A “2013 LEADERSHIP SERIES SALUTE” to All the Candidates Running for Public Office in the 2013 Mayoral Election in the City of Houston
By Aubrey R. Taylor
Publisher of Your Thought Matters Newspaper
On Tuesday, November 5th Houstonians will be going to the polls to decide the direction of Houston’s future. Not all voices will be heard on this matter; but to have your voice heard you must be registered to vote by Monday, October 7th of this year. And don’t stop by merely registering to vote! Registering to vote is only half the battle strategy. After you are registered, you must still go out and exercise your right to vote. So get registered to vote if you have not done so already! Then, vote during early voting for the 2013 Mayoral Election. Early voting will be taking place from Monday, October 21st through Friday, November 1st.
THANKS FOR ANSWERING THE CALL TO SERVICE
On behalf of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Your Thought Matters Newspaper I want to thank all of the individuals who are seeking to make Houston better by answering the call to service. It takes a special kind of person to run for public office. The scrutiny one must undergo causes many to shy away from seeking to serve as a public servant – and understandably so. And let’s not even mention the financial burden running for office can take on a person’s pocketbook. Just think, Ben Hall, one of the candidates running for mayor of Houston came into the fight declaring that he is prepared to spend over $3 million dollars of his own personal money to become mayor of Houston. I don’t care how you stack up those dollars, that’s a major investment that only a privileged few can afford to make.
LET THE 2013 MAYORAL ELECTION BATTLE BEGIN
As we move forward into the height of political season in Houston, let us remember that the people seeking to serve us are all making tremendous sacrifices! And with this in mind, I’m personally asking you to join me in keeping them lifted up in prayer and covered in the same grace we would hope to receive if it were us, or one of our family members out there on the frontlines of the 2013 POLITICAL BATTLEFIELD!
MAYOR ANNISE D. PARKER
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES IN THE RACE FOR MAYOR: Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for mayor of Houston: Annise Parker, Ben Hall, Don Cook, and Eric Dick. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
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| By Mayor Annise Parker |
“I remember voting as a kid with my parents. That was back in the days when you walked into a voting booth, pulled a red curtain behind you, picked your candidates and pulled a lever to cast your ballot. My parents took me every November, and I’ve gone every year as an adult. It’s important to vote for many reasons, but I’ll focus on three.
1) It’s the only opportunity we have, as citizens, to hold our elected officials accountable to the promises they make to us when they’re running for office. I’ve been elected eight times now, so I know that when I make a promise on the campaign trail, voters are listening, and voters will remind me of my promises when I come back in two years.
2) Someone said to me recently – if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. Elected officials make very important decisions about how your money is spent and what limits are placed on your life. It’s important that your elected officials know that you care about your rights and your money – and the best way to show them that you care is to vote.
3) And finally, 150 years ago, voting was reserved for a privileged few. African Americans and women risked their lives fighting for the right to vote. They won in 1870 and 1920, respectively. That isn’t very long ago, and every election I am proud to honor those brave civil rights activists by heading to the polls and casting a ballot.”
Sincerely,
Annise Parker
The 61st Mayor of Houston, Texas
CONTROLLER RONALD C. GREEN
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES IN THE RACE FOR CONTROLLER: Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for City Controller: Ronald C. Green, Bill Frazer, and Don Sumners. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
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| By Controller Ronald C. Green |
“In times like these it is important that all who can vote should exercise their right to. Not at any moment in our time has our country been so politically polarized, we have gun law bills, budget and deficit issues, the issues that are currently being discussed in Washington have a trickle-down effect to cities and local municipalities. It is important that we have the right leadership in place so that our city is ready to handle those problems. Locally, our economy, public project initiatives and quality of life all depend on the representation YOU the citizen vote for. The City of Houston’s leadership helps in making decisions that make sure that the aforementioned are available to you. That is why it is important for you to participate in local elections. In no other elections, state or nationally, can you personally hold your elected official accountable for the well being of the city that you live in. You want and need responsible men and women to make sure that your taxes are being put to good use, whether you are Republican or Democrat. We need YOU to help Houston thrive as a city, we need YOU to ensure Houston has the quality of life for families and visitors to enjoy and prosper in. Your vote helps in achieving those goals.”
Sincerely,
Ronald C. Green
Houston City Controller
HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT A
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| Houston Council Member Helena Brown is currently serving her first term as the Houston City Council District A representative. Council Member Brown will be running for re-election in the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election in Houston. |
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| CLICK HERE TO SEE IF YOU LIVE IN HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT A |
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES IN THE RACE FOR DISTRICT A: Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council District A: Helena Brown, Brenda Stardig, Amy Peck, Ronald Hale, and Mike Knox. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
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| CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AMY PECK |
HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT B
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES IN THE RACE FOR DISTRICT B: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District B) Member Jerry Davis in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT C
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| CLICK HERE TO SEE IF YOU LIVE IN HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT C |
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT C: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District C) Member Ellen Cohen in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
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By Council Member Ellen Cohen
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“Democracy is the cornerstone of our country from the federal level down to the local level. I was raised to believe that democracy means “one person, one vote,” and that exercising your vote is a responsibility as well as a right. In a politically polarized nation, making your voice heard from the ballot box becomes even more urgent. In Houston, though voter turnout in our last national election (2012) was above 60%, unfortunately, in our last local election (2011) turnout was less than 15%. This is particularly regrettable because all politics is local.
Local government is responsible for the most immediate concerns of our citizens’ daily lives. From streets to parks to libraries to water, your local government officials make or influence the policy decisions that impact our lives. Consequently, holding elected officials accountable for their decisions is vital to a well-functioning city, state, or nation. Furthermore, particularly in a local election, every vote is critical. Elections that are determined by 10, 100, or 500 votes are more common than many citizens are aware. Since a small voting pool magnifies the effect of a singular vote, participating in a local election can have a great impact on your life. Enfranchisement for all has been hard-won in America, and we owe it to our forebears to honor their sacrifices by exercising the right and responsibility to vote.”
Sincerely,
Ellen Cohen
Houston City Council District C
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| Click here to see who represents you in the United States Senate, United States Congress, Texas Senate, Texas House of Representatives, and on the Texas Board of Education. |
HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT D
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| Houston City Council Member Wanda Adams is currently serving her third and final term as the Houston City Council District D representative. Council Member Wanda Adams cannot run for re-election due to term limits. The District D Houston City Council seat will be one of the open seats in the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election. |
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT D: Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council District A: Georgia Provost, Travis McGee, Dwight Boykins, Assata-Nicole Richards, and Keith Caldwell. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
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| By Council Member Wanda Adams |
“Many times, local elections do not receive a high voter turnout rate because individuals feel that those elections are not as important as voting for national elected officials. Voting in local elections is actually more important because it is the best way to have your voice heard immediately. Local elected officials are the individuals who carry-out fiscal mandates, laws, and actions that are created on a national and state level. Citizens should see their local officials working in their communities by the projects that are being completed in their neighborhoods. The Mayor and City Council choose city department leaders who make decisions regarding infrastructure repair, water services, health services, solid waste services, libraries, parks, and many other services that affect everyone living in the city. These elected officials are the public servants that you should see physically working in the community and working for the community. They have vested interests that are parallel to their constituents because they drive your streets daily, visit the parks with their loved ones, receive city services, and live in your neighborhoods. Local officials know your concerns because they share them. If someone isn’t voting in local elections, they are saying that they are not concerned with the issues that matter most – the issues that affect home.”
Sincerely,
Houston City Council – District D
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HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT E
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT E: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District E) Member Dave Martin in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT F
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT F: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District F) Member Al Hoang in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT G
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT G: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District G) Member Oliver Pennington in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT H
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT H: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District H) Member Ed Gonzalez in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
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| By Mayor Pro-Tem Ed Gonzalez |
“Voting is a fundamental right granted to us by our forefathers, it is a right that sets our nation apart from many in the world, and it is a right that I encourage all citizens to exercise. Elections impact who represents us at every level of government, those representatives are the individuals that advocate for the needs of our communities, of our families, and of our future generations. Electing a representative ensures that your voice is heard at City Hall, at the State Capitol, and in Washington D.C. As a local elected official, I take pride in fighting for the needs of the District H constituents that I represent. Keeping our neighborhoods safe, ensuring that our roads are in good condition, increasing the amount of greenspace in the community, and encouraging economic development are some of my main priorities. I know that I was elected to serve my community and I strive to listen to its needs each and every single day. I sincerely hope that all voters will take time to cast a ballot, particularly during a local election. Our government is only as good as the people that we send to represent us. Make sure that you head to the voting booth and continue to make your voice heard.”
Sincerely,
Ed Gonzalez
Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Houston
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| Click here to see who represents you in the United States Senate, United States Congress, Texas Senate, Texas House of Representatives, and on the Texas Board of Education. |
HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT I
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| Houston City Council Member James G. Rodriguez is currently serving his third and final term as the Houston City Council District I representative. The District I Houston City Council seat will be one of the open seats in the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election. |
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT I: Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council District I: Graci Garces, Leticia Gutierrez Ablaza, Robert Gallegos, and Ben Mendez. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT J
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| Houston City Council Member Mike Laster is currently serving his first term as the Houston City Council District J representative. Council Member Laster will be running for re-election in the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election in Houston. |
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT J: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District J) Member Mike Laster in the 2013 Mayoral Election. . If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
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| By Council Member Mike Laster |
“Local elections are important because local government is the foundation of democracy. Your voice is heard the most at the local level and local officials are some of the most accessible and responsive to the voting public. Your daily life is directly affected by local government – from trash pick-up to potholes to police and fire services to building permits. All of us are called upon to build up our communities and participation in local elections is the most effective way to do that.”
Sincerely,
Mike Laster
Houston City Council District J
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| Click here to see who represents you in the United States Senate, United States Congress, Texas Senate, Texas House of Representatives, and on the Texas Board of Education. |
HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT K
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| Houston City Council Member Larry Green is currently serving his first term as the Houston City Council District K representative. Council Member Green will be running for re-election in the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election in Houston. |
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT K: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District K) Member Larry V. Green in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
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| By Council Member Larry V. Green |
“It is important for voters to participate in local city-wide elections because elected officials can help determine the economic, educational and social wellbeing of entire communities. For example, two very important tasks of city council members include making laws and allocating money. Elected officials are the gatekeepers for millions of dollars in tax revenue—that is, money paid by anyone in the public old enough to purchase taxable merchandise, own property, or earn a paycheck. Elected officials control which individuals, groups, communities, businesses, and institutions receive taxpayer dollars, how much they receive, and the purpose for which they can use the money. Local elected officials are public servants who serve at the pleasure of ordinary citizens—like you and me. For example, in city elections in Houston, every two years voters go to the polls to decide whether their elected officials deserve another term in office. Ultimately, elected officials, including me, are judged by the quality of our leadership. Are we accessible to the public? Do we represent all demographics, rich, poor, everyone? Do we bring money or other resources back to our Districts? Do our decisions or voting record reflect the priorities we promised when asking for your vote? The policies generated from your participation in local city-wide elections shape almost every aspect of our lives. It is important that voters do not take a back seat in the political decisions that result in these policies. Let your voice be heard by voting in all local citywide elections.”
Sincerely,
Larry V. Green, Esq.
Houston City Council District K
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| Click here to see who represents you in the United States Senate, United States Congress, Texas Senate, Texas House of Representatives, and on the Texas Board of Education. |
CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION 1
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| Council Member Stephen Costello is currently serving his second term as the Houston City Council At-Large Position 1 representative. Council Member Costello will be seeking to voter approval to serve his third and final term in the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election. |
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR AT-LARGE POSITION 1: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (At-Large Position 1) Stephen Costello in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION 2
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| Houston City Council Member Andrew C. Burks, Jr. is currently serving his first term as the Houston City Council At-Large Position 2 representative. Council Member Burks will be seeking voter approval to serve a second term in the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election. |
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR AT-LARGE POSITION 2: Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council (At-Large Position 2) Council Member: Andrew C. Burks, Jr. and David Robinson. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
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| By Council Member Andrew C. Burks, Jr. |
Here are a few thoughts Houston City Council Member Andrew C. Burks shared with Your Thought Matters Newspaper on the importance of voting in local elections like the 2013 Mayoral Election taking place in Houston, Texas on Tuesday, November 5, 2013.
“Exercising your right to vote in local elections gives you a powerful voice in the issues that directly impact our family. When we think about the political decisions that make the greatest differences in our lives, we often think about Washington, D.C. But the truth is that some of the decisions that have the largest impact on us are made at City Hall. The brave police officers and fire fighters keeping us safe depend upon responsible local elected officials to ensure they are effective. The roads we drive on, the water we drink, and the parks and libraries our families use are all maintained by your local elected officials. The services we use most are local. That is why it is important to participate in local elections. When you have a concern, it is your locally elected officials who are the most responsive. As members of the community, mayors and council members are more in touch with the everyday needs of our neighbors. As a voter, you want to ensure that the services impacting you the most are in the hands of someone you can trust and who understands your needs. Your vote makes its biggest difference in local elections. Low turnout in local races means your voice is louder and stronger. Your participation ensures your needs are represented and that our city will remain a great place to call home for generations to come.”
Sincerely,
Andrew C. Burks Jr.
Houston City Council At-Large Position 2
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| Click here to see who represents you in the United States Senate, United States Congress, Texas Senate, Texas House of Representatives, and on the Texas Board of Education. |
CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION 3
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| Houston City Council Member Melisa Noriega is currently serving her third and final term as the Houston City Council At-Large Position 3 representative. The Houston City Council At-Large Position 3 seat will be one of the open seats in the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election. |
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR AT-LARGE POSITION 3: Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council (At-Large Position 3) Council Member: Chris Carmona, Michael Kubosh, Roy Morales, Roland Chavez, Rogene Gee Calvert, and Jenifer Rene Pool. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION 4
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| Houston City Council Member C.O. “Brad” Bradford is currently serving his second term as the Houston City Council At- Large Position 4 representative. Council Member Bradford will be seeking voter approval to serve his third and final term in the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election. |
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR AT-LARGE POSITION 4: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (At- Large Position 4) C.O. “Brad” Bradford in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION 5
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| Houston City Council Member Jack Christie is currently serving his first term as the Houston City Council At-Large Position 5 representative. Council Member Jack Christie will be running for re-election in the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election. |
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR AT-LARGE POSITION 5: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (At- Large Position 5) Jack Christie in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
