What Houston Residents Need to Know about Houston’s City Council as We Move Forward to the Next Citywide Election
The City Council is the City's legislative body, with the power to enact and enforce all ordinances and resolutions. Eleven Council Members are elected from districts and five are elected at-large, by all voters of the City.
The sixteen members of Council, along with the Mayor, act only by ordinance, resolution or motion. They adopt and may alter the annual budget and confirm the Mayor's appointments. Council is responsible for the appropriation and issuance of bonds, the awarding of contracts and the approval of City expenditures over $50,000. Council may lease or dispose of the City's real estate and may levy assessments against property. Council determines its own rules of procedure, and its meetings are open to the public.
Sixteen Council Members are elected every two years, in odd-numbered years. Council Members are limited to serving three terms of two years each, with each term beginning on January 2 of the even-numbered year. Five Council Members are elected At-Large, or city-wide, while the other eleven are elected to geographic districts of roughly the same proportion of population.
You can write to your Council Member at: 900 Bagby / City Hall Annex / First Floor / Houston, TX 77002.
All Houston Residents Should Use These Guidelines for Attending, Speaking, and/or Viewing Houston City Council Meetings
The City of Houston City Council agenda is published on Friday afternoon and details the actions that Council will consider at its meeting the following week. Per Houston City’s Charter, Council meets at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons and 9 a.m. on Wednesday mornings in the Council Chamber on the second floor of City Hall, 901 Bagby, Houston 77002.
The Tuesday session is devoted to public comment. The Wednesday session is for consideration of actions that require Council approval. Be sure to check the Council meeting calendar atwww.houstontx.gov/citysec/calendar.pdf since there are scheduled break weeks throughout the year and meetings that are consolidated due to holidays.
Sign up to speak for Tuesday Public Session by calling the City Secretary’s office at 832.393.1100, sending an email to citysecretary@houstontx.gov or coming by the office on the public level of the City Hall Annex, 900 Bagby, Houston 77002 by 1:30 p.m. that Tuesday. Note: If a translator is required, please so advise when reserving time to speak.
Each week’s Council agenda is available to view at www.houstontx.gov/citysec. Under the City Secretary and Other Relevant Links, you’ll find “Agendas, Etc.” Select the first link “Agendas of City Council” for the agenda and the second link “Agenda Backup” for all of the backup information associated with each agenda item.
To discuss advertising inside Houston Business Connections Magazine call (832)212-8735. If you need to speak directly with Aubrey R. Taylor call (832)894-1352. *The individuals featured on this page are not connected or associated with one another in anyway unless noted. Houston Business Connections Magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All rights reserved.
I want to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving. I’m thankful to be able to spend the holiday this year with my 99-year-old mother, Elaine, and with my children and grandchildren. I’m also thankful to have passed the 45-year milestone since my breast cancer surgery in November of 1969. Whatever your blessings, however large or small, I join with you in giving thanks for them this holiday.
Please note that the District C office will be closed on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th in observance of Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Ellen
City Hall Annex, 1st Floor, District C - 900 Bagby Street - Houston, TX 77002
To discuss advertising inside Houston Business Connections Magazine call (832)212-8735. If you need to speak directly with Aubrey R. Taylor call (832)894-1352. *The individuals featured on this page are not connected or associated with one another in anyway unless noted. Houston Business Connections Magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All rights reserved.
A 2013 LEADERSHIP SERIES THOUGHT FROM AUBREY: "One of the easiest ways to hold a person or group of people hostage is to play on what they fear. Fear is a paralyzing force that must be rejected in every situation that rises up in our lives. For fear can rob us of our future; and our generation of years of progress! Fear tactics are constantly being used to move us because they have been tried, tested and proven to work. It's extremely difficult to liberate a person who has been convinced that someone is trying to take away something that belongs to them. This is perhaps the number one strategy used to divide us as a people today! They are trying to take away your right to choose! They are trying to take away your right to vote! They are trying to take your money! They are trying to take away your right to receive affordable health care! They are trying to take your gun away! They are trying to take your land away! They are trying to take away your retirement funds! They are trying to steal your child's future! They are trying to take your job away! They are trying to take your liberty away! All these statements make for sensational headlines; and are designed to cause fear to rise up within us. And usually, these types of headlines and statements are typically followed by some sort of call to action. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that these statements aren't true in many cases. What I'm trying to say is that we have to look a little deeper than the headline to get to the truth of any matter. We live in a fast paced world; but we can't rely solely on headlines, tweets and facebook posts as our total source of information on matters that really matter. So I implore you to do a little research on your own. Don't just let people feed you anything. And on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 in the City of Houston Mayoral Election I urge you to go into the voting booth armed with more than headlines and catch-phrases!"
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT C: Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council District C: Ellen Cohen and Pedro "Pete" Sosa. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES IN THE RACE FOR MAYOR:Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for mayor of Houston: Annise Parker, Ben Hall, Don Cook, Victoria Lane, Michael Fitzsimmons, and Eric Dick. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES IN THE RACE FOR CONTROLLER:Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for City Controller: Ronald C. Green, Don Sumners and Bill Frazer. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES IN THE RACE FOR DISTRICT A: Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council District A: Helena Brown, Brenda Stardig, Amy Peck, Ronald Hale, and Mike Knox. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES IN THE RACE FOR DISTRICT B:Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council District B:Jerry Davis and James "Joe" Joseph. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT C: Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council District C: Ellen Cohen and Pedro "Pete" Sosa. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT D:Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council District A: Georgia Provost, Travis McGee, Dwight Boykins, Assata-Nicole Richards, Larry McKinzie, Lana Edwards, Anthony T. Robinson, and Keith Caldwell. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT E: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District E) Member Dave Martin in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT F: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District F) Member Al Hoang in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT G:Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council (District G) Council Member: Oliver Pennington and Brian Taef. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT H: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District H) Member Ed Gonzalez in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT I: Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council District I:Graci Garces, Leticia Gutierrez Ablaza, Robert Gallegos, and Ben Mendez. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT J:At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District J) Member Mike Laster in the 2013 Mayoral Election. . If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT K:At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District K) Member Larry V. Green in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR AT-LARGE POSITION 1: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (At-Large Position 1) Stephen Costello in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR AT-LARGE POSITION 2:Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council (At-Large Position 2) Council Member: Andrew C. Burks, Jr., Trebor Gordon, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz and David Robinson. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR AT-LARGE POSITION 4:At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (At- Large Position 4) C.O. “Brad” Bradford in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR AT-LARGE POSITION 5:At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (At- Large Position 5) Jack Christie in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
MAYOR ANNISE PARKER - CONTRIBUTOR
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.
Mayor Annise Parker and her life partner Kathy Hubbard have been together for more than 20 years and are advocates for adoption, with two adopted daughters and a son.
Mayor Annise Parker Shares A Few Thoughts About How She Goes About Selecting The Best Candidate
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “As a voter, how do you go about selecting the person who is the best candidate in any given election? And what are a few of the characteristics you look for in a leader?”
MAYOR ANNISE PARKER: “It is wrong to run for office just to be in politics; elected officeholders should want to work toward change that will improve the lives of those they represent. I have often said that my job is the best job available because I have the opportunity everyday to truly impact our great city and its residents for the better. When I am personally deciding which candidates to support in an election, obviously, I look for someone who shares my views and positions on the issues. I also look for someone who is passionate, exhibits leadership qualities and is motivated to serve.
Leadership is not simply taking the reigns and getting the job done. A leader also has to be willing to listen to different points of view, flexible enough to change course when the original path proves unworkable or will create an undesirable outcome. And a leader must be willing to compromise. They need to be genuinely concerned about their constituents, and about improving the area they will represent. Ultimately, however, a leader needs to be able to generate consensus through a cooperative approach and stand strong even when the final decision may not be politically popular.”
Annise Parker
The 61st Mayor of Houston, Texas
MAYOR PRO-TEM BRADFORD - CONTRIBUTOR
Vice Mayor Pro-Tem C.O. "Brad" Bradford
Vice Mayor Pro-Tem C.O. Bradford at a “Community Partnership Breakfast” at the South Union Church of Christ. Bradford is currently serving his second term in office. He will be on the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election ballot seeking re-election to his third and final term as the At-Large Position #4 Council Member for the City of Houston.
Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Bradford Shares a Few Thoughts on How He Goes About Identifying The Best Candidate
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “As a voter, how do you go about selecting the person who is the best candidate in any given election?”
VICE MAYOR PRO-TEM BRADFORD: “Who is the best candidate will surely, and properly so, vary from voter to voter. As a voter, I am concerned with someone who brings experience, training and education to the arena. Many of the issues facing our city, state and nation today are complex and multifaceted. The demand for services constantly increases and public resources seem to dwindle. Our population is more and more diverse with high, varied expectations. Therefore, it is my belief that managing the financial and human resources, along with capital assets entrusted to public officials today requires in-depth knowledge and skills.”
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “What are a few of the characteristics you look for in a leader?”
VICE MAYOR PRO-TEM BRADFORD: “Leaders need to be able to inspire! Transforming a vision into a plan and subsequent implementation is no easy task. Leaders understand that reward is attached to performance and that anything worth having isn’t easy to get. Leaders demonstrate that it is nice to be important, but more important to be nice. And, at the end of the day, when it is all said and done, it is not going to matter how many degrees we have, what titles or what positions we’ve held. The question is going to be, ‘what have you done to help others?’ Leaders have a love for humanity and a passion to make a difference for the greater good of all.”
C.O. “Brad” Bradford
Vice Mayor Pro-Tem
Houston City Council, At Large Position 4
COUNCIL MEMBER BURKS - CONTRIBUTOR
Andrew C. Burks, Jr., is the Position 2 At-Large Houston City Council Member
Council Member Andrew C. Burks, Jr. Shares A Few Thoughts About How he Goes About Selecting The Best Candidate & What He Looks For In A Leader
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “As a voter, how do you go about selecting the person who is the best candidate in any given election? And what are a few of the characteristics you look for in a leader?”
COUNCIL MEMBER BURKS: “Our leaders should share our goals and values. When I am personally deciding who to vote for, I look for the candidate who best understands my needs and the aspirations of the community. Strong leaders listen to the people they represent, understand their concerns and aspirations and form a plan to deliver a solution. Successful candidates should be able to empathize with their voters and proactively work to solve the problems brought to their attention. Our neighbors who are hands-on and involved in the community make the best leaders.
Leadership is about more than just making decisions and giving speeches – it is about listening. Selecting a candidate who takes time out of their schedule to visit with you or an organization you are a part of goes a long way. I look for candidates who can roll up their sleeves and accomplish their goals. This takes hard work, perseverance and a willingness to find common ground. On Election Day, the candidate who understands the needs of the community with a plan to improve the lives of all he or she represents earns my vote.”
Andrew C. Burks Jr.
Houston City Council At-Large Position 2
COUNCIL MEMBER COHEN - CONTRIBUTOR
Ellen Cohen is the District C Representative on Houston's City Council
Council Member Ellen Cohen Shares A Few Thoughts On How she Identifies the best Candidate
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “As a voter, how do you go about selecting the person who is the best candidate in any given election? And what are a few of the characteristics you look for in a leader?”
COUNCIL MEMBER COHEN: “As both an elected official and a long-time voter, I have become familiar with both sides of the coin when it comes to choosing between political candidates. The question of who will represent you at the local, state, and federal level of government could not be more critical, so it is important to be well-informed about the candidates and the issues.
I believe all politics is local, so when selecting a representative, my first step is to research the issues the elected official will actually be voting on, and find out what each candidate’s views are on those specific issues. I am drawn to leaders that are passionate about these local issues and pragmatic about problem-solving. Grandstanding about challenges is no substitute for a solid plan of action, so the ability to think critically is also imperative to me.
As a Council Member and a former State Representative, I have found that another trait essential to good governance is the ability to work with those whose opinions differ from your own. Without the ability to build a consensus, a lawmaker will come to a stalemate in office.
Ultimately, I vote for candidates who share my viewpoint, are passionate about local issues, and are able to implement effective solutions for bettering their community.”
Above: On the Campaign Trail with 2013 Candidate for Houston Mayor -- Ben Hall
Above: On the Campaign Trail with 2013 Candidate for Houston Mayor -- Ben Hall
Above: On the Campaign Trail with 2013 Candidate for Houston Mayor -- Ben Hall
Above: On the Campaign Trail with 2013 Candidate for Houston Mayor -- Ben Hall
Above: On the Campaign Trail with 2013 Candidate for Houston Mayor -- Ben Hall
Above: On the Campaign Trail with 2013 Candidate for Houston Mayor -- Ben Hall
HERE'S A LITTLE ABOUT BEN HALL
Born into a family of meager financial means, Benjamin Hall, III has experienced firsthand the struggle that accompanies difficult economic times. Ben also encountered challenges in the academic world, where teachers doubted his ability to rise above his humble beginnings and achieve higher education; however, he knew he had the potential to succeed and refused to compromise his goals. In 1975, Ben enrolled at the University of South Carolina, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977, with honors. His thirst for knowledge and desire to help others led him to continue his education at Duke University; obtaining a Master of Divinity degree in 1979 and a Ph.D. in 1985. Others might have stopped at that point, but Ben saw a real opportunity to help underrepresented communities as an attorney. In 1986, Ben earned a law degree from Harvard Law School and began working at the Vinson & Elkins law firm in Houston, Texas. He went on to serve as the City Attorney for the City of Houston in Mayor Bob Lanier’s administration.
Through his legal practice, Ben has applied the principles of courage, tenacity and justice that he learned as a young man; speaking out on behalf of those who need a strong voice to champion their causes. In 2000, Ben founded the nationally recognized Hall Law Firm. Additionally, Ben has served the Houston community through his numerous pro bono efforts on behalf of groups, corporations and individuals in need of representation.
Ben is grateful for his professional successes, but also recognizes his personal blessings. He describes his family as his greatest treasure. Ben and Saundra, his wife of 31 years, have two sons. The entire Hall family remains committed to serving the Houston community.
Leadership with Vision
Houston is a great city – rich in diversity, talent and potential. Our collective future can be brighter than our past.
Houston needs a mayor who is more than a manager; it needs a world-class leader with vision. We also need a leader with the energetic ability to tackle broad issues and implement meaningful change. Rome was not built in a day, but it also was not built by tinkering with food carts and small matters. We have a choice to make in November between mere management and leadership with vision.
Houstonians believe in fair play for all. This is one of our great strengths. We also believe in the power of fresh ideas and forward-looking policies. We believe that government should not act as a barrier to success, but as a catalyst to achieve it. Government must be business-friendly, while still protecting our prized individual liberties. Through the application of new technologies, entrepreneurial governance, and innovative leadership, Houston can expand its position as a global business capital.
Ben Hall on Crime
Criminal conduct will not be tolerated in Houston! Criminals will be arrested and punished to the fullest extent of the law. For those offenders convicted of non-violent crimes, I will seek to have them give back to our community by mowing overgrown lots and cleaning illegally dumped trash from streets and waterways. Those non-violent criminals should actively pay their debt to society, rather than sit idly in jail, watching television at the additional expense of taxpayers.
Ben Hall on Education
Our future as a world-class city depends on a superb educational system and no one – especially not a mayor – can remain silent on this pressing issue. As mayor, I will use my office to set a tone of excellence in education and will work to achieve that goal through collaborative efforts with area school districts. We have the teachers, staff and civic leaders to turn around any real or perceived issues with educating the next generation of Houstonians. I believe city government has a responsibility to assist school districts in increasing the number of educational opportunities for students. As mayor, I will work with Houston’s school districts to help them create the best educational experience for our students, advancing pragmatic city/school district initiatives to integrate education with real world business experiences. This will be a top priority item for my administration.
Ben Hall on Transportation
Houston’s transportation issues can only be fully addressed through a combination of planning and transit options. Automotive travel is here to stay, but we must also promote shared transit ridership through expanded high-occupancy vehicle lanes, better bus access, smart rail options, and other transit innovations. Additionally, Houston’s city government must plan and work with TXDOT to coordinate travel patterns through and around the city. Better transportation practices and policies do more than reduce congestion on the highways; they also assist with air quality issues, making Houston safer and even more enjoyable.
Ben Hall on Downtown
Our downtown is a vibrant business district with an impressive array of world-class companies, restaurants, and hotels. I envision an active downtown where more people will want to live, work and play. At the same time, I hope to channel the energy of that bustling city center to attract a greater number of international conventions and increase the level of downtown tourism. My administration will actively encourage the development of a thriving downtown shopping and entertainment center by fostering innovative public-private partnerships. In that way, we will work to encourage the development of a larger retail business footprint downtown.
Ben Hall on Infrastructure/Road Repairs
Houston’s roads must be repaired and upgraded immediately! A Hall administration will implement the latest technologies available to allow citizens to self-report road problems and track the city’s response and repairs in real-time on your computers or cell phones. We will also explore new technologies to fortify roadway repairs and end the costly practice of repeatedly refilling the same potholes. Repairing city roads will be job-one-on-day-one of the Hall administration.
Ben Hall on Drainage
As a city that has always stood at the forefront of engineering and science, Houston has the capacity to develop a cutting-edge drainage system that can handle surface water. Flooding should not be a recurring problem in this world-class city. By challenging the current approach and employing innovative drainage solutions, we will dramatically improve the way we handle storm water and flooding in our city.
Ben Hall on Diversity
In Houston, we find people from every continent, ethnicity and belief system. We applaud our respective heritages and are all made better by the great span of our cultures and diversity. As Mayor, I will continue the proud tradition of showcasing the impressive intercultural acceptance that has made Houston strong.
