A Message from Dr. Kendall L. Baker: "M.J. Khan, Chris Brown, Bill Frazer, Jew Don Boney, Dwight Jefferson, and Carroll Robinson are the candidates running for City ofHouston Controller on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 ballot. And please don't forget to remind your family and friends who live in District F to vote for me -- I'm Dr. Kendall L. Baker, and I'm asking for your vote."
PLEASE VOTE EARLY
You can vote early from Monday, October 19, 2015 through Friday, October 23, 2015 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CLICK HERE) for early voting locations. On Saturday, October 24, 2015 you can vote from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (CLICK HERE) for early voting locations. And On Sunday, October 25, 2015 you can vote from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (CLICK HERE) for early voting locations. There are (41) forty one early voting locations. You can (CLICK HERE) for the complete list of early voting locations. You can also vote early from Monday, October 26, 2015 through Friday, October 30, 2015 from 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. (CLICK HERE) for a listing of the early voting locations for this election.
ELECTION DAY VOTING
Election Day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. You must vote at your designated voting location on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. You may want to visit the Harris County Clerk’s website if you are not sure where to vote on Election Day. (CLICK HERE) to find your polling place.
Demetria Smith Ben Hall Victoria Lane Sylvester Turner Adrian Garcia Bill King Rafael Munoz Marty McVey Steve Costello Joe Ferreira Hoc Thai Nguyen Chris Bell Dale Steffes
"I stand for “equality” but not“special rights!” Our current Mayor, Annise Parker, is calling for Equal Rights which are in fact particularly and especially designed, aimed, and intended for the LGBT community who wants to implement policy that will threaten religious freedom and criminalize those who stand for the protection of women and children. This ordinance gives men access to women's restrooms and other public accommodations. As your Councilman I'm against this type of ordinance and I will protect religious freedom, family values, women, children and citizens in general," says Dr. Kendall L. Baker.
*Publishing of this "BLOG POST" was made possible in part by Kendall Baker a 2015 Candidate for Houston City Council District F in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election.
Hello, my name is Kendall L. Baker, a native Houstonian, originally from the northeast side. I am a candidate for City Council District F in the 2015 City of Houston elections. First and foremost, I love my city; particularly District F, where I've resided for nearly 25 years and where I’ve pastored a church for over 10 years now. I was employed with the City of Houston for almost 29 years servicing citizens directly in 911 Emergency, Public Works and Engineering, Consumer Affairs Division and as Division Manager of the new improved 311 Help and Information Center. My excellent performance ratings and perfect attendance gave me the ability to see inside the core of what makes the City of Houston work and what doesn’t. Unfortunately, one thing I know for sure is that most of District F (Alief,Tanglewilde,Royal Oaks,Weshchase,Westwood,Briar Meadow, etc.) residents are underrepresented. Why? I'm glad you asked.
District F needs and deserves a candidate who can effectively communicate the needs of the entire district. My experience has equipped me to know every inch of District F extremely well, as well as the entire city. My motto is, "No constituent left behind!" My first task is to make sure our police department has adequate resources and personnel to provide better security in District F. Public safety overall includes improving the infrastructure by making sure roads are safe, by addressing our enormous pothole problem and broken streets. District F streets are broken in part by the underlying deteriorating water and sewer lines. I vow to immediately correct and improve these conditions as your next Councilman.
Second, I stand for “equality” but not“special rights!” Our current Mayor, Annise Parker, is calling for Equal Rights which are in fact particularly and especially designed, aimed, and intended for the LGBT community who wants to implement policy that will threaten religious freedom and criminalize those who stand for the protection of women and children. This ordinance gives men access to women's restrooms and other public accommodations. As your Councilman I'm against this type of ordinance and I will protect religious freedom, family values, women, children and citizens in general.
Fourth, our city must keep a disciplined fiscal accountability, bringing all debt under control, including the infamous pension fund; controlling unnecessary spending, and ceasing the present Administration’s “kick the debt down the road” mentality. This includes revisiting how we allocate funding to districts based on the actual prioritized needs of districts, not“under the table bargaining” to get a favor from the Mayor. This is why I will also support a Charter change that will allow council members to place items on the agenda, not just the mayor only. In addition, I will address other divisive issues including but not limited to the drainage fee and the feeding ordinance. I will protect, promote, advance, and fight for District F!
Houston, it's time for us to be reunited again and this can be made possible by your vote this November. Please vote for Dr. Kendall L. Baker for District F because I truly care about Houston!
Sincerely,
Dr. Kendall L. Baker for City Council District F. Offers a refreshing change by an experienced candidate for all of District F. Call 832-858-4831 or email us at kendall.baker@sbcglobal.net.
Pd. Pol. Ad by Kendall L Baker Campaign, Tim Taft, Treasurer
The focus of Houston Business Connections Newspaper from now through Tuesday, November 3, 2015 is being placed on voter education, engagement and empowerment heading into the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Elections. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015. Call (832)212-8735 for more information. Or you may email the publisher at: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com to discuss your inclusion.
Are you confused on matters pertaining to the HERO Ordinance? Well, you are strongly encouraged to read the ordinance for yourself before going to the polls to vote. You can (CLICK HERE) to read the ordinance for yourself. "Voting is a personal decision that every voter should make from an empowered position. The 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election will be perhaps one of the most important elections that have taken place in the last 50 years. So to this end, please research and study the candidates and issues before going to the polls. Early voting will be taking place from Monday, October 19, 2015 through Friday, October 30, 2015. Election Day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015," Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper -- You are welcome to call (832)212-8735 to discuss your inclusion.
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed by Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaperin this "BLOG POST" do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications; or supporters, sponsors, advertisers, friends, associates, or anyone else associated directly or indirectly to Aubrey R. Taylor Communications.
A 2013 LEADERSHIP SERIES THOUGHT FROM AUBREY: "You can win if you don't quit on yourself! However, it may not look like you're winning at this very moment in your life! It may not even look like you're winning when you step into tomorrow! But there's coming a day when your victory is going to show up! So keep facing your tomorrows; for your victory is much closer than you think it is. And as you strive to reach your own personal and professional goals and ambitions, don't forget that we have a corporate and community responsibility to be active participants in the process of choosing the leaders whom we feel are best qualified to govern over us. So let's commit ourselves to choosing our leaders wisely on Tuesday, November 5, 2013!"
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES IN THE RACE FOR CONTROLLER:Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for City Controller: Ronald C. Green, Don Sumners and Bill Frazer. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES IN THE RACE FOR MAYOR:Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for mayor of Houston: Annise Parker, Ben Hall, Don Cook, Victoria Lane, Michael Fitzsimmons, and Eric Dick. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES IN THE RACE FOR CONTROLLER:Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for City Controller: Ronald C. Green, Don Sumners and Bill Frazer. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES IN THE RACE FOR DISTRICT A: Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council District A: Helena Brown, Brenda Stardig, Amy Peck, Ronald Hale, and Mike Knox. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES IN THE RACE FOR DISTRICT B:Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council District B:Jerry Davis and James "Joe" Joseph. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT C: Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council District C: Ellen Cohen and Pedro "Pete" Sosa. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT D:Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council District A: Georgia Provost, Travis McGee, Dwight Boykins, Assata-Nicole Richards, Larry McKinzie, Lana Edwards, Anthony T. Robinson, and Keith Caldwell. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT E: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District E) Member Dave Martin in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT F: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District F) Member Al Hoang in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT G:Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council (District G) Council Member: Oliver Pennington and Brian Taef. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT H: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District H) Member Ed Gonzalez in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT I: Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council District I:Graci Garces, Leticia Gutierrez Ablaza, Robert Gallegos, and Ben Mendez. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT J:At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District J) Member Mike Laster in the 2013 Mayoral Election. . If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DISTRICT K:At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (District K) Member Larry V. Green in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR AT-LARGE POSITION 1: At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (At-Large Position 1) Stephen Costello in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR AT-LARGE POSITION 2:Here are a few of the names you could see on the 2013 Mayoral Election ballot in the race for Houston City Council (At-Large Position 2) Council Member: Andrew C. Burks, Jr., Trebor Gordon, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz and David Robinson. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR AT-LARGE POSITION 4:At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (At- Large Position 4) C.O. “Brad” Bradford in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
POSSIBLE CANDIDATES FOR AT-LARGE POSITION 5:At this time we have not heard of anyone challenging Houston City Council (At- Large Position 5) Jack Christie in the 2013 Mayoral Election. If you are a candidate running for this seat email your biography and campaign photo to: yourthoughtmatters@gmail.com.
MAYOR ANNISE PARKER - CONTRIBUTOR
Mayor Annise Parker has spent many years in service to the people of Houston, with six years as a City Council member and six years as City Controller. She is the first person in Houston's history to hold the offices of council member, controller and mayor. This is her second term as mayor; and she is seeking re-election to a third in the 2013 Mayoral Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 in the City of Houston.
Mayor Annise Parker and her life partner Kathy Hubbard have been together for more than 20 years and are advocates for adoption, with two adopted daughters and a son.
Mayor Annise Parker Shares A Few Thoughts About How She Goes About Selecting The Best Candidate
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “As a voter, how do you go about selecting the person who is the best candidate in any given election? And what are a few of the characteristics you look for in a leader?”
MAYOR ANNISE PARKER: “It is wrong to run for office just to be in politics; elected officeholders should want to work toward change that will improve the lives of those they represent. I have often said that my job is the best job available because I have the opportunity everyday to truly impact our great city and its residents for the better. When I am personally deciding which candidates to support in an election, obviously, I look for someone who shares my views and positions on the issues. I also look for someone who is passionate, exhibits leadership qualities and is motivated to serve.
Leadership is not simply taking the reigns and getting the job done. A leader also has to be willing to listen to different points of view, flexible enough to change course when the original path proves unworkable or will create an undesirable outcome. And a leader must be willing to compromise. They need to be genuinely concerned about their constituents, and about improving the area they will represent. Ultimately, however, a leader needs to be able to generate consensus through a cooperative approach and stand strong even when the final decision may not be politically popular.”
Annise Parker
The 61st Mayor of Houston, Texas
MAYOR PRO-TEM BRADFORD - CONTRIBUTOR
Vice Mayor Pro-Tem C.O. "Brad" Bradford
Vice Mayor Pro-Tem C.O. Bradford at a “Community Partnership Breakfast” at the South Union Church of Christ. Bradford is currently serving his second term in office. He will be on the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Mayoral Election ballot seeking re-election to his third and final term as the At-Large Position #4 Council Member for the City of Houston.
Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Bradford Shares a Few Thoughts on How He Goes About Identifying The Best Candidate
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “As a voter, how do you go about selecting the person who is the best candidate in any given election?”
VICE MAYOR PRO-TEM BRADFORD: “Who is the best candidate will surely, and properly so, vary from voter to voter. As a voter, I am concerned with someone who brings experience, training and education to the arena. Many of the issues facing our city, state and nation today are complex and multifaceted. The demand for services constantly increases and public resources seem to dwindle. Our population is more and more diverse with high, varied expectations. Therefore, it is my belief that managing the financial and human resources, along with capital assets entrusted to public officials today requires in-depth knowledge and skills.”
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “What are a few of the characteristics you look for in a leader?”
VICE MAYOR PRO-TEM BRADFORD: “Leaders need to be able to inspire! Transforming a vision into a plan and subsequent implementation is no easy task. Leaders understand that reward is attached to performance and that anything worth having isn’t easy to get. Leaders demonstrate that it is nice to be important, but more important to be nice. And, at the end of the day, when it is all said and done, it is not going to matter how many degrees we have, what titles or what positions we’ve held. The question is going to be, ‘what have you done to help others?’ Leaders have a love for humanity and a passion to make a difference for the greater good of all.”
C.O. “Brad” Bradford
Vice Mayor Pro-Tem
Houston City Council, At Large Position 4
COUNCIL MEMBER BURKS - CONTRIBUTOR
Andrew C. Burks, Jr., is the Position 2 At-Large Houston City Council Member
Council Member Andrew C. Burks, Jr. Shares A Few Thoughts About How he Goes About Selecting The Best Candidate & What He Looks For In A Leader
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “As a voter, how do you go about selecting the person who is the best candidate in any given election? And what are a few of the characteristics you look for in a leader?”
COUNCIL MEMBER BURKS: “Our leaders should share our goals and values. When I am personally deciding who to vote for, I look for the candidate who best understands my needs and the aspirations of the community. Strong leaders listen to the people they represent, understand their concerns and aspirations and form a plan to deliver a solution. Successful candidates should be able to empathize with their voters and proactively work to solve the problems brought to their attention. Our neighbors who are hands-on and involved in the community make the best leaders.
Leadership is about more than just making decisions and giving speeches – it is about listening. Selecting a candidate who takes time out of their schedule to visit with you or an organization you are a part of goes a long way. I look for candidates who can roll up their sleeves and accomplish their goals. This takes hard work, perseverance and a willingness to find common ground. On Election Day, the candidate who understands the needs of the community with a plan to improve the lives of all he or she represents earns my vote.”
Andrew C. Burks Jr.
Houston City Council At-Large Position 2
COUNCIL MEMBER COHEN - CONTRIBUTOR
Ellen Cohen is the District C Representative on Houston's City Council
Council Member Ellen Cohen Shares A Few Thoughts On How she Identifies the best Candidate
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “As a voter, how do you go about selecting the person who is the best candidate in any given election? And what are a few of the characteristics you look for in a leader?”
COUNCIL MEMBER COHEN: “As both an elected official and a long-time voter, I have become familiar with both sides of the coin when it comes to choosing between political candidates. The question of who will represent you at the local, state, and federal level of government could not be more critical, so it is important to be well-informed about the candidates and the issues.
I believe all politics is local, so when selecting a representative, my first step is to research the issues the elected official will actually be voting on, and find out what each candidate’s views are on those specific issues. I am drawn to leaders that are passionate about these local issues and pragmatic about problem-solving. Grandstanding about challenges is no substitute for a solid plan of action, so the ability to think critically is also imperative to me.
As a Council Member and a former State Representative, I have found that another trait essential to good governance is the ability to work with those whose opinions differ from your own. Without the ability to build a consensus, a lawmaker will come to a stalemate in office.
Ultimately, I vote for candidates who share my viewpoint, are passionate about local issues, and are able to implement effective solutions for bettering their community.”
Above: On the Campaign Trail with 2013 Candidate for Houston Mayor -- Ben Hall
Above: On the Campaign Trail with 2013 Candidate for Houston Mayor -- Ben Hall
Above: On the Campaign Trail with 2013 Candidate for Houston Mayor -- Ben Hall
Above: On the Campaign Trail with 2013 Candidate for Houston Mayor -- Ben Hall
Above: On the Campaign Trail with 2013 Candidate for Houston Mayor -- Ben Hall
Above: On the Campaign Trail with 2013 Candidate for Houston Mayor -- Ben Hall
HERE'S A LITTLE ABOUT BEN HALL
Born into a family of meager financial means, Benjamin Hall, III has experienced firsthand the struggle that accompanies difficult economic times. Ben also encountered challenges in the academic world, where teachers doubted his ability to rise above his humble beginnings and achieve higher education; however, he knew he had the potential to succeed and refused to compromise his goals. In 1975, Ben enrolled at the University of South Carolina, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977, with honors. His thirst for knowledge and desire to help others led him to continue his education at Duke University; obtaining a Master of Divinity degree in 1979 and a Ph.D. in 1985. Others might have stopped at that point, but Ben saw a real opportunity to help underrepresented communities as an attorney. In 1986, Ben earned a law degree from Harvard Law School and began working at the Vinson & Elkins law firm in Houston, Texas. He went on to serve as the City Attorney for the City of Houston in Mayor Bob Lanier’s administration.
Through his legal practice, Ben has applied the principles of courage, tenacity and justice that he learned as a young man; speaking out on behalf of those who need a strong voice to champion their causes. In 2000, Ben founded the nationally recognized Hall Law Firm. Additionally, Ben has served the Houston community through his numerous pro bono efforts on behalf of groups, corporations and individuals in need of representation.
Ben is grateful for his professional successes, but also recognizes his personal blessings. He describes his family as his greatest treasure. Ben and Saundra, his wife of 31 years, have two sons. The entire Hall family remains committed to serving the Houston community.
Leadership with Vision
Houston is a great city – rich in diversity, talent and potential. Our collective future can be brighter than our past.
Houston needs a mayor who is more than a manager; it needs a world-class leader with vision. We also need a leader with the energetic ability to tackle broad issues and implement meaningful change. Rome was not built in a day, but it also was not built by tinkering with food carts and small matters. We have a choice to make in November between mere management and leadership with vision.
Houstonians believe in fair play for all. This is one of our great strengths. We also believe in the power of fresh ideas and forward-looking policies. We believe that government should not act as a barrier to success, but as a catalyst to achieve it. Government must be business-friendly, while still protecting our prized individual liberties. Through the application of new technologies, entrepreneurial governance, and innovative leadership, Houston can expand its position as a global business capital.
Ben Hall on Crime
Criminal conduct will not be tolerated in Houston! Criminals will be arrested and punished to the fullest extent of the law. For those offenders convicted of non-violent crimes, I will seek to have them give back to our community by mowing overgrown lots and cleaning illegally dumped trash from streets and waterways. Those non-violent criminals should actively pay their debt to society, rather than sit idly in jail, watching television at the additional expense of taxpayers.
Ben Hall on Education
Our future as a world-class city depends on a superb educational system and no one – especially not a mayor – can remain silent on this pressing issue. As mayor, I will use my office to set a tone of excellence in education and will work to achieve that goal through collaborative efforts with area school districts. We have the teachers, staff and civic leaders to turn around any real or perceived issues with educating the next generation of Houstonians. I believe city government has a responsibility to assist school districts in increasing the number of educational opportunities for students. As mayor, I will work with Houston’s school districts to help them create the best educational experience for our students, advancing pragmatic city/school district initiatives to integrate education with real world business experiences. This will be a top priority item for my administration.
Ben Hall on Transportation
Houston’s transportation issues can only be fully addressed through a combination of planning and transit options. Automotive travel is here to stay, but we must also promote shared transit ridership through expanded high-occupancy vehicle lanes, better bus access, smart rail options, and other transit innovations. Additionally, Houston’s city government must plan and work with TXDOT to coordinate travel patterns through and around the city. Better transportation practices and policies do more than reduce congestion on the highways; they also assist with air quality issues, making Houston safer and even more enjoyable.
Ben Hall on Downtown
Our downtown is a vibrant business district with an impressive array of world-class companies, restaurants, and hotels. I envision an active downtown where more people will want to live, work and play. At the same time, I hope to channel the energy of that bustling city center to attract a greater number of international conventions and increase the level of downtown tourism. My administration will actively encourage the development of a thriving downtown shopping and entertainment center by fostering innovative public-private partnerships. In that way, we will work to encourage the development of a larger retail business footprint downtown.
Ben Hall on Infrastructure/Road Repairs
Houston’s roads must be repaired and upgraded immediately! A Hall administration will implement the latest technologies available to allow citizens to self-report road problems and track the city’s response and repairs in real-time on your computers or cell phones. We will also explore new technologies to fortify roadway repairs and end the costly practice of repeatedly refilling the same potholes. Repairing city roads will be job-one-on-day-one of the Hall administration.
Ben Hall on Drainage
As a city that has always stood at the forefront of engineering and science, Houston has the capacity to develop a cutting-edge drainage system that can handle surface water. Flooding should not be a recurring problem in this world-class city. By challenging the current approach and employing innovative drainage solutions, we will dramatically improve the way we handle storm water and flooding in our city.
Ben Hall on Diversity
In Houston, we find people from every continent, ethnicity and belief system. We applaud our respective heritages and are all made better by the great span of our cultures and diversity. As Mayor, I will continue the proud tradition of showcasing the impressive intercultural acceptance that has made Houston strong.
