Tony Buzbee recently revealed that he's held fundraisers at his River Oaks Mansion for Mayor Sylvester Turner -- back when he was a state legislator. And also revealed that he held a fundraiser for Donald Trump back when he was running for President of the United States. According to Buzbee, countless other fundraisers have been hosted by him at his home over the years. In case you don't already know, Tony Buzbee is a candidate running for mayor of Houston on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the City of Houston Mayoral Election.
According to 2019 City of Houston Mayoral Candidate Tony Buzbee, He’s Hosted Fundraisers for People Like Donald Trump and Sylvester Turner at His Home Over the Years
AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
Over the next few months, you are going to hear a lot about how 2019 City of Houston Mayoral Candidate Tony Buzbee has hosted fundraisers for Republicans at his home. But what the talking heads, pundits, political hacks, social media trolls, and want-a-be consultants aren’t going to tell you is that he has hosted fundraisers over the years for Democrats and Republicans alike.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
TONY BUZBEE: “On Saturday I met with a good friend who is active in Democratic politics in this city. He told me that many of his Democrat friends tell him they could "never" support my mayoral campaign, despite their disapproval of Mayor Turner, and despite my record because I hosted a fundraiser for Trump at my house. This is what is wrong with partisan politics! Over the years I've been asked to host fundraisers for democrats and republicans. In fact, I've hosted fundraisers, for now, commissioner Adrian Garcia, judicial candidates--both democrat and republican, Governor Perry, The University of Houston Pac, Texas A&M Law School, and various worthwhile charities. So, to avoid any confusion, I was asked and in fact hosted a fundraiser for Donald Trump; I also hosted a fundraiser for Sylvester Turner. It is ironic that they both stood in the exact same place in my home and on the exact same step when they gave their campaign speeches. Sometimes, candidates, you support disappoint you; that's a fact of politics. If my having thrown a fundraiser for Trump--or Turner--causes you to vote against me, so be it. I'm running as a Houstonian, that is all. I refuse to engage in the partisan baloney that is ruining this country."
A MESSAGE FROM BILL KING
LET'S END END PAY-TO-PLAY
BILL KING: “I held a press conference this morning to announce that there will be a petition drive this spring to invoke the City Charter's initiative provision to enact an ordinance that would severely limit campaign contributions from a number of groups, mostly those that do business with the City.
Campaign contributions from the City's vendors and contractors have increasingly come to dominate fundraising by candidates for the City's elected offices. Research we have been doing over the last year indicates that about 70-75% of the contributions come from those who do business with the City or are regulated by it. And we are talking about many millions of dollars. Far beyond the ability of ordinary citizens to contribute.
This pay-to-play creates an inherent conflict-of-interest that we need to eliminate from our City government. I am not suggesting by initiating this petition drive that every candidate who has ever accepted a campaign contribution from someone doing business with the City is corrupt. Nor am I suggesting that every vendor or contractor who has given a contribution is corrupt - because candidly I have been on both sides of that equation at various points in my life. I know what it is like to get that call from an elected official asking to come to his or her birthday party and bring a contribution. And I can tell you that many times it felt like legalized extortion. I know that a lot of other people who do business with the City feel the same way.
The new ordinance will provide that any person who contributes more than $250 will be disqualified for a period of two-year period from:
(1) entering into a contract with the City,
(2) registering as a City lobbyist;
(3) or being appointed to any of city boards or commissions.
It will also ban candidates for City office from accepting campaign contributions from sexually oriented businesses. With Houston being one of the national hubs for human trafficking, I think it is important that we do not anything that even appears to condone sexual exploitation.
These types of restrictions are commonplace in many other jurisdictions, and polling we did in 2015 indicated that nearly 90% of Houstonians agree that these kinds of contributions should be prohibited or severely limited.
You can review a copy of the proposed ordinance [here].
But this will only happen by the direct action of Houston voters through the initiative provision. Under that provision, once about 40,000 Houstonians sign a petition supporting the adoption of a new ordinance, City Council has about 30 days to either adopt the ordinance or to put the ordinance on the ballot at the next regularly scheduled election date, which will be November 5 this year.
The requirements of the initiative provision are onerous. Only City registered voters can sign the petition and only City registered voters can collect signatures from other voters. The signatures must be collected within a 30-day window. We currently plan to conduct the drive in May.
This is going to require a tremendous grassroots effort. So, I am asking today for those Houstonians who agree we should undertake this reform to volunteer to help us collect the 40,000 signatures needed for an election.
Again, in order to be able to collect signatures, you must be a registered voter in the City of Houston, and you will need to attend an online training session about how to legally collect signatures. If you are willing to do so, please reply to this email or sign up at End Pay-to-Play to be a petition gatherer at and we will be in touch about how you can help in this effort.
I also call on every candidate in the 2019 election cycle to endorse this reform and to help us gather petitions. And I hope that as you are considering candidates for the various City offices in the November election, you will ask each of them if they support campaign finance reform and if not, why not.
This ordinance will change the way business is done at City Hall for generations. Let's get this done!”
KNOX TO FACE CHALLENGE FROM PROVOST
Council Member Mike Knox will have to contend with Georgia Provost, perhaps others in his re-election bid on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the City of Houston Mayoral Election. Jerome Provost (far right), the son of Georgia Provost (center) is expected to run for the Houston City Council District D seat currently being held by Councilman Dwight Boykins.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
On Tuesday, November 5, 2019, Houston City Councilman Mike Knox will face a familiar foe. In case you have not heard, well-known businesswoman Georgia Provost, according to sources will challenge Councilman Knox in the upcoming fall city elections. While candidates have to wait until Saturday, July 20, 2019, to officially file to have their name placed on the ballot -- they can designate their treasurer and start campaigning right now. But keep in mind that Monday, August 19, 2019, is the last day that candidates can file for a place on the ballot for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election. And don't forget that the filing fee to run for one of the Houston City Council seats is only $500.00 dollars. However, you can also have your name placed on the ballot by collecting signatures. GOT QUESTIONS? All candidates interested in running for office on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the City of Houston General Election can call (832)393-1100 to speak directly with someone in the City Secretary’s Office. However, if you have any problem whatsoever in getting your questions answered, you can call me directly at (281)788-3033, and I will try to do what I can to help. And just in case you don’t already know, the City Secretary’s Office can be located at 900 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 on the first floor.
MEET GEORGIA PROVOST
Georgia Provost challenged Councilman Dwight Boykins for his District D Council seat back in 2013 – but lost. She then ran for the Houston City Council At-Large Position #1 seat against, M. “Griff” Griffin, Tom McCasland, Jenifer Rene Pool, Chris Oliver, Mike Knox, Lane Lewis, and James Partsch-Galvan back on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, and finished second to Councilman Mike Knox, in the crowded field to force a runoff election. As a refresher, Mike Knox went on to defeat Georgia Provost (even though she was endorsed by the Houston Chronicle) in the runoff election on Saturday, December 12, 2015, to become the Houston City Council At-Large Position #1 representative.
MEET JEROME PROVOST
Jerome Provost, the son of Georgia Provost, put on a very good showing finishing third in a crowded field of candidates seeking to unseat incumbent Harris County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 7, Place 1, Hilary H. Green, back on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, in the Democratic Party Primary. As a refresher, Judge Green, who went on to win a bitter runoff election against Cheryl Elliott Thornton, was eventually forced to resign from the bench. I think most of you are familiar with her story, so I’m not going to rehash it right now. But anyways, as a refresher, Judge Hilary Green was believed to be vulnerable as, Cheryl Elliott Thornton, Fred Reynolds, Desmond Earl Spivey, Keryl L. Douglas, Elijah Carl Lewis, Joseph R. Willie II, and Jerome Provost all lined up to dethrone her – but couldn’t manage to do so at the ballot box.
MEET COUNCILMAN MIKE KNOX
According to his website, Mike Knox is a native Houstonian. He married his high school sweetheart in 1977, and they have raised one son; who now serves the city as a Houston Police Officer. Mike Knox obtained an Associate of Arts degree from the Houston Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston – Downtown while working as a Houston Police Officer.
Mike has a long history of honorable public service.
Mike Knox is a veteran who served in the United States Air Force and served over 15 years as a Houston Police Officer. Mike was one of two officers responsible for the creation of the Houston Police Department’s first divisional gang unit in 1988 and helped create and served on the original board of directors for the Texas Gang Investigators Association.
Mike authored a book entitled Gangsta in the House; Understanding Gang Culture, which was published back in 1995. This book added to the knowledge base on gang culture and was recognized in 2001 by the National Gang Research Center who awarded it the prestigious “Thrasher” award.
Mike served his fellow officers as a Board Member of the Houston Police Patrolmen’s Union and chaired the HPPU Political Action Committee. Also, he served as editor of the “Sentinel” (HPPU) monthly newsletter.
Shortly after publishing his book in 1995, Mike began a consulting business focused on helping law enforcement, school districts, and communities understand and deal with street gangs and violent youthful offenders.
Mike Knox has served his community as a board member of the Spring Branch Education Foundation and was among the original funders of the Spring Branch ISD “Fund for the Future” endowment. He contributed to the creation of the Spring Branch Good Neighbor program.
Mike was recruited in 2007 to help the Spring Branch Management District develop the Public Safety component of its service plan and worked as their Director of Community Service for three years.
For the past seven years, Mike Knox has served as the President of the Yupon Estates Homeowners Association.
Mike has a deep interest and investment in Houston and believes Houston City Council deserves a dedicated servant.
MORE ABOUT GEORGIA PROVOST
Georgia Provost (third from left), is pictured along with Congressman Al Green, and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee serving the community. According to her website, Mrs. Georgia Provost CEO of Provost and Associates has more than 55 years of experience as a business owner and leader in the Houston community. She has garnered numerous awards, including five “Business Woman of the Year” and six “Youth Leadership” awards.
For over 30 years, she has been a member of the dynamic fundraising team of Helfman and Provost. As a photojournalist, Georgia Provost has developed a unique watchdog perspective and an investigative skill set which has allowed her to be very effective in getting results with numerous community organizations and causes. She is known among leaders nationally and in political circles for her contributions to worthy causes and civil rights.
Georgia Provost, aka Miss "P," is a graduate of Texas Southern University. She has completed advanced studies from the University of Houston and the Winona National School of Professional Photography. The archives of Mrs. Provost company contain unique photographs and portraits that chronicle more than sixty-five years of the rich culture and history of Houston, Texas, Louisiana and all parts of the south. Her photography/public relations business and school-related youth volunteer activities have directly impacted the lives of more than 100,000 graduates from Houston area schools and colleges across the United States.
Georgia Provost is a member of Our Mother of Mercy Parish and serves as the Coordinator of the Civil Rights Class; Executive Director of the TSU Bayou Bend Alumni/Ex-Students Association, Inc.; The T.F. Freeman Ministers/Laity Summit; and The Black Texans Council for Higher Education. Georgia Provost is a leader with the Texas Metropolitan Organization (TMO). Miss "P" or mother as she is affectionately referred to by the youth of Houston and Harris County is a community volunteer whose philanthropic pursuits have always included promoting education, caring for and mentoring our young people.
It is evident that Georgia Provost lives her philosophy of life; “Faith combined with hard work equals success while doing all things with love.”
Georgia is the widow of the late Herbert Provost and the mother of Jerome, also a photographer and photojournalist.
MEET COUNCILMAN DWIGHT BOYKINS
According to his website, Council Member Dwight A. Boykins is a native of the communities he serves and considers it an enormous honor and privilege to represent the hardworking and diverse families of District D.
Dwight was born in Houston and raised along with his six brothers in the South Union neighborhood. His modest upbringing took place in a home filled with love, where he learned the values of family, humility, and respect for one’s elders.
As a product of Houston public schools, Dwight’s passionate desire to be of service to others was informed at an early age through his volunteer work with legendary social activist Ovide Duncantell. “He would always say he wanted to help people,” said Council Member Boykins. “To hear that as a young man, especially having come from humble beginnings, inspired and moved me to work for the betterment of my community.”
Council Member Boykins is a strong and active advocate for District D constituents and works to address issues surrounding food deserts, blight, affordable housing, financial institutions, and community development. One of his top priorities has been to make District D one of the most economically driven districts in Houston. With this goal in mind, Council Member Boykins made history by pushing for the creation of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #26 for the Sunnyside community. He collaborated directly with former Mayor Annise Parker to identify the boundaries and recommend community and business stakeholders to serve on the Board of Directors.
Because of Dwight’s tireless efforts to address the needs of his constituents, District D boasts a major redevelopment and beautification of MLK Boulevard and will soon be home to a brand-new H-E-B Supermarket and new state-of-the-art multiservice center. To date, Dwight’s service to his district has resulted in $45.6 million in infrastructure improvements, while spearheading $112 million in economic development.
Dwight is a man of faith and he and his wife of 29 years, Genora, are active members of Windsor Village United Methodist Church. “This is God’s calling,” says Council Member Boykins. “I care about senior citizens, and I care about people who have the least.”
2019 HOUSTON MAYORAL WATCH
2019 HOUSTON MAYORAL WATCH
The field of candidates expected to run for mayor of Houston in 2019 is beginning to take shape. As it stands right now, attorney Tony Buzbee, attorney Bill King, Dr. Kendall L. Baker, and businesswoman Demetria Smith are expected to challenge Mayor Sylvester Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the race to become Houston's next mayor. Hall of Fame Wrestler "Booker T" who was the first candidate to announce his bid to challenge Mayor Turner way back in 2016 is not expected to be in the field of 2019 mayoral contenders. CLICK HERE to learn more about why "Booker T" isn't going to be able to run for mayor on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, after all.
THINKING ABOUT RUNNING?
According to the folks at the Houston City Secretary’s Office candidates looking to run for office on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, can pay a filing fee, or they can collect signatures to have their name placed on the ballot. So, if you are a candidate wanting to run for MAYOR OF HOUSTON you can pay a 1,250.00 dollar filing fee or collect signatures to have your name placed on the ballot. If you are a candidate who would like to run for THE CITY OF HOUSTON CONTROLLER position you can pay a 750.00 dollar filing fee or collect signatures to have your name placed on the ballot. And if you are a candidate looking to run for one of the HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL positions you can pay a 500.00 dollar filing fee or collect signatures to have your name placed on the ballot. However, if you plan on going the route of collecting signatures to have your name placed on the ballot, the exact number of signatures needed won’t be determined until sometime in July of this year from what I understand. But, to be sure, all candidates interested in running for office on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the City of Houston General Election can call (832)393-1100 to speak directly with someone in the City Secretary’s Office. However, if you have any problem whatsoever in getting your questions answered, you can call me directly at (281)788-3033, and I will try to do what I can to help. And just in case you don’t already know, the City Secretary’s Office can be located at 900 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 on the first floor.
(BALLOT BY MAIL)
The first day to apply for a ballot by mail for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election has already passed -- it was on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. So if you are going to vote by mail, you can go ahead and request your mail-in ballot today!
(DESIGNATE YOUR TREASURER)
If you are a candidate planning to run for Mayor of Houston, City Controller, or one of the Houston City Council Positions you need to designate your treasurer before you start spending money on your campaign.
(FIRST DAY YOU CAN FILE TO RUN)
Saturday, July 20, 2019, is the first day that you can "OFFICIALLY" file for a place on the ballot for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.
(LAST DAY YOU CAN FILE TO RUN)
Monday, August 19, 2019, is the last day that you can file for a place on the ballot for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.
(LAST DAY YOU CAN REGISTER TO VOTE)
Monday, October 7, 2019, is the last day that you can register to vote to make your voice heard in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.
(EARLY VOTING PERIOD BEGINS)
Monday, October 25, 2019, is the first day that you will be able to vote early to make your voice heard in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.
(EARLY VOTING PERIOD ENDS)
Friday, November 1, 2019, is the last day that you will be able to vote early to make your voice heard in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.
(ELECTION DAY VOTING)
Tuesday, November 5, 2019, is "ELECTION DAY" for the City of Houston General Mayoral Election, the HISD Board of Trustees Election, and HCCS Board of Trustees Election. So mark your calendar, and do your very best to make an informed voting decision.
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
"If you are a candidate planning to run for Mayor of Houston, City Controller, or Houston City Council on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, the information below will help you to better identify the status of each of the aforementioned positions. And as always, if you need branding assistance, strategy support, opposition research, push card design, push card distribution, yard sign design, yard sign printing, press-release support or outreach to our diverse readership call (281)788-3033 today!"
The Houston City Council is made up of sixteen Council Members, along with Mayor Sylvester Turner and City Controller Chris Brown. All these City leaders are limited to serving two four year terms.
The next general election for the City of Houston will take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, with the inauguration for the newly elected City Officials scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
Currently, the Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Houston is Ellen Cohen – who also serves as the Houston City Council District C Member. At this time, the Vice Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Houston is Jerry Davis – who serves as the Houston City Council District D Member. Both council members are term-limited and prohibited from seeking re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the General Election.
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
The City of Houston Mayor at this time is Sylvester Turner. In case you don't know, Mayor Sylvester Turner is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The City of Houston Controller at this time is Chris Brown In case you don't know, Controller Chris Brown is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council District A seat is currently being held by Council Member Brenda Stardig. In case you don't know, Council Member Brenda Stardig is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council District B seat is currently being held by Council Member Jerry Davis. In case you don't know, Council Member Jerry Davis is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council District C seat is currently being held by Council Member Ellen Cohen. In case you don't know, Council Member Ellen Cohen is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council District D seat is currently being held by Council Member Dwight Boykins. In case you don't know, Council Member Dwight Boykins is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council District E seat is currently being held by Council Member Dave Martin. In case you don't know, Council Member Dave Martin is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council District F seat is currently being held by Council Member Steve Le. In case you don't know, Council Member Steve Le is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council District G seat is currently being held by Council Member Greg Travis. In case you don't know, Council Member Greg Travis is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council District H seat is currently being held by Council Member Karla Cisneros. In case you don't know, Council Member Karla Cisneros is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council District I seat is currently being held by Council Member Robert Gallegos. In case you don't know, Council Member Robert Gallegos is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council District J seat is currently being held by Council Member Mike Laster. In case you don't know, Council Member Mike Laster is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council District K seat is currently being held by Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum. In case you don't know, Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council At-Large Position 1 seat is currently being held by Council Member Mike Knox. In case you don't know, Council Member Mike Knox is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council At-Large Position 2 seat is currently being held by Council Member David Robinson. In case you don't know, Council Member David Robinson is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council At-Large Position 3 seat is currently being held by Council Member Michael Kubosh. In case you don't know, Council Member Michael Kubosh is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council At-Large Position 4 seat is currently being held by Council Member Amanda Edwards. In case you don't know, Council Member Amanda Edwards is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
The Houston City Council At-Large Position 5 seat is currently being held by Council Member Jack Christie. In case you don't know, Council Member Jack Christie is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
