Houston Business Connections Newspaper©

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Democrats and Republicans Prepare for Runoff Showdown Between Pretta VanDible Stallworth and Eugene Pack for HCC District IX

Lillie Schechter, the newly elected Harris County Democratic Party Chair faces a challenge on Saturday, December 9, 2017, as she seeks to help Democrat Pretta VanDible Stallworth (right) beat back the Republican forces seeking to take over this historically Democratic district. The front-runner at this time is Republican candidate, Eugene "Gene" Pack in the fight for the HCC Trustee for District IX seat. And in case you haven't heard, the Harris County Democratic Party will be hosting a "December Run-Off Phone Bank". Also, in case you're wondering, the Harris County Republican Party has been emailing out their "NEWSLETTER" to assist Eugene "Gene" Pack, as Election Day draws closer!

Schechter Plans to Host a Democratic Runoff Phone Bank, Simpson Sending Out Emails to Republicans as Saturday, December 9, 2017, Runoff Election Showdown between Pretta VanDible Stallworth and Eugene Pack for HCC District IX Draws Closer

HBC MAGAZINE© REPORTS

In case you haven’t been following the HCC Board Trustee for District IX race for the seat that was formerly held by Christopher “Chris” Oliver – it has all come down to a Saturday, December 9, 2017, showdown between a Democrat by the name of Pretta VanDible Stallworth, and a Republican, by the name of Eugene “Gene” Pack. So, please don’t forget that early voting will begin on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, and end on Tuesday, December 5, 2017.

PACK IS THE LAST REPUBLICAN STANDING

Just to bring you up to speed, back in the Tuesday, November 7, 2017 General Elections for HCC Board of Trustees, and HISD Board of Trustees in the Houston area, Republican candidates took a real beating up and down the ballot – but there’s still one left standing, his name is Eugene “Gene” Pack and he’s the projected front-runner at this time! Here’s what Paul Simpson, (Chairman of the Harris County Republican Party) said as he praised Eugene “Gene” Pack for being a longtime committed Republican Party Precinct Chair: “While several conservative candidates for the HISD and HCC school boards fell short in their races, as the top vote-getter for the HCC District IX race, longtime Republican precinct chair Gene Pack was able to make the runoff race.”

A TOUGH TEST FOR SCHECHTER

Early voting will begin on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, in the race for (HCC) Houston Community College Board Trustee for District IX. “This race is very important for Democrats, and Republicans on many different levels -- BUT MUCH MORE FOR DEMOCRATS...because we're talking about a historically Democratic voting district,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine©. Not only will the race for HCC Board Trustee for District IX give us a glimpse into Lillie Schechter’s management style, and whether she has the ability to rally her core base of Democratic voters -- it also represents the first major test for the newly elected Democratic Party Chair.

DISTRICT IX IS A MUST WIN FOR SCHECHTER

Just in case you don’t remember, Lillie Schechter was elected to serve as the Harris County Democratic Party Chair following the resignation of former Democratic Party Chair, Lane Lewis. As a little refresher, the final vote was: Lillie Schechter (190 votes), Eartha Jean Johnson (118 votes), Dominique Davis (21 votes), and Johnathan Miller (30 votes). Does Schechter have what it takes to get the job done? -- Many Democrats throughout Harris County believe she does? Can Schechter deliver a win for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth? -- Many Democrats throughout Harris County believe she can? Is Schechter committed to helping African American Democratic candidates win in Harris County? -- Many Democrats throughout Harris County believe that she's very committed to this task. Does she have a plan specifically aimed at helping African American candidates win in the 2018 Midterm Elections, and the 2020 Presidential Elections? -- Many Democrats throughout Harris County are hoping that she has a good plan. Just in case you don’t know why Houston Business Connections Magazine© is asking these question right now, you must remember, it was former Democratic Party Chair, Lane Lewis (not Schechter) who led the charge as Democrats enjoyed a very comfortable 70,367 straight-ticket vote lead (back in the 2016 Presidential Election in Harris County) to usher in sweeping victories for African American judicial candidates in particular, and other countywide Democratic candidates in general. So with that said, “The Saturday, December 9, 2017 HCC Board Trustee District IX Runoff Election race between Pretta VanDible Stallworth (a Democrat), Eugene Pack (a Republican), gives us our best shot to witness first-hand, how much Lillie Schechter cares about voter turnout in neighborhoods like Sunnyside, South Park, Hiram Clarke, Corinthian Pointe, and other predominantly African American voting strongholds heading into 2018,” says Taylor. “Will Schechter put her Democratic "POWER PLAYERS" to work for this African American Democratic female candidate (Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth), or leave her out in the wilderness to fight this battle alone with very little resources? -- Many Democrats we've spoken to believe that Lillie Schechter will rise to the occasion on Saturday, December 9, 2017.”

PRETTA CAN'T WIN WITHOUT DEMOCRATIC HELP

Yes, we know, the race for HCC Board Trustee for District IX is supposed to be a non-partisan affair. But the partisan battle-lines were drawn a long time ago. “This race has been anything but non-partisan from the very beginning,” says Taylor. SO, LET'S GO!!!

THE PHONE BANKING EFFORT

Democratic Party Chair, Lillie Schechter has gotten into the game – and plans to flex a little muscle by hosting a “Democratic Runoff Election Phone Bank” on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 (the day before the start of Early Voting); again on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 (the final day of Early Voting); and again on Saturday, December 9, 2017 to drive out Election Day voting. “Yes, phone banking is an excellent idea, and I applaud Schechter’s effort. "Just take a moment to think about it, Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth is the only Democratic candidate who has the Republican machine working against her -- SO THIS JUST MAKES A LOT OF SENSE,” Taylor explains.

MANY DEMOCRATIC LEADERS ARE STANDING WITH DR. PRETTA VANDIBLE STALLWORTH ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2017

Democratic leaders are taking photos with Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth as Election Day approaches. In case you haven’t been paying attention, Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth has been seen recently with: Texas Democratic Party Chair (Gilberto Hinojosa), Congresswoman for the 18th Congressional District of Texas (Sheila Jackson Lee), Congressman for the 9th Congressional District of Texas (Al Green), Mayor for the City of Houston (Sylvester Turner), State Representative for House District 141 (Senfronia Thompson), Harris County District Attorney (Kim Ogg), City of Houston Council Member (Larry Green – District K), City of Houston Council Member (Amanda Edwards – At-Large Position 4), and Harris County Attorney (Vince Ryan), just to name a few.

A MESSAGE FROM DR. PRETTA VANDIBLE STALLWORTH

TEXAS DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIR GILBERTO HINOJOSA AND PRETTA

PRETTA AND CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE

CONGRESSMAN AL GREEN AND DR. PRETTA VANDIBLE STALLWORTH

STATE REPRESENTATIVE THOMPSON AND MAYOR TURNER WITH PRETTA

PRETTA AND HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY KIM OGG

PRETTA AND HOUSTON CITY COUNCILMAN LARRY GREEN

PRETTA AND HOUSTON CITY COUNCILWOMAN AMANDA EDWARDS

HARRIS COUNTY ATTORNEY VINCE RYAN AND PRETTA

HARRIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC ACTIVIST ART PRONIN AND PRETTA

Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth recently asked for Houston Business Connections Magazine© to remind all HCC District IX voters that she is asking for the vote, prayers, and support of every registered voter who lives inside the HCC District IX boundaries without respect to their ethnicity, political affiliation, gender, gender identity, or socio-economic status. And yes, she's going to need every vote she can get to win this race on Saturday, December 9, 2017. Anything is possible, but, Pretta VanDible Stallworth trailed her Republican rival, Eugene “Gene” Pack by roughly 349 votes back on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, in the General Election – and that’s a lot of votes considering the turnout is expected to be low on Saturday, December 9, 2017. So, in case you didn’t see the actual results, the Republican, Eugene “Gene” Pack finished with 3,522 votes for 42.18%; Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth (the only Democrat in the race) finished with 3,173 votes for 38.00%, and the other Republican, David Jaroszewski (who was endorsed by the Houston Chronicle) finished last with 1,654 votes for 19.81%. “The problem Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth faces is that she was actually running against not one, but two Republicans back in the General Election,” explains Taylor. “So nobody really knows if the Republican voters who supported David Jaroszewski will come back out to vote for Eugene Pack on Saturday, December 9, 2017,” he says. “If they do, this will put Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth at an even greater disadvantage without specific help from the Harris County Democratic Party.”

OTHER KEY HOUSTON AREA RUNOFF RACES

Houstonians in other areas of the city will be casting ballots on Saturday, December 9, 2017, in the race between Elizabeth Santos and Gretchen Himsl for the HISD Board Trustee for District I seat. In another part of the city, Sergio Lira and Jesse A. Rodriguez will do battle on Saturday, December 9, 2017, for the HISD Board Trustee for District III seat. SO LET’S GO!!!

HIMSL VERSUS SANTOS

Houston ISD Trustee, District I

Saturday, December 9, 2017, Runoff Election Race between Elizabeth Santos and Gretchen Himsl for HISD District I Analysis by Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher of HBC Magazine©

RUNOFF RACE ANALYSIS BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “The runoff race for Houston ISD Board Trustee for District I is difficult to analyze – partly because the voter participation was too low. However, one would think that Elizabeth Santos is sitting in the “catbird seat” heading into the runoff. I say this because, when you look at the fact that Elizabeth Santos finished more than 954 (nine hundred and fifty-four) votes ahead of Gretchen Himsl with another Hispanic female by the name of Monica Flores Richart in the race, conventional wisdom would say that the race for Houston ISD Board Trustee for District I is Elizabeth Santos’ race to lose in a head-to-head showdown with Gretchen Himsl. But not so fast, Santos' biggest challenge will be to motivate her base to come back out and vote again in December. So don’t count Gretchen Himsl out! Remember, I told you guys in my “ELECTION DAY EDITION” of Houston Business Connections Magazine© to watch out for Gretchen Himsl – she’s a very strong candidate with a lot of passion. And I happen to like her chances. And above me liking her chances, my team and I actually discovered several different pathways Himsl could take to close the gap on Santos when we did our overview of this race. As a result, we believe that the best thing Himsl has working for her is what we perceive to be as voter apathy. Take a look at these numbers: only 9,768 of the 78,479 registered voters in Houston ISD Board Trustee District I even bothered to vote in the General Election. This voter apathy happens to afford Gretchen Himsl a window of opportunity to rally her base while reaching out to the more than 68,711 registered voters who stayed at home – at the same time. Can she pull out a win after trailing so heavily back in the General Election? Anything is possible -- But I’m just not sure! However, I guess the bigger question is whether (or not) Himsl is willing to do what it takes to court registered African American voters throughout the district between now and Election Day!!!"

LIRA VERSUS RODRIGUEZ

Houston ISD Trustee, District III

Saturday, December 9, 2017, Runoff Election Race between Sergio Lira and Jesse A. Rodriguez for HISD District III Analysis by Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher of HBC Magazine©

RUNOFF RACE ANALYSIS BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “The race for Houston ISD Board Trustee for District III between Sergio Lira and Jesse A. Rodriguez can be won by either candidate in December. This is perhaps the most evenly matched “Runoff Race” on the ballot. Back on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, in the General Election there were four candidates in the race. Here’s how they finished: Jesse A. Rodriguez finished first to head the pack with 1,241 votes for 39.85% of the vote. Finishing second to force the runoff was Sergio Lira with 1,051 votes for 33.75% of the vote. Rodolfo (Rudy) Reyes finished third with 438 votes for 14.07% of the vote. And Carlos Perrett finished fourth with 384 votes for 12.33% of the vote. Trying to get voters in this district to turn back out will be a major challenge for both Lira and Rodriguez in this race. However, as I mentioned in the “ELECTION DAY EDITION” of Houston Business Connections Magazine© Sergio Lira is the candidate to watch in this race. Hey, this district has more than 55,222 registered voters, but only 3,504 chose to show up during the General Election – nobody knows for sure what’s going to happen in this one.”

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

Harris County Administration Building

1. Main Office: Harris County Administration Building is located at 1001 Preston Street, 4th Floor, Houston, 77002 -- You can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX at the Harris County Administration Building from Wednesday, November 29, 2017, through Friday, December 1, 2017, from 8:00a.m - 4:30p.m.; on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m.; and from Monday, December 4, 2017 through Tuesday, December 5, 2017 you can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. at the Harris County Administration Building. Click here to find your Election Day polling place on Saturday, December 9, 2017.

Moody Park Community Center

2. Moody Park: Moody Park Community Center is located at 3725 Fulton Street, Houston, 77009 -- You can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX at the Moody Park Community Center from Wednesday, November 29, 2017, through Friday, December 1, 2017, from 8:00a.m - 4:30p.m.; on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m.; and from Monday, December 4, 2017 through Tuesday, December 5, 2017 you can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. at the Moody Park Community Center. Click here to find your Election Day polling place on Saturday, December 9, 2017.

H.C.C.S. Southeast College

3. Southeast Houston: H.C.C.S. Southeast College is located at 6960 Rustic Street, Parking Garage, Houston, 77087 -- You can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX at the H.C.C.S. Southeast College from Wednesday, November 29, 2017, through Friday, December 1, 2017, from 8:00a.m - 4:30p.m.; on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m.; and from Monday, December 4, 2017 through Tuesday, December 5, 2017 you can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. at the H.C.C. S. Southeast College. Click here to find your Election Day polling place on Saturday, December 9, 2017.

Young Neighborhood Library

4. Palm Center (*): Young Neighborhood Library is located at 5107 Griggs Road, Houston, 77021 -- You can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX at the Young Neighborhood Library from Wednesday, November 29, 2017, through Friday, December 1, 2017, from 8:00a.m - 4:30p.m.; on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m.; and from Monday, December 4, 2017 through Tuesday, December 5, 2017 you can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. at the Young Neighborhood Library. Click here to find your Election Day polling place on Saturday, December 9, 2017.

Fiesta Mart

5. Astrodome Area: Fiesta Mart is located at 8130 Kirby Drive, Houston, 77054 -- You can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX at the Fiesta Mart from Wednesday, November 29, 2017, through Friday, December 1, 2017, from 8:00a.m - 4:30p.m.; on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m.; and from Monday, December 4, 2017 through Tuesday, December 5, 2017 you can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. at the Fiesta Mart. Click here to find your Election Day polling place on Saturday, December 9, 2017.

Metropolitan Multi-Service Center

6. Near Town: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center is located at 1475 W. Gray Street, Houston, 77019 -- You can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center from Wednesday, November 29, 2017, through Friday, December 1, 2017, from 8:00a.m - 4:30p.m.; on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m.; and from Monday, December 4, 2017 through Tuesday, December 5, 2017 you can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center. Click here to find your Election Day polling place on Saturday, December 9, 2017.

Hardy Senior Center

7. North: Hardy Senior Center is located at 11901 West Hardy Road, Houston, 77076 -- You can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX at the Hardy Senior Center from Wednesday, November 29, 2017, through Friday, December 1, 2017, from 8:00a.m - 4:30p.m.; on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m.; and from Monday, December 4, 2017 through Tuesday, December 5, 2017 you can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. at the Hardy Senior Center. Click here to find your Election Day polling place on Saturday, December 9, 2017.

Sunnyside Multi-Purpose Center

8. Sunnyside: Sunnyside Multi-Purpose Center is located at 9314 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, 77051 -- You can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX at the Sunnyside Multi-Purpose Center from Wednesday, November 29, 2017, through Friday, December 1, 2017, from 8:00a.m - 4:30p.m.; on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m.; and from Monday, December 4, 2017 through Tuesday, December 5, 2017 you can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. at the Sunnyside Multi-Purpose Center. Click here to find your Election Day polling place on Saturday, December 9, 2017.

Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center

9. South Houston: Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center is located at 3810 W. Fuqua Street, Houston, 77045 -- You can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center from Wednesday, November 29, 2017, through Friday, December 1, 2017, from 8:00a.m - 4:30p.m.; on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m.; and from Monday, December 4, 2017 through Tuesday, December 5, 2017 you can vote early for Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for HCC Board Trustee for District IX from 7:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center. Click here to find your Election Day polling place on Saturday, December 9, 2017.

PLEASE VOTE EARLY!!!

EVERY VOTE WILL COUNT!!!

"Don't forget that early voting is expected to be very low in all three races on Saturday, December 9, 2017, in the Runoff Election for HCC Trustee for District IX, HISD Trustee for District I, and the race for HISD Trustee for District III. So every vote will count!!!"

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Democrat Dr Pretta VanDible Stallworth and Republican Eugene Pack are HCC District IX Runoff Election Candidates

DR. PRETTA VANDIBLE STALLWORTH IS THE CANDIDATE WHO VALUES YOUR VOTE IN THE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2017 RUNOFF ELECTION RACE FOR HCC TRUSTEE FOR DISTRICT IX

HBC MAGAZINE© REPORTS

Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth asked for Houston Business Connections Magazine© to remind you that she is asking for the vote, prayers, and support of every voter who lives inside the HCC District IX boundaries without respect to their ethnicity, political affiliation, gender, gender identity, or socio-economic status. And she's going to need every vote she can get to win this race. Yes, anything is possible, but, Pretta VanDible Stallworth trailed her Republican rival, Eugene “Gene” Pack by roughly 349 votes back on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, in the General Election – that’s a lot in a low-voter-turnout election. In case you didn’t see the actual results, the Republican, Eugene “Gene” Pack finished with 3,522 votes for 42.18%; Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth (the only Democrat in the race) finished with 3,173 votes for 38.00%, and the other Republican, David Jaroszewski (who was endorsed by the Houston Chronicle) finished last with 1,654 votes for 19.81%. So please don’t forget that early voting will begin on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, and end on Tuesday, December 5, 2017.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

Harris County Administration Building

Moody Park Community Center

H.C.C.S. Southeast College

Young Neighborhood Library

Fiesta Mart

Metropolitan Multi-Service Center

Hardy Senior Center

Sunnyside Multi-Purpose Center

Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center

HIMSL VERSUS SANTOS

Houston ISD Trustee, District I

Saturday, December 9, 2017, Runoff Election Race between Elizabeth Santos and Gretchen Himsl for HISD District I Analysis by Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher of HBC Magazine©

RUNOFF RACE ANALYSIS BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “The runoff race for Houston ISD Board Trustee for District I is difficult to analyze – partly because the voter participation was too low. However, one would think that Elizabeth Santos is sitting in the “catbird seat” heading into the runoff. I say this because, when you look at the fact that Elizabeth Santos finished more than 954 (nine hundred and fifty-four) votes ahead of Gretchen Himsl with another Hispanic female by the name of Monica Flores Richart in the race, conventional wisdom would say that the race for Houston ISD Board Trustee for District I is Elizabeth Santos’ race to lose in a head-to-head showdown with Gretchen Himsl. But not so fast, Sontos' biggest challenge will be to motivate her base to come back out and vote again in December. So don’t count Gretchen Himsl out! Remember, I told you guys in my “ELECTION DAY EDITION” of Houston Business Connections Magazine© to watch out for Gretchen Himsl – she’s a very strong candidate with a lot of passion. And I happen to like her chances. And above me liking her chances, my team and I actually discovered several different pathways Himsl could take to close the gap on Santos when we did our overview of this race. As a result, we believe that the best thing Himsl has working for her is what we perceive to be as voter apathy. Take a look at these numbers: only 9,768 of the 78,479 registered voters in Houston ISD Board Trustee District I even bothered to vote in the General Election. This voter apathy happens to afford Gretchen Himsl a window of opportunity to rally her base while reaching out to the more than 68,711 registered voters who stayed at home – at the same time. Can she pull out a win after trailing so heavily back in the General Election? Anything is possible -- But I’m just not sure! However, I guess the bigger question is whether (or not) Himsl is willing to do what it takes to court registered African American voters throughout the district between now and Election Day!!!"

LIRA VERSUS RODRIGUEZ

PLEASE VOTE EARLY!!!

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

Monday, November 20, 2017

Mixed Messages is a Commentary Written by Carroll G Robinson and Published inside Houston Business Connections Magazine©

Carroll G. Robinson, ESQ. is running for Chairman of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats. Please feel free to contact Carroll G. Robinson, ESQ. at (832)863-8092 or by email at Robinsoncarroll97@gmail.com to discuss this article. He’s pictured on the cover of this edition of Houston Business Connections Magazine© with distinguished leaders from Harris County, Texas. This magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. Please call (832)212-8735 for more information. Or you may call (281)788-3033 to speak directly to the publisher.

Mixed Messages??? -- A Commentary Written by the Honorable Carroll G. Robinson, ESQ, published inside this edition of Houston Business Connections Magazine©

I am really worried and frustrated about this idea that for some reason in 2018 & 2020 some Democrats believe that the Party needs a different message for white working class voters than the message they have for Black Democrats and other people of color because of a difference in values. I find that idea somewhat insulting.

I can't speak for all Black people or other people of color, nor would I try to, but I know I want to be treated fairly by the police and government and I believe everyone in America wants and expects to be treated fairly as well.

I want to live a long and healthy life, with access to quality, affordable healthcare and good food and fresh fruits and vegetables (at an affordable price) in my neighborhood. Again, I believe other people, regardless of color, want the same things too.

I am willing to work hard and want equal access to good paying jobs and contracting opportunities as an entrepreneur to build a better life; turn income into wealth and ensure an opportunity to do better for my son and hopefully, my future grandchildren.

I believe all Americans want an opportunity to do better for themselves and their family.

Which Americans don't want such an opportunity? Which Americans want their children to be less successful than they are?

I am an educator, an immigrant, a naturalized citizen, and I know the value of a quality education, from both professional experience and a personal perspective. Which Americans don't want quality public schools in their neighborhoods? (Yes, some Black, Hispanic, Asian and white parents send their children to private and Charter Schools, but they still pay taxes that help fund and support public schools.)

Regardless of where our children go to school, parents (and grandparents) want them to be safe, healthy, get an education, be prepared for college and also be workforce ready. Taxpayers are willing to invest more in education, especially if it is to modernize our system to reflect the reality of a changing economy and the new workplace requirements for success in the emerging "gig" economy.

Which Americans want to miss out on the jobs and wealth opportunities of this new economic transformation? We don't need to leave anyone behind.

In the years ahead, retirement security will be a bigger issue than simply saving Social Security. Democrats need to lead the way now in preparing for the impact of the elimination of private sector Define Benefit (DB) pension plans, the on-going assault on public sector DB pension plans and the reality that most people have little, if any, personal savings for retirement.

Which Americans want our children or senior citizens living in poverty or being homeless on our streets?

Finally, protecting the environment-environmental justice-and eliminating the negative health effects of pollution on children, senior citizens, families, and neighborhoods, are important, I believe, to all Americans. I could be wrong, but I hope no one wants to get sick or die early because of pollution that could be prevented.

Democrats don't need multiple messages, the party needs to focus on a core set of values then offer policy solutions to achieve those values. The policy ideas may vary from district to district or by region but they will grow out of one core set of values. The needs of black Americans are the needs of all Americans.

CONTACT CARROLL G. ROBINSON, ESQ.

Please feel free to contact Carroll G. Robinson, ESQ. at (832)863-8092 or by email at Robinsoncarroll97@gmail.com to discuss this article.

Friday, November 17, 2017

Gretchen Himsl is Endorsed Over Elizabeth Santos as the Best Choice for HISD Trustee for District I in December 9th Runoff

Houston Business Connections Magazine© is pleased to announce Gretchen Himsl as our choice in the HISD District I Runoff Election

DEAR HISD DISTRICT I RESIDENTS

Please be advised that Gretchen Himsl is the choice of our “Select Non-Partisan Group of Houston Business Connections Magazine© Readers” in the Saturday, December 9, 2017 “Runoff Election” for HISD Board Trustee for District I. Our loyal, politically astute, and knowledgeable “Select Non-Partisan Group of Houston Business Connections Magazine© Readers” totally agrees with the Houston Chronicle editorial board’s statement from back on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 about Gretchen Himsl which stated: “...Himsl has a firm grasp of the key challenges facing HISD. She would make for a thoughtful and calming influence on the HISD board.” So, in case you don’t already know, Gretchen Himsl is also recommended by this very “Diverse Group” of organizations and distinguished leaders: Houstonians for Great Public Schools (HoustonGPS), Honorable Anna Eastman - HISD Trustee, District I, Honorable Karla Cisneros - Houston City Council, District H, Honorable Garnet Coleman - State Representative, District 147, Honorable Paula Arnold - former HISD Trustee, Honorable Catherine Mincberg - former HISD Trustee, Honorable Dianne Johnson, former HISD Trustee, Honorable Patricia Gray, former State Representative, and Honorable Scott Hochberg - former State Representative. Please don’t forget that early voting begins on Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

ABOUT OUR READERSHIP BOARD

For over 26-years Aubrey R. Taylor has studied "LOCAL AND NATIONAL" elections. During this time, he’s helped many incumbents to hold onto their seats, and he’s “DEVELOPED STRATEGIES TO UNSEAT INCUMBENTS” as well. For years, he’s paneled a “PRIVATE GROUP OF HIS READERS” to assist him with selecting the best and most qualified "NON-PARTISAN" slate of candidates to recommend in “PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS” and “MIDTERM ELECTIONS” in the State of Texas. In case you don’t remember, back in the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 “PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION” this “Select Non-Partisan Group of Houston Business Connections Magazine© Readers” made “RECOMMENDATIONS” in sixty-seven (67) key contested races on the ballot in Harris County, Texas. The Houston Chronicle (EDITORIAL BOARD) made endorsements in the same sixty-seven (67) key contested races. HERE ARE THE RESULTS: The Houston Chronicle’s (EDITORIAL BOARD) posted a record of: (38 ENDORSEMENT WINS AND 29 ENDORSEMENT LOSSES) in these key contested races, while the “Select Non-Partisan Group of Houston Business Connections Magazine© Readers” posted a record of: (51 ENDORSEMENT WINS AND 16 ENDORSEMENT LOSSES).

GRETCHEN CAN WIN WITH OUR HELP

Gretchen Himsl is by far the best, most qualified candidate in the race for HISD Board Trustee for District I. However, she heavily trailed the first place finisher back on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. So, it’s vitally important that you remind all your family, friends, and neighbors to consider casting their vote for Gretchen Himsl during the early voting period (which begins on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, or on Election Day, which is Saturday, December 9, 2017. Only 9,768 of the more than 78,479 registered voters in HISD Board District I went to the polls back in the General Election. So let’s GO!!!

Sincerely,

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Pioneer Bank Answers Prayer of Arthur J Smith Sr, and his Family in Aftermath of Hurricane Harvey with $15,000.00 Dollar Check

Arthur Smith Sr., his wife Darlene Koffey Smith, son Arthur Smith III, also known as “Yung Giant”, Gloria Sanderson, SVP, CRA/Fair Lending Officer for Pioneer Bank are the featured individuals on the cover of “VERSION 1” of Houston Business Connections Magazine’s “2017 Year-End Review” edition. Houston Texans football player J.J. Watt is also featured on the cover of this version. Inside this edition, J.J. Watt shares how he plans to distribute the millions of dollars the J.J. Watt Foundation received in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Beyoncé, Mattress Mack, Jim Crane, State Senator Borris L. Miles, State Rep. Shawn Thierry, Dr. Letitia Plummer, Judge Loyd Wright, Judge Christine Riddle Butts, Judge John Schmude, Judge Renee Magee, Attorney Sandra Peake, and Attorney Melanie Wilcox Flowers are just a few of the other distinguished individuals featured inside this edition. Houston Business Connections Magazine© is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All Rights Reserved. Cover photo by: Kennedy Hall, Phillis Wheatley High School Journalism Department/Photographer

When all Hope Was Seemingly Lost…Gloria Sanderson of Pioneer Bank Showed Up!

We’re sure you’ve heard of the passage of scripture in James 2:14-17 which reads, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food and one of you say to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

FAITH AT WORK

By now, most of you know that the struggle for Houstonians trying to recover in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey is still ongoing for many. Arthur J. Smith, Sr., his wife Darlene Koffey Smith, and their son, Arthur J. Smith, III, are just one example of what families are going through as they struggle to keep the faith; hold out hope, and trust God.

After putting thousands of dollars of their hard earned money into renovating their small building in Houston’s historic Fifth Ward, the pouring rains from Hurricane Harvey came along and threatened to put the Smith’s out of business for good. “The roof just wasn’t strong enough to hold up,” says Arthur J. Smith, Sr. as he discusses the challenges Super Bold City, a micro-factory for printing T-shirts faced following the storm. “Everything was just all messed up,” he says.

According to Smith, Hurricane Harvey’s relentless downpour of rain is what did the most damage to his building. “The rain, and after that, the moisture just took its toll and caused us to consider just throwing our hands up,” he says. “Everything we invested appeared to be lost forever.”

THE SBA SAID “NO”

After the storm was over Arthur J. Smith, Sr., and his wife Koffey began searching for help in all the usual places. They felt pretty confident that help would come by way of the (SBA) Small Business Administration. However, their hopes were quickly dashed when the SBA said, that they couldn’t help. “We filed for a $50,000 dollar SBA Loan, but was turned down,” he explains. “We thought all hope was lost after that…but a knock on the door changed it all.”

PIONEER BANK SAID “YES”

“Gloria Sanderson, the SVP,CRA/Fair Lending Officer is a perfect example of why it is vitally important for banks and other lending institutions to have caring people who value our community in positions of authority,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Magazine©. “From what I’ve been told, upon reading their story in the Houston Chronicle, titled: “Harvey abruptly changes economic fortunes, for better and worse” written by: Lydia DePillis and Collin Eaton back on Friday, September 29, 2017 – Gloria Sanderson felt compelled to act,” says Taylor. “She didn’t have to start calling around to try and find Art and Koffey. She could have just ignored their story (or waited for someone else to act) like most other people did,” explains Taylor. “But Gloria Sanderson isn’t that type of person – she truly cares about the community she’s dedicated to serving. It took some effort on her part, but she eventually found Arthur J. Smith and Koffey – and promised to help them!”

SANDERSON KEEPS HER PROMISE

GLORIA SANDERSON -- (281)222-7458

When everyone else said “NO” to Arthur J. Smith, Sr. and Koffey, the people at Pioneer Bank said “YES”. “On behalf of Houston Business Connections Magazine©, I want to personally thank Gloria Sanderson and Pioneer Bank for helping this fine, hardworking family by delivering $15,000.00 dollars by way of their “Small Business Recovery Grant Program” done in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas to help small businesses get back on their feet after Hurricane Harvey,” says Aubrey R. Taylor.

ART AND KOFFEY ARE GRATEFUL

“On behalf of Super Bold City, Art, our son (Yung Giant) and myself (Koffey) we want to personally thank Pioneer Bank and Miss Gloria Sanderson for hearing our cry; noticing our need to be helped out financially, and taking action to help us reach our level of progress as a small business. We are working hard every day to continue to serve our under-served community/society after being affected by Hurricane Harvey ourselves. Miss Gloria Sanderson went above and beyond the call of duty. She went the extra mile for us, by traveling from Sugar Land, Texas to 5th Ward in search of helping us out. And to hear her say that she could not get the image of my husband Art printing that T-Shirt with a hole in the roof after seeing our story in the Houston Chronicle made us feel appreciative just to know that someone out there cared enough to help.”

GLORIA SANDERSON IS A TRUE PIONEER

“Pioneer Bank has a true gem in Gloria Sanderson,” says Aubrey R. Taylor. So, if your business has been negatively impacted by a natural disaster, such as Hurricane Harvey, Gloria Sanderson, the SVP, CRA/Fair Lending Officer is a great person to know. She can be reached directly at, (281)632-1516, or by cell at, (281)222-7458. Her email address is, Gloria.sanderson@pioneer.bank if you have any questions. WAY TO GO GLORIA SANDERSON!

A MUST READ STORY PUBLISHED IN THE CHRONICLE

Harvey abruptly changes economic fortunes, for better and worse

Art Smith dries the ink on a t-shirt he just printed at Super Bold Print Shop on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, in Houston. The storefront T-shirt print shop's roof and walls were damaged in the floods in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Their T-shirt drying machine left waterlogged and inoperable, heavily damaging their home and business. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle)

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Sergio Lira Received 1,051 Votes and Jesse A. Rodriguez Received 1,241 Votes to Make the December 2017 Runoff

Houston ISD Trustee, District III

December 2017 Runoff Election Race between Sergio Lira and Jesse A. Rodriguez for HISD District III Analysis by Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher of HBC Magazine©

Election Results for the Tuesday, November 7, 2017, General and Special Elections; Pretta VanDible Stallworth, Eugene Pack, Jesse A. Rodriguez, Sergio Lira, Elizabeth Santos, Gretchen Himsl are all December 2017 Runoff Election Candidates

A few of the people included in this edition of Houston Business Connections Magazine© is as follows: Congressman Gene Green, Dr Letitia Plummer, Art Pronin, Robert Glaser, Blake Green, Travis McGee, Durrell K. Douglas, Pretta VanDible Stallworth, Council Member Larry Green, Eugene Pack, Carolyn Evans Shabazz, Victoria Bryant, Monica Flores Richart, Elizabeth Santos, Gretchen Himsl, Carlos Perrett, Sergio Lira, Rodolfo Reyes, Jesse A. Rodriguez, Susan Shafer, Sue Deigaard, Kara DeRocha, Sean Cheben, Daniel Albert, Robert Lundin, Holly Flynn Vilaseca, John Luman, Anne Katherine Sung, Karla Brown, Wanda Adams, Gerry Wayne Monroe, Governor Greg Abbott and many others. Houston Business Connections© is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All Rights Reserved. Call (832)212-8735 for more information. Or feel free to call (281)788-3033 to speak directly to the publisher.

VANDIBLE STALLWORTH VERSUS PACK

HCCS Board Trustee, District IX

December 2017 Runoff Election between Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth and Eugene “Gene” Pack for HCCS District IX Analysis

RUNOFF RACE ANALYSIS BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Before I get to my analysis for the December 2017 “Runoff Election” race between Eugene “Gene” Pack and Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth for the HCCS Board Trustee for District IX – I have a question to ask. How in the world did David Jaroszewski and Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth end up with an identical number of absentee votes? It’s almost like someone somewhere just pulled a number out of a hat and split it down the middle – giving half to Dr. Pretta VanDible Stallworth and a half to David Jaroszewski – I’m scratching my head on that one. In case you aren’t familiar with what I’m talking about here is a little refresher: Eugene “Gene” Pack (553 ABSENTEE VOTES – 46.90%), David Jaroszewski (313 ABSENTEE VOTES – 26.55%), and Pretta VanDible Stallworth (313 ABSENTEE VOTES – 26.55%). Is that even possible? I’m just not sure how that can happen. Heck, I’m not sure whether I’ve seen that even happen before in my more than 26 years of studying local and national elections. Anyways, Eugene “Gene” Pack finished “ELECTION NIGHT” in first place with a total of 3,522 votes for 42.18% of the vote. Pretta VanDible Stallworth finished the night in second to force the runoff with 3,173 votes for 38.00% of the vote. Our “SELECT NON-PARTISAN GROUP” of Houston Business Connections Magazine© readers will make a “RECOMMENDATION” in the race for HCCS Board Trustee for District IX shortly. For more information call (832)212-8735. Or feel free to call (281)788-3033 to speak directly to the publisher. *This district has 99,109 registered voters, however only 10,181 ballots were cast back on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, in the General Election.”

HIMSL VERSUS SANTOS

Houston ISD Trustee, District I

December 2017 Runoff Election Race between Elizabeth Santos and Gretchen Himsl for HISD District I Analysis by Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher of HBC Magazine©

RUNOFF RACE ANALYSIS BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “The runoff race for Houston ISD Board Trustee for District I is difficult to analyze – partly because the voter participation was too low. However, one would think that Elizabeth Santos is sitting in the “catbird seat” heading into the runoff. I say this because, when you look at the fact that Elizabeth Santos finished more than 954 (nine hundred and fifty-four) votes ahead of Gretchen Himsl with another Hispanic female by the name of Monica Flores Richart in the race, conventional wisdom would say that the race for Houston ISD Board Trustee for District I is Elizabeth Santos’ race to lose in a head-to-head showdown with Gretchen Himsl. But not so fast, Sontos' biggest challenge will be to motivate her base to come back out and vote again in December. So don’t count Gretchen Himsl out! Remember, I told you guys in my “ELECTION DAY EDITION” of Houston Business Connections Magazine© to watch out for Gretchen Himsl – she’s a very strong candidate with a lot of passion. And I happen to like her chances. And above me liking her chances, my team and I actually discovered several different pathways Himsl could take to close the gap on Santos when we did our overview of this race. As a result, we believe that the best thing Himsl has working for her is what we perceive to be as voter apathy. Take a look at these numbers: only 9,768 of the 78,479 registered voters in Houston ISD Board Trustee District I even bothered to vote in the General Election. This voter apathy happens to afford Gretchen Himsl a window of opportunity to rally her base while reaching out to the more than 68,711 registered voters who stayed at home – at the same time. Can she pull out a win after trailing so heavily back in the General Election? Anything is possible -- But I’m just not sure! However, I guess the bigger question is whether (or not) Himsl is willing to do what it takes to court registered African American voters throughout the district between now and Election Day!!!"

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033