HOW ANDREW AND DAVID MADE THE RUNOFF: On Tuesday, November 5, 2013, the incumbent, Andrew C. Burks, Jr., was forced into a runoff by finishing second to David Robinson. Other candidates who were on the ballot were Moe Rivera and Trebor Gordon. David Robinson ended the night with 49,597 votes for 40.50% of the vote to finish first. Andrew C. Burks, Jr. ended the night with 45,457 votes for 37.12% of the vote to finish second and force the runoff.
GET TO KNOW DAVID ROBINSON
According to his campaign website, early in his architectural career, David Robinson assisted with the new U.S. Embassy in Amman Jordan and then contributed to the development and production of the master planning document for the campus of the Texas Children’s Hospital. In 1999, he started his own company as a sole practitioner with an emphasis on building large commercial and institutional buildings. As a small business owner, David has kept his practice going through good times and lean. Currently, he is fortunate to have a healthy list of projects mostly located in the Houston area. He also teaches a graduate level course here in Houston for Texas Tech University on planning and development called "Infrastructure in the Urban Environment."
Along with his architectural practice, David has been actively involved with neighborhood issues, serving eight years as an officer of the Neartown (Montrose) Association, including a couple of terms as president. With the nomination of civic club representatives from across Houston, he was elected to serve as chairman and president of the citywide Super Neighborhood Alliance to a maximum two year term that concluded in January 2013. While serving on the board of directors of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects, David was appointed to the City of Houston Planning Commission by Mayor Bill White in 2007 and re-appointed by Mayor Annise Parker in 2009 – becoming the first licensed architect to serve the city as a commissioner since the 1970's.
David Robinson received a BA in Architecture from Yale College and earned a Master of Architecture degree from Rice University in 1993. David is the proud father of Elissa, a 13 year old who attends the Lanier Middle School. They are active members of Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church and love living here in the great city of Houston, TX.
GET TO KNOW ANDREW C. BURKS, JR.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE
According to the City of Houston website, Andrew C. Burks, Jr. is a native Houstonian with a passion for making Houston the best city in the country to live, do business and raise a family. Growing up, Andrew’s parents instilled in him high moral values and taught him the importance of giving back to the community. Andrew grew up in Houston’s Third Ward and graduated from Jack Yates High School. Andrew continued his education at San Jacinto Junior College, Houston Community College and later Texas Southern University.
Andrew Burks served in the United States Air Force, and is a proud military veteran. Andrew’s commitment to community extends to his leadership with the YMCA and Red Shield Boys’ Club. Having served as president of his local civic club, Councilman Burks understands neighborhood quality of life issues. Andrew has dedicated his time to understanding constituent concerns and solving problems for Houstonians.
A successful small business owner, Andrew achieved entrepreneurial success in launching Am-PM Telephone Service, Inc., the first African American owned telephone company in Houston. Andrew continues to serve as CEO today.
Leading Our City Forward
Andrew Burks is committed to Houston’s future. As a small businessman, Andrew is focusing on economic development and job creation. As a veteran, Andrew is especially interesting in veterans’ quality of life issues. As a member of City Council, Andrew is working to bolster small businesses, international business, tackle homelessness, increase the quality of life for Houston seniors and boost tourism. Andrew is making sure the city uses resources responsibly and ensures the financial health of Houston for years to come.
Creating jobs and honoring our veterans and seniors is an important focus for Councilmember Burks. Working together, Andrew is moving toward making Houston a world class city for individuals of all backgrounds. To that end, Andrew brings religious and community representatives to the table from all walks of life to help create policy benefiting all Houstonians.
Andrew’s interests on City Council include a strong dedication to working with civil clubs, super neighborhood organizations and local non-profit organizations, increasing accountability and cooperation between City Hall and neighborhoods.
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