Showing posts with label 2013 Mayoral Election in Houston Texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013 Mayoral Election in Houston Texas. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

2013 ENDORSEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT: Mayor Annise Parker has received the endorsement from the Houston Contractors Association in the 2013 Mayoral Election taking place on Tuesday, November 5th

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MAYOR ANNISE PARKER

Mayor Annise Parker Receives Endorsement of the Houston Contractors Association in her Re-Election Bid

Houston Mayor Annise Parker has received the endorsement of the Houston Contractors Association for her re-election to a third term.

“The Houston Contractors Association is proud to endorse and support Mayor Parker in her race for a third term in office,” said Executive Vice President Jeffrey Nielsen. “The Mayor has successfully led the City of Houston through the most challenging financial times this city has faced in the last 30 years. She has been a strong advocate for improving this city’s basic infrastructure, such as water and sewer service, drainage and street repair.

“The city remains safe and well protected while other major cities struggle to deal with a soaring crime rate,” continued Nielsen, “and the mayor has done all this without putting the city financially in the red or raising the property tax rate. We think that Mayor Parker has earned herself another term.”

“My sincere thanks to the Houston Contractors Association for their endorsement and their continuing support of our city,” said Mayor Parker. “In my administration, I have focused on the need to upgrade our infrastructure to support the continued growth of our city and the new businesses that are moving here, making Houston the job-creation capitol of the country.

“The HCA was the original partner in the city’s Demolition Day,” added Parker. “Each year their members donate their services to demolish dangerous and abandoned buildings that provide havens for criminals and lower property values.”

Formed in 1956 by a small group of local contractors, the Houston Contractors Association (HCA) has grown into the preeminent organization representing civil construction companies in the greater Houston area. Its members represent the finest that this industry has to offer, not only in the quality of their service, but also the character of their person. HCA has over 400 members that perform over $2 billion worth of work and services annually and form the backbone of the civil construction industry in this region.

HCA works closely with the State of Texas, Harris County, the City of Houston, METRO, the Port of Houston Authority, Harris County Toll Road Authority, Flood Control and every other County and municipality in the greater eight county region. Its members have done the majority of private work in the area as well. Working closely with private developers and Municipal Utility Districts (MUD’s), its work has allowed the new home industry in Houston to flourish over the last several decades.

ABOUT MAYOR ANNISE PARKER

A businesswoman, community leader and mother, Annise Parker is completing her second term as Mayor of Houston – with a strong focus on growing our local economy, keeping Houston safe and improving the quality of life for every Houstonian. Annise has also served for six years as a city councilmember and six years as controller. She worked for 20 years in Houston’s oil and gas industry after graduating from Rice University and served in a variety of community leadership roles before her election to public office.


CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS EDITION OF YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER

Your Thought Matters Newspaper Is Here to Inspire, Empower, Inform, and Increase Voter Participation in 2013

By Aubrey R. Taylor, President
Aubrey R. Taylor Communications
Publisher of Your Thought Matters Newspaper

As the Saturday, May 11, 2013 General Election in Fort Bend County draws nearer; and the November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election in Houston heats up, we are hearing a lot of talk about diversity, ethnicity, and the role it could play in 2013 elections in Houston and Fort Bend County. Because of this, Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Your Thought Matters Newspaper is urging the people of Fort Bend County and the City of Houston to become more informed and empowered in 2013.

HOUSTON’S 2013 MAYORAL RACE IS COMING
ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH


It may seem a little early to be talking about the November Mayoral Election in Houston. However, the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election in Houston involving Annise Parker, the current Mayor of Houston, and former City of Houston Attorney Ben Hall, is shaping up to be a race with a huge potential to polarize Houston -- but we can’t allow this to happen!

We are not going to place a lot of emphasis on the race involving Parker, Hall and others seeking to be mayor of Houston in this particular article. However, after the Saturday, May 11, 2013 General Election in Fort Bend is completed, we are going to open up dialogue with community leaders from across Texas on this potentially polarizing contest; and continue to focus on it up until Election Day.

WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON AT THIS MOMENT

Right now, we are talking to business, community, and political leaders from across the state of Texas and asking them to share their thoughts on what measures they use to decide which candidates to support in elections. We are also asking them what role a candidate’s ethnicity plays in their decision making process – if any. The information we’re gathering will be published in a “Special Edition” we’re going to publish leading up to the 2013 Mayoral Election in Houston.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Your Thought Matters Newspaper does not endorse political candidates. However, trying to help our readers identify candidates who value and want their vote is a very important part of our mission, and our goal to inform our readers. By opening up dialogue with business, community, and political leaders from across Texas, we believe their very valuable non-partisan opinions and thoughts can help our readers to make more informed and empowered decisions when voting in elections.


-- CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MAYOR ANNISE PARKER

Mayor Annise Parker has spent many years in service to the people of Houston, with six years as a City Council member and six years as City Controller. She is the first person in Houston's history to hold the offices of council member, controller and mayor. This is her second term as mayor; and she is seeking re-election to a third in the 2013 Mayoral Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 in the City of Houston. Don't forget to vote!

MAYOR ANNISE PARKER SHARES HER THOUGHTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTING IN ELECTIONS

Recently we asked Mayor Annise Parker and several other city leaders to share their thoughts and insights on the importance of participating in local elections. Mayor Parker, currently only the second woman to serve as Houston's Chief Executive jumped at the opportunity to share her thoughts with our readers on this very important subject.

Here is what Mayor Annise Parker had to say:

"I remember voting as a kid with my parents. That was back in the days when you walked into a voting booth, pulled a red curtain behind you, picked your candidates and pulled a lever to cast your ballot. My parents took me every November, and I’ve gone every year as an adult. It’s important to vote for many reasons, but I’ll focus on three.

1) It’s the only opportunity we have, as citizens, to hold our elected officials accountable to the promises they make to us when they’re running for office. I’ve been elected eight times now, so I know that when I make a promise on the campaign trail, voters are listening, and voters will remind me of my promises when I come back in two years.

2) Someone said to me recently – if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. Elected officials make very important decisions about how your money is spent and what limits are placed on your life. It’s important that your elected officials know that you care about your rights and your money – and the best way to show them that you care is to vote.

3) And finally, 150 years ago, voting was reserved for a privileged few. African Americans and women risked their lives fighting for the right to vote. They won in 1870 and 1920, respectively. That isn’t very long ago, and every election I am proud to honor those brave civil rights activists by heading to the polls and casting a ballot."

Sincerely,

Annise Parker
The 61st Mayor of Houston, Texas
CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT



A FEW OTHER SHARED THOUGHTS FROM LEADERS: 

-- City Controller (Ronald -- C. Green)
-- Houston’s Mayor Pro-Tem -- (Ed Gonzalez)
-- Houston’s At-Large Position 2 City Council Member -- (Andrew C. Burks, Jr.)
-- Houston’s District C City Council Member (Ellen Cohen)
-- Houston’s District D City Council Member (Wanda Adams)
-- Houston’s District J Council Member (Mike Laster)
-- Houston’s District K Council Member (Larry V. Green)


A LOOK AT KEY 2013 RACES IN FORT BEND COUNTY

Fort Bend County does not have any Mayoral contests on the ballot in the 2013 General Election. From what we are hearing, most people in the county are talking about the FBISD School Trustee races taking place on Saturday, May 11, 2013 in the General Election.

Fort Bend County uses an at-large system where voters from across the county will have two races to vote on in this election cycle. Voters can vote in both races listed below.

Here are the races:

FBISD POSITION #3: JIM RICE VERSUS VANESIA R. JOHNSON

The Fort Bend County School Board for Position #3 contest features incumbent Jim Rice, and his challenger Vanesia R. Johnson on Saturday, May 11, 2013. The early voting period for this race is: Monday, April 29th through Tuesday, May 7th.

JIM RICE IS ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE AND SUPPORT IN THE 2013 GENERAL ELECTION IN FORT BEND COUNTY

At this time, Jim Rice is the only candidate in this race asking for your vote. Click this link to see more information on Jim Rice on this blog.



FBISD POSITION #7: DAVE ROSENTHAL VERSUS LENTON-GARY, AND OTHERS

The Fort Bend County School Board for Position #7 contest features incumbent FBISD Board Trustee Dave Rosenthal, who is being challenge by Cynthia Lenton-Gary, Rodrigo Carreon, and Kiciena Enaochwo for his seat on Saturday, May 11, 2013. The early voting period for this race is: Monday, April 29th through Tuesday, May 7th.

CYNTHIA LENTON-GARY IS SEEKING YOUR VOTE AND SUPPORT IN THE 2013 GENERAL ELECTION

At this time, Cynthia Lenton-Gary is the candidate who has valued our request to help us urge, inspire, encourage, and inform Fort Bend County citizens from all over the county about the importance of voting in the 2013 General Election to take place on Saturday, May 11, 2013. Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of your Thought Matters Newspaper does not endorse political candidates; but for more information on Cynthia Lenton-Gary, please check her out inside this issue of Your Thought Matters Newspaper.


MISSOURI CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT A: MARSHALL VERSUS RODNEY L. GRIFFIN, AND FORD

The race for Missouri City Council for District A is going to be very interesting this year. Only 33 votes stood between incumbent Bobby Marshall, and Rodney Griffin, back in the last matchup between the pair, in the 2011 General Election. However, this year, Councilman Marshall is facing two African Americans on Saturday, May 11, 2013. The early voting period for this race is: Monday, April 29th through Tuesday, May 7th.


-- CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON RODNEY L. GRIFFIN

Businessman Rodney Griffin continues to campaign tirelessly for the revitalization of Texas Parkway. He has served the Missouri City community as the Presiding Election Judge for many terms. Presently he serve Precinct 2059 as the Democratic Chair and on the State Democratic Executive Committee in Austin. According to Griffin he was the first State (Texas) party official to endorse then candidate Obama for president (Feb, 22, 2007). During the de centennial census, he made sure that every person in the Missouri City community was counted. 


ASIAN OUTREACH IN FORT BEND AND HOUSTON MUST BE CONSIDERED A MAJOR PART OF EVERY CAMPAIGN STRATEGY

The Asian population in Houston and Fort Bend County has really grown by leaps-and-bounds over the years. However, you just do not hear a lot of talk publicly about political candidates trying to tap into this strong, loyal, and consistent voting base. However, a recently published study from Rice University that analyzed the transformation of the Houston area’s Asian community declaring Fort Bend County as the most diverse county in the nation could change this going forward. According to the study, Fort Bend County is now the single most ethnically diverse county in the entire nation. Based on numbers included in the 2010 Census, Fort Bend County was 19 percent Asian, 24 percent Latino, 21 percent Black, and 36 percent Anglo. Our entire region seems to be at the forefront of this growth, as the Houston region is widely considered the most ethnically and culturally diverse large metropolitan area in the United States. However, one of the problems with Houston is that, even as the area is growing more diverse, Houston is still highly segregated, and you have a bunch of folks who want it to stay that way.

RECENTLY RELEASED REPORT SHOWS HOUSTON IS STILL SOMEWHAT SEGREGATED IN MANY AREAS

Even though the Houston region has grown much more racially and ethnically diverse, there’s only been small declines in segregation in the Houston area according to a Joint report analyzing census data from 1990, 2000, and 2010 by the Kinder Institute for Urban Research & the Hobby Center for the Study of Texas. This particular report was authored by Michael O. Emerson, Jenifer Bratter, Junia Howell, P. Wilner Jeanty and Mike Cline.

A CLOSER LOOK AT A KEY SECTION OF THE REPORT

The growth of racial/ethnic diversity has occurred throughout the region. The City of Houston is more diverse in 2010 than it was in 1990. So too is every other city analyzed in this report (all of those in the region with 2010 populations greater than 50,000), and every county analyzed in this report. Yet, for the first time, as of 2010, the City of Houston is no longer the most diverse city in the region. Missouri City and Pearland are now the region’s most racially/ethnically diverse cities. As the region has grown in racial/ethnic diversity, what has occurred to levels of segregation between the racial/ethnic groups? The overall trend is a slight decline in segregation between groups over the 20-year period. There are exceptions, and these are explored in the report. The analysis also finds that (1) the City of Houston is substantially more segregated than other areas of the region, (2) African American-Latino segregation in the region has declined most rapidly, (3) African Americans are most segregated where they represent the largest absolute and relative numbers, (4) the smaller the percentage Anglo in an area, the greater their segregation from other groups, and (5) Asians live closest to Anglos, and continue to be significantly segregated from African Americans and Latinos. Harnessing the region’s burgeoning racial/ethnic diversity is a central challenge for the Houston region. Future research that investigates the underlying factors contributing to the increased diversity and continual segregation has the opportunity to illuminate how Houston can lead the nation in the transition to a fully inclusive, unified multiracial/multiethnic region.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE ASIAN COMMUNITY 
-- Kinder Institute release Houston Area Asian Survey report

Asians (about 60 percent) are much more likely to be college-educated than Anglos (under 40 percent), according to Rice University’s Kinder Institute Houston Area Asian Survey, the first systematic look at the local Asian population based on three surveys conducted over a 16-year period. The findings were released resenty by Stephen Klineberg, Kinder Institute co-director and Rice sociologist, at an event hosted by the institute at the Asia Society Texas Center. The surveys, conducted in 1995, 2002 and 2011 in conjunction with the annual Kinder Institute Houston Area Survey, directed questions about demographics, life experiences and societal issues to all of Houston’s varied Asian communities. The surveys explored the similarities and differences among the Houston area’s four largest Asian communities: the Vietnamese, Indian/Pakistani, Chinese/Taiwanese and Filipino populations. “Houston has become the single most ethnically diverse large metropolitan region in the United States, and the three Houston Area Asian Surveys provide a rare look at this rapidly growing population over time,” Klineberg said. “Houston’s Asian communities will play increasingly important roles in all aspects of our city’s life as the 21st century unfolds.”

The rise of the second generation

The surveys found that growing proportions of Harris County’s Asian adults are now the U.S.-born children of Asian immigrants, and they are even better educated than their parents. In the 2011 survey, 31 percent of the Asian respondents were born in America, compared with only 10 percent in 1995, when the first Asian survey was conducted. U.S.-born Asians are more likely than the Asian immigrants to be college-educated (58 percent of first-generation Asians and 61 percent in the second generation). In sharp contrast, only 37 percent of Harris County’s U.S.-born Anglos have college degrees. The American-born Asians are earning higher incomes than their first-generation counterparts: 42 percent of the U.S.-born Asians aged 25 and older are making $75,000 or more per year, compared with 29 percent of first-generation immigrants. U.S.-born Asians (91 percent) are also more likely than first-generation immigrants (79 percent) to have close personal friends who are Anglo, and 84 percent of U.S.-born Asians are more likely than first-generation immigrants (60 percent) to have close friends who are African-American. Moreover, 61 percent said they had been in a romantic relationship with someone who was non-Asian, compared with just 32 percent of the Asian immigrants.

The demographic revolution, education and earnings

The 2010 U.S. Census counted 280,341 Asians in Harris County, accounting for 6.9 percent of a population numbering more than 4 million. The Vietnamese are the largest Asian community in Harris County, followed by the Indians, Chinese, Filipinos and Koreans. “The ‘model minority myth,’ which purports to explain the success Asians have achieved in the United States, overlooks the upper-middle-class backgrounds of so many Asian immigrants, as well as the many others who are far from prosperous,” Klineberg said. “The stereotype also diverts attention from continuing discrimination, and it lumps together people from 27 different countries, with different religious and cultural traditions, who came to America under contrasting circumstances, for divergent reasons and with vastly different resources,” he said. When asked what led them or their parents to come to this country, the Filipinos were most likely to say they immigrated for work opportunities, whereas the Chinese/ Taiwanese and the Indian/Pakistani populations were more apt to say they came for education. In contrast, most of the Vietnamese (56 percent) said they immigrated because of war and politics or in search of freedom. Despite levels of education that are much higher on average than those of Anglos, Asians generally have lower household incomes. Thirty-six percent of Anglos report household incomes of more than $75,000, compared with only 28 percent of all Asians. “Part of this difference may be due to being younger and having arrived as immigrants with educational credentials that may be difficult to transfer into a new society,” Klineberg said. “Part of it also may reflect the impact of continuing discrimination that makes it harder for Asians to reach the top positions in the American economy.”

Religion

The Filipinos, who are overwhelmingly Catholic (75 percent), are more likely than other Asians to be strongly religious. Seventy-one percent report attending a religious service in the past 30 days, and 88 percent say that religion is very important in their lives. The Indians/Pakistanis are generally either Hindu (37 percent) or Moslem (33 percent), and the Vietnamese either Catholic (35 percent) or Buddhist (45 percent). At 35 percent, the Chinese/Taiwanese population is more likely than any of the other Asian communities to have no religious attachments; 59 percent report that they had not attended a religious service during the preceding month. Overall, 40 percent of all Asians in the Houston area have a non-Christian religious affiliation, and 18 percent report no religious preference.

Politics

In 1995, the Vietnamese (60 percent) and Chinese/Taiwanese (60 percent) were predominantly Republican, whereas the Indians and Pakistanis were more likely to be Democrats (53 percent). In the years since then, support for the Republican Party has waned; only 40 percent of the Vietnamese and 37 percent of the Chinese/Taiwanese identified as Republican in the 2011 survey. “Anti-communism is less of an issue, while concerns about restrictive immigration policies, economic inequalities and perceived discrimination have increased,” Klineberg said. Asians share with Latinos and African-Americans strong support for government initiatives designed to strengthen the safety net and to moderate economic inequalities – issues on which Anglos differ sharply from the three other ethnic communities. This may help explain why, across the country, 60 percent of Anglos voted for the Republicans in the last election, whereas more than 70 percent of Asians and Latinos voted for the Democrats. “The ability of Republicans to broaden their appeal to Asians and Latinos and of Democrats to boost turnout among these rapidly growing communities will determine the political positioning of Harris County and the state of Texas in the years ahead,” Klineberg said. “Houston’s Asian-Americans are largely middle-class professionals who are moving rapidly into leadership positions,” Klineberg said. “Asians also are people of color, with friendship networks spanning all ethnic communities, and they are more committed than Anglos to strengthening government initiatives to expand opportunities and reduce the inequalities. They will be indispensable partners in the efforts to build a successful, inclusive, equitable and united multiethnic future for Houston and America in the years ahead.”

The Kinder Institute Houston Area Asian Survey

Since 1994, the Kinder Institute’s Houston Area Survey has been expanded to reach large representative samples from Harris County's Anglo, African-American and Hispanic populations. In 1995, 2002 and 2011, generous additional contributions from the wider Houston community made it possible to include equally large representative samples of the region's varied Asian communities. In each year of the expanded survey, a random sample of approximately 500 Asians from across Houston were contacted by phone, with a quarter of the interviews being conducted in Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin or Korean.


Missouri City At Large Position II Council Member Danny Nguyen (far left) is the Economic Development Committee Chair. Council Member Nguyen at an Economic Development effort with Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert (second photo). Council Member Nguyen at the appreciation of safety event with Constable Ruben Davis.

















-- CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MAYOR ALLEN OWEN

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

OPEN THOUGHT: Houston City Council Member Andrew C. Burks Jr., Shared Thoughts On The Importance of Voting In Local Elections

“Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Your Thought Matters Newspaper would like to thank Andrew C. Burks Jr., our Houston City Council At-Large Position 2 Council Member for valuing our request to share his thoughts on the importance of voting in local elections. Council Member Andrew C. Burks, Jr., a native Houstonian with a passion for making Houston the best city in the country to live, do business and raise a family is currently serving his first term as the Houston City Council At-Large Position 2 representative. Burks will be running for re-election in the 2013 Mayoral Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 for the city of Houston. Please check out his shared thought below." -- Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher

Andrew C. Burks, Jr., is the Position 2 At-Large Houston City Council Member


Houston City Council Member Andrew C. Burks Shares His Thoughts On The Importance of Participating In Local Elections

"Exercising your right to vote in local elections gives you a powerful voice in the issues that directly impact our family. When we think about the political decisions that make the greatest differences in our lives, we often think about Washington, D.C. But the truth is that some of the decisions that have the largest impact on us are made at City Hall.

The brave police officers and fire fighters keeping us safe depend upon responsible local elected officials to ensure they are effective. The roads we drive on, the water we drink, and the parks and libraries our families use are all maintained by your local elected officials.

The services we use most are local. That is why it is important to participate in local elections. When you have a concern, it is your locally elected officials who are the most responsive. As members of the community, mayors and council members are more in touch with the everyday needs of our neighbors. As a voter, you want to ensure that the services impacting you the most are in the hands of someone you can trust and who understands your needs.

Your vote makes its biggest difference in local elections. Low turnout in local races means your voice is louder and stronger. Your participation ensures your needs are represented and that our city will remain a great place to call home for generations to come."


Andrew C. Burks Jr.
Houston City Council At-Large Position 2



CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS EDITION OF YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER

The Importance of Voting In Local Elections featuring Thoughts from Mayor Annise Parker and other City of Houston Leaders 

“The feature of this “Special Edition” of Your Thought Matters Newspaper is the section on the importance of voting in local elections. This “Special Edition” was made possible by Mayor Annise Parker, Mayor Allen Owen, Congressman Kevin Brady, Houston Controller Ronald C. Green, Houston Mayor Pro-Tem Ed Gonzalez, Houston At-Large City CM -Andrew C. Burks, Jr., Missouri City At-Large CM - Danny Nguyen, Houston City CM - Ellen Cohen, Houston City CM – Wanda Adams, Houston City CM – Mike Laster, Houston City CM – Larry V. Green. 2013 Candidate Georgia D. Provost for Houston’s District – D, 2013 Candidate Rodney Griffin for Missouri City’s District – A, 2013 Candidate for Re-Election to the FBISD School Board Jim Rice, and 2013 Candidate for FBISD School Board Cynthia Lenton Gary. Call Aubrey R. Taylor Communications at: (832)212-8735 to discuss your inclusion in the next edition of Your Thought Matters Newspaper." -- Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher


CITY LEADERS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTING IN LOCAL ELECTIONS

The City of Houston leaders at Houston's City Hall who contributed to this Your Thought Matters Newspaper feature are: Mayor Annise Parker (top left) At-Large Position 2 Houston City Council Member -- Andrew C. Burks (top right), City of Houston Controller -- Ronald C. Green (second row left), Houston's Mayor Pro-Tem and District H Council Member -- Ed Gonzalez (second row right), Houston City Council Member for District D -- Wanda Adams (third row on left), Houston City Council Member for District C -- Ellen Cohen (third row on right), Houston City Council Member for District J -- Mike Laster (bottom on left), and Houston City Council Member for District K -- Larry V. Green. All these individuals will be on the November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election ballot for the City of Houston; with the exception of Councilwoman Wanda Adams who is term-limited and can't run for re-election for her seat.

Mayor Annise Parker, Other Houston City Hall Leaders Answer Call to Share Their Thoughts On The Importance of Voting

“Mayor Annise Parker the 61st Mayor of Houston, and only the second woman to hold the position of chief executive officer for the City of Houston recently took a moment to share her thoughts on the importance of voting at the request of Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Your Thought Matters Newspaper. Other Houston City Hall leaders who also took the time out of their busy schedules to share their thoughts on the importance of voting in local elections were: Houston’s City Controller Ronald C. Green; Houston’s Mayor Pro-Tem Ed Gonzalez; Houston’s At-Large Position 2 Council Member Andrew C. Burks, Jr.; Houston’s District C Council Member Ellen Cohen; Houston’s District D Council Member Wanda Adams; Houston’s District J Council Member Mike Laster; and Houston’s District K Council Member Larry Green. I’m thankful that these leaders found value in our quest to inform, empower, inspire, and encourage Americans to get involved in local elections. For in the end, all politics are local.”


Mayor Annise Parker, Currently Only the Second Woman to serve as Houston's Chief Executive takes a Moment to Share Her Thoughts on The Importance of Voting 

"I remember voting as a kid with my parents. That was back in the days when you walked into a voting booth, pulled a red curtain behind you, picked your candidates and pulled a lever to cast your ballot. My parents took me every November, and I’ve gone every year as an adult. It’s important to vote for many reasons, but I’ll focus on three.

1) It’s the only opportunity we have, as citizens, to hold our elected officials accountable to the promises they make to us when they’re running for office. I’ve been elected eight times now, so I know that when I make a promise on the campaign trail, voters are listening, and voters will remind me of my promises when I come back in two years.

2) Someone said to me recently – if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. Elected officials make very important decisions about how your money is spent and what limits are placed on your life. It’s important that your elected officials know that you care about your rights and your money – and the best way to show them that you care is to vote.

3) And finally, 150 years ago, voting was reserved for a privileged few. African Americans and women risked their lives fighting for the right to vote. They won in 1870 and 1920, respectively. That isn’t very long ago, and every election I am proud to honor those brave civil rights activists by heading to the polls and casting a ballot."

Sincerely,

Annise Parker
The 61st Mayor of Houston, Texas
CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT


Houston City Controller Ronald C. Green Shares His Thoughts on the Importance of Participating in Local Elections

“In times like these it is important that all who can vote should exercise their right to. Not at any moment in our time has our country been so politically polarized, we have gun law bills, budget and deficit issues, the issues that are currently being discussed in Washington have a trickle-down effect to cities and local municipalities. It is important that we have the right leadership in place so that our city is ready to handle those problems. Locally, our economy, public project initiatives and quality of life all depend on the representation YOU the citizen vote for. The City of Houston’s leadership helps in making decisions that make sure that the aforementioned are available to you. That is why it is important for you to participate in local elections. In no other elections, state or nationally, can you personally hold your elected official accountable for the well being of the city that you live in. You want and need responsible men and women to make sure that your taxes are being put to good use, whether you are Republican or Democrat. We need YOU to help Houston thrive as a city, we need YOU to ensure Houston has the quality of life for families and visitors to enjoy and prosper in. Your vote helps in achieving those goals.”

Sincerely,

Ronald C. Green
Houston City Controller
CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT


City of Houston Mayor Pro-Tem, District H Council Member Ed Gonzalez Shares His Thoughts on Why Voting Matters

“Voting is a fundamental right granted to us by our forefathers, it is a right that sets our nation apart from many in the world, and it is a right that I encourage all citizens to exercise. Elections impact who represents us at every level of government, those representatives are the individuals that advocate for the needs of our communities, of our families, and of our future generations. Electing a representative ensures that your voice is heard at City Hall, at the State Capitol, and in Washington D.C. As a local elected official, I take pride in fighting for the needs of the District H constituents that I represent. Keeping our neighborhoods safe, ensuring that our roads are in good condition, increasing the amount of greenspace in the community, and encouraging economic development are some of my main priorities. I know that I was elected to serve my community and I strive to listen to its needs each and every single day. I sincerely hope that all voters will take time to cast a ballot, particularly during a local election. Our government is only as good as the people that we send to represent us. Make sure that you head to the voting booth and continue to make your voice heard.”

Sincerely,

Ed Gonzalez
Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Houston
CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT


Houston City Council Member Andrew C. Burks Shares His Thoughts On The Importance of Participating In Local Elections

"Exercising your right to vote in local elections gives you a powerful voice in the issues that directly impact our family. When we think about the political decisions that make the greatest differences in our lives, we often think about Washington, D.C. But the truth is that some of the decisions that have the largest impact on us are made at City Hall.

The brave police officers and fire fighters keeping us safe depend upon responsible local elected officials to ensure they are effective. The roads we drive on, the water we drink, and the parks and libraries our families use are all maintained by your local elected officials.

The services we use most are local. That is why it is important to participate in local elections. When you have a concern, it is your locally elected officials who are the most responsive. As members of the community, mayors and council members are more in touch with the everyday needs of our neighbors. As a voter, you want to ensure that the services impacting you the most are in the hands of someone you can trust and who understands your needs.

Your vote makes its biggest difference in local elections. Low turnout in local races means your voice is louder and stronger. Your participation ensures your needs are represented and that our city will remain a great place to call home for generations to come.”

Sincerely,

Andrew C. Burks Jr.
City Council At-Large Position 2
CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT


Houston City Council District C Representative Ellen Cohen Takes A Moment to Share Her Thoughts On The Importance of Participating in Local Elections

“Democracy is the cornerstone of our country from the federal level down to the local level. I was raised to believe that democracy means “one person, one vote,” and that exercising your vote is a responsibility as well as a right. In a politically polarized nation, making your voice heard from the ballot box becomes even more urgent.

In Houston, though voter turnout in our last national election (2012) was above 60%, unfortunately, in our last localelection (2011) turnout was less than 15%. This is particularly regrettable because all politics is local. Local government is responsible for the most immediate concerns of our citizens’ daily lives. From streets to parks to libraries to water, your local government officials make or influence the policy decisions that impact our lives. Consequently, holding elected officials accountable for their decisions is vital to a well-functioning city, state, or nation.

Furthermore, particularly in a local election, every vote is critical. Elections that are determined by 10, 100, or 500 votes are more common than many citizens are aware. Since a small voting pool magnifies the effect of a singular vote, participating in a local election can have a great impact on your life. Enfranchisement for all has been hard-won in America, and we owe it to our forebears to honor their sacrifices by exercising the right and responsibility to vote.”

Sincerely,

Ellen Cohen
Houston City Council District C
CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT


Houston City Council Member Wanda Adams Shares Her Thoughts on The Importance of Voting in Our Local Elections

“Many times, local elections do not receive a high voter turnout rate because individuals feel that those elections are not as important as voting for national elected officials. Voting in local elections is actually more important because it is the best way to have your voice heard immediately. Local elected officials are the individuals who carry-out fiscal mandates, laws, and actions that are created on a national and state level. Citizens should see their local officials working in their communities by the projects that are being completed in their neighborhoods. The Mayor and City Council choose city department leaders who make decisions regarding infrastructure repair, water services, health services, solid waste services, libraries, parks, and many other services that affect everyone living in the city. These elected officials are the public servants that you should see physically working in the community and working for the community. They have vested interests that are parallel to their constituents because they drive your streets daily, visit the parks with their loved ones, receive city services, and live in your neighborhoods. Local officials know your concerns because they share them. If someone isn’t voting in local elections, they are saying that they are not concerned with the issues that matter most – the issues that affect home.”

Sincerely,

Wanda Adams
Houston City Council District D
CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT


Houston City Council Member Mike Laster Shares his thoughts on the importance of voting in local Elections

“Local elections are important because local government is the foundation of democracy. Your voice is heard the most at the local level and local officials are some of the most accessible and responsive to the voting public. Your daily life is directly affected by local government – from trash pick-up to pot holes to police and fire services to building permits. All of us are called upon to build up our communities and participation in local elections is the most effective way to do that.”

Sincerely,

Mike Laster
Houston City Council District J
CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT


Shared Thoughts from Houston City Council District K Council Member Larry V. Green on Why it's Important for Voters to Participate in Local City-Wide Elections

“It is important for voters to participate in local city-wide elections because elected officials can help determine the economic, educational and social well-being of entire communities. For example, two very important tasks of city council members include making laws and allocating money. Elected officials are the gatekeepers for millions of dollars in tax revenue—that is, money paid by anyone in the public old enough to purchase taxable merchandise, own property, or earn a paycheck. Elected officials control which individuals, groups, communities, businesses, and institutions receive taxpayer dollars, how much they receive, and the purpose for which they can use the money.

Local elected officials are public servants who serve at the pleasure of ordinary citizens—like you and me. For example, in city elections in Houston, every two years voters go to the polls to decide whether their elected officials deserve another term in office. Ultimately, elected officials, including me, are judged by the quality of our leadership. Are we accessible to the public? Do we represent all demographics, rich, poor, everyone? Do we bring money or other resources back to our Districts? Do our decisions or voting record reflect the priorities we promised when asking for your vote?

The policies generated from your participation in local city-wide elections shape almost every aspect of our lives. It is important that voters do not take a back seat in the political decisions that result in these policies. Let your voice be heard by voting in all local city-wide elections.”

Sincerely,

Larry V. Green, Esq.
Houston City Council District K
CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT



-- CLICK HERE FOR OPEN LETTER FROM GEORGIA D. PROVOST
Businesswoman Georgia D. Provost is running for Houston City Council for District D in the 2013 Mayoral Election for Houston. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2013 for the 2013 Mayoral Election in Houston. The Houston City Council District D seat is currently held by Councilwoman Wanda Adams who is term-limited and can't run for re-election. Click this link to read the "Open Letter" from Georgia D. Provost a 2013 candidate for Houston City Council. 


DON'T FORGET TO REMIND EVERYONE YOU KNOW IN FORT BEND COUNTY TO VOTE IN THE SATURDAY, MAY 11TH GENERAL ELECTION



MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS: Watch Out for the Missouri City Council District A Race involving Bobby Marshall, Rodney Griffin and Yolanda Ford on Saturday, May 11, 2013

By Aubrey R. Taylor
President, Aubrey R. Taylor Communications
The Publisher of Your Thought Matters Newspaper

Back in the 2011 General Election face off in Missouri City for the District A City Council seat Rodney Griffin came within 33 votes of unseating the incumbent Bobby Marshall. However, a dismal 6.52% voter turnout in the (6) six precinct district largely made up of African-American voters proved a little too much for Griffin to overcome in his quest to unseat the incumbent. But Rodney L. Griffin is back on the ballot again in the 2013 General Election to be held on Saturday, May 11, 2013. However, he's not facing the incumbent alone this time around. Yolanda Ford, a local architectural designer and urban planner is also in the race seeking to unseat Councilman Bobby Marshall.


-- CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TRUSTEE JIM RICE





Missouri City At Large Position II Council Member Danny Nguyen (far left) is the Economic Development Committee Chair. Council Member Nguyen at an Economic Development effort with Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert (second photo). Council Member Nguyen at the appreciation of safety event with Constable Ruben Davis.


-- CLICK HERE IF YOU CAN VOTE IN THE MISSOURI CITY 2013 ELECTION





-- CHECK OUT THE STATE OF MISSOURI CITY -- BY RODNEY L. GRIFFIN

Businessman Rodney Griffin continues to campaign tirelessly for the revitalization of Texas Parkway. He has served the Missouri City community as the Presiding Election Judge for many terms. Presently he serve Precinct 2059 as the Democratic Chair and on the State Democratic Executive Committee in Austin. According to Griffin he was the first State (Texas) party official to endorse then candidate Obama for president (Feb, 22, 2007). During the de centennial census, he made sure that every person in the Missouri City community was counted.