our city.

Below are just some of the highlights of Mayor Turner’s first term at City Hall.

Houston is a city that never sleeps— and this is a story that continues to be told every day, by every one of us.

Hurricane Harvey

Ordered a targeted evacuation in west Houston that saved countless lives after the U.S. Corps of Engineers released an unexpectedly large amount of water into neighborhoods from reservoirs.

Provided administrative support and coordination for the rescues of thousands of people from their flooded dwellings by boats, helicopters and special trucks.

Shifted personnel and emergency resources to the Northeast Water Plant, thus avoiding a plant shutdown that would have required an advisory saying the city’s tap water was unsafe to drink.

Co-founded the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, which collected and distributed more than $114 million to proven nonprofit organizations that provide direct aid to victims.

Won City Council support for an ordinance that requires new and substantially remodeled houses and other buildings to be built higher to prevent flooding.

Opening and operating the George R. Brown Convention Center as an impromptu shelter that held as many as 12,000 people benefiting from services by thousands of volunteers and the American Red Cross.

Creating and operating Neighborhood Recovery Centers, which became one-stop recovery service centers close to where victims lived, and later a set of resource centers through which victims could apply for federal housing repair aid.

Convincing FEMA to create a credit against the city’s financial obligations for volunteer services that address the recovery.

Successfully lobbying Congress to increase FEMA funding and related funding for Houston’s recovery. The lobbying effort included work by former Shell Oil Co. President Marvin Odum, who served for 15 months without pay as the mayor’s chief recovery officer.

Municipal Pensions: Brought Republicans, Democrats, business people, labor unions and working families together to save our city from bankruptcy by fixing the looming pension crisis.

City Budget

Cut city spending by at least $80 million without tax hikes or layoffs of city workers

THIS PHOTO OF MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER WAS TAKEN AT CITY HALL INSIDE THE LOVELY LEGACY ROOM

before the passage in November 2018 of Proposition B, which required salary increases for firefighters totaling at least $113 million in the first year.

Worked with county officials, non-profit organizations, private companies and foreign diplomats for them to provide funding that augments city services and programs.

County Commissioner Rodney Ellis concentrated street and sidewalk resources on city neighborhoods, for instance. Other partners included, but were not limited to, Microsoft, Verizon, Facebook, The Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities, Bloomberg Associates, the nations of Qatar and United Arab Emirates, the Kinder Foundation and the Astros Foundation.

Began steps to reduce the city’s Other Postemployment Benefits liability with an approach like the one he took with historic pension reform.

Crime and Safety

To keep a lid on crime, Mayor Turner appointed proven crime-fighter Art Acevedo as Houston police chief and provided the police force with all resources available under the constraints of the city budget.

Recently updated statistics show that overall crime has declined during Mayor Turner’s term in office, and violent crime declined last year.

Worked with schools, students and neighborhoods to focus on solutions to violence against and by youth.

Appointed a Commission Against Gun Violence, composed of people from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, that made policy recommendations now under consideration.

Appointed proven public safety leader Samuel Peña as fire chief with the goal of restructuring the department to meet modern-day demands and work within budget constraints. Following the retirement of Dennis Storemski, Mayor Turner chose veteran law enforcement leader George Buenik as director of Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Economic Development

Challenged businesses and potential business leaders to establish Houston as the next national frontier for computer-

based tech innovation by creating a fertile environment for start-up companies.

Soon after the mayor issued his challenge, an “ecosystem” for the tech industry began to flourish with plans for a bio-research campus at the Texas Medical Center, the designation of the former Midtown Sears building as an innovation hub, Verizon’s delivery of 5G service to commercial customers in Houston before doing so in any other city, and much more.

Created more than 100,000 new jobs in the region last year with a focus on startups, technology and innovation.

The Houston Business Journal called this fast-growing sector “Silicon Bayou.”

Led Houston’s successful bid to host the World Petroleum Conference in 2020.

Led international missions to nations that trade heavily with Houston, including China and India, resulting in increased Houston commerce, tourism, and cultural ties.

Fostered the Office of Business Opportunity’s Turnaround Houston, which helps “hard to employ” residents position themselves for job opportunities.

Created the Hire Houston Youth program, matching Houstonians age 16-24 with summer jobs in the private, non-profit and government sectors and positioning them as talented full-time employees ready to take their place in the future Houston economy.

The target number of HHY jobs for 2019 is a record-high 10,000.

Promoted Houston’s number one ranking in the U.S. for ethnic diversity, which serves as a welcome mat for commerce, culture and tourism.

Complete Communities

In connection with economic development as well as infrastructure and cultural development, Mayor Turner created Complete Communities, an award-winning initiative combining private and non-profit investments with funding from city and county government to improve conditions in underserved neighborhoods.

The initial pilot programs, based on community input, are in Acres Homes, Gulfton, Near Northside, Second Ward and Third Ward. More will be added this year.

Established the Mayor’s Office of Education, which works with school districts to administer the Hire Houston Youth program and provide city support for successful education programs.

Created a City Council subcommittee on education.

Participated in the creation of a nonprofit organization poised to provide philanthropic resources and policy input to the Houston Independent School District.

Potholes: Established a pothole repair initiative that led to same-day repairs of many potholes reported to the city by the public. More than 165,000 potholes have been filled on Mayor Turner’s watch.

Recycling: Forged a money-saving contract that will re-establish the curbside pickup of glass as recyclable items in March.

Garbage pickup: Ended several years of financial neglect of the Solid Waste Department’s aging fleet by winning council approval for purchasing new trucks that will replace half the department’s mobile equipment.

Public transportation: With the Houston area slated for massive population growth, Mayor Turner challenged Metro, whose board includes members he appointed, to carry out a “paradigm shift” that will provide the public with more alternatives to using private motor vehicles for mobility. Metro responded and will ask the voters in November 2019 to fund a plan that will help transform how the Houston region moves.

Climate change: The mayor has become a leading local government figure in the nation’s moves to control and reverse man-made climate change. He forged the city’s Climate Action Plan and preserved the city’s number one standing in the U.S. for municipal government use of renewable and/or cleaner energy sources such as solar and wind power and natural gas.

Homelessness: Mayor Turner has advanced the astoundingly effective effort to reduce the city’s homeless population, working with nonprofit coalitions and HPD’s Homeless Outreach Team. The homeless population has shrunk by more than half since 2011.

Open and accessible government: Using technological tools, Mayor Turner oversaw an overhaul of the city’s public website, houstontx.gov. It now features the public’s most popular interests in city services, such as animal adoption and job opportunities. He also established a Nextdoor.com account, allowing him to provide city service updates to more than 270,000 households.

Diversity and excellence: Mayor Turner’s appointed executive staff includes two leaders who garnered international recognition for their work for the city. Maria Town, director of the city’s Office for People with Disabilities, received an international Henry Viscardi Achievements Award, which “honors exemplary leaders in the global disability community who, through the example of their professional accomplishments and advocacy efforts, are reshaping societal perceptions and making significant changes in the quality of life of people with disabilities.” Minal Patel Davis, Mayor Turner’s special advisor on human trafficking, received the prestigious Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons during a White House meeting of the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons chaired by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

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.

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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.

RUNOFF: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019 Political Analyst Jacquie Baly has endorsed Council Member Mike Knox in the race for Houston City Council At-Large Position #1 runoff election on Dec., 14, 2019.

Early voting will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 -- the day before Thanksgiving. Early voting will then skip a few days, and resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 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.”

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“SUPPORT FOR MIKE KNOX IS CONTINUING TO GROW IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY.”

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YOUR VOTE COULD BE THE DECIDING VOTE ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019. CAST YOUR VOTE FOR MIKE KNOX.

LARRY BLACKMON ENDORSES MIKE KNOX

Larry Blackmon is humbly asking all 18,962 Houstonians who voted for him back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, to cast their vote for Councilman Mike Knox on Saturday, December 14, 2019, when he faces off against Raj Salhotra.

Remember the "EARLY VOTING" period will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving. Then the "EARLY VOTING" period will resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019, with "ELECTION DAY" voting taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.

GEORGIA PROVOST ENDORSES MIKE KNOX

Georgia D. Provost is humbly asking all 27,648 Houstonians who voted for her back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, to cast their vote for Councilman Mike Knox on Saturday, December 14, 2019, when he faces off against Raj Salhotra. Remember the "EARLY VOTING" period will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving. Then the "EARLY VOTING" period will resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019, with "ELECTION DAY" voting taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.

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.”

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“To soar and reach higher heights an eagle needs both a left wing and a right wing. One without the other will not allow the eagle to fly. Both wings are necessary and only when they work together will the eagle have an opportunity to leave the ground and take full advantage of all its capabilities.”

CANDIDATE FOR HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT J POLITICAL AD PAID FOR BY POLLARD FOR HOUSTON CAMPAIGN

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The Pollard Plan

“This is not a partisan plan, this is a people plan.”

The Pollard Plan is designed to detail my vision for bettering the quality of life for everyone in District J. The Pollard Plan is not a partisan plan, it is a people plan. I have created three categories that identify and address many of our most pressing issues throughout the District. The first category, Needs Before Wants, details a fiscally responsible approach to getting the most out of our tax dollars by placing a greater emphasis on basic core services over everything else. The second category, Neighborhoods Determine Everything, addresses the fact that in order for our district to flourish, we must first have neighborhoods that are safe, clean, and inviting.

Finally, the third category, Diversity is our Strength, stresses the importance of not only embracing the different cultures that make up our district, but highlighting this unique feature in order to create opportunities and economic growth. With a commitment to each of these three categories, I know District J will reach its full potential.

Needs Before Wants

We all want nice things, but those things should not come at the expense of the necessities. In many instances, tax dollars are allocated to pet projects instead of increasing funds for core services such as streets, flooding, homelessness, trash, parks, mobility, law enforcement patrol, and first responders/municipal employee wages. Council Members are responsible for being good stewards of our tax dollars and ensuring our money is budgeted properly and allocated reasonably. We must use the money we have and make it work without continuously going back to the tax payer asking for more. As your Council Member I will: Prioritize our basic core service needs before we fund pet projects as well as reduce the debt by putting an end to

frivolous spending.

Work closely with Harris County Flood Control District to ensure our district gets appropriate and immediate funding from the flood damage reduction project bonds.

Engage residents to identify areas of our district that are in need of drainage repair and ensure the city’s Public Works department addresses the issue.

Fight tirelessly so that our district, the most densely populated area of Houston, is prioritized for transportation and mobility projects.

Advocate for privatizing when practical reducing the burden of city government by spending tax dollars on private businesses for city services when needed.

Work closely with and support each Management District and TIRZ to ensure their leadership is a true representation of our community and that residents are engaged and notified upfront on proposed improvements.

Increase transparency about when and how tax dollars are spent by holding periodic town halls located within District J, that strictly discuss District J issues. The town halls will be held after business hours to prevent residents from having to miss work and fight traffic driving downtown to address their Council Member.

Neighborhoods Determine Everything

When our neighborhoods thrive our entire community thrives. Vacant, misused, and run down properties are a blight on our District J community. We must hold property owners (residential, multi-unit,

and commercial) accountable for properly maintaining their properties. In addition to that, our neighborhoods need existing city codes to be enforced so that properties are only being used for their intended purpose. This will have a direct positive impact on our property values, overall reputation, drive economic development, enhance beautification, and increase public safety. As your Council Member I will: Focus heavily on deterring crime and public safety by working with city and county attorney’s to prosecute those who violate our public nuisance laws.

Utilize discretionary District Service Fund dollars for additional law enforcement patrol to tackle specific public safety concerns such as panhandling, prostitution, trafficking, and neighborhood violations.

Fight to get code enforcement officers that are strictly designated to District J to ensure commercial and multi-unit properties are properly maintained, safe for tenants, and absent of blight.

Quickly respond to the needs of residents by designating a member of my staff that is solely responsible for constituent services and complaints.

Assist Civic Associations and HOA’s with enforcing deed restrictions by including their board leadership in the approval of permits for additions and changes to residential properties.

Organize a volunteer group for residents who will be trained and certified to assist the City and law enforcement with reporting neighborhood related violations.

Commit to initiatives that make our community look more aesthetically pleasing with a focus on parks, trails, and thoroughfares.

Partner with private businesses and trade associations to facilitate quarterly 2nd Chance Job Fairs for those unemployed and in need of opportunities within our district.

Diversity is Our Strength

District J is the most diverse district in the city of Houston, and that is something to be proud of. We must highlight all the amazing cultures and customs, as well as collectively work together to bridge our communities in an effort to strengthen unity among each other. As the most diverse district, we can set the standard for inclusion, cultural appreciation, and economic development. As your Council Member I will: Market our district as an international tourism hub by increasing awareness of our culturally diverse businesses and host more festivals, carnivals, and events.

Promote the uniqueness of our varied demographic to attract more businesses and diligently approach top tier retail, grocery, recreation, and corporate entities to locate to our district.

Work to increase access to resources that help small businesses within District J thrive by increasing their opportunity and exposure to Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) contract opportunities.

Increase resident’s awareness of social programs by working with local organizations and nonprofits within the district; as well as developing public/private partnerships that are culturally sensitive to our needs and able to assist with healthcare, education, immigration, and job readiness.

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“As your City Council member, I'll bring the vision to identify solutions, the ability to make sure your voice is heard at City Hall, and the experience to hit the ground running to get things done. I’ll focus on the issues impacting us and our communities — flooding, traffic, infrastructure, city services, equality, safe neighborhoods and stray animals. Together, let’s bring about the positive change District C deserves and our city needs.”

– Shelley Kennedy for Houston City Council District C

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DR. RHONDA SKILLERN JONES IS ASKING FOR “YOUR” VOTE

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Rhonda Skillern-Jones is a wife and mother of five children: three girls and two boys, including twins. She is a native Houstonian who has earned both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in clinical sociology from Texas Southern University. As a volunteer social worker at the Mount Ararat Baptist Church, Skillern-Jones assists families with seniors and youth to overcome economic obstacles to their wellbeing. She and her family enjoy their 13-year membership at the church. Skillern-Jones has a strong faith in God and cites her parents as her heroes and role models.

She served HISD in a volunteer capacity for 25 years before joining the school board. She has a passion for education and children, and believes that all children deserve an equitable and quality educa-

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tion for a fair start in achieving their maximum potential.

Ms. Skillern-Jones was first elected to the HISD Board of Education in 2011. She is currently serving her second consecutive term, and her colleagues on the board unanimously elected her as their president for 2018. She also served as president in 2015, and has held several other leadership positions on the board, including assistant secretary, secretary, and first vice president. She also represents HISD on the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Board of Directors, is Vice Chair of the Steering Committee for the National School Boards Association's Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE), and is Vice Chair of the Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members. She also sits on the National Black Caucus of School

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Boards. Her other memberships include The Links, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta; Top Ladies of Distinction; and the NAACP. In recognition of her community and

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district efforts to enhance the lives of Houston children and citizens, she has received numerous achievement awards and honors. Among these are Top 40 Professional Women of the Year, School Board Member of the Year, Community Partner of the Year, Law Enforcement Children's Champion, Outstanding Advocate Award, TSCC Community Service Honoree, Top 10 Women to Watch, PTA Partner of the Year, and PTO President's Award.

While she has enjoyed being a stayat-home mother for 25 years, Ms. SkillernJones has had interval employment as a state social worker, teacher, and census director, and currently works for Harris County Precinct One as a community engagement director.

THE RUNOFF ELECTION WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019

PAID POLITICAL AD BY FRIENDS OF RHONDA SKILLERN JONES.

“Mayor Sylvester Turner finished first in the race for mayor of Houston to make the runoff. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”

“Tony Buzbee finished second in the race for mayor of Houston to make the runoff. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”

“Anthony Dolcefino finished first in the race for At-Large Position #4 to make the runoff. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”

“Letitia Plummer finished second in the race for At-Large Position #4 to make the runoff. If you like her you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”

“Sallie Alcorn finished first in the race for AtLarge Position #5 to make the runoff. If you like her, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”

“Eric Dick finished second in the race for AtLarge Position #5 to make the runoff. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”