2015 CAMPAIGN WATCH: The Race for HISD Board Trustee for District 3 Features Manuel Rodriguez and Ramiro Fonseca; The HISD Board Trustee for District 4 Race Features Jolanda Jones, Paula Harris and Ann McCoy; The HISD Board Trustee for District 2 race Features Rhonda Skillern-Jones and Darlene "Koffey Smith on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 ballot
HBC REPORTS
In case you haven’t heard, the HISD Board Trustee races are getting a little more interesting by the day. “Nope, we still haven’t received anything official back from Trustee Paula Harris, as to whether (or not) she’s going to run for re-election,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. “The word on the street is that she’s not going to run for re-election,” he says. “At least that's what several credible sources are telling me. They've made it clear to me that she (Trustee Paula Harris) is not going to run for re-election,” he explains. “But what’s puzzling to me is the fact that nobody (not even Harris) has released anything tangible to verify that Trustee Paula Harris, the Houston Independent School Board Trustee for District IV is in fact, not going to run for re-election. What's up with that?"
HISD DISTRICT IV
If we go by the assumption that our sources are indeed correct, and Trustee Harris is not going to run for re-election, then this would leave us with attorney Jolanda Jones, and Ann McCoy to face off for the HISD Board Trustee for District IV seat.
WHO IS ANN McCOY?
We don’t know much about Ann McCoy at this time -- other than the fact that she’s an education researcher. However, we do plan to reach out to her campaign to find out if she values the vote of the readers of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
HISD DISTRICT II
As far as we know, the HISD Board Trustee District II seat remains a two woman race between Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones, the incumbent, and Businesswoman/Recording Artist Darlene “Koffey” Smith on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 ballot.
HISD DISTRICT III
For a while it looked as though the HISD Board Trustee for District III, Trustee Manuel Rodriguez would be able to skate through the 2015 election cycle without having to mount a campaign. However, that all changed when Ramiro Fonseca threw his hat into the ring for round two. The fight between Rodriguez and Fonseca turned really nasty the last time they faced each other back in 2011. We hope to see a clean fight with no punching below the belt in 2015 -- but that could be wishful thinking.
“I spoke by phone to Trustee Manuel Rodriguez earlier this week,” says Taylor. “However, I’m not sure if he’s going to ask for the support of our readers – we’ll just have to wait and see,” he says. “As for Ramiro Fonseca, we have not gotten around to reaching out to his campaign yet.”
THINKING ABOUT RUNNING?
This year there are four seats that will be up for grabs. The seats currently held by Paula Harris (District IV), Rhonda Skillern-Jones (District II), Manuel Rodriguez Jr. (District III), and Juliet Stipeche (District VIII) are up for election. The deadline for candidates to get into one of the four races scheduled for the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election is Monday, August 24, 2015.
ABOUT THE BOARD
Trustee Wanda Adams (back-row from left), Trustee Manuel Rodriguez, Trustee Micheal Lunceford, Trustee Harvin C. Moore, Superintendent Terry B. Grier, Trustee Greg Myers (front-row left), Trustee Paula Harris, Trustee Juliet Stipeche, Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones, and Trustee Anna Eastman.
Board of Education
The Board of Education is the official policy-making body of the Houston Independent School District. The nine trustees, elected from separate districts, serve staggered four-year terms. The board holds public meetings at 5:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month in the HISD Board Auditorium, 4400 West 18th Street. Printed agendas are available from the Board Services office and the HISD Information Center—both located at 4400 West 18th Street. Agenda summaries are available online.
MEET YOUR CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS
Anna Eastman’s involvement as parent leader in public education and her passionate advocacy for the arts, public health, and social justice led to her election to the HISD Board of Education in 2009 and re-election in 2013.
An HISD parent since 2002, she spearheaded and led the William Travis Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Ad Hoc Transition Committee in 2003, which facilitated the move of students to temporary buildings while the school was closed for major renovations. From 2005 to 2007 she served as PTA president at Travis.
A product of public schools in Richardson, Texas, Ms. Eastman graduated from the University of Texas in 1992 with a bachelor of fine arts degree in art history and earned a master of social work degree in 1993 from Our Lady of the Lake University. After receiving her degree, Ms. Eastman worked as a lead social worker for Communities in Schools in San Antonio.
In 2002, Ms. Eastman and her husband, Brad, cofounded the 11½ Street Foundation, which has recognized outstanding veteran teachers with monetary awards. Today, the foundation provides college scholarships to at-risk children who have graduated from HISD’s Reagan and Jefferson Davis high schools.
As a trustee, she has consistently been involved in board leadership, and has held each leadership position: president, second vice president, secretary, and assistant secretary.
In addition to her commitment to public education, Ms. Eastman currently serves on the advisory boards for Holocaust Museum Houston and the Recipe for Success Foundation, is a member of the Undies for Everyone Board of Directors and serves on the Houston Grand Opera HGOco Committee. Twice, she has been nominated as Ally Grand Marshal for the Houston Gay Pride Parade because of her support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender issues. She is an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow.
------------------
Rhonda Skillern-Jones was elected to the Board of Education in 2011. She was sworn in as Trustee in January 2012 and served as board secretary in 2012 and 2013, and First Vice President in 2014. She also represents HISD on the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Board of Directors.
Ms. Skillern-Jones, a wife and mother of five children, is a native Houstonian. She earned both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in clinical sociology from Texas Southern University.
In recognition of her community and district efforts to enhance the lives of Houston children and citizens, she has received numerous achievement awards and honors, and holds membership in several civic and community organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
Ms. Skillern-Jones has a strong faith in God and cites her parents as her heroes and role models. She served HISD in a volunteer capacity for 20 years before joining the school board. She has a passion for education and children, and believes that all children deserve an equitable and quality education for a fair start in achieving their life goals.
------------------
Manuel Rodríguez Jr. was first elected to the Board of Education in 2003 and reelected in 2007. He served as assistant secretary in his first year as a trustee, second vice president in 2005 & 2013, first vice president in 2006, and president in 2007.
A graduate of Stephen F. Austin High School, class of Jan. ’70, he received an associate of arts degree in social sciences from Solano Community College and studied organizational behavior management and marketing at the University of Houston. He served as a part-time community-relations specialist in the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department's Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations from 1998 through December 2004.
A computer specialist in the U.S. Air Force from 1970 to 1977, he served the Air Training Command in Lubbock, Texas. The 601st Tactical Command Wing and was attached to NATO in Lindsey Air Station, in Wiesbaden, Germany and finished his tour at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, Calif. Rodríguez’s primary carrier responsibility was as a computer programmer and operation specialist; he was also the Airman Training NCO and was the EEOC/Drug & Alcohol Relation Liaison.
Trustee Rodríguez is also the founder and President of the MARVAA Corporation, which provides assistance in education, housing, and community involvement. Rodríguez served from 2008-2011 as the HISD Director for Houston on the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of School Boards and in 2010 he was elected President of the Mexican American School Board Members Association. In 2013 he was inducted in the “National Hispanic Institute Hall Of Fame,” and was the recipient of the Houston East End Chamber “2008 Education Impact Award.” He has been awarded an HISD Commendation for Meritorious Service as well as a Community Service Award from the Texas House of Representatives for his long-time dedication in working with Houston youth. He was named a James Deady Middle School Volunteer of the Year and been named one of the Outstanding Young Men of America.
In 1997 Rodríguez served on HISD's task force to review the state comptroller's audit of the District, and he has been a member of Parents for Public Schools and a national board member for the organization from 2000 through 2005. He was a board member for the Gulfgate Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone and the Hispanic Housing Education. Rodríguez was also alumni president for Austin High School and is a lifetime member, he is currently serving as the SFA Alumni Association Newsletter Editor, and is an active member of the Pecan Park Civic Association and St. Christopher Catholic Church.
Rodríguez and his wife, Virginia, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in May 2013 and have four children. Rodríguez, his wife and all four of their children graduated from HISD schools.
------------------
Paula Harris was elected to the Board of Education in November 2007 and re-elected in 2011. She served as Board president in 2011.
Ms. Harris is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds a degree in Petroleum Engineering. In her 20-plus year career with a large oilfield service company, Ms. Harris has held a variety of positions, from field engineer where she managed operations on offshore rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, to sales engineer and North American recruiting manager. As worldwide training manager, Ms. Harris developed business opportunities and teams in Europe, Africa, the Soviet Union, China, South America, and Australia.
She currently holds the position of Director of Community Affairs at Schlumberger. In this role, she is responsible for the corporation’s community and civic involvement and educational initiatives, which focus on math, science and engineering programs for children.
Ms. Harris wrote the book For Sister: The Guide for Professional Black Women, published in 2003. She formed her own publishing company, MadisonHouse Publishing, and in 2007 published her children’s book When I Grow UP I Want to Be an Engineer.
Ms. Harris is a recipient of the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Woman of Distinction Award, and was a state appointee to the Texas Energy Planning Council. She serves on the Board of Di rectors for Space Center Houston, where she chairs the education committee. Ms. Harris has been profiled in a number of publications including Money Magazine, Black Engineer, Graduating Engineer, Houston Style Magazine, Houston Women, Houston Defender and Forward Times.
Ms. Harris and her husband Dwayne are the owners of DPM Investments. They have one daughter who attends an HISD school.
------------------
Michael Lunceford was elected to the HISD Board of Education in November 2009, and served as president in 2012. He is a longtime volunteer with HISD, having held leadership positions within the district for the past 17 years. He served on the HISD Bond Oversight Committee, the HISD District V Leadership Team and the HISD Parent Visionaries. He also served on the school building committees for Henry Longfellow Elementary, Pin Oak Middle and John Pershing Middle, and he chaired the Master Plan Building Committee for Paul Horn Elementary School.
Mr. Lunceford received a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1981 and is currently the vice president of engineering for Pedernales Energy. He built a career in the field of energy with Mobil Oil, Montex Exploration, Metfuel, and Penwell Energy prior to accepting his current position
Mr. Lunceford’s two children attended Horn Elementary and Pershing Middle Schools and are graduates of Bellaire High School. As a parent volunteer, Mr. Lunceford served as the Horn Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) treasurer and auction co-chair. He was also a member of the PTO Auction Committee and the sports Booster Club at Pershing Middle School and the football and volleyball Booster Clubs at Bellaire High School.
A native Texan, Mr. Lunceford is a product of HISD schools, having attended Ila McNamara and Horace Elrod Elementary Schools, Walter Fondren Middle School, and Westbury High School. He and his wife, Erin, reside in Bellaire and are members of Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church.
------------------
Greg Meyers was elected to the Board of Education in 2004 and reelected in 2009. He served board president in 2010. In his first year of service, he was appointed to chair the Board Monitoring Committee, which developed an expanded system for district accountability that was adopted as policy in August 2005.
Mr. Meyers is active in many areas of community service. He has been the honorary chairman of the Boy Scouts of America Scout Fair, chairman of the board of directors of the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, and chairman of the governmental affairs committee as well as a board member of the Joint City/County Commission on Children. He received the HISD Apple Pin Award for extraordinary service to schools, and served on his neighborhood association board and as a Cub Scout den leader. Today, he serves as a board member of the Gulf Coast School Board Association, and also coaches youth soccer, basketball, and baseball.
Mr. Meyers earned a bachelor of business administration degree from Texas A&M University, with a double major in management and marketing, and a master of business administration degree from St. Mary’s University, with an emphasis in finance. In 1999, after 12 years in the dental-products industry, Mr. Meyers founded his own company. Currently Mr. Meyers works on the leadership team at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston.
The son of an Air Force veteran, Mr. Meyers grew up in several U.S. cities, as well as in Okinawa, Japan. A Houstonian since the age of 15, he has developed a tremendous pride in and an understanding of the diversity and people that make Houston great. Mr. Meyers has two sons who attend HISD schools.
------------------
Harvin Moore was elected to the Board of Education in November 2003 and reelected in 2005 and 2009. He served as a board president in 2008.
Mr. Moore grew up in Houston’s Briarcroft and River Oaks neighborhoods and attended HISD’s Henry Grady Elementary School. He also attended River Oaks Elementary School and Sidney Lanier Junior High School during their first years as Vanguard schools. Active in scouting, Mr. Moore attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1980. After graduating from St. John’s School in 1982, he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in business administration from New York University. A former national bank examiner for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Mr. Moore has worked in finance, marketing, and consulting in Houston for the last 20 years. He now serves as senior vice president for finance and operations at Sentinel Satellite, Inc., a Houston aerospace company.
Mr. Moore, who began volunteering his time and expertise on behalf of public education in the mid-1980s, has tutored and taught at-risk students in the East Harlem Tutorial Program in New York City and in HISD through Communities in Schools, Junior Achievement, and Kids Hope USA. From 2004 to the present, he has served as a Kids Hope Mentor at River Oaks Elementary School. He has served on the board of directors or advisory boards of Teach for America–Houston, KIPP Academy, the Houston Teachers’ Institute, the Neuhaus Education Center, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Reading Institute for Teacher Excellence, Preschool for ALL, the Texas Lyceum, the HISD Foundation, and the Powell Foundation. Mr. Moore has also served as grant director for public education at the Powell Foundation, where he led a six-month research project on reading curricula and teacher training for at-risk elementary students. After that review, he completed teacher training in four of the largest reading methodologies used in HISD. He currently serves on the board of the Texas Education Reform Foundation.
Mr. Moore is the publisher of The Transformation Times, an electronic newsletter which provides current news and opinion on educational issues, trends and initiatives.
Mr. Moore and his wife Janet have a eight-year-old son and an thirteen-year-old daughter and are active members of the Church of St. John the Divine, which Moore has attended since he was a child.
------------------
Juliet K. Stipeche was elected to the Board of Education in November 2010 to complete an unfinished term. She was re-elected in 2011 and currently serves as board president. She believes that public education is a human right, is the great social equalizer, and is the foundation for a prosperous community.
Ms. Stipeche was born and raised in Houston and is the daughter of immigrant parents from Argentina and Mexico. She grew up in the diverse East End neighborhood of Houston where she continues to reside today. She was the valedictorian of her graduating class at HISD’s High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. She received an academic scholarship to Rice University, earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science, policy studies, and religious studies, graduating magna cum laude, and was awarded the Joseph Cooper Prize as the most outstanding policy studies student in her graduating class. Ms. Stipeche received her law degree from The University ofTexas School of Law and is a civil litigation attorney and a certified mediator.
In 2013, Ms. Stipeche joined Rice University as Associate Director for the Richard Tapia Center for Excellence and Equity where she serves as project manager for various programs including the XSEDE Scholars Program, iAAMCS, and Empowering Leadership Alliance – Rice. She remains of counsel at the law firm of Nagorny & Stipeche, P.C.
Ms. Stipeche is a member of various professional organizations including the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Hispanic Professional Organization, and Houston Hispanic Bar Association. Over the years, Ms. Stipeche has also mentored, tutored, and volunteered at HISD schools. She has been active in her community, serving on the IdylwoodCivic Club, volunteering for organizations such as YaEsHora, the Human Rights Campaign, the American Heart Association, Barbara Jordan Ambassadors’ Program for Disabled Youth, the American Red Cross, TalentoBilingüe de Houston, and the Urban Souls Dance Company. In 2013, she was nominated and admitted as a Fellow in the Texas Bar Foundation -- an honor reserved only for the top 1/3 of 1% of Texas attorneys – based on her dedication to the administration of justice and her high professional standing among her peers. Ms. Stipeche is also a Fellow for the American Leadership Forum – Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter’s Core Class XXXI.
------------------
Wanda Adams was elected to the HISD Board of Education in 2013 after serving the limit of three two-year terms as Houston City Councilmember for District D.
Ms. Adams is a native Houstonian and product of HISD, graduating as a basketball standout from Kashmere High School. She received an athletic scholarship to Texas Southern University, where she earned her bachelor of science degree in public affairs and a master’s degree in public administration.
She is a professor of political science at her alma mater, bringing to her classroom not only experience as an elected official but a long career in public service for organizations and agencies including the Houston Housing Authority, Harris County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Association, and the Mayor’s Assistance Office.
The HISD trustee has traveled throughout the world – Africa, Europe, and South America – as an international ambassador for the City of Houston.
As a public servant, Adams has been committed to support for the homeless, veterans, the disabled, and mentally ill, and is a strong advocate for breast cancer awareness. Among the organizations for which she volunteers are the Houston Area Women’s Center, YMCA, YWCA, Keep Houston Beautiful, and Meals on Wheels in the Sunnyside community.
She serves as a trustee for the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and a national officer for the Social Action Commission for Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Ms. Adams is also a member of Leadership Houston Class 30.
Ms. Adams is a Sunday school teacher and international missionary for the Fountain of Praise church, through which she participated in a mission to Cape Town, South Africa, in 2013.
Among her honors are being featured in Houston Woman’s magazine’s Top 50 Women in Houston, the Houston Area Association for the Education of Young Children’s Elected Official of the Year Award, selection to RollingOut.com’s Top 25 Women, and the Award of Distinction from the National Forum of Black Public Accountants.
"Here are a few questions and opinions we should definitely ask ourselves/candidates and consider before going to the polls to vote in the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. And please, please, please, don't forget that early voting will begin on Monday, October 19, 2015 and end on Friday, October 30, 2015."
-- FARRAH MARTINEZ --
HERE'S A QUESTION VOTERS SHOULD ASK ALL THE CANDIDATES: Voters should ask candidates what are their top three priorities for the next two years for our city and how they plan to achieve those goals. – This statement was submitted by Farrah Martinez a Personal Injury and Accident Lawyer in Houston, Texas. Farrah Martinez PLLC, is dedicated to ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve through experienced, aggressive and smart representation. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information. You may also call (713)853-9296 to speak with Attorney Farrah Martinez today! So don't wait another minute. Set up an appointment by calling (713)853-9296 for a free consultation today!
-- JUDGE JOHN SCHMUDE --
HERE'S A THOUGHT TO CONSIDER BEFORE VOTING: I look for a candidate that respects the religious liberties and the freedom of conscience of all Houstonians. – This thought was submitted by Judge John Schmude (247th Family District Court in Harris County). Judge Schmude and his family are grateful for our continued prayers, love, vote, and continued support. He won’t be up for re-election again until the November 2018, Midterm Elections. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information. Judge Schmude believes in fair and impartial justice.
-- BRISCOE CAIN --
HERE'S A QUESTION FOR THE MAYORAL CANDIDATES: Would you disregard the First Amendment and subpoena the sermons of pastors? – This question was submitted by Briscoe Cain, president of The Cain Law Firm. Briscoe Cain is also a candidate running for State Representative for House District 128 in the 2016 Presidential Election. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information on his campaign.
-- CHRIS BELL --
HERE'S A QUESTION WE SHOULD EACH ASK OUR SELF: Who actually has ideas that will move Houston forward? – This question was submitted by Chris Bell one of the 2015 Candidates running for Mayor of Houston. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Election day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
-- YOLANDA SMITH --
HERE'S SOMETHING YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF ABOUT EACH CANDIDATE RUNNING FOR MAYOR IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION: Education remains the highest civil rights priority of the NAACP, voters should be asking whether the candidate of choice has a true urgency in turning around our failing school system, including eliminating the educational disparities that exist within HISD. – This statement was submitted by Yolanda Smith, the executive director at the NAACP Houston Branch.
-- BILL KING --
HERE'S SOMETHING YOU MAY WANT TO THINK ABOUT: The question voters should ask themselves is this: In this election we are essentially hiring the CEO of a $5 billion entity called the City of Houston, so which candidate has the right blend of business and executive experience to get city government back to basics — fixing the streets, catching the crooks, and balancing the budget? -- This question was submitted by Bill King one of the 2015 Candidates running for Mayor of Houston. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Election day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
-- DON DAVIS --
HERE'S A QUESTION FOR THE MAYORAL CANDIDATES: Being a City where celebrities are born, we have secured the fact that legacies begin here: what plans do you have to grow the quality of life and retain the talent we attract, without compromising the economic growth of our majority minority communities? -- This question was submitted by Dionelle "Don" Davis, president of the Don Davis Luxury Group (DDLG) Texas Real Estate License #0555553. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information; or call Don directly at (936)494-5500. And don't forget: When Ready to Sell Your Home -- "It's A 'Don' Deal" when you deal with Don Davis.
-- DENISE V. SINGLETON --
HERE'S A QUESTION FOR ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS: What initiative are you willing to legislate for Women Veterans who served honorably in the military and that suffered various related traumas? The results are joblessness, homelessness, and lack of medical benefits. – This question was submitted by Denise V. Singleton a reader of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. Denise is relatively new to the Houston area.
-- BISHOP ALLEN --
HERE'S A QUESTION FOR THE MAYORAL CANDIDATES: Do you have a valid plan in hand detailing how you will leverage the economic playing field and inspire present and future Houstonians to strive for a better quality of life in the 21st Century? – This question was submitted by Bishop Anthony A. Allen, founder of Bishop Anthony Allen Ministries. You can (CLICK HERE) to learn more about his ministry. Call (281)210-8374 or email Bishop Allen at: bishopaallen@yahoo.com for additional information.
-- KERYL L. DOUGLAS --
HERE'S SOMETHING WE MAY WANT TO THINK ABOUT: Who will be the very BEST Mayor for ALL of Houston; serving with utmost integrity, vision, fairness, and without corruption, compromise, or lack of character. -- This question was submitted by Keryl L. Douglas a well-known Houston area attorney, and past President of the NAACP Houston Branch.
-- VICTORIA LANE --
HERE'S A QUESTION FOR ALL THE WOMEN OUT THERE: Do you think men should be allowed to use public restrooms with us? – This question was submitted by Victoria Lane, a 2015 Candidate for Mayor of Houston in the upcoming election. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Election day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.You may email Victoria Lane at: victorialane53@yahoo.com if you have the answer to this question.
-- CHARLES X WHITE --
HERE'S A QUESTION FOR THE MAYORAL CANDIDATES: How do you plan to equalize tax based service delivery? This question was submitted by Charles X White, chairman of THE PEOPLE’S PAC (TPPAC) located in Houston, Texas. TPPAC was formed because the existing political model for African Americans is broken and in many cases never worked according to White. You can (CLICK HERE) to learn more about TPPAC. You can (CLICK HERE) to become a member.
-- LAURIE ROBINSON --
HERE'S SOMETHING WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT: Which candidate has the relevant experience to hit the ground running in day 1 to tackle some of the City's most pressing issues like the forecasted FYI 2017 budget deficit. This question was submitted by Laurie Robinson a 2015 Candidate running for the Houston City Council At-Large Position #4 seat in the upcoming election. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Election Day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
-- BISHOP K.J. BROWN --
HERE'S A FEW QUESTIONS FOR THE MAYORAL CANDIDATES: What is your position on the HERO Ordinance? If you oppose it, what will you do to have it repealed? If you support the ordinance, why do you support it? – This question was submitted by Bishop K.J.Brown the Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at Bishop K.J. Brown Ministries. You can hear Bishop K.J. Brown on Sundays@6:00p.m. and Wednesday’s @7:30p.m. LISTEN TO: rhemagospelradio.com. You can email Bishop K.J. Brown at: bishopkjbrown@gmail.com. You can also email Bishop Brown a prayer request if you need prayer.
-- TREBOR GORDON --
HERE'S A QUESTION YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF BEFORE GETTING BEHIND ANY CANDIDATE IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION: What is your (Candidate's) plan to help in preventing the city from going further into debt? This question was submitted by Trebor Gordon a 2015 Candidate running for the Houston City Council At-Large Position #1 seat in the upcoming election. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Election day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
-- SEAN ROBERTS --
A QUESTION FOR THE 2015 MAYORAL CANDIDATES: What is your vision for Houston 20 years from now? -- This question was submitted by Sean Roberts a well-known Houston area attorney. You can (CLICK HERE) to provide Sean with the answer to his question.
-- ED KAMPF --
HERE'S AN OPINION ON THE UPCOMING ELECTION: Aubrey, I am friends with Carl Pittman. He's running for HC Sheriff. I don't think the mayoral position in Houston has to be a battle between party lines. I would like to see a businessman, however we tried that with Lanier. Heck, I just want someone who's honest. Houston deserves the best. I like King and Bell thus far. I don't know much about the others. -- This statement was submitted by Ed Kampf via our facebook network.
-- RHONDA SKILLERN-JONES --
HERE'S SOMETHING EVERY VOTER SHOULD THINK ABOUT: Since I only have one vote and it matters, how do I want to invest it so that I receive the maximum return for it. In other words, WHO will help me make my vote mean something in my life and community? – This question was submitted by Rhonda Skillern-Jones the HISD Board Trustee for District II. She's running for re-election in the upcoming General Election. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Election day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
-- ANDREA WARD-CONWAY --
HERE'S SOMETHING TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT EACH CANDIDATE: Does the candidate have the education, experience, knowledge, and a proven track record of supporting policies that will bring about progressive reform and empowerment for my community? -- This question was submitted by Andrea Ward-Conway via our facebook network.
-- RENEE DUHON --
HERE ARE TWO QUESTIONS EVERY VOTER SHOULD ASK BEFORE SELECTING A CANDIDATE IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION: What have they (the candidate) done or contributed previously for Houston? Who is this person? -- This question was submitted by Renee Duhon via our facebook network.
-- DARLENE "KOFFEY SMITH --
HERE'S SOMETHING VOTERS SHOULD CONSIDER: In a Mayoral Candidate (as a voter) I look TO CAST MY VOTE for someone who is a product of the City of Houston. Someone who has experienced, witnessed, and walked in the same shoes as the people of the City of Houston. Someone with the passion to “WANT TO”, and the ‘FEARLESS WILL” to make effective change that ALL residents of Houston will respect according to the rights of the People, Policies, Procedures, Rules, Regulations, and Laws that will allow taxpayers to see and have more confidence in the transparency, and accountability that’s being applied and enforced at: City Hall, the Houston Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Houston Independent School District. -- This statement was submitted by Darlene “Koffey” Smith a 2015 Candidate running for HISD Board Trustee for District II in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Smith issued her point of view from the perspective of a born and raised in 5th Ward, Texas resident and voter within the City of Houston. You can (CLICK HERE) to send Darlene "Koffey" Smith a message.
Houston Business Connections Magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. To discuss your inclusion call (832)212-8735 and ask for Aubrey R. Taylor, the president and CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications.
KEY DEADLINES
The candidate filing deadline is on Monday, August 24, 2015 if you plan to run for Mayor, Controller, City Council, or one of the HISD Board Trustee seats in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election.
Thursday, June 25, 2015 is the deadline to post notice of candidate filing deadline.
Saturday, July 25, 2015 is the first day to file for place on general election ballot.
Monday, August 24, 2015 is the last day to file for place on general election ballot.
Friday, September 4, 2015 is the first day for registered voters to apply for ballot by mail.
Monday, October 5, 2015 is the last day for voter registration with the Harris County Clerk.
Monday, October 19, 2015 is the first day of early voting for the 2015 General Election.
Friday, October 23, 2015 is the last day to apply for ballot by mail for the 2015 General Election.
Friday, October 30, 2015 is the last day of early voting for the 2015 General Election.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015 is Election Day for all registered voters in the City of Houston.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Please make an informed and empowered decision when you go into the voting booth to cast your vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.”
Election Day is Tues., Nov. 3, 2015
At this time, Ben Hall, a well-known Houston attorney is asking for our vote, prayers, and support in his quest to become mayor of Houston. Hall finished as the runner-up to (Mayor Annise Parker) back in the 2013 City of Houston Mayoral election. “We’ve provided some information on Ben Hall below. Hall is being highlighted here because he’s one of only two candidates in the 2015 race for mayor who is asking for our vote, prayers, and support at this time,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
“Victoria Lane is a candidate who values and respects us, our community, and our vote. Victoria Lane, is a businesswoman with more than 40 years of experience. She was the fourth place finisher back in the 2013 City of Houston Mayoral election. She finished behind Mayor Annise Parker, attorney Ben Hall and attorney Eric Dick respectively back in 2013. “We've provided a good overview of who Victoria Lane is in her profile below,” says Taylor.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "The charts and information below this point should serve as a quick reference guide to City of Houston Mayoral Election results from 1985 through 2013. This information was compiled by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications."
ANNISE PARKER WON IN 2013
# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Annise Parker won the right to serve her third and final term in office by receiving 98,124 votes to avoid a runoff. Mayor Parker was challenged by Charyl L. Drab, who received (788) votes, Eric B. Dick (18,368), Don Cook (1,740), Keryl Burgess Douglas (1,227), Ben Hall (48,604), Michael Fitzsimmons (1,195), Victoria Lane (1,814), and Derek A. Jenkins, who finished with 834 votes at the end of the night.
ANNISE PARKER WON IN 2011
# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 8, 2011 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Annise Parker won the right to serve her second term in office by receiving 60,135 votes to avoid a runoff. Mayor Parker was challenged by Kevin Simms who received (8,261) votes, Amanda C. Ulman (1,896), Dave Wilson (13,911), Fernando Herrera (16,863), and Jack O’Connor, who finished with 17,348 votes as the end of the night.
ANNISE PARKER WON IN 2009
# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 3, 2009 City of Houston Mayoral Election, seven candidates faced off in the race for the open mayoral seat. Annise Parker and Gene Locke made the runoff by finishing with (54,254 votes for Parker) and (45,988 votes for Locke) respectively. Peter Brown received (39,930) votes, Amanda C. Ulman (994), Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. (487), and Roy Morales finished with 35,964 votes to finish off the night.
Annise Parker went on to defeat Gene Locke in a Saturday, December 12, 2009 runoff election by a vote count of (82,175 votes for Parker) to (73,495 votes for Locke) respectively. By defeating Locke, Annise Parker became the first female mayor for Houston, and earned the right to serve her first term.
BILL WHITE WON IN 2007
# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 6, 2007 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Bill White won the right to serve his third and final term in office by receiving 101,557 votes to avoid a runoff. He was being challenged by Amanda C. Ulman, who received (8,832), and Outlaw Josey Wales, IV who finished the night with 7,042 votes.
BILL WHITE WON IN 2005
# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 8, 2005 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Bill White won the right to serve his second term in office by receiving 165,524 votes to avoid a runoff. Mayor White was being challenged in this election by Gladys House, who finished with (7,711) votes, Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. (2,550), Jack Terence (4,285), and Anthony M. Dutrow, who finished the night with 1,771 votes.
BILL WHITE WON IN 2003
# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 4, 2003 City of Houston Mayoral Election, nine candidates faced off in the race for the open mayoral seat. Orlando Sanchez and Bill White made the runoff by finishing with (98,600 votes for Sanchez) and (112,916 votes for White) respectively. Anthony M. Dutrowreceived(405) votes, Jack Josey Terence (323), John Worldpeace (368), Douglas Robb (193), Sylvester Turner (87,267), Luis Ralph Ullrich Jr. (311), and Veronica Michelle Gregory finished with 385 votes at the end of the night.
Bill White went on to defeat Orlando Sanchez in the Saturday, December 6, 2003 runoff election by a vote count of (136,618 votes for Bill White) to (81,830 votes for Orlando Sanchez) respectively. By defeating Sanchez, Bill White earned the right to serve his first term as Houston’s mayor.
LEE P. BROWN WON IN 2001
# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 6, 2001 City of Houston Mayoral Election, five candidates lined up to prevent Mayor Lee P. Brown from serving his third and final term as Houston’s mayor. Orlando Sanchez was successful in forcing a runoff with the incumbent mayor by receiving (115,967) votes to Mayor Brown’s (125,282) votes at the end of the night. Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. received (572) votes, Anthony M. Dutrow (235), Larry J. Devoy (488), and Chris Bell received 45,739 votes to finish the night of voting.
Mayor Lee P. Brown went on to defeat Orlando Sanchez in the Saturday, December 1, 2001 runoff election by a final vote tally of (165,866 votes for Mayor Lee P. Brown) to (155,162 votes for Orlando Sanchez) respectively.
LEE P. BROWN WON IN 1999
# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 2, 1999 City of Houston Mayoral Election, two candidates challenged Mayor Lee P. Brown in an effort to prevent him from serving his second term as Houston’s mayor. However, Brown beat back his opponents by receiving (139,150) votes. Jack Terence received (47,887) votes, and Outlaw Josey Wales, IV finished off the night with (19,741) votes.
LEE P. BROWN WON IN 1997
# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 4, 1997 City of Houston Mayoral Election, eight candidates faced off for the open mayoral seat. Lee P. Brown and Rob Mosbacher made the runoff by receiving (132,324 votes for Brown) and (90,320 votes for Mosbacher) respectively. Richard E. Barry, Helen Huey, Gracie Saenz (21,950), George Greanias (53,115), Bernard E. Calkins, and Jean-Claude Lanau were also in the race.
Lee P. Brown went on to defeat Rob Mosbacher in the Saturday, December 6, 1997 runoff election. Lee P. Brown received (156,307 votes) to Mosbacher’s (140,449 votes) to earn the right to serve his first term as Houston’s first and only African American mayor.
BOB LANIER WON IN 1995
# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 7, 1995 City of Houston Mayoral Election, two candidates challenged Mayor Bob Lanier in an effort to prevent him from serving his third and final term as Houston’s mayor. However, Mayor Bob Lanier received (104,222) votes to beat back his opponents without a runoff. Elizabeth Spates finished with (10,456) votes, and Dave Wilson finished the night off with 11,403 votes.
BOB LANIER WON IN 1993
# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 2, 1993 City of Houston Mayoral Election, four candidates challenged Mayor Bob Lanier in an effort to prevent him from serving his second term as Houston’s mayor. However, Bob Lanier defeated his opponents by receiving (169,752) votes to avoid a runoff. Brian A. Bowen received (9,705) votes, Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. (4,613), Jerry Freiwirth (2,713), and James Partsch-Galvan received 161 votes to finish off the night.
BOB LANIER WON IN 1991
# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 5, 1991 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire lost her seat by finishing third, behind Bob Lanier, and Sylvester Turner in her bid to serve a sixth term as Houston’s mayor. Bob Lanier made the runoff election by receiving (138,096) votes, to Sylvester Turner’s (113,782) votes. Mayor Whitmire could only muster (63,631) votes as election night voting closed. Willie M. Reid received (787) votes to round out the field that night.
Bob Lanier went on to defeat Sylvester Turner in the Saturday, December 7, 1991 runoff election. Lanier received (152,792) votes, to Sylvester Turner’s (135,173) votes to earn the right to serve his first term as Houston’s mayor.
KATHY WHITMIRE WON IN 1989
# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 7, 1989 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire received (176,342) votes to avoid a runoff by beating back five candidates seeking to prevent her from serving her fifth term as Houston’s mayor. “Shelby” B. Oringderff received (2,018) votes, Fred Hofheinz (89,971), Rosie Walker (4,667), Greg Rosenberg (856), and Ted G. Walker finished the night with 5,615 votes.
KATHY WHITMIRE WON IN 1987
# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 3, 1987 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire received (168,656) votes to fend off six challengers seeking to prevent her from serving her fourth term as Houston’s mayor. Richard “Dick” Diamond received (13,628) votes, “Shelby” B. Oringderff (4,853), Bill Anderson (27,254), Mary J. Pritchard (5,296), Glenn Edward Arnett, Jr. (6,977), and Don W. Gell finished the night with 2,807 votes.
KATHY WHITMIRE WON IN 1985
# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 5, 1985 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire held off a stiff challenge from Louie Welch and four other candidates seeking to prevent her from serving her third term as Houston’s mayor. Mayor Whitmire finished the night with (200,868) votes to avoid a runoff. Louie Welch finished a distant second with (138,588) votes. John McCabe received (565) votes, Willie Mae Reid (398), L.B. “Lock” Chambers (266), and Susan Director finished the night off by receiving 430 votes.
# # # #
