Councilwoman Tarsha Jackson (pictured above with her (TOP) Texas Organizing Project comrades) was involved in the Houston City Council District B race that involved pretty much all Black candidates back in 2019. So, the eventual winner of the District B race back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, was going to be one of the African American candidates. So, based on all of her hard work, coupled with the fact that Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, had donated more than $250,000.00 to (TOP) Texas Organizing Project, Tarsha Jackson (the former Harris County Director for TOP) was the anointed candidate from the very beginning in the Houston City Council District B race. However, over in the Houston City Council At-Large Position 5 race back in 2019, the anointed candidate was Sallie Alcorn – a white female who had a serious problem on her hands. Alcorn, in case you don’t remember had an issue that needed to be dealt with. What was her problem? Well, she was facing off against several African American women. So here’s what happen, after Councilwoman Amanda Edwards gave up her At-Large Position 4 seat to run for United States Congress, Letitia Plummer then jumped from the At-Large Position 5 race to the At-Large Position 4 race – that she eventually went on to win in a December 2019 runoff election over Anthony Dolcefino. Once Plummer was out of the way, that left Sallie Alcorn with a much clearer pathway to victory, but to ensure victory for Alcorn -- Michelle Bonton had to be dealt with. So, by having Michelle Bonton (above far right) declared “INELIGIBLE” using Section 43.130 of the Texas Local Government Code – Sallie Alcorn only had to then get past J.Brad Batteau, Ralph “Rafa” Garcia, Catherine Garcia Flowers, Eric Dick, Sonia Rivera, Ashton P. Woods, and Marvin McNeese, Jr. -- which was a much easier pathway for Alcorn! And she took care of her business, by defeating Eric Dick in the December 2019 runoff – which was a much easier task than having to face off against Michelle Bonton in a race that Sallie Alcorn could have lost – even with vast amount of campaign cash she had in her campaign coffers. Now, before you laugh at this notion, please remember, we're talking about the same election where very wealthy Attorney Tony Buzbee spent over millions of dollars and still lost to Mayor Sylvester Turner in the December 2019 runoff. So, hypothetically speaking, if Michelle Bonton had not been declared “INELIGIBLE” using Section 43.130 of the Texas Local Government Code, and she went on to defeat Sallie Alcorn in the Houston City Council At-Large Position 5 race – one of my sources told me that there are some folks who believed that the African Americans would have had too much power at City Hall. How? Well, there are only (17) seventeen position to be held at 901 Bagby in downtown Houston -- when you include Mayor Sylvester Turnery in the mix. So, if Michelle Bonton had been allowed to stay in the At-Large Position 5 race to potentially defeat Sallie Alcorn a Black person would be in control of the Mayor’s Office, District B, District D, District F, District J, District K, At-Large Position 4, and the at Large Position 5 position right now! So, to stop this from occurring I believe that deals were cut along the way – which could possibly explain why everybody is silent on the matter concerning Councilwoman Tarsha Jackson’s “INELIGIBILITY” issue.
The Silence We're Seeing From Our Local Public Officials May Speak to a Much Broader Issue Related to Backroom Deals and Corruption
AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
The entire Houston City Council body should be ashamed of themselves right about now – and that includes Councilwoman Amy Peck (District A), Councilwoman Abbie Kamin (District C), Councilman Dave Martin (District E), Councilman Greg Travis (District G), Councilwoman Karla Cisneros (District H), Councilman Robert Gallegos (District I), Councilman Mike Knox (At-Large Position 1), Councilman David Robinson (At-Large Position 2), Councilman Michael Kubosh (At-Large Position 3), and Sallie Alcorn (At-Large Position 5) -- I love most of you guys, but you are wrong to remain silent on this very important matter. But for you Black officials at Houston’s City Hall who have been duly-elected by “THE PEOPLE” you guys should be held to account for this “BLATANT DISREGARD FOR THE LAW” that’s being allowed to play out right now at Houston’s City Hall in regards to Council Member Tarsha Jackson to remaining in office. Shame on you Mayor Sylvester Turner – you spent most of your adult life as a lawmaker in Austin. I loved the work you did as the State Representative for House District 139. You were a dam good legislator -- what happen to you? I have admired you for most of my adult life! But what you are allowing to go down right now is about to be a terrible stain on your legacy Mr. Mayor. You wrote our laws Mr. Mayor. And for all of these years you have gone before our people and claimed to care about us. Do you really care about Black folks or your own selfish agenda? Your girl Tarsha Jackson is “NOT ELIGIBLE” to hold the Houston City Council District B seat. Can you please do something about this before this thing goes any further? Councilwoman Tarsha Jackson’s “INELIGIBLITY PROBLEM” isn’t going to go away! And turning a blind-eye to it is only going to prolong the process of getting her butt kicked out of Houston City Hall. Please do something Mr. Mayor -- you’re the CEO of Houston, Texas. And it’s clear that Section 43.130 of the Texas Local Government Code has been violated by Councilwoman Tarsha Jackson – SHE’S INELIGIBLE!!!
SHAME ON YOU TARSHA
You should be ashamed of yourself Councilwoman Tarsha Jackson – you now know for certain that you are “INELIGIBLE” to serve as the Houston City Council as the District B representative. Even if you didn’t know before – you know now! You are only able to vote for your City Council District B Member – under Section 43.130 of the Texas Local Government Code you are “NOT ELIGIBLE” to serve as the Houston City Council District B council member. And ignorance of the law is not an acceptable excuse. You are selfish. You are inconsiderate. You are in violation of the law!!! And more importantly you are opening up a gateway that’s going to hurt a whole bunch of other Black people as the all important March 2022 Democratic Primaries draws nearer. How? Well, Black female politicians have already taken a beating in the eyes of the public over the last few years in Harris County, Texas. And right now, we have more African American incumbents about to come up for re-election than we’ve ever had in the history of Harris County, Texas. So, in essence your actions and selfishness could potentially paint every Black person running for office in the upcoming 2022 Democratic Primary in a negative light. Now, that’s not right – but that’s what’s happening right now. You are about to make every Black woman look corrupt in the eyes of the public Councilwoman Tarsha Jackson. Are you really that selfish? Are you really that hungry for power? You ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO HOLD THE DISTRICT B SEAT!!! What don’t you understand about that? Your relationship to (TOP) Texas Organizing Project isn’t going to save you in this matter from what I can see. Look, Section 43.130 of the Texas Election Government Code says, “A resident of an area annexed for limited purposes is not eligible to be a candidate for or to be elected to a municipal office.” What about that don’t you understand? I’m over here shaking my head right now. I appeal to you to step aside so that your problem does not harm our duly-qualified Black women who are about to seek re-election. Please do the right thing Councilwoman Tarsha Jackson – this is much bigger than you. Please have compassion for all of these other Black women – many of whom are already going to be facing stiff primary challenges. As you can see, I’m not the only one talking about this -- the article published in the Houston Chronicle about your “INELIGIBILTY SITUATION” was not favorable toward you! And in case you haven’t noticed almost everyone agrees that you are not eligible to hold the Houston City Council District B seat.
THE SAME LAW APPLIES
Nobody should be above the law! And Councilwoman Tarsha Jackson is no better than Michelle Bonton in my book. That being said, if Section 43.130 of the Texas Election Government Code had to be obeyed by Michelle Bonton – it should also have to be obeyed by Councilwoman Tarsha Jackson – plain and simple!
OUTSIDER VERSUS INSIDER
Back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, Michelle Bonton a “POLITICAL OUTSIDER” was declared ineligible using Section 43.130 of the Texas Election Government Code. But in the case of Tarsha Jackson a “POLITICAL INSIDER” with close ties to Mayor Sylvester Turner, and Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg – she was allowed to stay in the District B race. Get this, Michelle Bonton’s name was on the ballot back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 – but her votes did not count – because she had been declared ineligible. And get this, had Michelle Bonton been allowed to remain eligible she was potentially going to screw up the Houston City Council At-Large Position 5 race that involved a bunch of white candidates. Yes I said that!!! Had Michelle Bonton’s bid for the At-Large Position 5 seat had not been derailed she may have finished in one of the top two positions and face off in the runoff against Sallie Alcorn and beat her. And the powers-that-be were not about to allow for the remote chance that six Black women would be in control of City Hall – that’s my take. Since there are only sixteen positions to go around in the first place, I believe a deal was cut somewhere along the way; but that’s a story for another day!
"If Michelle Bonton had not been declared ineligible she may have defeated Sallie Alcorn in the Houston City Council At-Large Position 5 race back the 2019, citywide general election. Instead of facing Attorney Eric Dick in the December 2019 runoff and defeating him -- Alcorn would have possibly lost her bid to Bonton in a tight runoff battle in my opinion."
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
Michelle Bonton Was Declared Ineligible Because of Section 43.130 of the Texas Local Government Code
Michelle L. Bonton is a veteran educator and visionary leader with a passion for children. She is committed to improving education through a transformational school design model that brings all stakeholders to the table. She challenges stakeholders to do their part in creating community and student success through the concept of CREW.
The concept of CREW is one of accountability and ownership. Over the last 25 years, as a teacher, counselor, school leader, and charter school founder, Michelle has been blessed to impact the lives of thousands of children and their families using the CREW principle. By providing a model, experiences and proper tools, she empowers staff, community members and students to be active participants in their lives. This sense of ownership prompts integrity, fairness and responsible, autonomous action.
As the founder and administrative CREW leader of The Rhodes School and The Education Valet, Inc., Michelle even wove the principle of CREW into the mission of The Rhodes School: To develop a crew that produces critical thinkers with the character to lead.
Through servant leadership embodied in the principles of CREW, Michelle has led The Rhodes School to tremendous growth from just 97 students and one campus in year one to more than 1,400 students across 4 campuses today, all of which consistently meet or exceed state and national standards for student performance.
Further, under Michelle’s leadership and direction, The Education Valet, Inc., formed a strategic partnership with the University of Texas Children’s Learning Institute and now provides early childhood training to staff in more than 42 early learning centers in underserved neighborhood across our city. This program has impacted more than 1,000 children since the partnership began 5 years ago, and has received state and international recognition.
Michelle’s professional preparation includes school leadership training and Mid-management certification from Stephen F. Austin University, a Master’s degree in counseling from Prairie View A&M University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing from the University of Houston Downtown. She is a prolific speaker, former radio talk show host, grantwriter, and community advocate. She is also an education policy specialist who regularly gives public testimony on proposed laws and regulations related to education.
Michelle is a wife of more than 30 years, a mother of 3 children, a grandmother, and above all, a committed Christian.
PLEASE PAY ATTENTION
What do you think the powers-that-be are thinking right now? Don’t worry – I’m going to tell you!!! Listen up – because the City of Houston Attorney Arturo G. Michel was appointed by Mayor Sylvester Turner (a Democrat), and the Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg (a Democrat), are in siting in key positions and have the ability to sweep Councilwoman Tarsha Jackson’s transgression of Sec. 43.130 of the Texas Government Code under the rug – I guess the powers-that-be are feeling pretty powerful right about now! However, Sec. 43.130 of the Texas Local Government Code is pretty clear and says, “A resident of an area annexed for limited purposes is not eligible to be a candidate for or to be elected to a municipal office.” So, to put this in simple terms, Tarsha Jackson needs to do the right thing and step down as the Houston City Council District B council person. Why? Well, she’s not “ELIGIBLE” to serve as the District B Council Member – that’s why!!! All a person who lives at the address where she lives can do whereas Houston City Council District B is concerned is vote – NOT RUN FOR OFFICE!!!
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
THE BRAINS
I’m the President/CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©. In case you don’t know, I have 30-years of experience in marketing, branding, investigative reporting, public relations, opposition research, and political consulting. I’ve assisted in branding Republican and Democratic candidates in statewide elections and local municipalities throughout the State of Texas. Over the years, I’ve also assisted in branding and marketing (through my various publications) such corporations and institutions as Shell Oil, The City of Houston, Texas A&M University, 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.
EXPERIENCED REPORTER
I would have you to know that not everyone who has been accused of a crime or enters a guilty plea in connection with a crime is guilty of the crime they're accused of committing. Neither is everyone who goes to trial to fight charges that are leveled against them and get's convicted are guilty. Look, over the years, some very bad things have happened to people of color in our criminal justice system. So to this end, please understand, that during my career, I’ve gone into the Harris County Jail and Texas prisons on numerous occasions (on secret assignments) working in conjunction with the owner of one of the largest locally owned private security, and investigations firms. The man who was funding my investigations back then (who mysteriously died) also was the godfather of one of my sons, and the backer of one of my publications. That being said, I can straight-faced assure you that I’ve seen some of the injustices that are occurring in the Texas penal system up close and personal. While on the inside, I interviewed (face-to-face) some of the hardest criminals you can imagine for my research. I also discovered first-hand that many of the people who should be locked up are walking around free, and not all of those who are locked behind bars are guilty of the crimes that they, in some cases pleaded guilty to – for whatever reason. So, let me assure you that I know a criminal when I see one. And we have a handful of local elected officials who are straight-criminals and must be stopped!!!
PEOPLE OVER POLITICS
Based on my direct observations over the years, I can attest to the fact that our current criminal justice system is more about “HAVE’S AND HAVE NOT’S” to a greater degree than most people realize. That being said, sure, in some cases, the skin color of the person being accused of a crime plays a role in who gets indicted and eventually convicted of crimes and those who go free. However, at the end of the day, from observing the system from the inside, and out; having money, good legal representation and access to influential people are unfortunately key determining factors when it comes to who will spend the rest of their life walking around with an “X” on their back and who doesn’t. So, to this end, we must endeavor to change our criminal justice system and political landscape by “TAKING POLITICS OUT” of the way our judges are selected in the Lone Star State – that’s very important to me!
AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
