Monday, August 20, 2018

A Few 2018 Candidates Worshiped God with Pastor John Ogletree at First Metropolitan Church on Yesterday, Sunday, August 19, 2018



Houston Business Connections Newspaper© encourages more local pastors, business, political, and civic leaders to educate themselves (politically) and become more engaged by informing those under the sphere of their influence to participate in the electoral process. However, we also strongly encourage groups and organizations to do so in a non-partisan fashion. With that said, Pastor John Ogletree, the senior pastor at First Metropolitan Church, located at 8870 West Sam Houston Parkway North in Houston, Texas is applauded for his willingness to inform, empower, and prepare his congregants to make a more informed voting decision in the 2018 Midterm Election scheduled to take place on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

As Election Day Draws Nearer, Candidates and Local Pastors Like John Ogletree Are Reminding All Registered Harris County, Texas Voters Without Respect to Political Affiliation to Cast Their Vote Early Says Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©

AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©

The church, especially predominantly African American churches have long been at the forefront of issues and movements throughout the history of our great nation. From civil rights to voting rights to equal rights, African American churches have been on the frontlines. And as Tuesday, November 6, 2018 approaches you are going to see more and more pastors like John Ogletree step to the forefront once again – at least as it pertains to informing those under their sphere of influence about the importance of participating in the electoral process. So, to this end, Houston Business Connections Newspaper© is encouraging more pastors to remind their congregants that early voting for what’s shaping up to be one of the most important elections of our lifetimes will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.



Pictured from left to right: Dedra Davis, LaShawn Williams, Sedrick T. Walker II (back row), Latosha Lewis Payne, Michelle Moore, Tonya Jones, Judge Ramona Franklin, Toria J. Finch, Linda M. Dunson (far back), Shannon B. Baldwin, First Lady Evelyn Ogletree, Sandra Peake, Cassandra Hollemon (far back), Pastor John Ogletree, Angela Graves Harrington, Erica Hughes, and Germaine Tanner worshiped at First Metropolitan Church, located at 8870 West Sam Houston Parkway North in Houston, Texas on Sunday, August 19, 2018.

ONWARD TO TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2018

On behalf of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©, I would like to take this moment to encourage candidates who are participating in worship services and gathering at churches to make sure to remind pastors to be careful in terms of how the services are conducted whereas candidates, and potential candidates are concerned. And for those of you who may not know, yes, there are certain restrictions that prohibit political campaign intervention by Section 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organizations like churches.

STAY WITHIN THESE GUIDELINES 

According to IRS GUIDELINES, under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity. Violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes.

EFFORTS MUST BE NON-PARTISAN

Certain activities or expenditures may not be prohibited depending on the facts and circumstances. For example, certain voter education activities (including presenting public forums and publishing voter education guides) conducted in a non-partisan manner do not constitute prohibited political campaign activity. In addition, other activities intended to encourage people to participate in the electoral process, such as voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives, would not be prohibited political campaign activity if conducted in a non-partisan manner.

On the other hand, voter education or registration activities with evidence of bias that (a) would favor one candidate over another; (b) oppose a candidate in some manner, or (c) have the effect of favoring a candidate or group of candidates, will constitute prohibited participation or intervention.

Pastors can click this link for more information on the “CAN’S AND CANNOT’S” as it relates to engagement, mobilization, and dissemination of literature.



MEET PASTOR JOHN D. OGLETREE, JR.

Pastor John D. Ogletree, Jr. is a native of Dallas, Texas. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1973 and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas in 1979. He accepted the call into the gospel ministry in 1982. In 1985, he was ordained at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. He became the founding pastor of First Metropolitan Baptist Church in 1986. Pastor Ogletree provided leadership in the purchase of 25.2 acres of land along Beltway 8 in Northwest Houston. He is a Trustee and serves as President on the Cy-Fair-Independent School District Board. Pastor Ogletree currently serves as 2nd Vice President of the Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT). His vision is a vast and divinely orchestrated by almighty God. He can be contacted at pastoro@firstmet.org.

Pastors John and Evelyn Ogletree are co-authors of “Making Your Home the Green Zone” and “Transforming Words for the Home”. Pastor Ogletree is the author of Moving to the Next Level (Becoming a Fully Developing Follower of Christ). These books will cause you to take a good look at where you are and compel you to search for the wonderful plan God has for your life.

This dynamic couple has been married for 40 years. They are the parents of three sons: Johnny, Joseph, and Jordan; and one daughter, Lambreni. They have one son-in-law Avery Waddell and two daughters-in-law Quinita (wife of Johnny) and Sherrell (wife of Joseph). They are the proud grandparents of seven beautiful granddaughters and three grandsons. Rev. Johnny and wife Quinita are the parents of Layla, Elianah, Adaiah, Nessiah, and Kamilah. Lambreni and husband, Avery Waddell, are the parents of Reya and Elan, and son, Zion. Joseph and Sherrell are the parents of son, Jaiden, Josiah & Jaxon.

HARRIS COUNTY STRONG



A FIGHT FOR TERRITORY

Make no mistake about it, Tuesday, November 6, 2018, won't be business as usual as it pertains to Midterm Elections in Harris County, Texas. Nope, we are looking at an election turnout of epic proportions in my opinion -- a serious fight for territory. So whether you are looking to see a  “BLUEWAVE”, flow through Harris County, or hoping for a “REDSTORM” to blow through town, you had best believe that your vote will matter. So, I’m imploring every open-minded Texans to pray for our “PUBLIC SERVANTS” and to “FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT” by becoming more actively engaged, mobilized and involved in the process of electing "DULY-QUALIFIED" candidates who value, respect, and appreciate our vote, prayers, and support at the ballot box. And please, please, please, don't forget that the early voting period will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

 
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033






Judge Jackson is one of the Top Democrats on the 2018 Democratic Statewide Ticket says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine©

One of the top statewide Democratic candidates on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, Midterm Election ballot in Texas, Judge Maria T. Jackson should garner votes from non-straight ticket voters from both major political parties, independents and Libertarians too in my opinion. In case you don’t already know, only two Democratic candidates received more statewide votes than Judge Maria T. Jackson back in the Tuesday, March 6, 2018, Democratic Primary. The #1 statewide Democratic vote-getter was Justin Nelson (888,444) who is running for Attorney General. The #2 statewide Democratic vote-getter was Kim Olson (883,575) who is running for Agriculture Commissioner. And our very own Judge Maria T. Jackson (878,581) was the #3 statewide vote-getter back in the Tuesday, March 6, 2018, Democratic Party Primary in Texas. So, if you're out there looking for a candidate who is experienced, fair, and ready to administer blind-fold justice in cases brought before the highest court for criminal appeals in the State of Texas – look no further than Judge Maria T. Jackson on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.


 
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033



MEET SHANNON BALDWIN




Attorney Shannon Baldwin Believes that You have a right to be treated Fairly and with Respect says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine©

Attorney Shannon Baldwin also believes that a judge is the one who is responsible for setting the tone of the entire courtroom and its staff. To this end, she furthermore believes that for true change to occur in our judicial system we must start at the top. And according to her, a good judge ensures that nothing happens in a courtroom that violates anyone's rights but also notes that the Harris County Courthouse has not been known as a good place for defendants.

 
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033





Judge Michelle Slaughter, Pictured with Lt. Col. Allen West is Expected to Roll to Victory on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine©

I'm expecting for Judge Michelle Slaughter to roll to victory over her Libertarian Party challenger on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. After all, she's already faced her toughest challenge, which was to win the Republican nomination. And she did so in good-fashion over two worthy fellow Republicans back in the Tuesday, March 6, 2018, Republican Party Primary. So, as a refresher, Judge Michelle Slaughter received more votes than both her Republican Party Primary opponents combined by garnering 669,949 statewide votes, while Jay Brandon received 389,753 statewide votes, and Dib Waldrip received 208,179 statewide votes respectively. Again, I'm expecting for Judge Michelle Slaughter to handily defeat Mark Ash, her Libertarian challenger. So, if you're out there looking for a constitutional conservative judge and originalist who has presided over thousands of felony criminal cases and well over a hundred felony criminal jury trials ranging from state-jail felonies to capital murder cases you should look no further than Judge Michelle Slaughter2018 Candidate for Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8 on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the Lone Star State.


 
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033




Attorney Scot "dolli" Dollinger is Asking for the Vote, Prayers, and Support of every Registered Harris County, Texas Voter says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine©

According to Scot “dolli” Dollinger, in Texas, even fair-minded Republicans vote for some Democrats and vice versa. So, he wants all his Republican and Democratic friends whom he loves dearly, to know that there’s absolutely no shame in voting a mixed ballot – it’s okay to vote the person, not the party, especially when it comes to judges. Dolli also wants all of you guys to remember, it’s a two-way street, and to be fair to everyone. In case you don’t know, Scot “dolli” Dollinger will be competing against Sharon Hemphill in the race for the 189th Civil District Court in Harris County on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. So, don’t forget that early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.
 
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033





District Clerk Chris Daniel is Asking for the Vote, Prayers, and Support of every Registered Harris County, Texas Voter says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine©

On Tuesday, November 6, 2018, District Clerk Chris Daniel is asking for the vote, prayers, and support of every Harris County, Texas voter. You can click this link to learn more about District Clerk Daniel who will be running for re-election against Marilyn Burgess, his Democratic challenger in the 2018 Midterm Election. So don’t forget that it’s imperative that you cast your vote for “DULY-QUALIFIED CANDIDATES” who value, respect, appreciate and ask for your vote.

 
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033





Attorney Erica Hughes is Asking for the Vote, Prayers, and Support of every Registered Harris County, Texas Voter says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine©

Attorney Erica Hughes is asking for your vote in her quest to unseat Republican Judge Natalie Fleming on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the race for Judge, Harris County Criminal Court at Law No.3. So, don’t forget that early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018. In case you don't already know, Erica Hughes is a Houston based attorney and Judge Advocate for the National Guard who has a desire to see that the Judicial System becomes fair and balanced for all.

 
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033





Judge Loyd Wright is Asking for your Vote, Prayers, and Support on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine©

Judge Loyd Wright faces a major challenge from a Democrat candidate by the name of Jerry Simoneaux on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. So, please don’t forget that Judge Wright is asking for the vote, prayers, and support of every registered Harris County, Texas voter in the race for Judge, Harris County Probate Court at Law No. 1. And by all means, please don't forget that every vote will count!
 
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033





Attorney DaSean Jones is Seeking to Unseat Judge Catherine Evans in Harris County, Texas says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine©

Attorney DaSean Jones is one of only a handful of African American male judicial candidates to make the Tuesday, November 6, 2018, Midterm Election ballot in Harris County, Texas. In case you don't know, Jones is seeking to unseat Republican incumbent Judge Catherine Evans in what’s expected to be a very tight race.

 
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033






Judge Paula Goodhart is the first woman ever to be Elected to Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 1 says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine©

Judge Paula Goodhart is facing a major challenge from Democrat nominee Alex Salgado in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court at Law #1 on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. So please don’t forget that Judge Paula Goodhart is asking for your vote, prayers, and support in the upcoming Midterm Election.

 
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033





Attorney Dedra Davis plans on "Making Law and Order EQUAL Justice When She's Elected says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine©

Attorney Dedra Davis takes commitments very seriously. So, when it comes to the slogan, "Making Law and Order EQUAL Justice" you can best believe that it's more than a play on words for her. "Every citizen will have a voice and fair day in court when I'm elected presiding judge of the 270th Judicial District Court in Harris County," says Davis who will be seeking to unseat Republican Judge Brent Gamble on November 6th. According to Davis, every citizen will also be treated with dignity and respect in her courtroom once she's elected.

 
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033



BLUEWAVE OR REDSTORM?

Whether you’re a Democrat hoping for a “BLUEWAVE” to flow through Harris County, Texas, or a “REPUBLICAN” looking for a “REDSTORM” to blow through town you had better not take anything for granted in the 2018 Midterm Election whereas Harris County, Texas is concerned. And with that said, I am imploring all my loyal readers to tell all of your family, friends, associates, and passers-by about the importance of every vote in what I’m expecting to be one of the most important elections of our lifetime. And please don’t forget that early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018. Finally, while I’m encouraging you to vote early if for some reason you can’t, you can still cast your vote on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.




AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "It is imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES” who value our vote when we go to the polls. And don’t forget to vote early. The early voting period will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018 – ALL VOTES MATTER!"


 
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033



 
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033