Houston Business Connections Newspaper©: Saturday December 14 2013 Runoff Election

Showing posts with label Saturday December 14 2013 Runoff Election. Show all posts

Monday, November 18, 2013

Houston City Council and HCC Board Trustee Saturday, December 14, 2013 Runoff Election Candidates

GET TO KNOW YOUR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14TH RUNOFF ELECTION CANDIDATES FOR HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL AND HCC BOARD OF TRUSTEES BEFORE ELECTION DAY

By Aubrey R. Taylor

President of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications

Publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine

These are the candidates who made the Saturday, December 14, 2013 runoffs: Helena Brown, Brenda Stardig, Georgia Provost, Dwight Boykins, Graci Garces, Robert Gallegos, Andrew C. Burks, David Robinson, Michael Kubosh, Roy Morales, Yolanda Navarro Flores, Zeph Capo, Adriana Tamez, Herlinda Garcia, Robert Glaser and Phil Kunetka. For more information on each of the candidates you can click on the images below featuring each race. Or, you can click on the name of the candidate to visit their campaign website.

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

On Saturday, December 14, 2013, Houston voters will be headed back to the polls to decide eight races from the Tuesday, November 5, General Elections where no candidate received the majority of the vote.

Houston City Council -- District A
Brenda Stardig vs. Helena Brown

HOW BRENDA AND HELENA MADE THE RUNOFF: On Tuesday, November 5, 2013, the incumbent, Helena Brown was forced into a runoff by former Houston City Council District A Councilwoman Brenda Stardig. Other candidates who were on the ballot seeking to unseat Brown were Amy Peck, Ron Hale, and Mike Knox. Helena Brown ended the night with 4,613 votes for 38.04% of the vote to finish first. Brenda Stardig ended the night with 3,538 votes for 29.17% of the vote to force the Saturday, December 14, 2013 runoff.

Houston City Council -- District D
Georgia D. Provost vs. Dwight Boykins

HOW GEORGIA AND DWIGHT MADE THE RUNOFF: On Tuesday, November 5, 2013, Dwight Boykins was the class of a crowded field of (12) twelve candidates seeking the Houston City Council District D seat. The current incumbent, Wanda Adams was term-limited and could not run for re-election. Boykins must now face off against Georgia D. Provost on Saturday, December 14, 2013 to seal the deal. Other candidates who were on the ballot were Travis McGee, Keith Caldwell, Christina Sanders, Demetria Smith, N. “Assata” Richards, Lana Edwards, Larry McKinzie, Anthony Robinson, Kirk White, and Ivis Johnson. Dwight Boykins ended the night with 7,372 votes for 42.90% of the vote to finish first. Georgia D. Provost ended the night with 2,469 votes for 14.37% of the vote to finish second and force the runoff.

Houston City Council -- District I
Graci Garces vs. Robert Gallegos

HOW GRACI AND ROBERT MADE THE RUNOFF: On Tuesday, November 5, 2013, Graci Garces finished first in a very tight (4) four candidate race for the Houston City Council District I seat. The current incumbent James Rodriguez was term-limited and could not run for re-election. Since Garces did not receive a majority of the vote, she must now face off against Robert Gallegos on Saturday, December 14, 2013 to seal the deal. Other candidates who were on the ballot were Leticia Gutierrez Ablaza and Ben Mendez. Graci Garces ended the night with 2,313 votes for 27.08% of the vote to finish first. Robert Gallegos ended the night with 2,138 votes for 25.03% of the vote to finish second and force the runoff.

Houston City Council -- At-Large Position 2
David Robinson vs. Andrew Burks, Jr.

HOW DAVID AND ANDREW MADE THE RUNOFF: On Tuesday, November 5, 2013, the incumbent, Andrew C. Burks, Jr., was forced into a runoff by finishing second to David Robinson. Other candidates who were on the ballot were Moe Rivera and Trebor Gordon. David Robinson ended the night with 49,597 votes for 40.50% of the vote to finish first. Andrew C. Burks, Jr. ended the night with 45,457 votes for 37.12% of the vote to finish second and force the runoff.

Houston City Council -- At-Large Position 3
Michael Kubosh vs. Roy Morales

HOW MICHAEL AND ROY MADE THE RUNOFF: On Tuesday, November 5, 2013, Michael Kubosh, was the class of a (6) six candidate field seeking the Houston City Council At-Large Position 3 seat. Councilwoman Melissa Noriega was term-limited and could not run for re-election. Kubosh must now face off in a Saturday, December 14, 2013 runoff against Roy Morales to seal the deal. Other candidates who were on the ballot were J. Brad Batteau, Roland M. Chavez, Rogene Gee Calvert, and Jenifer Rene Pool. Michael Kubosh ended the night with 36,186 votes for 28.19% of the vote to finish first. Roy Morales ended the night with 22,912 votes for 17.85% of the vote to finish second and force the runoff.

Houston Community College -- District I
Yolanda Navarro Flores vs. Zeph Capo

HOW YOLANDA AND ZEPH MADE THE RUNOFF: On Tuesday, November 5, 2013, HCC Board Member Yolanda Navarro Flores failed to gain a majority of the vote in a (3) three candidate field and was forced into a runoff by Zeph Capo for the Houston Community College Board Trustee for Distict I seat. The other candidate on the ballot was Kevin J. Hoffman. Yolanda Navarro Flores ended the night with 5,916 votes for 49.07% of the vote to finish first. Zeph Capo ended the night with 3,236 votes for 26.84% of the vote to finish second and force the Saturday, December 14, 2013 runoff.

Houston Community College -- District III
Adriana Tamez vs. Herlinda Garcia

HOW ADRIANA AND HERLINDA MADE THE RUNOFF: On Tuesday, November 5, 2013, HCC Board Member Herlinda Garcia finished second in a tight (3) three candidate field and was forced into a runoff by Adriana Tamez for the Houston Community College Board Trustee for District III seat. The other candidate in the race was Dane D. Cook. Adriana Tamez ended the night with 3,466 votes for 38.95% of the vote to finish first. Herlinda Garcia finished the night with 3,017 votes for 33.91% of the vote to finish second and force the runoff.

Houston Community College -- District V
Phil Kunetka vs. Robert Glaser

HOW PHIL AND ROBERT MADE THE RUNOFF: On Tuesday, November 5, 2013, Robert Glaser was the class of the field in a (3) three candidate race including Phil Kunetka and Roy A. Cormier. However, Glaser failed to get a majority of the vote, and must now face off against Phil Kunetka, the second place finisher in a Saturday, December 14, 2013 runoff. Robert Glaser ended the night with 6,255 votes for 49.54% of the vote to finish first. Phil Kunetka ended the night with 3,874 votes for 30.68% of the vote to finish second and force the runoff.

REMIND EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO VOTE

Don’t forget to remind your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors to vote in the Saturday, December 14, 2013 Runoff Elections for: Houston City Council District A; Houston City Council District D; Houston City Council District I; Houston City Council At-Large Position 2; Houston City Council At-Large Position 3; Houston Community College Board Trustee for District I; Houston Community College Board Trustee for District III; and Houston Community College Board Trustee for District V.

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Saturday, November 16, 2013

Meet Michael Kubosh and Roy Morales, the Candidates Running for Houston City Council At-Large Position 3 in the Saturday, December 14, 2013 Runoff Election in Houston, Texas

Houston City Council -- At-Large Position 3
Michael Kubosh vs. Roy Morales

GET TO KNOW MICHAEL KUBOSH
CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE

Michael Kubosh is all about bringing more transparency to Houston’s City Hall. The statement below which was posted on his campaign website will give you a pretty good idea of what Kubosh is all about; and what he wants to do for the residents of Houston, Texas.

Transparency

For too long City Hall has operated in a cloud of confusion and mystery, Simply put, our city leaders are not telling the voters the truth about the budget, untested rape kits, infrastructure and the pension plans. Once elected, I will tear down the walls and demand full accountability on these issues. When the people lose trust in their government, it cannot be restored with secrecy. I have spent the last 4 years demanding that City Hall tell the truth. As your next City Councilman At Large #3, I will continue to do just that.

Regional Crime Lab

We have a great need in the area for an up-to-date Regional Crime Lab, the City can no longer test rape kits, drunk driving blood tests, or even fingerprints because we have lost accreditation. Harris County also needs a crime lab, as do countless other local municipalities and counties. It makes good sense to join with other area governments and build ONE lab for the area. If the City insists on building its own lab, it will waste millions of tax dollars in a time when we have little to spend. Crime doesn’t know boundaries and neither do criminals. A joint Regional Crime Lab is just common sense for all parties and there should be no delay. As a City Councilman, I will use my experience in our justice system and my relationship with area leaders from the City, County and the State to help facilitate the best answers for all involved.

Fiscal Responsibility

We must spend our bond dollars wisely and how the voters intended them to be used. Too often, City Government has robbed Peter to pay Paul and the bill and important needs are not met. We desperately need to improve our roads and bridges, many of which are overdue for repair and construction. Metro has for too long been obsessed with light rail, while ignoring our roads and the need to expand bus routes in our ever-changing City. This last November, voters approved new Metro bonds to do just that. As a member of City Council, I will be diligent in making sure that Metro spends the money as it has been instructed. The City must pledge to do the same with the recently passed "Rain Tax." When Prop 1 was passed, we were told it would dedicate funds for the purpose of flood control and street repair, instead we have seen those dollars spent on bike trails and new cars for city officials. That is wrong and it must stop.

GET TO KNOW ROY MORALES
CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE

According to his campaign website, Lieutenant Colonel Roy Morales, United States Air Force-Retired, is a military veteran, who retired in 2002 with over 23 years of service to his country. Roy is the product of a hard-working Mexican American family that has deep roots in the Houston area. In the Great Storm of 1900, Roy’s Great-Grandmother held on fiercely to her three young sons, sadly two were swept away but she was able to hold on to her youngest son, Roy’s Grandfather. They survived and this would prove to be one of the many challenges the family would encounter on their journey to a better life. After the Great Storm, Roy’s Great-Grandmother moved back to Magnolia Area of Houston.

Growing up, Roy’s father and mother both held jobs to make ends meet. Roy’s father was a union laborer and his mother was a salesperson in a jewelry store. Through hard work and leading by example, Roy understood that the American Dream was attainable. He went on to get his education, graduate and pursue a military career. As an enlisted soldier, Roy rose to the rank of Officer, retiring after a distinguished career as a Lieutenant Colonel, having served over 23 years with many medals and honors.

Colonel Morales is a summa cum laude graduate with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas and is a graduate with a B.S. degree in Computer Science from Chapman University. He also earned a M.S. degree in Space Operations from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Roy’s work with the United States Air Force included joint operations with NASA. Roy served as an Operations Director for the Space Shuttle Operations Division in California. He directed mission control activities in support of Space Shuttle missions and trained with astronauts on behalf of the Department of Defense’s national defense priorities. He led a team of engineers to rescue a $1 billion NASA satellite. While assigned to Strategic Defense Initiative Office he was selected as one of the top Air Force engineers in 1994. He managed the integration of $1 Billion satellite projects that were launched on the Space Shuttle and Titan rocket. While assigned to the Joint Command and Control Warfare Center, he developed a warfare plan to protect NATO aircraft in support of operations in the Balkans. On September 11, 2001, he developed the military objectives that were sent to the White House to respond to the terrorist attacks. While at the Pentagon, he authored the Global Information Warfare Planning Order to defeat terrorism.

Roy was hand-picked at a critical time to implement the City of Houston Emergency Center. He replaced the retiring Director in activating a $70M state-of-the-art Emergency Center while continuing his Chief Technology Officer duties. He led over 400 personnel, consisting of 9-1-1 operators, Police/Fire/EMS dispatchers, and technicians. Roy led the Houston Metropolitan Area $6.8M radio project which would allow government agencies to communicate with each other. He was the City’s liaison with the National Football League to ensure protection of the City’s radio, voice and data communications during Super Bowl 38.

Roy was elected in 2006, as a Harris County School Trustee, representing approximately 1 million residents in Precinct 1. As a Trustee, he sets a tax rate that affects 4 million county residents and approves a $90 million budget to provide education services to over 20,000 children. Roy chairs the Audit Committee and Head Start Task Force Committee. Roy convinced the other board members to freeze property taxes and keep the Department’s budget below population growth and inflation while still giving teachers pay raises. Roy has been passionate in saving the Head Start Program and has established a task force to seek cost-effective solutions. During his six year term, Roy consistently voted to either freeze or lower your property taxes.

Roy is a business owner that focuses on information and alternative energy technology, crisis management and education improvement. Roy is nationally recognized as an expert on disaster planning and homeland security.

Roy’s service to his community is extensive. Roy is a member of many Clubs in Harris County. Over the last 10 years, Roy has been involved in many organizations from the Houston Property Rights Association, Ripley House Boy Scouts Committee, East End Sea Scouts, Houston Hispanic Forum, Ambassadors International Ballet Folklorico, La Rosa Family Services, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Houston East End Chamber, Kingwood Chamber, American Legion Harrisburg Post 472, Houston Military Affairs Committee, Military Order of World Wars, Military Officers Association of America, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Harris County Head Start Policy Committee and City of Houston Disability Committee.

Roy is the proud father of four grown children, two grandchildren and attends Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

http://www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com/2013/11/congratulations-to-all-candidates-in.html

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Meet Graci Garces and Robert Gallegos, the two Candidates running for Houston City Council District I in the Saturday, December 14, 2013 Runoff Election in Houston, Texas

Houston City Council -- District I
Graci Garces vs. Robert Gallegos

GET TO KNOW GRACI GARCES
CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE

According to her campaign website, Graciana “Graci” Garces is a life-long community-oriented and passionate public servant, who started pursuing her dream to better her community in the office of Congressman Ruben Hinojosa as an intern. Upon returning to Texas, she worked for several pioneers of our Texas community including former State Representative and now Texas Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, the late State Representative Irma Rangel (the first Mexican American woman elected to the legislature and author of the “Top Ten Percent Plan”), Representative Juan Escobar (an advocate for Veterans) and State Representative Dora Olivo (an advocate for public education).

Graci has moved up the ranks from intern to Chief of Staff to Houston City Council Member James G. Rodriguez. Her passion for public service has led her to make tremendous improvements to the offices she has worked in. She has over ten years experience in the public sector, with an emphasis on grassroots initiatives. Ms. Garces possesses extensive knowledge and experience in constituent services, coalition building, neighborhood revitalization and community empowerment.

In 2007 Ms. Garces’ remarkable coalition building skills were represented when she served as the lead staffer to the overwhelmingly supported expansion of the smoking ordinance in Houston. Her successful efforts earned her a position as the Grassroots Director for the Smoke-Free Texas (SFT) campaign. In that capacity, she organized and led hundreds of volunteers and supporters throughout the State of Texas to lobby the legislature in only three months. Her ability to relate and cater to her audience allowed her to gain the support of Texans of all backgrounds, despite ethnicity, age and political affiliation. The relationships and database she developed are still used today in SFT’s quest to create a healthier Texas.

Ms. Garces remains a tenacious public servant who makes the improvement of Houston neighborhoods her priority, focused on public safety, economic development, and overall improvement of residents’ quality of life. Ms. Garces is the immediate past President of the Denver Harbor Seniors Board of Directors and a former board member of the Latino Learning Center Board of Directors. She is a member of the Tejano Democrats, serves on the Houston East End Chamber of Commerce and works closely with the District I Management Districts, Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) and Civic Associations.

Ms. Garces is the youngest of five siblings. Her mother was a Teacher’s Aide who lost a battle to cancer in 2005, her father a crop field foreman who passed in 2010. She is the first of her family to earn a college degree – Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas State University – San Marcos with a major in Political Science and a minor in Spanish. Ms. Garces attends Lakewood Church. She strives to set an example as a strong Latina and dedicated public servant for her three-year-old daughter, Zyenna Dahni Bell.

GET TO KNOW ROBERT GALLEGOS
CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE

According to his campaign website, Robert Gallegos was born at Parkview Hospital on 75th and Harrisburg and was raised in Magnolia Park. Robert attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church & Elementary School, where he was baptized, received his Holy Communion and was confirmed. He attended Edison Junior High School and was active in both the marching and stage bands. Robert became president of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Youth Organization (C.Y.O.) and went on to graduate from Stephen F. Austin High School.

A graduate of Houston Community College, Robert earned an Associate’s Degree in International Trade & Distribution and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University.

He’s a member of the National Hispanic Professional Organization, a member of LULAC Council 402, served on the Board of the Gulf Coast Community Services Association, and is certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE).

Robert spent over 25 years in Logistics Sales in Motor Freight and International Trade. He served as a Community Liaison for Former County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia with an emphasis in Galena Park, Jacinto City, Aldine, and City Council Districts H & I. Robert currently works for the Harris County Sheriff’s Department.

Robert is an experienced community leader and organizer with deep ties to District I neighborhoods and their residents.

GALLEGOS IS AN INFORMED ADVOCATE

•President, Houston Country Club Place Civic Club (HCCP); Active in the Civic Club for over 20 years; Secured new sidewalks along Lawndale; worked on No Parking On The Grass ordinance for Houston Country Club Place; Fought the Solid Waste Department to approve recycling for HCCP; Garnered support for protesting a liquor licensing renewal for a troubled local establishment near his neighborhood.

•Founder, Organizer, and First President of the Greater Eastwood Super Neighborhood 64/Lawndale Wayside Super Neighborhood 88; The Super Neighborhood Council meets once a month to address issues and concerns that affect the area’s neighborhoods. The Super Neighborhood has provided a strong voice for these neighboring Civic Clubs.

•Rallied support from East End Civic Organizations (Magnolia Park/Pineview Civic Club, East Lawndale Civic Association, Idylwood Civic Club, Houston Country Club Place Civic Club, Eastwood Civic Association, Oaklawn Fullerton Civic Club, Second Ward Super Neighborhood, Greater Eastwood & Lawndale Wayside Super Neighborhood, East End Chamber of Commerce and East End Management District.) to weigh in on METRO plan to construct a massive overpass on Harrisburg Boulevard for the light rail line. The East End Rail Subcommittee was formed and helped convince METRO and Mayor Annise Parker to approve an underpass instead, that protected historic Harrisburg Blvd, prevented the East End from being split up, and which, in time, will help bring economic development into the East End.

•Chair, Rufus Cage Educational Alliance. Organized and secured support of East End Civic Organizations, Washington Ave Super Neighborhood 22, Greater Heights Super Neighborhood, and Hobby Airport Civic Clubs to stand united in support of saving the old Rufus Cage School, and convince Mayor Parker to accept the school property from HISD. Now working to renovate and convert the school into a Performing Arts Community Center that will benefit the education and promotion of the arts for the youth in the East End.

•Submitted request to the City of Houston for a Railroad Quiet Zone, which was approved and will be the first Quiet Zone in District I. Phase 1 of the Quiet Zone is Telephone Rd to Polk Ave and Phase II is Polk Ave to Navigation. The Quiet Zone will keep trains from blowing their horns unless there is an emergency.

•Secured letters of support from community elected officials and District I Civic Clubs for construction of a pedestrian bridge over Brays Bayou at Mason Park. As a result, the Houston Parks Dept submitted a proposal to TxDOT for a grant to construct the bridge. A pedestrian bridge over Brays Bayou will provide easy access for pedestrians, connecting the north and southside of the park.

•Assisted the founder and first president of the Downtown Super Neighborhood in helping set up their Super Neighborhood Council.

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Meet Georgia Provost and Dwight Boykins, the two Candidates running for Houston City Council District D in the Saturday, December 14, 2013 Runoff Election in Houston, Texas

Houston City Council -- District D
Georgia D. Provost vs. Dwight Boykins

GET TO KNOW DWIGHT BOYKINS
CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE

According to his website, Dwight Boykins is born and educated in District D with a passion for advocating for his residents and community issues. Dwight has been committed to serving his community by working with organizations like SHAPE Community Center, the NAACP, and several other non-profits. District D is Dwight’s home and his only hope is to make it a better community for all of its current and future citizens.

Through his work, Dwight has been able to help community organizations and citizens in their effort to make a difference in the world we live in today. As a small business owner, Dwight has developed the insight into what it takes to run a business and has gained the appreciation of just how important they are to our community. As Councilman, he will use that insight to help create a better, more prosperous community for District D.

Dwight has also served in various positions through the City of Houston. In 2008 Dwight was appointed by former Houston Mayor Bill White to serve on the Hurricane Ike Relief Fund Board, overseeing the distribution of over $16 million in funding to the city’s most devastated areas. Dwight has also served on the Oversight Committee of ReBuild Houston – a citywide initiative aimed at renewing the city’s flooding and street infrastructure. Through this work, Dwight has developed a passion for service and representing the community that he loves.

A native Houstonian and lifelong resident of District D, Dwight attended and graduated from Houston Independent School District including, Turner Elementary, Whidby Elementary, Cullen Jr. High, and Stephen F. Austin High School. Dwight then went on to earn his BBA in Marketing from the Jesse H. Jones School of Business at Texas Southern University. Dwight and Genora, his wife of over 23 years, reside in the heart of District D. They have attended Windsor Village United Methodist Church for over 25 years.

GET TO KNOW GEORGIA D. PROVOST
CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE

According to her website, Mrs. Georgia Provost CEO of Provost and Associates has more than 50 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 25 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 has 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. Provost is a leader with the Texas Metropolitan Organization (TMO). Miss "P" or mother as she is affectionately known 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.

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