"To soar and reach higher heights an eagle needs both a left-wing and a right-wing. One without the other will not allow the eagle to fly. Both wings are necessary and only when they work together will the eagle have an opportunity to leave the ground and take full advantage of all its capabilities."
Dear Houstonians/District J:
Sincerely,
2019 Candidate for District J
Remember the "EARLY VOTING" period will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving. Then the "EARLY VOTING" period will resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019, with "ELECTION DAY" voting taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
The Pollard Plan is designed to detail my vision for bettering the quality of life for everyone in District J. The Pollard Plan is not a partisan plan, it is a people plan. I have created three categories that identify and address many of our most pressing issues throughout the District. The first category, Needs Before Wants, details a fiscally responsible approach to getting the most out of our tax dollars by placing a greater emphasis on basic core services over everything else. The second category, Neighborhoods Determine Everything, addresses the fact that in order for our district to flourish, we must first have neighborhoods that are safe, clean, and inviting. Finally, the third category, Diversity is our Strength, stresses the importance of not only embracing the different cultures that make up our district but highlighting this unique feature in order to create opportunities and economic growth. With a commitment to each of these three categories, I know District J will reach its full potential.
We all want nice things, but those things should not come at the expense of the necessities. In many instances, tax dollars are allocated to pet projects instead of increasing funds for core services such as streets, flooding, homelessness, trash, parks, mobility, law enforcement patrol, and first responders/municipal employee wages. Council Members are responsible for being good stewards of our tax dollars and ensuring our money is budgeted properly and allocated reasonably. We must use the money we have and make it work without continuously going back to the taxpayer asking for more. As your Council Member I will:
*Prioritize our basic core service needs before we fund pet projects as well as reduce the debt by putting an end to frivolous spending.
*Work closely with the Harris County Flood Control District to ensure our district gets appropriate and immediate funding from the flood damage reduction project bonds.
*Engage residents to identify areas of our district that are in need of drainage repair and ensure the city’s Public Works department addresses the issue.
*Fight tirelessly so that our district, the most densely populated area of Houston, is prioritized for transportation and mobility projects.
*Advocate for privatizing when practical reducing the burden of city government by spending tax dollars on private businesses for city services when needed.
*Work closely with and support each Management District and TIRZ to ensure their leadership is a true representation of our community and that residents are engaged and notified upfront on proposed improvements.
*Increase transparency about when and how tax dollars are spent by holding periodic town halls located within District J, that strictly discuss District J issues. The town halls will be held after business hours to prevent residents from having to miss work and fight traffic driving downtown to address their Council Member.
When our neighborhoods thrive our entire community thrives. Vacant, misused, and run-down properties are a blight on our District J community. We must hold property owners (residential, multi-unit, and commercial) accountable for properly maintaining their properties. In addition to that, our neighborhoods need existing city codes to be enforced so that properties are only being used for their intended purpose. This will have a direct positive impact on our property values, overall reputation, drive economic development, enhance beautification, and increase public safety. As your Council Member I will:
*Focus heavily on deterring crime and public safety by working with city and county attorneys to prosecute those who violate our public nuisance laws.
*Utilize discretionary District Service Fund dollars for additional law enforcement patrol to tackle specific public safety concerns such as panhandling, prostitution, trafficking, and neighborhood violations.
*Fight to get code enforcement officers that are strictly designated to District J to ensure commercial and multi-unit properties are properly maintained, safe for tenants, and absent of blight.
Quickly respond to the needs of residents by designating a member of my staff that is solely responsible for constituent services and complaints.
*Assist Civic Associations and HOA’s with enforcing deed restrictions by including their board leadership in the approval of permits for additions and changes to residential properties.
*Organize a volunteer group for residents who will be trained and certified to assist the City and law enforcement with reporting neighborhood-related violations.
*Commit to initiatives that make our community look more aesthetically pleasing with a focus on parks, trails, and thoroughfares.
*Partner with private businesses and trade associations to facilitate quarterly 2nd Chance Job Fairs for those unemployed and in need of opportunities within our district.
District J is the most diverse district in the city of Houston, and that is something to be proud of. We must highlight all the amazing cultures and customs, as well as collectively work together to bridge our communities in an effort to strengthen unity among each other. As the most diverse district, we can set the standard for inclusion, cultural appreciation, and economic development. As your Council Member I will:
*Market our district as an international tourism hub by increasing awareness of our culturally diverse businesses and host more festivals, carnivals, and events.
*Promote the uniqueness of our varied demographic to attract more businesses and diligently approach top tier retail, grocery, recreation, and corporate entities to locate to our district.
*Work to increase access to resources that help small businesses within District J thrive by increasing their opportunity and exposure to Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) contract opportunities.
*Increase resident’s awareness of social programs by working with local organizations and nonprofits within the district; as well as developing public/private partnerships that are culturally sensitive to our needs and able to assist with healthcare, education, immigration, and job readiness.
Like many of you, I get frustrated whenever I turn on CNN, Fox News, or MSNBC and consistently see a tit for tat between our elected officials. Politics has gotten so party line centered that it has become a “you vs. me” “them vs. us” system of government that is focused more on polarizing sound bites than resolving critical issues.
I am running for elected office to change the narrative. I will bring a different leadership style to the forefront that is focused on building coalitions and relationships with all people and all communities. Regardless if you are a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, I want to foster mutual respect between different perspectives in an effort to create a space where each side has a voice and a representative that will be open-minded to everyone’s concerns.
In politics, there is a saying that if you stand in the middle of the road you will get run over. Well, I object to that notion. One must walk towards the center if you have any intent on shaking hands with the other side.
I am a unifier. Our campaign will be centered on unifying people, with a unified message, to create a unified city. #togetherwewill #unify.
2019 Candidate for District J
Remember the "EARLY VOTING" period will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving. Then the "EARLY VOTING" period will resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019, with "ELECTION DAY" voting taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
Larry Blackmon and Georgia D. Provost are asking for the 46,441 Houstonians who cast their vote for them back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the race for Houston City Council At-Large Position #1 to return to the polls and cast their ballot for Councilman Mike Knox on Saturday, December 14, 2019 in Houston, Texas. Remember the "EARLY VOTING" period will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving. Then the "EARLY VOTING" period will resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019, with "ELECTION DAY" voting taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
Georgia Provost, Larry Blackmon Have Both Endorsed, And Thrown Their Support Behind Mike Knox in the Houston City Council At-Large Position #1 Runoff Race
AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
In one of the biggest political announcements heading into the Saturday, December 14, 2019, City of Houston “RUNOFF ELECTION”, Councilman Mike Knox has secured endorsements from Georgia D. Provost and Larry Blackmon. If for some strange reason you have no clue as to how big of a coup this is for Councilman Mike Knox I will try to explain. Georgia D. Provost has been a fixture in the Black community for over 50 years. She’s a proud graduate of the historic Texas Southern University, School of Technology with advanced studies at the University of Houston, Rice University, Winona National School of Professional Photographers, Intercollegiate Press and Associated Photographers. She’s also honorably represented the Black Community as a community activist/volunteer and has participated in the business, cultural, educational, humanitarian, political and religious/spiritual sectors of Greater Houston’s life for most of those years. Her role as a member of the Helfman/Provost Fundraising Team over the years has raised a whole lot of much-needed funds for injured or fallen law enforcement officers and their families, MHMRA, KTSU, TSU, and other charitable organizations.
Georgia D. Provost is humbly asking all 27,536 Houstonians who voted for her back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, to cast their vote for Councilman Mike Knox on Saturday, December 14, 2019, when he faces off against Raj Salhotra. Remember the "EARLY VOTING" period will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving. Then the "EARLY VOTING" period will resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019, with "ELECTION DAY" voting taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM GEORGIA
“Georgia Provost is supporting Mike Knox, because he believes as I do, that the underserved neighborhoods in Houston, need special attention and excellent City Services; And I will work with him to make that happen. Please Re-Elect Mike Knox for City Council At-Large Position 1. Thanks, and I love you and there is nothing you can do about it,” she said in a statement to Houstonians in support of Councilman Mike Knox.
Larry Blackmon is humbly asking all 18,905 Houstonians who voted for him back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, to cast their vote for Councilman Mike Knox on Saturday, December 14, 2019, when he faces off against Raj Salhotra. Remember the "EARLY VOTING" period will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving. Then the "EARLY VOTING" period will resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019, with "ELECTION DAY" voting taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
LARRY BLACKMON HAS ENDORSED MIKE
Larry Blackmon came up short back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, however, he has thrown his full support behind Councilman Mike Knox. Why is this significant? Well, for starters, Blackmon is a “VERY HIGHLY-RESPECTED” leader in the Black community. He has served under the leadership of three Houston Mayors – Mayor Lee Brown, Mayor Bill White, and Mayor Annise Parker. In case you don’t know, back in 1995, then-Mayor Lee Brown appointed Larry Blackmon to serve on the Houston Industrial Board, the Houston Higher Education Learning Board and the Houston Health Facilities Board. The Houston Industrial Development Board was authorized by Texas law to fund specific public purposes from the development of commercial, industrial and manufacturing enterprises to promoting and encouraging employment and public welfare. The Aeroterm Cargo Facility at Bush Intercontinental Airport was financed with bonds issued by the Industrial Development Corporation. The Health Facilities Bond was authorized by Texas law to use funds for the sole public purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, providing, financing and refinancing health facilities to assist in maintaining public health. Organizations that benefited were The Methodist Hospital and Buckingham Senior Living Community, just to name a few. Additionally, Larry Blackmon was recently appointed as a member of the Houston Independent School District Advisory Team. This collective helped oversee the $2 billion construction project for the new Jack Yates campus facility.
Pastor Max A. Miller, Jr., MTh, D.D., has also thrown his support behind Councilman Mike Knox in the Saturday, December 14, 2019, City of Houston Runoff Election. He's asking all Houstonians to cast their vote for Councilman Mike Knox on Saturday, December 14, 2019, when he faces off against Raj Salhotra. Remember the "EARLY VOTING" period will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving. Then the "EARLY VOTING" period will resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019, with "ELECTION DAY" voting taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
COUNCILMAN MIKE KNOX
COUNCILMAN MIKE KNOX VALUES THE VOTE OF EVERY HOUSTONIAN
A lifelong public servant with a history of honorable service as a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and former Houston Police officer, Mike is the current At-Large Position 1 member for Houston City Council.
Mike Knox has a well-earned reputation for integrity, transparency, and responsibility. For a government that works for you, trust Mike Knox and cast your vote for him on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Remember the "EARLY VOTING" period will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving. Then the "EARLY VOTING" period will resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019, with "ELECTION DAY" voting taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
A lifelong public servant with a history of honorable service as a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and former Houston Police officer, Mike is the current At-Large Position 1 member for Houston City Council.
Mike Knox has a well-earned reputation for integrity, transparency, and responsibility. For a government that works for you, trust Mike Knox and cast your vote for him on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Remember the "EARLY VOTING" period will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving. Then the "EARLY VOTING" period will resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019, with "ELECTION DAY" voting taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
Councilman Mike Knox, like Pastor Max Miller, Georgia D. Provost, and Larry Blackmon cares about all Houstonians. Councilman Knox has held true to his promise to be a councilman that “ALL HOUSTONIANS” could be proud to call their voice at Houston City Hall. And his stellar showing against a loaded field of four challengers back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the race for Houston City Council At-Large Position #1 – serves as proof that Houstonians love Councilman Knox. How did he do? Well, back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, Mike Knox held off his challengers by gaining 73,391 votes, for 36.50% of the vote. To put his accomplishment into perspective, Councilman Mike Knox with limited resources, gained more votes than every candidate running in the race for Mayor of Houston except Mayor Sylvester Turner. As for the rest of his field of challengers, Raj Salhotra finished second with 44,435 votes, for 22.10% of the vote. Because no candidate reached the 50% plus one threshold needed to avoid a runoff, Councilman Mike Knox and Raj Salhotra will face off in the Saturday, December 14, 2019, Runoff Election will early voting begins on Monday, December 2, 2019. As for the other three challengers, Yolanda Navarro Flores finished third, with 36,617 votes, for 18.31% of the vote. Georgia Provost finished fourth, with 27,536 votes, for 13.69% of the vote. And Larry Blackmon finished fifth, respectfully, with 18,905 votes, for 9.40% of the vote.
"Let's make it our business to support duly-qualified candidates who value, respect, and appreciate our vote and support on Saturday, December 14, 2019."
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
"At this time Mayor Sylvester Turner is the only candidate in the runoff race for Mayor of Houston, Texas who is asking for "OUR" vote on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Early voting will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving."
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
"At this time Shelley Kennedy is the only candidate in the runoff race for Houston City Council District C who is asking for "OUR" vote on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Early voting will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving."
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
"At this time Edward Pollard is the only candidate in the runoff race for Houston City Council District J who is asking for "OUR" vote on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Early voting will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving."
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
On Saturday, December 14, 2019, a runoff between Mayor Sylvester Turner, and Tony Buzbee will take place in Houston, Texas. A runoff is needed, because no candidate drew the majority of the vote in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, General Election. Mayor Turner was the top vote-getter with 111,404 votes, and Tony Buzbee made the runoff by finishing second with 69,188 votes back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the general election. What every Houstonian should be doing right now, is talking to their family, friends, and others within their sphere of influence about the Saturday, December 14, 2019, runoff election. And please remind them that there are some very important matchups that they should be aware of in this pivotal runoff election. And lastly, please, please, please do not forget to vote early. Remember the "EARLY VOTING" period will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving. Then the "EARLY VOTING" period will resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019, with "ELECTION DAY" voting taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
Turner Versus Buzbee Round Two is Coming on Saturday, December 14, 2019; Other Key Runoff Candidates You Should Know
AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
I hear a lot of pundits and politicos already predicting that the upcoming Saturday, December 14, 2019 “RUNOFF ELECTION” between Mayor Sylvester Turner and his challenger Tony Buzbee will be a low voter turnout election. However, I beg to differ! What Houstonians can expect on Saturday, December 14, 2019, is a historic turnout whereas “RUNOFF ELECTIONS” for our city is concerned in my opinion. I’m predicting that Houstonians will be energized, motivated, engaged and excited to play a role in deciding the outcome of this runoff election. Especially since the two candidates running at the top of the ballot couldn’t be more different. Yep, Turner versus Buzbee 2.0 will be a tale of two men on a collision course that’s destined them to meet right here, right now, in Houston, Texas on December 14th! After all, their entire lives have been about this date with destiny in a sense.
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "SYLVESTER TURNER" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Mayor Sylvester Turner, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
MAYOR TURNER IS THE FRONT-RUNNER
Mayor Sylvester Turner currently serves as the mayor of the fourth largest city in America. He’s a powerful man who lives life on his own terms. He was born on September 27, 1954, the sixth of nine children in the Acres Homes community in northwest Houston, Texas. And contrary to popular belief, Turner wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth or anything like that. In case you don’t know, his father was a commercial painter, and his mother worked as a maid at the Rice Hotel. Like him or not, Mayor Turner has overcome every obstacle he’s faced to make it to this point. His most recent triumph over a stellar field of challengers back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, has brought him one step closer to his goal of continuing his service as (only) Houston’s second African American mayor ever. It hasn’t been easy for Mayor Turner to make it to this point. He’s had to beat back accusations of corruption; attacks on his character, innuendo and suggestions that he’s somehow leading a double life, and perhaps worst of all, constant trolling by people who have made it their mission in life to find fault in every decision he makes as the “CEO” of Houston, Texas. None more prevalent than former Councilman Dwight Boykins who is perhaps the only reason Mayor Turner finds himself having to face off against Tony Buzbee in the Saturday, December 14th, “RUNOFF ELECTION” in the first place. What am I talking about? I’m glad you asked. If it were not for Councilman Dwight Boykins deciding to run for mayor and gaining 14,162 votes, for 5.89% of the vote in the process, Mayor Sylvester Turner who gained 111,404 votes, for 46.36% of the vote would have more than likely won his bid for re-election outright – without a runoff. How can I say this? Well, you have to keep in mind that Tony Buzbee only received 69,188 votes, for 28.79% of the vote. And do to the fact that Bill King, the man who forced Mayor Sylvester Turner to a runoff back in 2015 underperformed, and was only able to muster 33,682 votes, for 14.02% of the vote, Mayor Turner almost made quick-work of his challengers – had it not been for Boykins in the race. That being said, the only question now, is whether former Councilman Dwight Boykins will endorse Mayor Sylvester Turner, or Tony Buzbee on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "TONY BUZBEE" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Tony Buzbee, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
BUZBEE HAS ANOTHER BITE AT THE APPLE
Make no mistake about it, Tony Buzbee is successful. He’s worked hard all of his life. And he is admired by some and revered by others. His friends love him, and his haters attack him privately. Notice I said privately. Anyways, similar to Mayor Sylvester Turner, he had a childhood some would consider rough and tumble, underprivileged even. You see, Tony Buzbee grew up in Atlanta, Texas. He and his three siblings lived in a farm-house. For those of you who don’t know, Tony Buzbee’s mom drove the school bus he rode to school on, and his dad worked as a meat-cutter. But he’s come a long way since then, and I can assure you that Tony Buzbee knows how to win. But can he win his Saturday, December 14, 2019, “RUNOFF ELECTION” against Mayor Sylvester Turner? Well, the answer to that question depends on who you ask. I read a story recently that was published in Texas Super Lawyers Magazine that referred to Tony Buzbee as “THE BIGGEST, BADDEST, MEANEST DOG IN THE YARD”. But has he met his match? Can Tony Buzbee convince Houstonians to fire Mayor Sylvester Turner? “There’s nothing you can beat me at,” he was quoted as saying in the aforementioned article published in Texas Super Lawyers Magazine. “Not at boxing, or in one-on-one basketball, or in cards or a footrace. I’m stronger than you and I’m smarter than you. So, don’t try me.” Well, that’s a lot of tough-talking, and for the most part, Buzbee has been able to back it up in the courtroom. But his fight now against Mayor Sylvester Turner isn’t before a judge and jury, it’s before Houston voters. And as for Tony Buzbee and his team, they had better come correct or Mayor Sylvester Turner is going to have the last laugh. In my opinion, Tony Buzbee and his team had better find some creative ways to focus more attention on the feature, function, and benefit of what Tony Buzbee has to offer Houston, and a little less attention on attacking Mayor Sylvester Turner and his lifestyle. And above all else, Tony Buzbee must find a way to broaden his base, and appeal a little more to Houstonians from all walks of life between now and Saturday, December 14, 2019. And it wouldn't be a bad idea for his team to concentrate some of their efforts on wooing the Houstonians who cast their ballot for Dwight Boykins, Bill King, Victoria Romero, Demetria Smith, Kendall Baker, Johnny “J.T.” Taylor, Naufal Houjami, Roy J. Vasquez, and Derrick Broze back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Why? Well, the Houstonians who cast their ballot for these “2019 CITY OF HOUSTON MAYORAL CANDIDATES” has already demonstrated and proven that they are engaged, and are not afraid to cast their ballot for someone other than Mayor Sylvester Turner.
AT-LARGE POSITION #1 RUNOFF
On Saturday, December 14, 2019, Council Member Mike Knox will be trying to hold off Raj Salhotra in his bid to remain the councilman for Houston’s At-Large Position #1 council seat. Councilman Knox received 73,391 votes for 36.50% of the vote to finish first against his four challengers back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Raj Salhotra was able to emerge with the second-highest number of votes among the four challengers to force the runoff. Salhotra received 44,435 votes, for 22.10% of the vote.
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "MIKE KNOX" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Mike Knox, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "RAJ SALHOTRA" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Raj Salhotra, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
AT-LARGE POSITION #2 RUNOFF
On Saturday, December 14, 2019, Councilman David Robinson will be trying to hold off Willie R. Davis the man he narrowly defeated back in 2015 in a runoff in the race for Houston’s At-Large Position #2 council seat. Councilman Robinson received 71,998 votes, for 37.73% of the vote to finish first against his four challengers back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Willie R. Davis was able to emerge with the second-highest number of votes among the four challengers to force the runoff. Willie R. Davis received 51,866 votes for 27.18% of the vote.
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "DAVID ROBINSON" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support David Robinson, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "WILLIE R. DAVIS" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Willie R. Davis, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
AT-LARGE POSITION #3 RUNOFF
On Saturday, December 14, 2019, Councilman Michael Kubosh will be trying to hold off Janaeya Carmouche in the race for Houston’s At-Large Position #3 council seat. Councilman Kubosh received 92,118 votes, for 47.78% of the vote to finish first against his three challengers back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Janaeya Carmouche was able to emerge with the second-highest number of votes among the three challengers to force the runoff. Janaeya Carmouche received 41,470 votes for 21.51% of the vote.
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "MICHAEL KUBOSH" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Michael Kubosh, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "JANAEYA CARMOUCHE" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Janaeya Carmouche, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for her at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
AT-LARGE POSITION #4 RUNOFF
Anthony Dolcefino took “ELECTION DAY” by storm back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the race for Houston City Council At-Large Position #4. Does the name sound familiar? Well, it should. Why? Well, Anthony Dolcefino is the son of the Wayne Dolcefino, who controlled the Houston area airwaves for more than three decades in radio and television broadcasting. The elder Dolcefino won more than thirty Emmy Awards and three Medals from the Investigative Reporters and Editors Organization. And his son Anthony appears to be a chip off the old block – at least for now. In a field comprised of a large contingent of Democrats back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, the younger Dolcefino was able to beat back a potent field of ten other candidates vying for the Houston City Council At-Large Position #4 seat. But trust me, he will have his hands full with Dr. Letitia Plummer in the Saturday, December 14, 2019, “RUNOFF ELECTION” race. Anthony Dolcefino received 39,484 votes for 20.89% of the vote to finish first in the field of twelve candidates who were seeking the seat left vacant because Councilwoman Amanda Edwards decided to not run for re-election. Dr. Letitia Plummer was the second-place finisher with 30,125 votes, for 15.94% of the vote.
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "ANTHONY DOLCEFINO" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Anthony Dolcefino, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "LETITIA PLUMMER" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Letitia Plummer, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for her at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
AT-LARGE POSITION #5 RUNOFF
Expect for the Saturday, December 14, 2019, “RUNOFF” showdown between Sallie Alcorn and Eric Dick to be fierce. Eric Dick, a well-known Houston-area lawyer mostly relied on this name identification and advertisements promoting his law firm to make the runoff. Sallie Alcorn, a woman many felt would make quick work of the field she was matched up against back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, now finds herself matched up against Dick – someone who can match her dollar for dollar if he chooses to do so. Sallie Alcorn received 42,803 votes for 22.77% of the vote. And as for Eric Dick, he received 38,146 votes for 20.29% of the vote.
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "ERIC DICK" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Eric Dick, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "SALLIE ALCORN" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Sallie Alcorn, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for her at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
THE RACE FOR CONTROLLER
City Controller Chris Brown was able to dispatch of his challenger Orlando Sanchez without a runoff. This race turned out to be less competitive than expected as Controller Brown receive 108,075 votes for 52.17% of the vote. His lone challenger, Orlando Sanchez, could only muster 99,074 votes for 47.83% of the vote as he must now contemplate what he will run for next. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Orlando Sanchez back on the ballot in 2020, or perhaps in 2022 for sure.
DISTRICT A – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
As expected, Amy Peck led the way by a hefty margin in the race for Houston City Council District A, back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. However, perhaps the biggest surprise in this race is the opponent she’s facing in the runoff. George Harry Zoes was able to hold off Iesheia Ayers-Wilson to make the runoff. Ayers-Wilson’s chances of making the runoff decreased dramatically when Marina Angelica Coryat, another African American, entered the race at the last minute to seek the District A seat in this largely Republican stronghold. Both Coryat and Ayers-Wilson were well-liked and ran competitive races; but unfortunately canceled one another out in the end, as Amy Peck cruised to victory with 7,153 votes, for 45.42% of the vote. As for George Harry Zoes, he isn’t expected to beat Amy Peck in the runoff, as he could only muster 2,605 votes, for 16.54% of the vote back on Tuesday, November 5, 2015.
DISTRICT B – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
In perhaps one of the biggest surprises of “ELECTION NIGHT” back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, Renee Jefferson Smith, failed to make the runoff. And Alvin Byrd, the candidate whom I really, really liked finished fourth in the field of fourteen candidates vying for the seat left vacant because Councilman Jerry Davis was term-limited and could not run for re-election. Expect for Tarsha Jackson, the front-runner, to dominate the Saturday, December 14, 2019, “RUNOFF ELECTION” against Cynthia Bailey, who finished second to make the runoff. However, I am keeping an eye on this particular race as some folks feel that Cynthia Bailey was ineligible to seek this seat and should be replaced by the third-place finisher Renee Jefferson Smith. Why? Cynthia Bailey had a little trouble in her past many years ago but has since turned her life around. But for what it’s worth, Cynthia Bailey worked her tail off to make the runoff and should be allowed to compete for the seat. Anyways, Tarsha Jackson received 3,309 votes, for 20.84% of the vote, while Cynthia Bailey, respectfully received 2,298 votes, for 14.47% of the vote, to edge out Renee Jefferson Smith who could only muster 2,130 votes, for 13.42% of the vote in this predominantly African American council district.
DISTRICT C – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
As expected, Abbie Kamin put on a show back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the race for the Houston City Council District C seat to make the Saturday, December 14, 2019 runoff. Kamin was the class of a stellar field of candidates vying to capture the District C council seat left vacant by Councilwoman Ellen Cohen who was term-limited and could not run for re-election. Kamin received 11,924 votes, for 31.77% of the vote to finish first in the field of thirteen candidates. Shelley Kennedy finished second with 5,443 votes for 14.50% of the vote to edge out Greg Meyers who finished with 5,089 votes for 13.56% of the vote.
DISTRICT D – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
The race for Houston City Council District D was a fiasco from start to finish. Long before “ELECTION DAY” the groundwork for something crazy to happen was being laid. The forums and debates were a mess; endorsements were given and rescinded; an endorsement meeting by HBAD turned ugly as accusations of candidates buying memberships and votes surfaced; HBAD had to eventually rescind all endorsements; at least one candidate (allegedly) decided that passing out gift cards to students was a good idea – but happens to be a felony in the State of Texas; and then came “ELECTION NIGHT” and a set of mysterious circumstances. What am I talking about? Well, I’m glad you asked. I was keeping a close eye on the Houston City Council District D race because of a tip I had received about the potential of voter fraud whereas the “ABSENTEE BALLOTS” were concerned. In case you think voter-fraud is a figment of my imagination, you had better think again. As I talk about this, I am reminded of a Washington Post and News21 article I read years ago where they talked about how prevalent voter fraud cases were in states like Arizona, Ohio, Georgia, Kansas, and yes, you guessed it, right here in the good ole’ Lone Star State of Texas as well. Look, let me be clear here, the potential for voter fraud to occur is a “BIG PROBLEM” in elections all across the country and must be seriously addressed. The perpetrators who are carrying it out are becoming more brazen and emboldened because they are continuing to get away with it over and over again. Election Law expert Rick Hasen believes that voter fraud occurs the most through “ABSENTEE BALLOTS” and I concur. According to Hasen, the vast majority of voter fraud prosecutions touted by conservative groups like the Heritage Foundation involve “ABSENTEE BALLOTS” that are typically illegally cast. Believe it, or not, the fraud schemes involving “ABSENTEE BALLOTS” swing elections and are responsible for keeping the perpetrators in power. How? It is much easier for these perpetrators to forge signatures, impersonate an elderly voter, or buy a vote in a nursing home, or in the privacy of someone’s home than it is to do it at a polling location. So, election cycle after election cycle we witness skewed results that sometimes make no sense at all.
SHABAZZ VERSUS SCARFACE
SHABAZZ VERSUS SCARFACE
As for the Saturday, December 14, 2019, City of Houston “RUNOFF ELECTION” between Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz and Brad “Scarface” Jordan – I wish them both the best. A lot of folks were turned off by all of the bickerings back and forth they witnessed by the candidates running to represent this predominantly African American district. Here’s what one of my Facebook friends by the name of Morgan Payne had to say about the state of the Houston City Council District D runoff matchup: “District D: I'm ashamed, ya'll really voted Scarface for city council when I've never even heard a concrete plan he's had, and barely saw him campaigning, who has no experience working in any type of politics or government. Ya'll really voted for a rapper, over a doctor, attorney, activist, etc. It makes me scared for the future of District D.” And trust me, Morgan Payne isn’t alone in her opinion. While I am going to stop short of calling this “DISTRICT D” race a total fraud, I would like to take this moment to let both these candidates who made the runoff know that I will be filing an “OPEN RECORDS REQUEST” after the runoffs to make sure that everything is on the up and up. Anyways, Carolyn Evens-Shabazz made the runoff by receiving 3,892 votes, for 17.42% of the vote, and Brad “Scarface” Jordan made the runoff in this race by receiving 3,342 votes, for 14.96% of the vote.
DISTRICT E – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Dave Martin was able to dispatch of his challenger Sam Cleveland without a runoff. This race wasn’t competitive at all back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. In case you don’t know, Councilman Martin rolled to a decisive win with 19,304 votes, for 77.07% of the vote. His lone challenger, Sam Cleveland, could only muster 5,746 votes for 22.93% of the vote.
DISTRICT F – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL RUNOFF
One of the biggest surprises of “ELECTION NIGHT” came in the race for Houston City Council District F where Tiffany D. Thomas led all vote-getters. Why? Well, the Houston City Council District F seat has been held by an Asian American for some time now. Should she win the seat over Van Huynh on Saturday, December 14, 2019, her story should dominate the headlines whereas the district runoffs are concerned. While he only finished second back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, expect for Van Huynh to pick up votes from a few of the Houstonians who supported G. “John” Nguyen, and former Councilman Richard Nguyen. Tiffany D. Thomas received 3,569 votes, for 38.89% of the vote, while Van Huynh received 2,085 votes, for 22.72% of the vote.
DISTRICT G – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Greg Travis was able to make quick work of his two challengers back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the race for the Houston City Council District G seat. Councilman Greg Travis received 19,686 votes for 66.97% of the vote. His two opponents in this race were Crystal Pletka and Tom Baker. In case you don’t know, only 37,243 of the registered 129,611 Houston City Council District G voters chose to cast a ballot in this race.
DISTRICT H – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL RUNOFF
Councilwoman Karla Cisneros drew three challengers back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the race for the Houston City Council District H seat. She received 5,041 votes for 38.15% of the vote to finish first. However, she didn’t receive a majority of the vote and must now face off against Isabel Longoria – the second-place finisher. Isabel Longoria received 3,591 votes, for 27.18% of the vote to make the Saturday, December 14, 2019.
DISTRICT I – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Robert Gallegos was able to handily hold his challenger Richard “Rick” Gonzales at bay back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. This race wasn’t competitive at all as Councilman Gallegos garnered 7,226 votes, for 67.11% of the vote over Richard “Rick” Gonzales, who could only muster 3,541 votes, for 32.89% of the vote in his losing bid to unseat Councilman Gallegos.
DISTRICT J – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL RUNOFF
It's evidently clear that Edward Pollard has developed a very good plan that's hitting home with Houston City Council District J residents. I actually reviewed Pollard's plan shortly following the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston General Election and happen to like it a lot. From what I can see, Pollard's plan is not partisan at all. It appears to be a plan developed specifically with the people of District J in mind. Have you seen it? If not, I strongly encourage all Houston City Council District J residents to view "THE POLLARD PLAN" sometime between now and the start of early voting. And don't forget that Edward Pollard finished first with 1,903 votes for 30.35% of the vote to make the runoff. However, for him to seal-the-deal he must win round two, which will take place on Saturday, December 14, 2019, when he faces off against Sandra Rodriguez the second-place finisher. This is a very unique district, but Edward Pollard is the front-runner and should be able to pull off a victory over Rodriguez. "My plan is worth reviewing," says Edward Pollard. "I have created three categories that identify and address many of our most pressing issues throughout the District. The first category, Needs Before Wants, details a fiscally responsible approach to getting the most out of our tax dollars by placing a greater emphasis on basic core services over everything else. The second category, Neighborhoods Determine Everything, addresses the fact that in order for our district to flourish, we must first have neighborhoods that are safe, clean, and inviting. Finally, the third category, Diversity is our Strength, stresses the importance of not only embracing the different cultures that make up our district but highlighting this unique feature in order to create opportunities and economic growth. With a commitment to each of these three categories, I know District J will reach its full potential."
DISTRICT K – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
What we witnessed from Councilwoman Martha-Castex Tatum was another show of sheer dominance as she beat back Gerry Vander-Lyn and Kim Sauke in her bid to serve our her first full-term as the Houston City Council District K representative. If you remember, Martha dismantled a potent field of eight opponents in a “SPECIAL ELECTION” back in 2018 without a runoff which isn’t easy to do. In case you don’t know her, you may want to keep a close eye on this beloved councilwoman. Anyways, Martha Castex-Tatum was rewarded by the voters of Houston City Council District K with an outright victory without a runoff. She received 9,900 votes, for 59.95% of the vote.
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE RUNOFF RACES
I am so proud of former (HISD) Houston Independent School District, Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones who gave up her seat on the HISD School Board to take a shot at running for higher office back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. While she did not win the (HCC) Houston Community College District II seat outright, she did manage to serve notice to the other three candidates vying for the seat that she’s the clear and decisive front-runner heading into the Saturday, December 14, 2019, runoff. Rhonda Skillern-Jones received 7,434 votes, for 44.80% of the vote to finish first. She will now face off against Kathy Lynch-Gunter who finished second with 4,115 votes, for 24.80% of the vote. In other “ELECTION NEWS,” Dave Wilson, the former HCC Trustee for District II, finished second in the HCC Trustee for District I race to make the runoff. Wilson will face off against Monica Flores Richart who finished second. And in the race for HCC Trustee for District VII, Cynthia Lenton-Gary, ran unopposed for the seat vacated by former HCC Trustee, Neeta Sane back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.
HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT RUNOFF RACES
Did these 2019 HISD School Board candidates just run for nothing? Now that the “OFFICIAL TAKEOVER” of the Houston Independent School District Board by (TEA) The Texas Education Agency has been announced – what’s next? According to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, HISD has failed to deliver the best possible education to every Texas child. So, what’s going to happen to Kathy Blueford-Daniels, who finished first in the Houston ISD, Position 2 race to make the Saturday, December 14, 2019 runoff? And John Curtis Gibbs, what about him? He finished second to Blueford-Daniels back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the race for HISD Position 2. Will the winner of the runoff between these two be allowed to serve on the board of governors to be assembled by TEA? In case you haven’t heard, the sitting board member for HISD Position 3, Sergio Lira was soundly defeated by Dani Hernandez back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 – so Lira is out of there! So is Diana Davila, who was defeated soundly by Judith Cruz in the race for HISD Position 8, back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. And in the race for HISD Position 4, Patricia K. Allen, the daughter of State Rep. Alma A. Allen (House District 131) was the leading vote-getter. She received 6,050 votes, for 30.58% of the vote. The younger Allen will face off in the Saturday, December 14, 2019, runoff against Matt Barnes, who received 5,837 votes, for 29.51% of the vote.
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE
Don’t forget to vote in the race for Mayor of Houston on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Look, if you like Mayor Sylvester Turner, please cast your vote for him. However, if you like Tony Buzbee, you should cast your vote for him. And please remember, what you do inside the voting booth is your business – voting is a private personal decision. However, I strongly encourage you to make it your business to cast your ballot for the “MOST QUALIFIED” candidates who value, respect, appreciate, and ask for your vote.
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HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER© IS BECOMING THE MOST DIVERSE NON-PARTISAN PUBLICATION IN AMERICA
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER© IS BECOMING THE MOST DIVERSE NON-PARTISAN PUBLICATION IN AMERICA
Aubrey R. Taylor is the President/CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©. Taylor has more than 29-years of experience in marketing, branding, investigative reporting, public relations, opposition research, and political consulting. He’s assisted in branding Republican and Democratic candidates in statewide elections and in local municipalities throughout the State of Texas. Over the years, he’s also assisted in branding and marketing (through his various publications) such corporations and institutions as Shell Oil, The City of Houston, Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Chevron, Waste Management, Nationwide Insurance, Momentum Jaguar/BMW, Channel 11, Channel 13, State Farm Insurance, and Allstate Insurance to name a few.
THE 2020 PRIMARIES ARE COMING
It is incumbent upon us to start thinking about the upcoming Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Primaries. Early voting for the Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Primaries in the State of Texas will begin on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, and end on Friday, February 28, 2020.
THE 2020 PRIMARIES ARE COMING
It is incumbent upon us to start thinking about the upcoming Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Primaries. Early voting for the Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Primaries in the State of Texas will begin on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, and end on Friday, February 28, 2020.
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
"Let's make it our business to support duly-qualified candidates who value, respect, and appreciate our vote and support in every election."
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
