AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "An Exclusive Poll Showing Turner, Garcia as Front-runners Has Been Released by KHOU and Houston Public Media; However the official Field of Mayoral Candidates Won't Even Be Set Until Monday, August 24, 2015"
HBC REPORTS
IN CASE YOU HAVEN’T HEARD, a new poll pertaining to the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral race has been released by KHOU and Houston Public Media. “According to the polling of 500 or so registered voters they've somehow determined that Sylvester Turner and Adrian Garcia are the front-runners in the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral race,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. “But not so fast, I’m encouraging my readers to at least wait until the Monday, August 24, 2015 filing deadline before they begin determining which candidate is going to be Houston’s next mayor,” Taylor went on to say. “How can you project who is leading a race when you don’t even know who all the candidates are going to be,” he asks. “I’m not saying that the recently released poll is inaccurate. I’m simply saying that I think it’s far too early to be doing polls on a mayoral race where the complete field of candidates has not been determined.”
PICTURE THIS SCENARIO
Imagine holding a discussion about hosting a 100 meter dash runoff and you had a field of sprinters including: Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay, Carl Lewis, Jesse Owens, and others announcing that they were going to be in the race. Now imagine trying to handicap your proverbial 100 meter dash runoff -- only considering these announced participants. Now imagine Usain Bolt (the current world record holder) announcing just before the deadline that he’s decided to enter the race. What would happen to your discussions about who would win? You would be forced to reconsider your projected winner -- Right?
THROWN OUT THE WINDOW
Yes indeed, you would have to take your polling data for your proverbial 100 meter dash runoff and throw it out the window once the field changed. Your entire perspective/outlook on who the eventual winner of the race would change based on the entry of the current world record holder – would it not? Well the same is so in the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election discussion. Remember, the deadline for candidates to enter the race isn’t until Monday, August 24, 2015. So anything can happen between now and then. Right? What would happen if Rebuild Houston is placed on the November ballot? What would happen if the highly-controversial HERO ORDINANCE is place on the November ballot? Stay tuned to find out!
EVERY VOTE COUNTS
"The most important thing we should be discussing right now is how we're going to engage, and then, encourage Houston voters to turn out to vote in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election," explains Taylor.
MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND
“Look, at the end of the day, voters will have to make up their own minds,” Taylor explains. “And I’m encouraging my readers to not base their decision on polls, negative campaign ads, facebook likes, or who has the most money or endorsements for that matter,” Taylor declares.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
THE 2015 MAYORAL CANDIDATES
As of the date of this blog post, Chris Bell, Bill King, Adrian Garcia, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Sylvester Turner, Demetria Smith, Ben Hall, Victoria Lane, Marty McVey, and Stephen “Steven” C. Costello are all candidates running for Mayor of Houston in the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election. “If you ask me, at this point there are no front-runners,” says Taylor.
CANDIDATES CAN STILL ENTER THE 2015 CITY OF HOUSTON MAYORAL RACE
Any other candidates hoping to run for Mayor, City Controller, City Council, HISD Board Trustee, or HCC Board Trustee must file for a place on the ballot before Monday, August 24, 2015. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 19, 2015 and end on Friday, October 30, 2015.
CHECK OUT THE POLL
You can (CLICK HERE) to check out the KHOU – Houston Public Media Poll we referenced in this report. But remember this poll is only a sampling of 500 or so likely voters. The individuals surveyed in this poll had cast ballots in at least the last two of the last three City of Houston Elections – according to published reports. And the margin of error was 4.5-percent.


AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "The candidates below this point are not connected to one another in anyway, shape, or form unless otherwise noted. However, the thing these candidates do have in common is that they're both running for mayor of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election. And they're both asking for your prayers, vote, and support in the upcoming election. Call (832)212-8735 to discuss having your "OPEN LETTER" published."


Dear Neighbor,
I am Ben Hall and I want to be Mayor of this great city! Many of you probably know me, but for those of you who don’t, I am a husband, father, businessman and attorney. I left the private sector during Mayor Bob Lanier’s term, to lead the City Attorney’s office. During that time, I gained the skills and knowledge to move our city forward, by using private sector experience to solve problems. I learned from Mayor Bob that in order to lead this City it requires a focused and committed leader.
Saundra and I love Houston and the opportunity it has given us to be a positive force in the lives of others. We want to continue that by giving back to a city that has given so much to us.
Our streets need to be repaired; our neighborhoods need to be protected; Houstonians need jobs; and our city debt must be addressed. We can’t do this if we don’t work together. As your next Mayor, my focus will be on our City’s basic needs, and to make sure that businesses can flourish without the harsh penalty of more taxes and fees.
I am asking you to join Saundra and me in moving our city forward.
Join us in focusing on the things that matter to ALL Houstonians. I am asking for your prayers, your votes and your thoughts on how we can move Houston forward.
Sincerely,
Benjamin L. “Ben” Hall, III
VOTE EARLY: MONDAY, OCT. 19TH - 30TH
ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2015

CRIME
Ben is a husband and father so he knows the importance of protecting Houstonians. Ben will work with our law enforcement agencies and first responders to keep our families and city safe. As former City Attorney, he understands safety of our citizens is priority.

FIXING OUR STREETS
Houston is a first class city and we deserve first class streets. As Mayor, Ben will make fixing our streets in a timely manner a priority; synchronizing our traffic lights; and working with regional partners to improve traffic conditions. Sitting in traffic means spending less time with your family. Houstonians deserve much more than we have received from city government.

FISCAL RESTRAINT
In tough economic times, we must do more with less. Ben will work to rein in wasteful spending that has occurred at City Hall and work to fix our city’s pension problem. Ben is a business owner and understands the city must be run like a business. He will protect your hard earned tax dollars.

BIOGRAPHY

Ben Hall is a husband, father, and business owner who understand the challenges Houstonians face each day. Ben has been married to Saundra Turner Hall for 33 years. They have two sons, Ben IV and Zachary Hall.

BEN’S EDUCATION





BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
Ben is the founder and owner of The Hall Law Firm where he fights for average citizens every day. Ben and Saundra are also the owners of KOCH Radio, the oldest black owned radio station in the Greater Houston Region. They are also owners of KOCH TV and several other businesses.

BEN'S COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND EXPERIENCE





*NOTE: The individuals featured on this page are not connected to one another in any way, shape, or form, unless otherwise noted.


Dear Fellow Houstonians,
My name is Victoria Lane and I am running for mayor of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 Mayoral Election.
I want to make Houston a city where every citizen has the opportunity to become prosperous -- one that we’re all proud to call home.
Here are several points I want you to consider:







I’m Victoria Lane, and I have more than 40 years of experience – directly related to business management. So if you’re looking for “GOOD GOVERNANCE” and “MORAL LEADERSHIP” make me your choice on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
I pray that God will provide and bless the city of Houston, and all of her citizenry.
Sincerely,
Victoria Lane – The next mayor for the City of Houston
EMAIL: victorialane53@yahoo.com
Cell: (713)550-7899
Office: (281)530-7898

BIOGRAPHY
Victoria A. Lane was born in Cebu City, Philippines on October 10, 1953. Her father – Simaco R. Alesna, Sr., (Filipino-Chinese), and her mother, Lucia Monterde, (Filipino-Spanish) instilled the moral character and values that continue to guide her today.

Victoria and her family migrated to the United States when she was 16 years of age. She studied at the Southwestern Adventist College and took up nursing as a result of her desire to serve the sick and underprivileged. However, being an inborn entrepreneur, she shifted to Business Administration with the dream of helping even more people by way of making meaningful contributions to society though her entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors.
So after graduating from college Victoria immediately entered the world of business. She first served in a marketing capacity for a Home Health Care Agency. To build capital, she worked in Medical Billing on the side. Once she’d accumulated the working capital, she founded VL Investments – which she still owns and operates today. VL Investments offers tax consultancy and Income Tax Returns (ITR) preparation, accounting services, debt consolidation, financial services, as well as retirement and savings planning. She also sells real estate, a variety of dietary supplements, cosmetic products, and owns various rental properties.
During the tax season, Victoria employs mostly students to help them with expenses in school, while at the same time molding them into productive members of society.
She also assists her husband Abel, in their high-end watch, diamond and jewelry business.
Victoria isn’t out of touch. Despite her very busy schedule, she always finds time to give of her time and resources to help the underprivileged in one capacity or another. She was the treasurer of the Asian-Americans SDA and Zion SDA Church from 2007 through 2011. She was also President of the Houston Area Community Service from 2005 through 2010. This non-profit organization helps poor and homeless victims of calamities like Hurricane Katrina. However, it also assists abused spouses, children, and drug abusers who are striving to turn their life around.

Victoria’s passion for public service can be traced back to her political pedigree. She has an uncle and a cousin who were elected Mayors of big cities in southern Philippines, namely: Ronald Duterte of Cebu City, and Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City.
Victoria believes that acting as the chief executive officer of a business, and the chief executive officer of a city is one in the same. To be a good mayor, one must have administration and management skills – the same is so in business. Victoria has these skills and more. Coupled with these skills is her heart for the people. And her more than 40 years of business experience, proven track record, proven concern for the poor, and faith in God should serve her well if elected by the voters on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.


"Here are a few questions and opinions we should definitely ask ourselves/candidates and consider before going to the polls to vote in the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. And please, please, please, don't forget that early voting will begin on Monday, October 19, 2015 and end on Friday, October 30, 2015."

-- FARRAH MARTINEZ --



-- JUDGE JOHN SCHMUDE --



-- BRISCOE CAIN --



-- CHRIS BELL --



-- YOLANDA SMITH --



-- BILL KING --



-- DON DAVIS --



-- DENISE V. SINGLETON --



-- BISHOP ALLEN --



-- KERYL L. DOUGLAS --



-- VICTORIA LANE --



-- CHARLES X WHITE --



-- LAURIE ROBINSON --



-- BISHOP K.J. BROWN --



-- TREBOR GORDON --



-- SEAN ROBERTS --



-- ED KAMPF --



-- RHONDA SKILLERN-JONES --



-- ANDREA WARD-CONWAY --



-- RENEE DUHON --



-- DARLENE "KOFFEY SMITH --




Houston Business Connections Magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. To discuss your inclusion call (832)212-8735 and ask for Aubrey R. Taylor, the president and CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications.
KEY DEADLINES

The candidate filing deadline is on Monday, August 24, 2015 if you plan to run for Mayor, Controller, City Council, or one of the HISD Board Trustee seats in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election.

Thursday, June 25, 2015 is the deadline to post notice of candidate filing deadline.

Saturday, July 25, 2015 is the first day to file for place on general election ballot.

Monday, August 24, 2015 is the last day to file for place on general election ballot.

Friday, September 4, 2015 is the first day for registered voters to apply for ballot by mail.

Monday, October 5, 2015 is the last day for voter registration with the Harris County Clerk.

Monday, October 19, 2015 is the first day of early voting for the 2015 General Election.

Friday, October 23, 2015 is the last day to apply for ballot by mail for the 2015 General Election.

Friday, October 30, 2015 is the last day of early voting for the 2015 General Election.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015 is Election Day for all registered voters in the City of Houston.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Please make an informed and empowered decision when you go into the voting booth to cast your vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.”
Election Day is Tues., Nov. 3, 2015

At this time, Ben Hall, a well-known Houston attorney is asking for our vote, prayers, and support in his quest to become mayor of Houston. Hall finished as the runner-up to (Mayor Annise Parker) back in the 2013 City of Houston Mayoral election. “We’ve provided some information on Ben Hall below. Hall is being highlighted here because he’s one of only two candidates in the 2015 race for mayor who is asking for our vote, prayers, and support at this time,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.

“Victoria Lane is a candidate who values and respects us, our community, and our vote. Victoria Lane, is a businesswoman with more than 40 years of experience. She was the fourth place finisher back in the 2013 City of Houston Mayoral election. She finished behind Mayor Annise Parker, attorney Ben Hall and attorney Eric Dick respectively back in 2013. “We've provided a good overview of who Victoria Lane is in her profile below,” says Taylor.


AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "The charts and information below this point should serve as a quick reference guide to City of Houston Mayoral Election results from 1985 through 2013. This information was compiled by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications."

# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Annise Parker won the right to serve her third and final term in office by receiving 98,124 votes to avoid a runoff. Mayor Parker was challenged by Charyl L. Drab, who received (788) votes, Eric B. Dick (18,368), Don Cook (1,740), Keryl Burgess Douglas (1,227), Ben Hall (48,604), Michael Fitzsimmons (1,195), Victoria Lane (1,814), and Derek A. Jenkins, who finished with 834 votes at the end of the night.
In the Tuesday, November 8, 2011 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Annise Parker won the right to serve her second term in office by receiving 60,135 votes to avoid a runoff. Mayor Parker was challenged by Kevin Simms who received (8,261) votes, Amanda C. Ulman (1,896), Dave Wilson (13,911), Fernando Herrera (16,863), and Jack O’Connor, who finished with 17,348 votes as the end of the night.
In the Tuesday, November 3, 2009 City of Houston Mayoral Election, seven candidates faced off in the race for the open mayoral seat. Annise Parker and Gene Locke made the runoff by finishing with (54,254 votes for Parker) and (45,988 votes for Locke) respectively. Peter Brown received (39,930) votes, Amanda C. Ulman (994), Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. (487), and Roy Morales finished with 35,964 votes to finish off the night.
Annise Parker went on to defeat Gene Locke in a Saturday, December 12, 2009 runoff election by a vote count of (82,175 votes for Parker) to (73,495 votes for Locke) respectively. By defeating Locke, Annise Parker became the first female mayor for Houston, and earned the right to serve her first term.


# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 6, 2007 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Bill White won the right to serve his third and final term in office by receiving 101,557 votes to avoid a runoff. He was being challenged by Amanda C. Ulman, who received (8,832), and Outlaw Josey Wales, IV who finished the night with 7,042 votes.


# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 8, 2005 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Bill White won the right to serve his second term in office by receiving 165,524 votes to avoid a runoff. Mayor White was being challenged in this election by Gladys House, who finished with (7,711) votes, Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. (2,550), Jack Terence (4,285), and Anthony M. Dutrow, who finished the night with 1,771 votes.


# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 4, 2003 City of Houston Mayoral Election, nine candidates faced off in the race for the open mayoral seat. Orlando Sanchez and Bill White made the runoff by finishing with (98,600 votes for Sanchez) and (112,916 votes for White) respectively. Anthony M. Dutrowreceived(405) votes, Jack Josey Terence (323), John Worldpeace (368), Douglas Robb (193), Sylvester Turner (87,267), Luis Ralph Ullrich Jr. (311), and Veronica Michelle Gregory finished with 385 votes at the end of the night.
Bill White went on to defeat Orlando Sanchez in the Saturday, December 6, 2003 runoff election by a vote count of (136,618 votes for Bill White) to (81,830 votes for Orlando Sanchez) respectively. By defeating Sanchez, Bill White earned the right to serve his first term as Houston’s mayor.


# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 6, 2001 City of Houston Mayoral Election, five candidates lined up to prevent Mayor Lee P. Brown from serving his third and final term as Houston’s mayor. Orlando Sanchez was successful in forcing a runoff with the incumbent mayor by receiving (115,967) votes to Mayor Brown’s (125,282) votes at the end of the night. Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. received (572) votes, Anthony M. Dutrow (235), Larry J. Devoy (488), and Chris Bell received 45,739 votes to finish the night of voting.
Mayor Lee P. Brown went on to defeat Orlando Sanchez in the Saturday, December 1, 2001 runoff election by a final vote tally of (165,866 votes for Mayor Lee P. Brown) to (155,162 votes for Orlando Sanchez) respectively.


# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 2, 1999 City of Houston Mayoral Election, two candidates challenged Mayor Lee P. Brown in an effort to prevent him from serving his second term as Houston’s mayor. However, Brown beat back his opponents by receiving (139,150) votes. Jack Terence received (47,887) votes, and Outlaw Josey Wales, IV finished off the night with (19,741) votes.


# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 4, 1997 City of Houston Mayoral Election, eight candidates faced off for the open mayoral seat. Lee P. Brown and Rob Mosbacher made the runoff by receiving (132,324 votes for Brown) and (90,320 votes for Mosbacher) respectively. Richard E. Barry, Helen Huey, Gracie Saenz (21,950), George Greanias (53,115), Bernard E. Calkins, and Jean-Claude Lanau were also in the race.
Lee P. Brown went on to defeat Rob Mosbacher in the Saturday, December 6, 1997 runoff election. Lee P. Brown received (156,307 votes) to Mosbacher’s (140,449 votes) to earn the right to serve his first term as Houston’s first and only African American mayor.


# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 7, 1995 City of Houston Mayoral Election, two candidates challenged Mayor Bob Lanier in an effort to prevent him from serving his third and final term as Houston’s mayor. However, Mayor Bob Lanier received (104,222) votes to beat back his opponents without a runoff. Elizabeth Spates finished with (10,456) votes, and Dave Wilson finished the night off with 11,403 votes.


# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 2, 1993 City of Houston Mayoral Election, four candidates challenged Mayor Bob Lanier in an effort to prevent him from serving his second term as Houston’s mayor. However, Bob Lanier defeated his opponents by receiving (169,752) votes to avoid a runoff. Brian A. Bowen received (9,705) votes, Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. (4,613), Jerry Freiwirth (2,713), and James Partsch-Galvan received 161 votes to finish off the night.


# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 5, 1991 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire lost her seat by finishing third, behind Bob Lanier, and Sylvester Turner in her bid to serve a sixth term as Houston’s mayor. Bob Lanier made the runoff election by receiving (138,096) votes, to Sylvester Turner’s (113,782) votes. Mayor Whitmire could only muster (63,631) votes as election night voting closed. Willie M. Reid received (787) votes to round out the field that night.
Bob Lanier went on to defeat Sylvester Turner in the Saturday, December 7, 1991 runoff election. Lanier received (152,792) votes, to Sylvester Turner’s (135,173) votes to earn the right to serve his first term as Houston’s mayor.


# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 7, 1989 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire received (176,342) votes to avoid a runoff by beating back five candidates seeking to prevent her from serving her fifth term as Houston’s mayor. “Shelby” B. Oringderff received (2,018) votes, Fred Hofheinz (89,971), Rosie Walker (4,667), Greg Rosenberg (856), and Ted G. Walker finished the night with 5,615 votes.


# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 3, 1987 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire received (168,656) votes to fend off six challengers seeking to prevent her from serving her fourth term as Houston’s mayor. Richard “Dick” Diamond received (13,628) votes, “Shelby” B. Oringderff (4,853), Bill Anderson (27,254), Mary J. Pritchard (5,296), Glenn Edward Arnett, Jr. (6,977), and Don W. Gell finished the night with 2,807 votes.


# # # #
In the Tuesday, November 5, 1985 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire held off a stiff challenge from Louie Welch and four other candidates seeking to prevent her from serving her third term as Houston’s mayor. Mayor Whitmire finished the night with (200,868) votes to avoid a runoff. Louie Welch finished a distant second with (138,588) votes. John McCabe received (565) votes, Willie Mae Reid (398), L.B. “Lock” Chambers (266), and Susan Director finished the night off by receiving 430 votes.
# # # #
