FEATURED PEOPLE: Sheriff Adrian Garcia, Attorney Ben Hall, Attorney Keryl L. Douglas, Mayor Allen Owen, Judge John Schmude, Judge Loyd Wright, Judge Christine Riddle Butts, and Attorney General Loretta Lynch

CAMPAIGN NEWS: Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia Has Decided to Run for Mayor of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election

HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS REPORTS

The 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election has just gotten a little more interesting with the entry of Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia into the race for mayor. Garcia has finally delivered the news that many Houstonians have been waiting for months to hear. But don't forget that the complete field of mayoral contenders won't be set until Monday, August 24, 2015.

HERE ARE A FEW OTHER CANDIDATES WHO MAY BE RUNNING FOR MAYOR OF HOUSTON

Other candidates expected to be in the Tuesday, November 3rd race for City of Houston Mayor are: Ben Hall, Victoria Lane, Sylvester Turner, Bill King, Marty McVey, Stephen Costello, and Chris Bell. The deadline for candidates to have their name placed on the ballot in the City of Houston is Monday, August 24, 2015. Early voting will start on Monday, October 19, 2015 and end on Friday, October 30, 2015. You are strongly encouraged to consider the candidates who value and respect us when you go to the polls.




I’m Running for Mayor

Friends:

For the past several months, I've done something that leaders should do a lot more of: I've been listening. I've been listening to people all over Houston - from fellow churchgoers, to large and small business owners, to friendly seniors at the local breakfast spot. Like me, they all love our city. But they're also concerned about our future. They want the roads to be repaired and to spend less time in traffic, they want to keep our families and children safe, they want to improve our schools, and they want to make sure the city doesn't spend more than it takes in. I share those concerns.

And as I've listened, people have urged me to run for Mayor.

There was a familiar refrain to all of their remarks. It was about reform and results. They were grateful that we have kept a lid on violent crime rates and put more officers on the street to keep you safe, even during a hiring freeze. Violent crime rates for murder and rape are down even as we have served an increased population in Harris County.

By reforming the Harris County Sheriff's Office and the jail, cutting wasteful spending and practices, we saved the taxpayer's over $100 million. We imposed discipline and fired people who disgraced the badge and dishonored the department. We ended the practice of sending inmates and your tax dollars to private prisons in Louisiana and ended the chronic jail overcrowding. Modernizing an agency with almost 5,000 employees and a budget of almost half a billion dollars has been no easy task, but our hard work has begun to pay off. The Sheriff's office budget that was constantly in the red has been transformed into one that has stayed within its means and reduced the burden on taxpayers.

Most importantly, the most consistent thing I've heard is the difference we've made in people's lives. Today, thousands have participated in educational programs while in the jail, and many have gone on to enroll in the Houston Community College. These people are leaving behind a life of crime and steering their future to a job and being able to take care of their families. Our "Been There Done That" program has helped turn around the lives of women who came into the jail for sex work and came out knowing how to earn a living using their minds. We grew our chaplaincy program from a handful of people, and now, with the help of over 200 volunteers, we are able to touch with faith and help thousands of souls every week.

There has been a familiar refrain across the city when people talk about our successes. I listened to people encourage me to bring the same approach and problem solving to the City of Houston. It's the same approach I used on Council and as Mayor Pro Tem. The city is seeing more violent crimes, serious financial challenges with few remedies left to use, and infrastructure and transportation issues that desperately need a fresh approach.

This is not the first time I've listened. I listened to the prayer my father shared with my family when they emigrated from Mexico a year before I was born. I listened to my mother when she sensed I was restless working in my dad's automotive repair business and I wanted to serve a higher purpose to my family and community. I listened to my father when he gave me five principles to live by after I told him I wanted to join the Houston Police Department. Among them was to be proud of who I am and to never forget where I came from.

I've been listening to the people of Houston, and I believe it's time to bring a fresh approach to the city of Houston. It's time to offer leadership that brings people together, that is firm and fair, and gives everyone a voice at City Hall, not just the wealthy and well-connected. At the same time, we have to keep our business environment strong to grow our economy so good paying jobs are available to everyone who wants to work, raise a family, and be a part of making Houston the best place it can be. Today, I'm announcing my candidacy for Mayor of Houston because Houston needs a mayor who knows how to balance a budget, save taxpayers millions, and protect our children and families. I've done that as sheriff. And I'll do that as mayor.

I will need your help, your support, and your prayers if I am to be successful. I know that together we can fix what ails our city, and make Houston the world class city to live, work, and raise a family that it is poised to be.

Respectfully,

Adrian Garcia

Statements by President Obama, Attorney General Lynch on the Situation in Baltimore, Maryland Surrounding the Death of Freddie Gray

 PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SPEAKING WITH LORETTA LYNCH, THE NEWLY APPOINTED ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Click here to view “Part Three” of the “People Who Value Us” edition of Houston Business Connections Newspaper

Statements by President Barack Obama, Attorney General Lynch, and Publisher Aubrey R. Taylor on the Situation in Baltimore, Maryland Surrounding the Death of Freddie Gray

HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS REPORTS

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "As a nation of law abiding citizens we must employ the spirit of patience and civility as we allow the process of justice to run its course. Violence, rioting, and upheaval will not solve any of the problems or issues facing us as a nation. Nor will continuing to ignore the plight, voice, and injustices that continue to haunt us as a nation of free people. So, I strongly encourage you to keep our nation in your prayers as we work through this very difficult and daunting process of realizing our goal of living as "ONE NATION UNDER GOD" in America.

WE MUST PUT GOD FIRST 

As we endeavor to realize the justice, equality, and the freedoms we so desperately seek, let's not forget that we must actively participate in the process of realizing the hopes, goals, dreams, and ambitions that God has in mind for us . So, with this in mind, rather than looking for Republicans or Democrats to deliver us, I submit that we should all begin the process of putting forth our very best effort to ensure that we are placing, appointing, and electing people of God (with the relevant experience and heart to help us) into positions of authority on the local, state, and federal level."

LET'S THRIVE TOGETHER

New International Version: "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan." -- PROVERBS 29:2

Attorney General Loretta Lynch released the following statement on the situation in Baltimore, Maryland:

“I condemn the senseless acts of violence by some individuals in Baltimore that have resulted in harm to law enforcement officers, destruction of property and a shattering of the peace in the city of Baltimore. Those who commit violent actions, ostensibly in protest of the death of Freddie Gray, do a disservice to his family, to his loved ones, and to legitimate peaceful protestors who are working to improve their community for all its residents.

“The Department of Justice stands ready to provide any assistance that might be helpful. The Civil Rights Division and the FBI have an ongoing, independent criminal civil rights investigation into the tragic death of Mr. Gray. We will continue our careful and deliberate examination of the facts in the coming days and weeks. The department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has also been fully engaged in a collaborative review of the Baltimore City Police Department. The department’s Community Relations Service has already been on the ground, and they are sending additional resources as they continue to work with all parties to reduce tensions and promote the safety of the community. And in the coming days, Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division, and Ronald Davis, Director of Community Oriented Policing Services, will be traveling to Baltimore to meet with faith and community leaders, as well as city officials.

“As our investigative process continues, I strongly urge every member of the Baltimore community to adhere to the principles of nonviolence. In the days ahead, I intend to work with leaders throughout Baltimore to ensure that we can protect the security and civil rights of all residents. And I will bring the full resources of the Department of Justice to bear in protecting those under threat, investigating wrongdoing, and securing an end to violence.”

President Obama on Freddie Gray’s Death: "This is Not New, and We Shouldn’t Pretend that It’s New."

On April 12, Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old native of Baltimore, was arrested by the city’s police. He died a week later.

The Department of Justice is now investigating the events that led to his death and today, President Obama offered his thoughts to the family and friends of Freddie Gray who are appropriately looking for answers while at the same time making clear there is “no excuse” for violence.

He noted that events in Baltimore called attention to the urgent need throughout the country to build trust between communities and their police.

“We have some soul-searching to do. This is not new. It’s been going on for decades.” – President Obama

Every American has role to play in tackling this longstanding challenge. "We don't just pay attention to these communities when a CVS burns, and we don’t just pay attention when a young man gets shot or has his spine snapped," the President said. We should be “paying attention all the time because we consider those kids our kids, and we think they’re important and that they shouldn’t be living in poverty and violence.”

That is why President Obama is committed to promoting policies that would make a difference on unemployment, poverty, and other serious social challenges that continue to afflict too many communities across the country.

The President is also working with police departments and community leaders to implement recommendations from his Task Force on 21st Century Policing to help build trust between communities and law enforcement while maintaining public safety. From adopting new technologies to build trust to prioritizing de-escalation and avoiding provocative tactics to enhancing officer safety and wellness, these recommendations can begin to build a culture of trust that is needed to promote safety and justice in every community and for every individual, no matter who they are.

Learn more about the President’s Task Force on Community Policing here by visiting: https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/03/02/what-21st-century-policing-means


CUTLINE FOR TOP PHOTO: President Barack Obama speaks to the press after a meeting with members of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, March 2, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)