Congressman Kevin Brady and Democrat Steven David are running for United States Congress for the 8th Congressional District in 2018

Congressman Kevin Brady will be fighting off the challenge of Democratic (nominee) Steven David in the race for United States Representative for the 8th Congressional District on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018. Don't forget that Judge John Schmude and host of other "PROUD AMERICANS" care about our nation are encouraging you to make an informed voting decision.

Judge John Schmude is a conservative candidate who values every Harris County, Texas voter. Judge Schmude is running for re-election on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the race for Family District Judge, 247th Judicial District Court. He's being challenged by Democrat Janice Berg. So don't forget that early voting for this race will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Judge John Schmude resides with his wife and two children in Spring. Before taking the Bench, Judge Schmude was a successful family law attorney with an extensive business and financial background and a strong record of service to children and to families – especially those children and families who have faced substantial challenges involving extreme poverty and abuse. Judge Schmude’s commitment to family law is motivated by his strong faith and his recognition that families are the first and firmest foundation upon which any healthy society is built. Judge Schmude is an active member of Annunciation Catholic Church in downtown Houston.

Honorable Judge John Schmude: A Record of Success After His First Term; Other Distinguished Conservatives Who Value Every Vote Are Also Highlighted Inside this "Ground-Game" Edition of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©

 

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

Judge John Schmude, the Presiding Judge of the 247th Family District Court Values, Respects, and Would Greatly Appreciate Your Consideration on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Harris County

HBCN SPOTLIGHT©

District Court. Judge Schmude was elected in 2014 and is currently asking for your vote as he runs for re-election in 2018. Here are some interesting facts to keep in mind in determining whether or not this Judge deserves your vote for re-election.

First, when Judge Schmude took office in January 2015, he inherited a court with a tremendous backlog of cases. After his first year in office, the 247th District Court disposed of more than 4,000 cases, more than any other family court in Harris County! The 247th District Court was repeatedly recognized in 2015 by the District Clerk’s Office for being the most efficient court in Harris County for electronic filing. This was an impressive accomplishment for a new Judge that was criticized by many within his own party for lacking the experience necessary to preside over this very important Court.

In accomplishing this objective, Judge Schmude implemented several innovative measures to promote efficiency, including the launch of an express docket, which allows any lawyer or litigant with a matter that requires five minutes or less of the court’s time to be heard before the call of the main docket. This has resulted in a reduction in the number of cases heard during the main docket and has allowed lawyers and litigants with matters of short duration to get in and out of court quickly, thereby reducing costs and promoting efficiency. He has also implemented a strong mediation policy – to encourage amicable solutions for families – and has allowed litigants to prove up settlement agreements any time during the day that the court is in session and available. This User-Friendly Court has won the overwhelming respect of the family law bar as Judge Schmude was rated as either “Excellent” or “Above Average” by nearly three-quarters of family law practitioners in the most recent HBA Bar Poll in every single judicial evaluation category.

Also, Judge Schmude, and his Associate Judge, Paula Vlahakos, have done an impressive job in presiding over CPS cases. CPS cases disproportionately affect minority families, and it is extremely important to have judges that take their gatekeeping role seriously. In other words, it’s important to have judges that act quickly to protect children from abuse and neglect while at the same time protect the constitutional rights of parents from illegal removals, which can decimate families and traumatize children. Judge Schmude demonstrated clearly his gatekeeping role in 2016 after it was apparent that a father’s constitutional rights had been grossly violated by an illegal removal. In this case, he rendered a scathing sanctions order in which he ordered CPS to pay nearly $30,000 in fees and ordered all CPS personnel associated with the case to read the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights to the Texas Constitution. Having a Judge that is not intimidated by powerful government agencies and who takes his gatekeeping role seriously is a benefit to all of our families. As a result of this case, Judge Schmude earned the prestigious Defender of the Family Award from the THSC. In order to serve the interests of justice, it’s so critical to have judges that ensure a level playing field: from powerful governmental agencies all the way down to the poorest litigant who cannot afford an attorney.

As he nears the end of his first term, Judge Schmude has demonstrated the ability to effectively and efficiently preside over a large and complex docket. Secondly, he has shown his conviction to treat all litigants with dignity and respect. Lastly, he has demonstrated a fair and impartial temperament and a conviction to make decisions based not on expediency but based merely on the desire to do what is right. Can we expect more from a family court judge?

A FEW OTHER CONSERVATIVES YOU SHOULD GET TO KNOW BETWEEN NOW AND TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2018

Congressman Kevin Brady will be fighting off the challenge of Democratic (nominee) Steven David in the race for United States Representative for the 8th Congressional District on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Judge Michelle Slaughter beat both her fellow Republican Primary opponents in the Tuesday, March 6, 2018, (STATEWIDE) race for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8. So, do to the fact that there won't be a Democratic nominee opposing Judge Michelle Slaughter on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, she will be elected to this bench.

State Senator Joan Huffman will be fighting off the challenge of Democratic (nominee) Rita Lucido in the race for State Senator, District 17 on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

State Representative Briscoe Cain does not have a Democratic opponent running against him in the race for State Representative for House District 128 in Texas on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. So, State Representative Briscoe Cain will win re-election on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

Justice Brett Busby will be fighting off the challenge of Democratic (nominee) Attorney Jerry Zimmerer in the race for Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 3 in Texas on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Attorney Jesse McClure is seeking to beat Democratic (nominee) Attorney Danilo "Danny" Lacayo in the race for District Judge, 182nd Judicial District Court in Harris County, Texas on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Former Judge Renee Magee will be seeking to beat Democratic (nominee) Attorney Abigail Anastasio in the race for District Judge, 184th Judicial District Court on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Judge Wesley Ward will be fighting off the challenge of Democratic (nominee) Attorney Lauren Reeder in the race for District Judge, 234th Judicial District Court on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Judge John Schmude will be fighting off the challenge of Democratic (nominee) Attorney Janice Berg in the race for District Judge, 247th Judicial District Court in Harris County, Texas on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Judge Katherine Cabaniss will be fighting off the challenge of Democratic (nominee) Attorney Hilary Unger in the race for District Judge, 248th Judicial District Court on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Attorney Melanie Flowers is seeking to beat Democratic (nominee) Attorney Sandra J. Peake in the race for District Judge, 257th Judicial District Court in Harris County, Texas on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Attorney Charles Johnson will be seeking to beat Democratic (nominee) Attorney Amy Martin in the race for District Judge, 263rd Judicial District Court on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Judge Brent Gamble will be fighting off the challenge of Democratic (nominee) Attorney Dedra Davis in the race for District Judge, 270th Judicial District Court in Harris County, Texas on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Judge Angelina Gooden will be fighting off the challenge of Democratic (nominee) Attorney Barbara J. Stalder in the race for District Judge, 280th Judicial District Court in Harris County, Texas on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Judge Mike Fields will be fighting off the challenge of Democratic (nominee) Attorney David L. Singer in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court at Law #14 in Harris County, Texas on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Judge Loyd Wright will be fighting off the challenge of Democratic (nominee) Attorney Jerry Simoneaux in the race for Judge, County Probate Court #1 in Harris County, Texas on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Judge Rory Robert Olsen will be fighting off the challenge of Democratic (nominee) Attorney Jason Cox in the race for Judge, County Probate Court #3 in Harris County, Texas on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Judge Christine Riddle Butts will be fighting off the challenge of Democratic (nominee) Attorney James Horwitz in the race for Judge, County Probate Court #4 in Harris County, Texas on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Former Judge Clyde Raymond Leuchtag will be seeking to unseat Democratic (incumbent) Judge George Barnstone in the race for Judge, Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 1 on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Judge Linda Storey will be fighting off the challenge of Democratic (nominee) Attorney LaShawn A. Williams in the race for Judge, County Civil Court at Law #3 in Harris County, Texas on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

Attorney Sophia Mafrige is seeking to beat Democratic (nominee) Attorney William "Bill" McLeod in the race for Judge, County Civil Court at Law #4 in Harris County, Texas on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 22, 2018, and end on Friday, November 2, 2018.

DON'T FORGET TO VIEW THIS "GROUND-GAME" EDITION OF HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER© PUBLISHED FOR "SWING-VOTERS" IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS

"On behalf of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of this "GROUND-GAME" of Houston Business Connections Newspaper© I am strongly encouraging "SWING-VOTERS" to learn more about Judge John Schmude, and other conservatives who value "EVERY VOTE" prior to Monday, October 22, 2018, when early voting is scheduled to begin in Harris County, Texas."

 

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

PHONE: (832)212-8735

CELL: (281)788-3033

OPEN THOUGHT: United States Congressman Kevin Brady shares his thoughts on the dollar, how Americans need to be involved in the Economic Development Process at All Levels

“Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Your Thought Matters Newspaper would like to take a moment to thank United States Congressman Kevin Brady, the U.S. Representative for the 8th Congressional District of Texas (in the Woodlands Texas), for valuing, and honoring our request for him to share a few thoughts with us about the American dollar. We asked Congressman Brady to do this, because he is the Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee and a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee in Washington, D.C.” – Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher 

U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (8th Congressional District of Texas) recently filed two pieces of legislation that protect the U.S. dollar that dozens of his colleagues have signed on in support. The Sound Dollar Act reforms the Federal Reserve and the Centennial Monetary Commission Act analyzes the Fed’s first 100 years.

For More Information on Congressman Brady Click Here

Kevin Brady is the U.S. Congressman for the 8th Congressional District of Texas 

What is the Dollar in your Cash Register Worth? 

“When it comes to jobs, America’s economic “growth gap” has economists fearing our nation has fallen into a new substandard economic norm and Main Street wondering just how much those dollars in the cash register are worth today.

In the weakest economic recovery since World War II, businesses and workers need to know that every hard-earned dollar received this week is worth the same as it was last week.

For America to be the strongest economy in the world throughout the 21st Century, Americans need to be involved in the process at all levels – from their local city councils, to their state houses, to Congress. And because it affects our economy from Main Street to Wall Street, Washington needs to get the role of the Federal Reserve right.

I have filed two pieces of legislation that protect our dollar and I’m pleased that dozens of my colleagues have signed on in support.

The Sound Dollar Act reforms the Federal Reserve and the Centennial Monetary Commission Act analyzes the Fed’s first 100 years.

I believe we must reign the Fed back to a single mandate of price stability and open the door for the regional Fed offices – like Texas’ – to have as much say as Washington and Wall Street. All voices of the U.S. economy must be heard and Americans must be confident the Fed is operating in the best interests of the nation.

There’s a lot we need to get right – government spending, tax codes and regulations. Not to mention the need to ensure that essential programs like Social Security and Medicare are solvent for future generations. Protecting our dollar is equally important.

The bottom line - we need a strong foundation that creates jobs and grows an economy built to last. That’s what we get with a sound dollar and stable prices.” 

Kevin Brady
United States Representative
8th Congressional District of Texas

United States Congressman Brady at the Woodlands Park High School

SEQUESTRATION ILLUSTRATION

"Sequestration pretty much means the action of taking legal possession of assets until a debt has been paid or other claims have been met. In some cases, the act of taking forcible possession of something, such as a confiscation of a thing is also referred to as sequestration." -- Aubrey R. Taylor 

*Congressman Kevin Brady (Woodlands, TX) is the incoming Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee and a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS EDITION OF YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER

The Importance of Voting In Local Elections featuring Thoughts from Mayor Annise Parker and other City of Houston Leaders 

“The feature of this “Special Edition” of Your Thought Matters Newspaper is the section on the importance of voting in local elections. This “Special Edition” was made possible by Mayor Annise Parker, Mayor Allen Owen, Congressman Kevin Brady, Houston Controller Ronald C. Green, Houston Mayor Pro-Tem Ed Gonzalez, Houston At-Large City CM -Andrew C. Burks, Jr., Missouri City At-Large CM - Danny Nguyen, Houston City CM - Ellen Cohen, Houston City CM – Wanda Adams, Houston City CM – Mike Laster, Houston City CM – Larry V. Green. 2013 Candidate Georgia D. Provost for Houston’s District – D, 2013 Candidate Rodney Griffin for Missouri City’s District – A, 2013 Candidate for Re-Election to the FBISD School Board Jim Rice, and 2013 Candidate for FBISD School Board Cynthia Lenton Gary. Call Aubrey R. Taylor Communications at: (832)212-8735 to discuss your inclusion in the next edition of Your Thought Matters Newspaper." -- Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher


CITY LEADERS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTING IN LOCAL ELECTIONS

The City of Houston leaders at Houston's City Hall who contributed to this Your Thought Matters Newspaper feature are: Mayor Annise Parker (top left) At-Large Position 2 Houston City Council Member -- Andrew C. Burks (top right), City of Houston Controller -- Ronald C. Green (second row left), Houston's Mayor Pro-Tem and District H Council Member -- Ed Gonzalez (second row right), Houston City Council Member for District D -- Wanda Adams (third row on left), Houston City Council Member for District C -- Ellen Cohen (third row on right), Houston City Council Member for District J -- Mike Laster (bottom on left), and Houston City Council Member for District K -- Larry V. Green. All these individuals will be on the November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election ballot for the City of Houston; with the exception of Councilwoman Wanda Adams who is term-limited and can't run for re-election for her seat.

Mayor Annise Parker, Other Houston City Hall Leaders Answer Call to Share Their Thoughts On The Importance of Voting

“Mayor Annise Parker the 61st Mayor of Houston, and only the second woman to hold the position of chief executive officer for the City of Houston recently took a moment to share her thoughts on the importance of voting at the request of Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Your Thought Matters Newspaper. Other Houston City Hall leaders who also took the time out of their busy schedules to share their thoughts on the importance of voting in local elections were: Houston’s City Controller Ronald C. Green; Houston’s Mayor Pro-Tem Ed Gonzalez; Houston’s At-Large Position 2 Council Member Andrew C. Burks, Jr.; Houston’s District C Council Member Ellen Cohen; Houston’s District D Council Member Wanda Adams; Houston’s District J Council Member Mike Laster; and Houston’s District K Council Member Larry Green. I’m thankful that these leaders found value in our quest to inform, empower, inspire, and encourage Americans to get involved in local elections. For in the end, all politics are local.”

Mayor Annise Parker, Currently Only the Second Woman to serve as Houston's Chief Executive takes a Moment to Share Her Thoughts on The Importance of Voting 

"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

CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT

Houston City Controller Ronald C. Green Shares His Thoughts on the Importance of Participating in Local Elections

“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

CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT

City of Houston Mayor Pro-Tem, District H Council Member Ed Gonzalez Shares His Thoughts on Why Voting Matters

“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

CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT

Houston City Council Member Andrew C. Burks Shares His Thoughts On The Importance of Participating In Local Elections

"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.
City Council At-Large Position 2

CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT

Houston City Council District C Representative Ellen Cohen Takes A Moment to Share Her Thoughts On The Importance of Participating in Local Elections

“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 localelection (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

CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT

Houston City Council Member Wanda Adams Shares Her Thoughts on The Importance of Voting in Our Local Elections

“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,

Wanda Adams
Houston City Council District D

CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT

Houston City Council Member Mike Laster Shares his thoughts on the importance of voting in local Elections

“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 pot holes 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

CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT

Shared Thoughts from Houston City Council District K Council Member Larry V. Green on Why it's Important for Voters to Participate in Local City-Wide Elections

“It is important for voters to participate in local city-wide elections because elected officials can help determine the economic, educational and social well-being 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 city-wide elections.”

Sincerely,

Larry V. Green, Esq.
Houston City Council District K

CLICK HERE TO SEE SPOTLIGHT

-- CLICK HERE FOR OPEN LETTER FROM GEORGIA D. PROVOST

Businesswoman Georgia D. Provost is running for Houston City Council for District D in the 2013 Mayoral Election for Houston. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2013 for the 2013 Mayoral Election in Houston. The Houston City Council District D seat is currently held by Councilwoman Wanda Adams who is term-limited and can't run for re-election. Click this link to read the "Open Letter" from Georgia D. Provost a 2013 candidate for Houston City Council. 

DON'T FORGET TO REMIND EVERYONE YOU KNOW IN FORT BEND COUNTY TO VOTE IN THE SATURDAY, MAY 11TH GENERAL ELECTION

MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS: Watch Out for the Missouri City Council District A Race involving Bobby Marshall, Rodney Griffin and Yolanda Ford on Saturday, May 11, 2013

By Aubrey R. Taylor
President, Aubrey R. Taylor Communications
The Publisher of Your Thought Matters Newspaper

Back in the 2011 General Election face off in Missouri City for the District A City Council seat Rodney Griffin came within 33 votes of unseating the incumbent Bobby Marshall. However, a dismal 6.52% voter turnout in the (6) six precinct district largely made up of African-American voters proved a little too much for Griffin to overcome in his quest to unseat the incumbent. But Rodney L. Griffin is back on the ballot again in the 2013 General Election to be held on Saturday, May 11, 2013. However, he's not facing the incumbent alone this time around. Yolanda Ford, a local architectural designer and urban planner is also in the race seeking to unseat Councilman Bobby Marshall.


-- CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TRUSTEE JIM RICE

Re-Elect Jim Rice on Saturday, May 11, 2013 in the General Election for Fort Bend County ISD Position 3 Trustee. For Jim Rice, serving on the Board of Trustees for Fort Bend ISD is both an honor and a privilege. He stands by his commitment to the success of Fort Bend ISD. Early voting is from Monday, April 29th through Tuesday, May 7th. So vote during the early voting period!

-- CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CYNTHIA LENTON-GARY

Cynthia Lenton-Gary is seeking your vote of approval in the 2013 Fort Bend ISD School Board Position 7 Trustee race. Cynthia is urging you to cast your ballot for her during the early voting period which starts on Monday, April 29, 2013 and ends on Tuesday, May 7, 2013..

Missouri City At Large Position II Council Member Danny Nguyen (far left) is the Economic Development Committee Chair. Council Member Nguyen at an Economic Development effort with Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert (second photo). Council Member Nguyen at the appreciation of safety event with Constable Ruben Davis.

-- CLICK HERE IF YOU CAN VOTE IN THE MISSOURI CITY 2013 ELECTION

"The City had the Charter Review Commission look at changes that needed to be made and updated to the Charter which we are required to do periodically. In their review some minor changes need to be made and it takes voter approval to change the Charter. City Council unanimously approved the changes and are offering them to the voters on the ballot on Saturday, May 11, 2013. We would ask that the voters approve all of the changes." -- Allen Owen, Mayor of Missouri City, Texas

-- CHECK OUT THE STATE OF MISSOURI CITY -- BY RODNEY L. GRIFFIN

Businessman Rodney Griffin continues to campaign tirelessly for the revitalization of Texas Parkway. He has served the Missouri City community as the Presiding Election Judge for many terms. Presently he serve Precinct 2059 as the Democratic Chair and on the State Democratic Executive Committee in Austin. According to Griffin he was the first State (Texas) party official to endorse then candidate Obama for president (Feb, 22, 2007). During the de centennial census, he made sure that every person in the Missouri City community was counted.