DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF EDITION
Featuring... SHARON M. BURNEY
“Houston has always been home. I am passionate about giving back to the community that has given me so much.” — SHARON
BURNEY SHARON M.
PRECINCT 7, PLACE 2
FOR JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
Pol. Ad. Paid for by Committee to Elect Sharon Burney, Justice of The Peace
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com
...LET’S GO! Ground-Game Magazine ® CONGRATULATIONS MARTHA...
I would like to take this moment to personally congratulate Martha Castex Tatum on her resounding victory on Saturday, May 5, 2018 to become the new Houston City Council District K representative! Aubrey R. Taylor Communications is the publisher of Ground-Game Magazine® and Houston Business Connections Magazine® . No information contained herein may be reprinted or published in any other form without our expressed written permission.The mission of Houston Business Connections Magazine© is to assist our readers with identifying corporations, public servants, small business owners, and other entities who value our support as we endeavor to inform, empower and motivate our readers to actively participate in the process of cooperative economics and positive voter engagement. Call (832)212-8735 or (281)788-3033 if you need assistance with your branding, marketing or advertising needs! Aubrey R. Taylor Communications 957 NASA Parkway #251 Houston, Texas 77058
PRESS INQUIRES:
(832)212-8735
Martha Castex Tatum
BURNEY SHARON M.
PRECINCT 7, PLACE 2
FOR JUSTICE OF THE PEACE W
hat is the role of a judge? According to Attorney Sharon M. Burney, candidate for the Harris County Justice of the Peace Democratic Primary Precinct 7, Place 2 seat, the role of a judge is not only knowing the law, but it is crucial that a judge can interpret the law along with fairly and properly accessing the evidence presented. Daughter of long term Harris County Judge Zinetta Burney, Attorney Sharon M. Burney said she also knows the importance of the role of the judge in assuring that the hearings and trials are conducted respectfully to all in the courtroom. With 24 years of service with the Houston Independent School District (HISD), 10 years as an attorney and many years of grassroots community outreach, Burney entered this race with a team of community supporters, volunteers, and endorsers. Although her first run for political office, Sharon Burney is not new to politics. Prior to attending law school, she received a Masters degree in Future Studies from the University of Houston where she concentrated in political diversity. She also hosted a public relations radio show, which covered political topics and issues. A world traveler, Sharon Burney has traveled to numerous nations and participated as a delegate and speaker on future trends and culture. As an educator at HISD, Burney cocreated and admin-
istrated the Lighted Schoolhouse, a program for homeless and high risk youth. While there, she also worked as a facilitator with Riverside General Hospital in the drug prevention program. She left HISD to pursue a career in law and is a graduate of Thurgood Marshal School of Law. Upon passing the Texas Bar in 2007, she began private practice. Attorney Sharon Burney’s endorsements include: Baptist Ministers Association of Houston and Vicinity, local Communications Workers of America, Harris County Tejano Democrats, Texas Coalition of Black Democrats/Harris County Chapter along with the recent endorsements from the local AFL-CIO, Houston Black American Democrats and Houston Federation of Teachers. Endorsements from community leaders …
Deloyd Parker (Shape Center/ Black Community): “Sharon has been a friend of SHAPE Center and has been involved in our community for many years. I have known her for 40+ years and she is someone we can all depend on; she will be a dedicated public servant for Precinct 7.”
Ben Reyes (Latino Community): “I am endorsing Sharon Burney for Justice of the Peace because she has remained committed to serving our community.”
Pankaij Shaw (Indian community): “Sharon Burney is the right choice for Justice of the Peace, Pct. 7, Place 2. She will bring honesty, commitment & experience to the people’s court.” Georgia Provost (Business Leader): “I support Sharon Burney for Justice of the Peace- Pct 7, Place 2 because she is someone I have known all of her life and have watched her mature and remain committed to helping to improve the quality of life in our community. She is definitely the people’s choice!” FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ATTORNEY SHARON M. BURNEY FOR HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PRECINCT 7, PLACE 2, VISIT:
www.ElectSharonBurney.com Pol. Ad. Paid for by Committee to Elect Sharon Burney, Justice of The Peace
“Houston has always been home. I am passionate about giving back to the community that has given me so much.” - Sharon Burney
UPHOLDING THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
Texas State Representative Alma Allen
Texas State Representative Garnet Coleman
Harris County Precinct 7 Constable May Walker
Deloyd Parker, Community Leader
Alan Helfman Houston-area Business Leader
Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth, Ed.D HCC Trustee
Carolyn Evans Shabazz Chair, HCC Trustee
C.O. “Brad” Bradford, Georgia Provost Former Houston Local Business Police Chief Leader
BURNEY SHARON M.
PRECINCT 7, PLACE 2
FOR JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
10 YEAR LAWYER, 20+ YEAR EDUCATOR, LIFELONG COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Graduate, Jack Yates High School Bachelor of Science, University of Houston Master of Science, University of Houston Doctor of Jurisprudence, Thurgood Marshall School of Law TSU
PASSION FOR SERVICE Member, State Bar of Texas and Houston Lawyers Association Member, St John United Methodist Church Volunteer Coordinator, SHAPE Community Center Past Member, IAM (Transportation Union) Houston Federation of Teachers
www.ElectSharonBurney.com Pol. Ad. Paid for by Committee to Elect Sharon Burney, Justice of The Peace
COMMENTARY
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE IN THE HARRIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRIMARY RUNOFFS ON TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2018 ANALYSIS BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR
T
here’s a lot of talk about Texas being a red state floating around. Sure, traditionally that has been the case. But after the historic showing put on display by Texas Democrats on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 reasonable minds would have to agree that the aforementioned distinction could possibly be on the verge of becoming a hue of a different shade in the very near future – if Democrats have anything to say about it in the fall. But Tuesday, November 6, 2018, the day when Democratic hopefuls and Republican hopefuls are set to face off is still a little way off. Before we get there, we must first take care of a little unfinished inter-party business. So, let’s not forget about Tuesday, May 22, 2018 a day when Democrats and Republicans who failed to capture a majority of the vote back on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 must square off once more against their fellow interparty rival in hopes of earning the “HIGHLY COVETED DISTINCTION” of “PARTY NOMINEE” for the Tuesday, November 6, 2018 Midterm Election!
8
HBC MAGAZINE®
2018 DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF EDITION ‘Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.”
KEY DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION RACES
Please be reminded that Houston Business Connections Newspaper© has discontinued the process of issuing endorsements in political contests. However, as publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper and Magazine I remain committed to informing, empowering and arming our readership with the pertinent information they need to identify the “BESTQUALIFIED” candidates who value, respect, and appreciate our vote and support. So, with this stated goal in mind, we will endeavor to do our very best to assist our readers with the oftentimes daunting task of identifying “THE BEST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES” who value, respect, and appreciate “OUR” vote on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 in the Democratic Party Primary for Harris County, Texas.
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2018
Political advertising paid for by Scot Dollinger in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.
UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 7 – DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF
In the race for United States Representative for the 7th Congressional District of Texas, Lizzie Pannill Fletcher and Laura Moser are set to face off for the Democratic nomination on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.
UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 10 – DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF
10
In the race for United States Representative for the 10th Congressional District of Texas, Tawana Walter-Cadien and Mike Siegel are set to face off for the Democratic nomination.
HBC MAGAZINE®
2018 DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF EDITION ‘Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.”
UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 22 – DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF
In the race for United States Representative for the 22nd Congressional District of Texas, Sri Preston Kulkarni and Letitia Plummer are set to face off for the Democratic nomination on May 22, 2018.
GOVERNOR OF TEXAS – DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION
In the race for Governor of Texas, Lupe Valdez and Andrew White are set to face off for the Democratic nomination on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.
HBC MAGAZINE®
2018 DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF EDITION
‘Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.”
11
STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT 17 – DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF
In the race for Texas State Senator for District 17, Fran Watson and Rita Lucido are set to face off for the Democratic nomination on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 133 – DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF
12
In the race for Texas State Representative for House District 133, Sandra G. Moore and Marty Schexnayder are set to face off for the Democratic nomination.
HBC MAGAZINE®
2018 DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF EDITION ‘Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.”
DISTRICT CLERK – DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION
In the race for District Clerk for Harris County, Texas, Marilyn Burgess and Roslyn “Rozzy” Shorter are set to face off for the Democratic nomination on May 22, 2018.
COUNTY CLERK – DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION
In the race for County Clerk for Harris County, Texas, Diane Trautman and Gayle Young Mitchell are set to face off for the Democratic nomination on May 22, 2018.
HBC MAGAZINE®
2018 DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF EDITION
‘Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.”
13
HARRIS COUNTY TREASURER – 2018 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF
In the race for County Treasurer for Harris County, Texas, Cosme Garcia and Dylan Osborne are set to face off for the Democratic nomination on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.
COUNTY SCHOOL TRUSTEE, POSITION 3 AT LARGE – DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF
14
In the race for Harris County School Trustee, Position 3, At-Large, Josh Wallenstein and Richard Cantu are set to face off for the Democratic nomination on May 22, 2018.
HBC MAGAZINE®
2018 DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF EDITION ‘Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.”
COUNTY SCHOOL TRUSTEE, POSITION 6, PRECINCT 1 – DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF
In the race for Harris County School Trustee, Position 6, Precinct 1, Danyahel (Danny) Norris and Prince E. Bryant, II are set to face off for the Democratic nomination.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 7, PLACE 2 – DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF
In the race for Harris County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 7, Place 2, Sharon M. Burney and Cheryl Elliott Thornton are set to face off for the Democratic nomination.
HBC MAGAZINE®
2018 DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF EDITION
‘Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.”
15
BLACK TO BLUE IN TEXAS 2 COMMENTARY
By Carroll G. Robinson
I
f Democrats are going to turn Texas Blue in November, they will need strong Black voter turnout and right now there is nothing driving that turnout. During the March Democratic Primary and May Run-Off, no statewide Democratic candidate invested significant financial resources with Black media - Radio, Newspapers, or cable stations such as BET, OWN or TV ONE - to introduce themselves and share their policy positions and commitments with Black Texans. That was a mistake. Statewide Democratic candidates need to start introducing themselves broadly to the Black community now. Waiting until the Fall is going to be too late. There is just not enough time between Labor Day (Monday,
September 3, 2018) and the start of Early Voting (Monday, October 22, 2018), by mail and in person, to have voters get to know a candidate and their policy positions, especially when the candidates are being attacked in negative ads on TV, radio, in the mail and by autocalls and emails. For Democratic candidates, reaching out to Black voters now and caring about the issues of importance to the Black community across Texas is not pandering; it's the right thing to do. It leads to good public policy and it's good politics. To generate strong Black voter turnout (and avoid a drop-off) in November, the Texas Democratic Party and Beto O'Rourke are going to have to invest in promoting the Black Women candidates running statewide and the Black candidates running for Congress, the Texas Legislature and county offices across our state. Black voters, like many other voters, are going to need more than just being against Trump to turnout in record numbers in November. Beto and all the Democratic candidates for Congress should do a group 60 second TV commercial built on the message that electing a Texas Democratic Congressional Delegation would be electing candidates that look like and represent the interests, issues and concerns of all of us in Texas. Black voters must know that their issues and concerns are being addressed and that they, their communities and the candidates of their choice are being "respected, included and invested in." —————————————————————
The Texas Democratic Party slogan for 2018 and moving forward should be "Making Texas Better...for All of Us."
HBC MAGAZINE®
2018 DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF EDITION
‘Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.”
17
RENEE JEFFERSON FOR HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
SMITH
DISTRICT B
A Little Something to Think About... By Renee Jefferson Smith
I remember growing up in the community of
Acres Homes and it seemed as if we had everything. Acres Homes is a small community in Northwest Houston with a population that consists of over 25,000 residents, the majority being African American. As we would stroll down the streets of West Montgomery, there I would see small meat markets, Dr’s offices, lawn mower repair shops and our very own cab service. Scattered throughout the neighborhood there would be small family owned restaurants that would cater to the residents. However, over the years, all of that changed. Our businesses started to close down, the cab service was no longer available and some of our business owners passed away one by one. As I evaluate where we are today, now living in the community of Trinity Gardens I’ve come to realize our communities are the same throughout our entire district. I’ve also come to realize we were never
“Gentrification is taking over all inner-city communities one by one. When residents don't pay their taxes, this is what typically happens.” — Renee Jefferson Smith taught generational wealth. This all started as a result of slavery and continued on with the Jim Crow Laws. Now because of this, many of our communities were naturally faced with economic, educational, and social disadvantages, and although our foundations were built on faith, it seemed as if the walls of every black community would come tumbling down. It took over 400 years of slavery, isolation, and oppression in the labor and real estate market to build the wealth gap that we see today. Most of us were never taught to save our money, start a business, keep good credit, purchase real estate, or invest in the stock market. In most households, if you graduated from high school and you had a decent job, then you were doing great. It is because of the lack of knowledge and lack of wisdom that we find ourselves losing our homes in our African American communities. If you were anything like me growing up, your
HBC MAGAZINE®
2018 DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF EDITION
‘Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.”
19
grandparents were a major influence in your life. Today, many of our Grandparents have passed away and there are others that are still living. As we continue to turn the pages of life, we find that many of our seniors don’t have the support that most think they do. Either their kids live out of town, across town or they are not actively involved in their lives. Most seniors are left alone and have no choice but to continue to support themselves. It is because of this alarming increase that many of our seniors are now being targets to reverse mortgages. According to the Washington Post, across the nation, an increasing number of seniors are facing foreclosure after taking out reverse mortgages, either because they fell behind on property charges or failed to meet other requirements of the complex mortgage loans, according to federal data and interviews with consumer and housing specialists. This growing trend has left many senior citizens homeless and some worried about where their next move could possibly be. There is a growing trend in most urban communities, and when seniors can’t afford their taxes and family members are not willing to save the family property then we see investors of all kind bidding to take over these properties. While there is a noticeable increase in gentrification in several of our inner-city communities, there is also the need to preserve the legacy and history that helped create the streets of those communities. The problem with gentrification is not the opportunity to bring about change, but it is the displacement of the residents that live there, and have a legacy there. Gentrification is also known to push out an ethnic group, unfairly forcing them to take on the financial burden of what will be a short moving process. As our communities become gentrified, we not only lose our homes, but we lose our churches, our schools, and our overall communities. My plea to our community is “ We have to get involved”. If we are not involved in any aspect of the community, we lose the right to utilize our voices. I believe it was the late Shirley Chisholm who said:” If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair”. In order for us to move forward in life and our communities, we have to make sure we have a seat at the table. I
believe that God continues to give us precious opportunities, and with those opportunities, I believe that we must make our greatest impact. The lack of generational wealth does not have to become a generational curse. The change can start today and the change can start with you!
SERVING HER COMMUNITY: Renee Jefferson Smith was honored recently by The City of Houston and Mayor Sylvester Turner for her efforts in working throughout the community. She was recognized in part for helping a senior citizen to get her property back due after a reverse mortgage.
RENEE JEFFERSON FOR HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
SMITH
DISTRICT B
Renee Jefferson Smith is a community advocate working to improve the face of the community, while restoring it's historical values. She’s also a young entrepreneur, philanthropist and mother, Renee is driven by success, determination and pure hard work in order to get to the next level in life. The owner of a medical spa, that focuses on weight loss and wellness procedures to help create a healthy lifestyle, Renee is no stranger to hard work. She is now enjoying life to the fullest, with her husband and three beautiful children. This is a paid political ad by the Renee Jefferson Smith for Houston City Council District B Campaign.
DO YOU KNOW YOUR VOTING RIGHTS?
As a registered voter in Texas, you have the right to: A ballot with written instructions on how to cast a ballot. Ask the polling place official for instructions on how to cast a ballot (but not suggestions on how to vote). Cast your vote in secret and free from intimidation. Receive up to two more ballots if you make a mistake while marking the ballot. Bring an interpreter to assist you as you qualify to vote if you do not understand the English language. Help to cast your ballot if you cannot write, see the ballot, or understand the language in which it is written. Report a possible voting rights abuse to the Secretary of State (1.800.252.8683) or to your local election official. Cast a provisional ballot if your name does not appear on the list of registered voters. (1) Cast a provisional ballot (a) if you do not possess one of the seven (7) acceptable forms of photo identification, which, if you are under 70, is not expired for more than four years, and you can reasonably obtain one of these forms of identification or (b) if you possess, but did not bring to the polling place, one of the seven forms of acceptable photo identification, which, if you are under 70, is not expired for more than four years, or (c) if you do not possess one of the seven forms of acceptable photo identification, which, if you are under 70, is not expired for more than four years, you could otherwise not reasonably obtain one, but you did not bring a supporting form of identification to the polling place, and (2) the right to present one of the acceptable forms of photo identification, which, if you are under 70, is not expired for more than four years, or, if you do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain an acceptable form of photo identification, the right to execute a reasonable impediment declaration and present one of the supporting forms of identification, to the county voter registrar’s office, within six (6) calendar days after election day, or, if applicable, qualify for a temporary (natural disaster or religious objection to being photographed) or permanent (disability) exemption, within six (6) calendar days of election day, at the county voter registrar’s office. Vote once at any early voting location during the early voting period within the territory conducting the election. File an administrative complaint with the Secretary of State concerning violations of federal and state voting procedures.