Mayor Sylvester Turner Seeks to Invalidate Proposition B in Court; Mayor's Lawyers Claim Prop. B is Illegal in Court Filing on Yesterday

Mayor Sylvester Turner had his attorneys to file a motion seeking to invalidate Proposition B on the grounds that it is illegal under the Texas Local Government Code and the Texas Constitution on yesterday, Friday, February 15, 2019.

Attorneys for Mayor Sylvester Turner Filed a Motion to Invalidate Proposition B on Friday, February 15, 2019

AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©

You would think Mayor Sylvester Turner would be in the mood to show some love on the day after Valentine’s Day. But nope! What does he do? He seeks to invalidate Proposition B base on claims that it’s illegal under the Texas Local Government Code and the Texas Constitution.

This fight does not make sense. Rather than seeking to find a way to implement Proposition B, Mayor Turner is seeking to invalidate it? Wow! 

I will keep following this as it plays out in court; but I can tell you right now that there’s going to be a whole lot of angry voters heading to the polls on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. As a reminder, there were 291,964 ballots cast “IN-FAVOR” of Proposition B “PAY-PARITY” for Houston Firefighters. Even though Mayor Sylvester Turner campaigned hard against the passage of Proposition B, he could not get enough Houstonians to join him to prevent it from passing. In case you don’t remember, 200,903 Houstonians voted “AGAINST” having Proposition B implemented back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

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PUBLISHER/REPORTER

Aubrey R. Taylor is the President/CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©. Taylor has more than 28-years of experience in marketing branding, reporting, public relations and political consulting. He’s assisted in branding Republican and Democratic candidates in statewide elections and in local municipalities throughout the State of Texas. Over the years, he’s also assisted in branding and marketing (through his various publications) such corporations and institutions as Shell Oil, The City of Houston, Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Chevron, Waste Management, Nationwide Insurance, Momentum Jaguar/BMW, Channel 11, Channel 13, State Farm Insurance, and Allstate Insurance to name a few. But, please note that the thoughts expressed by Aubrey R. Taylor do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of any Houston Business Connections Newspaper© advertisers, supporters, sponsors, or readers. You can click here to view a recent edition of Houston Business Connections Newspaper© online!

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Newly Elected Democratic Judges in Harris County, Texas Like Judge’s Baldwin, Finch, Jones, and Bowman are Leading By Example

 Judge Tonya Jones (County Criminal Court at Law #15), Judge Ronnisha Bowman (County Criminal Court at Law #2), Judge Shannon B. Baldwin (County Criminal Court at Law #4), and Judge Toria J. Finch (County Criminal Court at Law #9) celebrated Black History Month with Klein ISD's African American Culture Club on Thursday, February 7, 2019.

On behalf of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©, we would like to thank Judge Tonya Jones (County Criminal Court at Law #15), Judge Ronnisha Bowman (County Criminal Court at Law #2), Judge Shannon B. Baldwin (County Criminal Court at Law #4), and Judge Toria J. Finch (County Criminal Court at Law #9) for finding value in giving of their time to inspire and encourage student members of Klein ISD's African American Culture Club to fearlessly pursue their dreams.

Newly Elected Democratic Judges in Harris County, Texas Like Judge’s Baldwin, Finch, Jones, and Bowman are Leading By Example

AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORT©

A lot of folks didn’t know what to expect when Harris County voters elected the largest contingent of African American judges ever elevated to the bench at one time back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. But in my opinion, the leadership they’ve displayed in a little over a month, since taking office has given us a glimpse into what we can expect from these duly-qualified members of the judiciary. “It was an honor and a pleasure to spend part of my afternoon with these outstanding students,” says Judge Tonya Jones, who currently serves as the presiding judge for Harris County’s Criminal Court at Law #15. Judge Tonya Jones, Judge Ronnisha Bowman, Judge Toria J. Finch, and Judge Shannon B. Baldwin displayed the kind of leadership Harris County needs during this pivotal time in the history of our great nation. 

AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE CLUB

On yesterday, Thursday, February 7, 2019, the student leaders of the African American Culture Club filled the room with students, faculty and Klein ISD Board Trustee Member Doug James to hear empowering messages from a few of Harris County's newly elected judges. And from what I heard about the event, these duly-qualified judges didn’t disappoint. From what I understand, you could have heard a pin drop as the students and faculty listened to messages delivered by the judges about hard work, being comfortable in the skin they’re in, and the rewards of being fearless in the pursuit of your dream.

JUDICIAL SPOTLIGHT

In case you don’t know, Judge Tonya Jones, Judge Ronnisha Bowman, Judge Toria J. Finch, and Judge Shannon B. Baldwin are all members of the internationally-known “BLACK GIRL MAGIC” field of nineteen "AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN" who recently took the world by storm. While only seventeen of the nineteen judges won their races, the other two (who were running for statewide benches), Judge Maria T. Jackson, who retained her bench as the Judge for the 339th Criminal District Court, and Judge Ramona Franklin, who retained her bench as the Judge for the 338th Criminal District Court are an inspiration to us all.

BLACK GIRL MAGIC

Lucia G. Bates, Erica Hughes, Sandra J. Peake, Cassandra Y. Hollemon, Germaine Tanner, Ronnisha Bowman, Linda Dunson, Judge Maria T. Jackson (black and white dress), Angela Graves Harrington, Dedra Davis, Shannon Baldwin, Latosha Lewis Payne, Judge Ramona Franklin, Tonya Jones, Sharon Burney, Michelle Moore, Lori Chambers Gray, Toria J. Finch, and LaShawn A. Williams are the nineteen African American Democratic Judicial nominees who will appear on the Tuesday, November 6, 2018 Midterm ballot in Harris County.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

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HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033

Council Member Dwight Boykins' Plan to Implement "Proposition B" Would Not Require Layoff of City Workers Says Aubrey R. Taylor

Council Member Dwight Boykins is the Houston City Council District D councilman. He has proposed a plan to solve the fight over "PROPOSITION B" that could possibly save the jobs of the hundreds of city workers Mayor Sylvester Turner is threatening to layoff. Council Member Boykins proposes using a flat monthly garbage collection fee based on Houston's population of 2.3 million shown in comparison to cities listed in the charts below. His proposal, which follows weeks of extensive research, could generate over a hundred million dollars of new revenue annually for the city and bring Houston in line with almost every other major municipality in the state of Texas.

Council Member Dwight Boykins the District D Councilman Put Forth His Plan to Fund Pay Parity for Houston Firefighters and Prevent Layoffs Way Back in December of 2018

AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS

Tensions are at an all-time high over the implementation of "PROPOSITION B" that would give Houston Firefighters equal pay with Houston Police Officers. The exchanges in council chambers that played out before the media and community stakeholders have been a long time coming. "Man, this ain't no Dictatorship," said Councilman Dwight Boykins to Mayor Sylvester Turner. And he's absolutely right! But what can we do? Well, for starters, the time has come for community stakeholders to get involved by demanding that Mayor Sylvester Turner put forth his plan in the next 30 days. That's it, Mayor Sylvester Turner must not be allowed to continue to drag his feet and circumvent the will of the people any longer. I say this, because from published reports over twenty proposals have been placed in front of Mayor Sylvester Turner, and he has not in good faith put forth any proposals of his own. And to this end, Mayor Turner's actions are unacceptable and should not be tolerated any longer. And no, laying off folks isn't the only option available at this time. I received this plan from Councilman Dwight Boykins way back on December 13, 2018, that's well worth sharing.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

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Council Member Dwight Boykins Has Proposed a Plan to Fund Proposition B Without Laying Off Hundreds of City Workers as Mayor Sylvester Turner is Suggesting

Back in October of 2018 Houston's City Controller Chris Brown placed the estimated cost to the city government of Proposition B's passage at approximately $85 million annually. Council Member Boykins has proposed a viable solution (see charts below) to meet that cost while preserving jobs, in a way that best reflects the will of the voters who voted overwhelmingly in support of pay parity on November 6, 2018.

Over the last several years, Houston Solid Waste Management's Budget has averaged approximately $85 million annually. According to our research, most large, medium, and small cities in Texas charge a monthly garbage collection fee for standard residential services. These fees are used to pay for solid waste collection services. Houston does not charge a garbage fee for standard residential services.

Council Member Boykins proposes the following options using a flat monthly garbage collection fee based on Houston's population of 2.3 million shown in comparison to cities listed in the charts below. His proposal, which follows weeks of extensive research, could generate over a hundred million dollars of new revenue annually for the city and bring Houston in line with almost every other major municipality in the state of Texas.

"As a member of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, I am well versed in the intricacies and difficulties surrounding the budgeting process," said Council Member Boykins. "That is why I remain convinced that this proposal serves the best interests of Houston taxpayers and municipal employees, including firefighters and police."

"In 2001 when Lee Brown was mayor, the city of Houston had pay parity for public safety employees so the concept is nothing new. Rather than try to usurp the will of the voters, I believe that as elected leaders and budget managers, we are duty-bound to work together in good faith to meet this newly-mandated obligation." 

GOT QUESTIONS?

Anyone who would like more information about Councilman Dwight Boykins' plan should contact: Staci Keys by phone at (832) 393-3001, or by email at Staci.Keys@houstontx.gov. 

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

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HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

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Tony Buzbee, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Dr. Kendall L. Baker, Bill King, and Demetria Smith are Expected to all file; Saturday, July 20, 2019, is the First Day to File to Run for Mayor of The City of Houston in 2019

AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©

The field of candidates expected to run for mayor of Houston in 2019 is beginning to take shape. As it stands right now, attorney Tony Buzbee, attorney Bill King, Dr. Kendall L. Baker, and businesswoman Demetria Smith are expected to challenge Mayor Sylvester Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the race to become Houston's next mayor. Hall of Fame Wrestler "Booker T" who was the first candidate to announce his bid to challenge Mayor Turner way back in 2016 is not expected to be in the field of 2019 mayoral contenders. CLICK HERE to learn more about why "Booker T" isn't going to be able to run for mayor on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, after all.

THINKING ABOUT RUNNING?

According to the folks at the Houston City Secretary’s Office candidates looking to run for office on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, can pay a filing fee, or they can collect signatures to have their name placed on the ballot. So, if you are a candidate wanting to run for MAYOR OF HOUSTON you can pay a 1,250.00 dollar filing fee or collect signatures to have your name placed on the ballot. If you are a candidate who would like to run for THE CITY OF HOUSTON CONTROLLER position you can pay a 750.00 dollar filing fee or collect signatures to have your name placed on the ballot. And if you are a candidate looking to run for one of the HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL positions you can pay a 500.00 dollar filing fee or collect signatures to have your name placed on the ballot. However, if you plan on going the route of collecting signatures to have your name placed on the ballot, the exact number of signatures needed won’t be determined until sometime in July of this year from what I understand. But, to be sure, all candidates interested in running for office on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the City of Houston General Election can call (832)393-1100 to speak directly with someone in the City Secretary’s Office. However, if you have any problem whatsoever in getting your questions answered, you can call me directly at (281)788-3033, and I will try to do what I can to help. And just in case you don’t already know, the City Secretary’s Office can be located at 900 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 on the first floor.

(BALLOT BY MAIL) 

The first day to apply for a ballot by mail for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election has already passed -- it was on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. So if you are going to vote by mail, you can go ahead and request your mail-in ballot today!

(DESIGNATE YOUR TREASURER) 

If you are a candidate planning to run for Mayor of Houston, City Controller, or one of the Houston City Council Positions you need to designate your treasurer before you start spending money on your campaign.

(FIRST DAY YOU CAN FILE TO RUN) 

Saturday, July 20, 2019, is the first day that you can "OFFICIALLY" file for a place on the ballot for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.

(LAST DAY YOU CAN FILE TO RUN) 

Monday, August 19, 2019, is the last day that you can file for a place on the ballot for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.

(LAST DAY YOU CAN REGISTER TO VOTE) 

Monday, October 7, 2019, is the last day that you can register to vote to make your voice heard in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.

(EARLY VOTING PERIOD BEGINS) 

Monday, October 25, 2019, is the first day that you will be able to vote early to make your voice heard in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.

(EARLY VOTING PERIOD ENDS) 

Friday, November 1, 2019, is the last day that you will be able to vote early to make your voice heard in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.

(ELECTION DAY VOTING) 

Tuesday, November 5, 2019, is "ELECTION DAY" for the City of Houston General Mayoral Election, the HISD Board of Trustees Election, and HCCS Board of Trustees Election. So mark your calendar, and do your very best to make an informed voting decision.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

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HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

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The 2019 City of Houston Mayoral Election Field of Candidates for Tuesday, November 5, 2019, Will Be One of The Most Competitive We've Seen in a Long Time

AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©

Believe it or not, it’s that time again. And the 2019 race for mayor of Houston is heating up. So, in case you don't know, Mayor Sylvester Turner is going to have his work cut out for him as he seeks a second term in office on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Especially since his fight with Houston firefighters continues to linger – even after Proposition B was passed overwhelmingly several months ago by voters who went to the polls to cast ballots in support of pay-parity for Houston firefighters. 

PAY-PARITY FIGHT CONTINUES

Mayor Sylvester Turner is dangerously close to appearing as though he's giving Houston voters a proverbial, "SLAP-IN-THE-FACE". How can I say this? Well, to refresh your memory there were 1,082,506 registered voters who could vote on Proposition B according to the Harris County Clerk's Office. That being said, 568,962 total ballots were cast. So, someone must remind Mayor Sylvester Turner that 291,964 registered voters cast their ballot "IN-FAVOR" of having Proposition B implemented. While only 200,903 registered voters cast their ballot "AGAINST" having Proposition B implemented. Now with that said, someone needs to also remind Mayor Sylvester Turner that he only received 104,711 votes in the portion of the City of Houston that resides in Harris County back in 2015. Comparatively speaking, his opponent Bill King received 104,125 votes in the portion of the City of Houston that resides in Harris County back in 2015. Now, in case you're wondering, that's only a differential of 586 votes. So, the numbers don't lie, Mayor Sylvester Turner's legacy could very well hinge on how he handles his ongoing fight with these firefighters between now and Tuesday, November 5, 2019. And if you ask me, Mayor Sylvester Turner must find a way to settle this pay-parity fiasco sooner rather than later, or risk becoming a one-term mayor!

FACING UPHILL BATTLE IN 2019

Now, that Booker T is out, Mayor Sylvester Turner will still have a slew of formidable opponents to deal with on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Especially with attorney Bill King, the man who gave him all he could handle, but came up a little short in their hotly contested runoff election back on Saturday, December 12, 2015. And with high-powered attorney Tony Buzbee already running commercials on television, the next few months could get very interesting.


AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
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MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER

In case you don’t know, Mayor Sylvester Turner will be running in his first bid for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He won his bid to become Houston’s second African-American mayor back on Saturday, December 12, 2015, primarily by garnering 93.08 percent of the vote in the Fort Bend County portion of the City of Houston. To refresh your memory, in Fort Bend County, Bill King received 277 votes for 6.92 percent of the vote, and Sylvester Turner received 3,728 votes for 93.08 percent of the vote back in the Saturday, December 12, 2015 runoff election. Comparatively speaking the gap between Turner and King was much closer in the Harris County portion of the City of Houston. In case you don't remember, Turner only beat Bill King by 586 votes here. When all the votes for the Harris County portion of the City of Houston were tallied the final numbers for businessman Bill King stood at 104,125, with Sylvester Turner holding onto a slim lead with 104,711 votes. So, while Turner did, in fact, beat King back in the Saturday, December 12, 2015 runoff election, the turnout was dismal as only 210,057 of the 982,420 registered voters at the time cast ballots.


AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
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HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
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"If you are a candidate planning to run for Mayor of Houston, City Controller, or Houston City Council on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, the information below will help you to better identify the status of each of the aforementioned positions. And as always, if you need branding assistance, strategy support, opposition research, push card design, push card distribution, yard sign design, yard sign printing, press-release support or outreach to our diverse readership call (281)788-3033 today!"

The Houston City Council is made up of sixteen Council Members, along with Mayor Sylvester Turner and City Controller Chris Brown. All these City leaders are limited to serving two four year terms. 

The next general election for the City of Houston will take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, with the inauguration for the newly elected City Officials scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 2, 2020.

Currently, the Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Houston is Ellen Cohen – who also serves as the Houston City Council District C Member. At this time, the Vice Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Houston is Jerry Davis – who serves as the Houston City Council District D Member. Both council members are term-limited and prohibited from seeking re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the General Election.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

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HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

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The City of Houston Mayor at this time is Sylvester Turner. In case you don't know, Mayor Sylvester Turner is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The City of Houston Controller at this time is Chris Brown In case you don't know, Controller Chris Brown is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council District A seat is currently being held by Council Member Brenda Stardig. In case you don't know, Council Member Brenda Stardig is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council District B seat is currently being held by Council Member Jerry Davis. In case you don't know, Council Member Jerry Davis is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council District C seat is currently being held by Council Member Ellen Cohen. In case you don't know, Council Member Ellen Cohen is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council District D seat is currently being held by Council Member Dwight Boykins. In case you don't know, Council Member Dwight Boykins is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council District E seat is currently being held by Council Member Dave Martin. In case you don't know, Council Member Dave Martin is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council District F seat is currently being held by Council Member Steve Le. In case you don't know, Council Member Steve Le is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council District G seat is currently being held by Council Member Greg Travis. In case you don't know, Council Member Greg Travis is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council District H seat is currently being held by Council Member Karla Cisneros. In case you don't know, Council Member Karla Cisneros is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council District I seat is currently being held by Council Member Robert Gallegos. In case you don't know, Council Member Robert Gallegos is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council District J seat is currently being held by Council Member Mike Laster. In case you don't know, Council Member Mike Laster is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council District K seat is currently being held by Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum. In case you don't know, Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council At-Large Position 1 seat is currently being held by Council Member Mike Knox. In case you don't know, Council Member Mike Knox is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council At-Large Position 2 seat is currently being held by Council Member David Robinson. In case you don't know, Council Member David Robinson is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council At-Large Position 3 seat is currently being held by Council Member Michael Kubosh. In case you don't know, Council Member Michael Kubosh is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council At-Large Position 4 seat is currently being held by Council Member Amanda Edwards. In case you don't know, Council Member Amanda Edwards is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

The Houston City Council At-Large Position 5 seat is currently being held by Council Member Jack Christie. In case you don't know, Council Member Jack Christie is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033