Voter Apathy in Houston, Texas Is a Big Problem as The 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election Candidates Continue to Jockey for Position
HBC Reports
Voter apathy (LACK OF CARING OR INTEREST AMONG VOTERS) is at an all-time high in the City of Houston. “A careful scroll down this page will reveal how the citizens of Houston are (all-too-often) just sitting back and allowing these “CITY-WIDE ELECTIONS” to be decided by a handful of people,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. “I’m not knocking anyone’s game. I’m simply saying that the time has come for “ALL HOUSTONIANS” to get more involved, informed, and engaged whereas voting is concerned. This is the only way we’re going to be able to beat back some of the foolishness that we’re allowing to continue to perpetuate itself over and over again in Houston politics,” says Taylor.
WE CAN DO BETTER
“There are far too many Houston voters who are either not interested in citywide elections; or who are just misinformed -- this must change,” says Taylor.
Can you believe that over 53 percent of likely voters in Houston are still undecided about who they’re going to vote for in the 2015 City of Houston Mayor’s Race? Well, that’s exactly what a recent poll conducted by Survey Research Center, University of Houston Center for Public Policy & Rice University showed. This means that the 2015 City of Houston Mayor’s race is still wide-open. You can (CLICK HERE) to check out the Houston Public Media/KHOU 11 poll results.
WE CAN IMPACT THIS ELECTION
“The real question (IN THE 2015 CITY OF HOUSTON MAYOR’S RACE) isn’t who’s leading in the polls however. The real question we should all be asking is: how can we get more voters informed, engaged, empowered, and excited about participating in the process of electing our next mayor,” proclaims Taylor.
WHAT WE PLAN TO DO
In case you haven’t heard, Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper will be releasing a list of recommendations (by Aubrey R. Taylor), and endorsements (by readers of Houston Business Connections Newspaper) on Friday, October 16, 2015 to assist undecided voters in their decision making process.
MONEY CAN'T VOTE
“Elections are not determined by how much money a candidate has in the bank – as many people believe,” says Aubrey R. Taylor. “A candidate’s money can't walk into the voting booth to cast a vote. So don’t be fooled, tricked, bamboozled, or hoodwinked into standing down (staying at home) on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. We can turn this election on its head if we work together.”
GO TO VOTE EARLY
The early voting period will last from Monday, October 19, 2015 through Friday, October 30, 2015. “The great thing about voting early (CLICK HERE FOR LOCATIONS) is that you can walk into any early voting location strategically placed throughout the City of Houston and cast your vote,” says Aubrey R. Taylor. “Typically, casting a vote during the early voting period takes a lot less time and stress than going to vote on Election Day,” he says.
MARCH TO THE POLLS
Times are crucial, and it’s imperative that “ALL REGISTERED CITY OF HOUSTON VOTERS” participate in the process of electing the next Mayor, Controller, City Council Members, HISD Board Trustees, and HCC Board Trustees in the upcoming election.
YOU CAN STILL RUN
It’s not too late for you to run for office in the upcoming election. However, anyone thinking about running for office in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election must sign up by Monday, August 24, 2015 with the City of Houston Secretary.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "I strongly encourage "ALL" Houston area voters to try to attend one or more of the "MAYORAL CANDIDATE FORUMS" listed below."
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
In case you haven’t heard, Damali Keith (above right) will serve as moderator for the Public Mayoral Candidates Forum being hosted by State Representative Senfronia Thompson (HD-141 - above left) and The Peoples United Summit on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. @ Mt. Zion Baptist Church located at 9318 Homestead Road in Houston, Texas 77016. According to the press release we recently received from State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, “ALL” declared candidates running for Mayor of Houston in 2015 are invited to participate and address the community’s concerns at this forum. Please call Herb Mitchell at (713)633-3390 if you have any questions or inquiries.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
On August 19, 2015 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., A consortium of area young professional organizations will host the Keys to the City Forum with Houston mayoral candidates inside the University of Houston Student Center Theatre (Room S103) located at 4800 Calhoun Road in Houston, Texas. This forum is intended to spark dialogue about Houston’s future with its uniquely diverse community of young professionals. Building a relationship with the young adult demographic in Houston is imperative for future leadership. Houston has one of the youngest populations in the nation with many recent college graduates moving to the city to take advantage of its favorable economic outlook. A few of the organizations participating in the forum include the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals, Harris County Young Democrats, Houston Branch NAACP – Young Adult Committee, Houston Young Republicans, Houston Chapter of Maverick PAC, and the University of Houston Master of Public Administration Program. THE ATTIRE FOR THIS EVENT IS BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL OR BUSINESS CASUAL. Admission for this event is FREE. However you should (CLICK HERE) to RSVP and guarantee your seat.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
On Thursday, September 3, 2015, Jacquie Baly (Fox 26) will serve as moderator for The Women Contractors Association (WCA) and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) mayoral panel discussion to be held at: Maggiano's Little Italy - Houston located at: 2019 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056. Several of the major 2015 City of Houston Mayoral candidates are expected to discuss various public policy issues that affect women business owners and women contractors in the greater Houston area. According to Jacquie Baly, all the major candidates have already confirmed their intentions to attend this forum. For more information, please go to: www.womencontractors.org. Women Contractors Association National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) -- Houston Chapter.
Friday, September 4, 2015
On Friday, September 4, 2015@6:30 P.M.,The Texas Voters Alliance is hosting a debate/forum for all the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Candidates at The Fountain of Praise, 13950 Hillcroft Street in Houston, Texas. All candidates who file no later than August 31, 2015 will be invited to attend this forum. The moderator for this particular forum is: Victor D. Dunn. A few of the announced candidates who are expected to be in attendance are: Former Sheriff Adrian Garcia, State Rep. Sylvester Turner, Former City Attorney Ben Hall, Council member Stephen C. Costello, Former Congressman Chris Bell, Businessman Marty McVey, and Former Kemah Mayor Bill King. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information on this forum.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
On Thursday, September 10, 2015 from 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M., The Houston Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) is bringing the Houston political scene to your doorstep. This “MAYORAL FORUM” will take place in Downtown Houston at the J.W. Marriott located at: 806 Main Street. So mark your calendar for Thursday, September 10, 2015 as BOMA hosts a Mayoral Forum featuring key candidates in the race for Houston Mayor. Candidates in attendance will be asked their positions on fixing the permitting center, mandatory electricity benchmarking, city finances, economic development, public safety and more. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear directly from the candidates themselves about their plans to fix Houston. Here’s the lineup: State Representative Sylvester Turner; Council Member At Large Stephen Costello, Former Mayor of Kemah Bill King, Former Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia and Former City Attorney Ben Hall. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information on this event being hosted by BOMA.
Friday, September 11, 2015
On Friday, September 11, 2015 Jacquie Baly (Fox 26) will serve as moderator for a “Mayoral Forum” being hosted by THE ROUNDUP PANEL at Paul’s Kitchen@ 7:30A.M. Paul’s Kitchen is located at: 2502 Algerian Way, Houston, TX 77098. According to Baly, all the major candidates have already confirmed their intentions to attend this event. You can email Jacquie Baly at: jacquie@balyprojects.com if you need additional information about this event. The Roundup features: Sally MacDonald (Anchor), Chris Tritico (Legal Analyst) Above Center, Mustafa Tameez (News Analyst) Above Left, and Jacquie Baly (Above Right) is the Public Policy Analyst.
Saturday, September 19, 2015
On Saturday, September 19, 2015 @ 5:00P.M The Clear Lake Area Republicans will be hosting a “MAYORAL DEBATE” at Brookwood Elementary 16850 Middlebrook Drive in Houston, Texas 77059. All of the announced 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Candidates will be invited to attend this event. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information on this event. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Mayor Annise Parker is currently serving her third and final term. She is term-limited and cannot run for re-election in the upcoming election. A few of the key candidates who are running for Mayor of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election is as follows: Chris Bell, Bill King, Adrian Garcia, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Chistopher Legier, Sylvester Turner, Demetria Smith, Ben Hall, Victoria Lane, Marty McVey, and Stephen C. Costello.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
On Thursday, September 24, 2015 Jacquie Baly (Fox 26) will serve as moderator for THE HOUSTON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION’S “Mayor Forum” to be held at The Junior League of Houston @11:30A.M. The Junior League of Houston is located at 1811 Briar Oaks Land, in Houston, Texas 77027. According to Jacquie Baly, all the major candidates have already confirmed their intentions to attend this forum. For more information on this event or the Houston Contractors Association, please go to www.houstoncontractors.org today.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
On Sunday, October 18, 2015 The Roundup (only on FOX 26) will be hosting a “Mayoral Forum” during the airing of their show beginning at 7:30 A.M. The Roundup features: Sally MacDonald (Anchor), Chris Tritico (Legal Analyst) far right, Mustafa Tameez (News Analyst) far left, and Jacquie Baly (center) is the Public Policy Analyst. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information on this Mayoral Forum.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
On Sunday, October 18, 2015 from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., emerge USA will be hosting a “CANDIDATES FORUM” for candidates running for Mayor and Houston City Council in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election. Attendees will be afforded a great opportunity to find out where the candidates stand on various issues, and who they propose to shape the future of Houston during their tenure if elected. THIS FORUM IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. And will be held at the Shahnai Reception Hall located at: 5920 Hillcroft Street (Suite D) in Houston, Texas 77036. emerge USA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan civic engagement organization engaging underrepresented communities into the political process. This group believes in power through participation. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information on this event.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "The 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."
Back 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. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? “Well, this means that the citizens of the fourth most populous city in America (behind only New York, Los Angeles and Chicago) sat back and allowed a mere 98,124 voters to elect Houston's mayor. This must change on Tuesday, November 3, 2015,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. "We must turn out to vote on Election Day."
Back 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. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? “Well, once again, registered voters in Houston failed to get involved and allowed a mere 60,135 voters to elect Houston's mayor. We must guard against this happening in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. "We must turn out to vote on Election Day."
Back 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. “Again, only a handful of Houston voters turned out for the Saturday, December 12, 2009 runoff election. Partly due to this low-voter turnout, Mayor Annise Parker was able to win the runoff election against Gene Locke by only receiving 82,175 votes. WHAT DOES THS MEAN? “Well, there are far too many registered voters who are not engaged or excited about participating in City of Houston Mayoral Elections. And if this is going to change, we must change it,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. "We must go to the polls to vote on Election Day."
Back 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. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? “Well, the turnout in this race was still way too low. We must do better than this in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. "We must go to the polls on Election Day."
Back 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. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? “Well, the voter turnout could have been better. However, the outcome of this race was never in doubt,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. "We must do better on Tuesday, November 3rd."
Back 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. Dutrow received (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. “However, it would be Bill White who would get the better of 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,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
Back in the Tuesday, November 6, 2001 City of Houston Mayoral Election, five candidates lined up in an attempt 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. “However, 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,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
Back 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,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
Back 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. “However, 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,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
Back 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,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
Back 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,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
Back 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,” explains Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. “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. The runoff election victory Sylvester Turner earned Bob Lanier the right to serve his first term as Houston’s mayor.
Back 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.
Back 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.
Back 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.
Join our effort! Houston Business Connections Newspaper is currently looking for sponsors, advertisers, and supporters who value our vote, prayers, and support. Our “2015 CITY OF HOUSTON MAYORAL ELECTION GUIDE” is scheduled to be released on Friday, October 16, 2015 featuring our "2015 Publisher's Recommendations" and "2015 Reader Endorsements". This guide will be distributed to homes and businesses throughout the greater Houston area. You can (CLICK HERE) to view our newspaper.
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