Diane Trautman, the Democratic, Harris County Clerk is under a tremendous amount of pressure following the "ELECTION NIGHT" fiasco that went down back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, related to her office's handling of the election night returns. And in the wake of her office's handling of the election, the HCRP Executive Committee is asking for the Texas Secretary of State to step in and oversee the upcoming Saturday, December 14, 2019, "RUNOFF ELECTION" to preserve the integrity of the voting process.
Why Did Diane Trautman Panic and Go Into Disaster Relief Mode? Are the Election Night Results What They Appear to Be?
AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS@
About a year ago Houston voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition B, to provide pay parity for Houston’s firefighters. However, the results from the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election did not reflect the results a lot of Houstonians expected to see in my opinion. “I believe Mayor Sylvester Turner has vetoed the will of the people. Every single voter that he’s asking for votes from on Saturday, December 14, 2019, should keep this in mind said,” Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Fire Fighters Union in a recent public interview on Fox 26 News prior to the start of the election. “He took your tax dollars and your vote, and as soon as you made your voice heard, he sues to overturn it,” says Lancton. “The basic right of our democracy is to settle our issues at the ballot box (not in courtrooms) seeking to overturn THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE! So, I encourage all Houstonians to remember this on election day,” Lancton went on to say. “We cannot afford four more years of unbridled power on behalf of Mayor Sylvester Turner, this would not be a good thing for Houston,” he says.
WHAT REPUBLICANS BELIEVE HAPPENED
In a nutshell, the Harris County Republican Party, according to a recent email I received have signed a resolution stating that Democratic County Clerk (Diane Trautman) “Operated in a Manner That Raises 'High Suspicion' of Election Security and Integrity” back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. And now, the Harris County Republican Party’s Executive Committee is calling on the Secretary of State to provide oversight of the upcoming Saturday, December 14, 2019, December “RUNOFF ELECTIONS” in Harris County.
WHAT HAPPENED ON ELECTION DAY?
In case you don’t know, Houston Firefighters endorsed councilman Dwight Boykins in the race for mayor of Houston, Texas back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. However, Boykins didn’t perform as expected. But was everything on the up and up? “Firefighters worked the streets and polling locations for councilman Boykins,” says Lancton. “We blocked walked over 100,000 homes, spoke directly to tens of thousands of voters, gave away over 30,000 push cards to people who voted early, and the people we spoke with -- when they got to know Dwight Boykins they seemed to like him,” said Lancton. “Right now, this mayor needs to start telling the truth. He needs to start respecting the will of the voters, the very ones he’s asking for their votes. He needs to drop the lawsuits. He needs to stop wasting taxpayer funds. He needs to start paying our brave men and women. He needs to stop with the special internships. He needs to stop with the pet projects. And he needs to stop with his family and friend program,” Lancton went on to say.
WHAT HOUSTONIANS SHOULD BE ASKING
Early voting for the Saturday, December 14, 2019, runoff election between Mayor Sylvester Turner and Tony Buzbee will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 -- the day before Thanksgiving. After one day of early voting, the process will stop, skip a few days, then resume on Monday, December 2, 2019. Once early voting resumes on December 2nd it will then continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019. According to Lancton, Houstonians should be asking themselves a few questions. What are these questions? Well, I’m glad you asked. Here’s are a few questions Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Firefighters Union wants all Houstonians to ask themselves between now and the start of early voting. “Why does Mayor Turner continue to wage a war against the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day? Do you think that you are better off now since Sylvester Turner took office? Do you think it is okay for Mayor Turner to continue his political vendetta again Houston’s firefighters? If he does this to us, what do you think he will do to someone else? Has your flooding response gotten better under Mayor Turner."
HOUSTONIANS DESERVE ANSWERS
Something about the "ELECTION NIGHT" turnout numbers doesn't look right to me. Since election day, Houston Business Connections Newspaper©, has been combing over the “UNOFFICIAL RETURNS” in an attempt to understand why (and how) Proposition B could be approved by nearly three hundred thousand Houstonians back in 2018, and only a fraction of these Houstonians show back up at the polls to cast ballots in 2019. Something just doesn’t make sense! Is it voter apathy? Voter suppression? Houston voters just didn’t like the choices they had in the mayor’s race? Or was it something else? Whatever the case, answers are needed, and the answers I have need to be answered surrounding a few things that occurred leading up to “ELECTION NIGHT” back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. However, before I get to my questions, I would like to remind everyone reading this report, that these questions are not in any way, shape, or form intended to serve as an indictment of Democratic County Clerk Diane Trautman. For the record, I have known Diane Trautman for many years. She is a good, competent, and fair person in my opinion. She’s done business with me, and she values the voting rights of every Houstonian, I am sure of this fact. However, a lot went wrong back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, and these questions need to be answered.
AUBREY’S QUESTION #1
If the Harris County Attorney advised you that your previous plan for “ELECTION NIGHT” was legal and complied with the election code, why did you resort to a natural disaster contingency plan on election night?
AUBREY’S QUESTION #2
According to published reports, your request for a waiver from the secretary of state’s office was denied. However, since you claimed in the letter you sent out shortly after midnight on election night, that Houston’s former plan complied with election code, in hindsight do you think it would have been better to have stuck with your initial plan?
AUBREY’S QUESTION #3
Do you think that the advisory from the secretary of state was in some way an attempt to through the largest county in the state into disarray? Do you believe, that the actions of Ruth Ruggero Hughs, who was sworn in as the 113th Texas Secretary of State back on August 19, 2019, were in some way politically motivated? After all, you Diane Trautman, are a Democrat, and Hughs, someone whom, I also have the utmost respect for was in fact appointed by our Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. In fact, according to Gov. Abbott, “Ruth is a proven leader who has done a tremendous job as both a commissioner and the Chair of the Texas Workforce Commission.” Back when he appointed her, he also stated that “She has built strong relationships with the business community throughout Texas and has helped lead the way in developing the best workforce in the nation. I am proud to appoint Ruth as Secretary of State and I am confident that her experience at the Texas Workforce Commission will translate into success in this new role. Under Ruth’s leadership, we will continue to build the Texas brand on the international stage and uphold the integrity of our elections.” So, if you think that the “ADVISORY” sent to you by our secretary of state, what do you think motivated her to do it?
AUBREY’S QUESTION #4
Since early voting started on Monday, October 21, 2019, and the advisory from the secretary of state was dated, Wednesday, October 23, 2019, why did you wait until Friday, November 1, 2019, to send let Harris County voters know that election results would be delayed on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 – election night?
AUBREY’S QUESTION #5
Do you think that it’s possible for 763 in-person voters to show up on Monday, October 21, 2019, the first day of early voting, and then the “SAME EXACT NUMBER” of voters 763, show back up on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, the second day of early voting, at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center “WEST GRAY”, which happens to be the largest Democratic voting center in Harris County, Texas?
AUBREY’S QUESTION #6
What about the Katy Branch Harris County Library? Do you believe in coincidences? Do you believe that it’s possible for 72 in-person voters to show up at this “EARLY VOTING” location on Monday, October 21, 2019, the first day of early voting and then the “SAME EXACT NUMBER” of voters 72 show right back up on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, the second day of early voting?
AUBREY’S QUESTION #7
What about the Galena Park Library? Did lightning strike three times at early voting locations in Harris County back on October 21st, and 22nd? How is it that the “SAME EXACT NUMBER” of in-person voters 32, showed up at this location on Monday, October 21, 2019, and then, on the following day the number of early in-person voters, 32, show back up?
AUBREY’S QUESTION #8
How is it that the same number of early in-person voters showed up at three different “EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS” on the first and second day of “EARLY VOTING”; which was on Monday, October 21, 2019, and Tuesday, October 22, 2019, but after you received the “ADVISORY” from Ruth Hughes, the secretary of state on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, the “MATHEMATICAL IMPROBABILITIES” never occurred again, over the remaining ten days of the “EARLY VOTING” period which ended on Friday, November 1, 2019, in Harris County?
AUBREY’S QUESTION #9
How is it possible that the “CUMULATIVE REPORT” we received from your office, dated 11/05/2019 at 6:44pm showed that “ZERO” percent of the 856 City of Houston “VOTER PRECINCTS” had been counted? But then the report we received from your office at 9:30pm showed that 856, of the 856 “VOTER PRECINCTS” were 100% reported? After that, we received another report from your office at 11:56pm that still reflected that 856, of the 856 “VOTER PRECINCTS” were reported as tallied? And why around this same time did we receive the “OFFICIAL STATEMENT” from your office stating in part, “The 11:56pm Election Night Unofficial Cumulative Report provided results from 176 voting centers.” Again, my 11:56pm report from your office showed that 856 of the 856 “VOTER PRECINCTS” were 100% reported. Why is this? Your “OFFICIAL STATEMENT” went on to say, “Th County Clerk team and Central Count Board are working diligently to get the results reported in a secure and efficient manner. As such, this most recent batch of results will be the last released until all results are tabulated.” All votes tabulated? Wait!!! If you had only provided to us with results from 176 voting centers, at the time of your 11:56 report, why was the data being sent out by your office showing 856 of 856 “VOTER PRECINCTS” 100% reported? I am confused, was this an error or something?
AUBREY’S QUESTION #10
Why did your office go “CODE BLACK” at 11:56pm on “ELECTION NIGHT”, Diane Trautman? And did you kick the media out?
AUBREY’S QUESTION #11
On the report, we received at 11:56pm on “ELECTION NIGHT” prior to your
“ELECTION NIGHT BLACKOUT” the returns, at that point reflected that Mayor
Sylvester Turner had 8,679 in-person “ELECTION DAY” votes. They also showed
Tony Buzbee with 7,768 in-person “ELECTION DAY” votes with 856 of the 856
“VOTER PRECINCTS” reported. Do you believe in magic? “How in the world could
Mayor Sylvester Turner has 8,679 in-person “ELECTION DAY” votes at 11:56pm,
and Tony Buzbee has 7,768 “ELECTION DAY” votes at the same time, and they both
end up with the “SAME IDENTICAL” vote tally, “BEHIND THE COMMA” after your
“ELECTION NIGHT BLACKOUT” period is lifted? Not sure what I am talking about?
Let me explain, on the morning following your “ELECTION NIGHT BLACKOUT” Mayor
Sylvester Turner went from having 8,679 in-person “ELECTION DAY” votes to
having 59,805 in-person “ELECTION DAY” votes to make the “RUNOFF” election.
Tony Buzbee, the second-place finisher went from 7,768 votes at 11:56pm at the
start of your “ELECTION NIGHT BLACKOUT” period, to having 37,805 votes at the
end of your “ELECTION NIGHT BLACKOUT” period. Do you realize that after the
“COMMA” their vote tally is exactly the same? Do you understand it’s a
“MATHEMATICAL IMPROBABILTY” that prior to when your “ELECTION NIGHT BLACKOUT”
began, Mayor Sylvester Turner could have 8,679 in-person votes and Tony Buzbee
could have 7,768 in-person votes, and then they end up with the same vote total
behind the “COMMA” when your “ELECTION NIGHT BLACKOUT” period is lifted the
next morning? Now, I am not in any way, accusing you, or your team of
“CONJURING UP THE RESULTS” during your “ELECTION NIGHT BLACKOUT” period.
However, I do think that you owe Houstonians who cast ballots in “GOOD FAITH”
an explanation. Do you? Why? I am glad you asked. For the vote tally during
your “ELECTION NIGHT BLACKOUT” period that began at 11:56pm, just before
midnight on “ELECTION NIGHT” to end up with Mayor Turner and Tony Buzbee both
having an identical total “BEHIND THE COMMA” in your 11:27am “UNOFFICIAL
CUMULATIVE REPORT” here is what had to happen during your “ELECTION NIGHT
BLACKOUT” period. Sometime during your “ELECTION NIGHT BLACKOUT” period a total
of 51,126 in-person “ELECTION DAY VOTES” had to be input for Mayor Sylvester
Turner for him to arrive at the “POST ELECTION BLACKOUT” with a total of 59,805
votes on the morning following Election Night. As it relates to Tony Buzbee?
Well, a total of 30,037 in-person votes had to be input for Tony Buzbee, the
second-place finisher to allow him to end up with a total of 37,805 in-person
“ELECTION DAY” votes after your “ELECTION NIGHT BLACKOUT” period was lifted.
THE PEOPLE DESERVE ANSWERS
I am in no way trying to implicate Mayor Sylvester Turner or Tony Buzbee in any sort of “ELECTION NIGHT SHINANIGANS” in any way. The fact of the matter is that, at the end of the day, I am simply trying to compel our Harris County Clerk, Diane Trautman to restore the “FAITH OF THE PEOPLE” in the voting process. Something stinks here – I THINK ANY REASONABLE PERSON WOULD AGREE!!! So, I plan to release my “FULL REPORT” on this matter inside my “VOTER’S GUIDE” sometime prior to the Saturday, December 14, 2019, City of Houston Runoff Election – if there is one! Why am I saying this? I’m glad you asked? My team and I have identified several other very important races that were going one way, prior to the Harris County Clerk Office “ELECTION NIGHT BLACKOUT” period, but turned out very differently when the “ELECTION NIGHT BLACKOUT” period was lifted the following morning on Wednesday, November 6, 2015. Thus, it pains dearly to say that I believe that the December 14, 2019, City of Houston “RUNOFF ELECTION” should perhaps be HALTED until the voters of Harris County in general, and the City of Houston, in particular, can be assured of a fair, and transparent process that assures that the voting results provided are true, and the process of delivering the votes to the people are legal and transparent.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
On Fox 26, the day after the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election, Keith Ingram, who currently serves as the elections director for the Texas Secretary of State’s Office issued a tough rebuke of Diane Trautman and the practice she used bring Houstonians the Election Day results, “As the clerk’s office confirmed to us, the county was proposing to take memory cards (MBBs) containing raw vote totals and insert them into a computer connected to an intranet,' Ingram said in an email. 'They were then going to transmit these results over a T-1 line to another computer connected to the intranet for tabulation. The MBB and the computer tabulating results are both components of the voting system used in Harris County. The clerk was planning to use this risky method of results reporting even though they were fully aware it was illegal to do so, and with apparent disregard to the fact that the intelligence community has repeatedly warned election officials since 2016 of the continuing desire of nation-states to interfere with our election process. Directly connecting the county’s voting system to the intranet would have eliminated the protections that an air-gapped system provides and subjected the county to major security risks.'
"Ingram said his office issued [an Oct. 23] advisory in order to formalize guidance they had previously given to counties in April 2019, and the Secretary of State’s Office did not change or issue any new requirements for the November 5 election." So, that being said, in essence, the most important question that Diane Trautman, the newly elected Democratic County Clerk needs to answer for the voters as it relates to this past election is this if the Harris County Attorney told you that you were already in compliance with the election code, why did you panic, and resort to a plan of action you called a “NATURAL DISASTER CONTINGENCY PLAN” on Election Night?
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
"At this time Mayor Sylvester Turner is the only candidate in the runoff race for Mayor of Houston, Texas who is asking for "OUR" vote on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Early voting will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving."
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
"At this time Shelley Kennedy is the only candidate in the runoff race for Houston City Council District C who is asking for "OUR" vote on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Early voting will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving."
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
"At this time Edward Pollard is the only candidate in the runoff race for Houston City Council District J who is asking for "OUR" vote on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Early voting will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving."
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
On Saturday, December 14, 2019, a runoff between Mayor Sylvester Turner, and Tony Buzbee will take place in Houston, Texas. A runoff is needed, because no candidate drew the majority of the vote in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, General Election. Mayor Turner was the top vote-getter with 111,404 votes, and Tony Buzbee made the runoff by finishing second with 69,188 votes back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the general election. What every Houstonian should be doing right now, is talking to their family, friends, and others within their sphere of influence about the Saturday, December 14, 2019, runoff election. And please remind them that there are some very important matchups that they should be aware of in this pivotal runoff election. And lastly, please, please, please do not forget to vote early. Remember the "EARLY VOTING" period will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving. Then the "EARLY VOTING" period will resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019, with "ELECTION DAY" voting taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
Turner Versus Buzbee Round Two is Coming on Saturday, December 14, 2019; Other Key Runoff Candidates You Should Know
AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
I hear a lot of pundits and politicos already predicting that the upcoming Saturday, December 14, 2019 “RUNOFF ELECTION” between Mayor Sylvester Turner and his challenger Tony Buzbee will be a low voter turnout election. However, I beg to differ! What Houstonians can expect on Saturday, December 14, 2019, is a historic turnout whereas “RUNOFF ELECTIONS” for our city is concerned in my opinion. I’m predicting that Houstonians will be energized, motivated, engaged and excited to play a role in deciding the outcome of this runoff election. Especially since the two candidates running at the top of the ballot couldn’t be more different. Yep, Turner versus Buzbee 2.0 will be a tale of two men on a collision course that’s destined them to meet right here, right now, in Houston, Texas on December 14th! After all, their entire lives have been about this date with destiny in a sense.
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "SYLVESTER TURNER" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Mayor Sylvester Turner, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
MAYOR TURNER IS THE FRONT-RUNNER
Mayor Sylvester Turner currently serves as the mayor of the fourth largest city in America. He’s a powerful man who lives life on his own terms. He was born on September 27, 1954, the sixth of nine children in the Acres Homes community in northwest Houston, Texas. And contrary to popular belief, Turner wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth or anything like that. In case you don’t know, his father was a commercial painter, and his mother worked as a maid at the Rice Hotel. Like him or not, Mayor Turner has overcome every obstacle he’s faced to make it to this point. His most recent triumph over a stellar field of challengers back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, has brought him one step closer to his goal of continuing his service as (only) Houston’s second African American mayor ever. It hasn’t been easy for Mayor Turner to make it to this point. He’s had to beat back accusations of corruption; attacks on his character, innuendo and suggestions that he’s somehow leading a double life, and perhaps worst of all, constant trolling by people who have made it their mission in life to find fault in every decision he makes as the “CEO” of Houston, Texas. None more prevalent than former Councilman Dwight Boykins who is perhaps the only reason Mayor Turner finds himself having to face off against Tony Buzbee in the Saturday, December 14th, “RUNOFF ELECTION” in the first place. What am I talking about? I’m glad you asked. If it were not for Councilman Dwight Boykins deciding to run for mayor and gaining 14,162 votes, for 5.89% of the vote in the process, Mayor Sylvester Turner who gained 111,404 votes, for 46.36% of the vote would have more than likely won his bid for re-election outright – without a runoff. How can I say this? Well, you have to keep in mind that Tony Buzbee only received 69,188 votes, for 28.79% of the vote. And do to the fact that Bill King, the man who forced Mayor Sylvester Turner to a runoff back in 2015 underperformed, and was only able to muster 33,682 votes, for 14.02% of the vote, Mayor Turner almost made quick-work of his challengers – had it not been for Boykins in the race. That being said, the only question now, is whether former Councilman Dwight Boykins will endorse Mayor Sylvester Turner, or Tony Buzbee on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "TONY BUZBEE" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Tony Buzbee, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
BUZBEE HAS ANOTHER BITE AT THE APPLE
Make no mistake about it, Tony Buzbee is successful. He’s worked hard all of his life. And he is admired by some and revered by others. His friends love him, and his haters attack him privately. Notice I said privately. Anyways, similar to Mayor Sylvester Turner, he had a childhood some would consider rough and tumble, underprivileged even. You see, Tony Buzbee grew up in Atlanta, Texas. He and his three siblings lived in a farm-house. For those of you who don’t know, Tony Buzbee’s mom drove the school bus he rode to school on, and his dad worked as a meat-cutter. But he’s come a long way since then, and I can assure you that Tony Buzbee knows how to win. But can he win his Saturday, December 14, 2019, “RUNOFF ELECTION” against Mayor Sylvester Turner? Well, the answer to that question depends on who you ask. I read a story recently that was published in Texas Super Lawyers Magazine that referred to Tony Buzbee as “THE BIGGEST, BADDEST, MEANEST DOG IN THE YARD”. But has he met his match? Can Tony Buzbee convince Houstonians to fire Mayor Sylvester Turner? “There’s nothing you can beat me at,” he was quoted as saying in the aforementioned article published in Texas Super Lawyers Magazine. “Not at boxing, or in one-on-one basketball, or in cards or a footrace. I’m stronger than you and I’m smarter than you. So, don’t try me.” Well, that’s a lot of tough-talking, and for the most part, Buzbee has been able to back it up in the courtroom. But his fight now against Mayor Sylvester Turner isn’t before a judge and jury, it’s before Houston voters. And as for Tony Buzbee and his team, they had better come correct or Mayor Sylvester Turner is going to have the last laugh. In my opinion, Tony Buzbee and his team had better find some creative ways to focus more attention on the feature, function, and benefit of what Tony Buzbee has to offer Houston, and a little less attention on attacking Mayor Sylvester Turner and his lifestyle. And above all else, Tony Buzbee must find a way to broaden his base, and appeal a little more to Houstonians from all walks of life between now and Saturday, December 14, 2019. And it wouldn't be a bad idea for his team to concentrate some of their efforts on wooing the Houstonians who cast their ballot for Dwight Boykins, Bill King, Victoria Romero, Demetria Smith, Kendall Baker, Johnny “J.T.” Taylor, Naufal Houjami, Roy J. Vasquez, and Derrick Broze back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Why? Well, the Houstonians who cast their ballot for these “2019 CITY OF HOUSTON MAYORAL CANDIDATES” has already demonstrated and proven that they are engaged, and are not afraid to cast their ballot for someone other than Mayor Sylvester Turner.
AT-LARGE POSITION #1 RUNOFF
On Saturday, December 14, 2019, Council Member Mike Knox will be trying to hold off Raj Salhotra in his bid to remain the councilman for Houston’s At-Large Position #1 council seat. Councilman Knox received 73,391 votes for 36.50% of the vote to finish first against his four challengers back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Raj Salhotra was able to emerge with the second-highest number of votes among the four challengers to force the runoff. Salhotra received 44,435 votes, for 22.10% of the vote.
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "MIKE KNOX" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Mike Knox, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "RAJ SALHOTRA" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Raj Salhotra, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
AT-LARGE POSITION #2 RUNOFF
On Saturday, December 14, 2019, Councilman David Robinson will be trying to hold off Willie R. Davis the man he narrowly defeated back in 2015 in a runoff in the race for Houston’s At-Large Position #2 council seat. Councilman Robinson received 71,998 votes, for 37.73% of the vote to finish first against his four challengers back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Willie R. Davis was able to emerge with the second-highest number of votes among the four challengers to force the runoff. Willie R. Davis received 51,866 votes for 27.18% of the vote.
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "DAVID ROBINSON" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support David Robinson, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "WILLIE R. DAVIS" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Willie R. Davis, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
AT-LARGE POSITION #3 RUNOFF
On Saturday, December 14, 2019, Councilman Michael Kubosh will be trying to hold off Janaeya Carmouche in the race for Houston’s At-Large Position #3 council seat. Councilman Kubosh received 92,118 votes, for 47.78% of the vote to finish first against his three challengers back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Janaeya Carmouche was able to emerge with the second-highest number of votes among the three challengers to force the runoff. Janaeya Carmouche received 41,470 votes for 21.51% of the vote.
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "MICHAEL KUBOSH" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Michael Kubosh, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "JANAEYA CARMOUCHE" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Janaeya Carmouche, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for her at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
AT-LARGE POSITION #4 RUNOFF
Anthony Dolcefino took “ELECTION DAY” by storm back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the race for Houston City Council At-Large Position #4. Does the name sound familiar? Well, it should. Why? Well, Anthony Dolcefino is the son of the Wayne Dolcefino, who controlled the Houston area airwaves for more than three decades in radio and television broadcasting. The elder Dolcefino won more than thirty Emmy Awards and three Medals from the Investigative Reporters and Editors Organization. And his son Anthony appears to be a chip off the old block – at least for now. In a field comprised of a large contingent of Democrats back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, the younger Dolcefino was able to beat back a potent field of ten other candidates vying for the Houston City Council At-Large Position #4 seat. But trust me, he will have his hands full with Dr. Letitia Plummer in the Saturday, December 14, 2019, “RUNOFF ELECTION” race. Anthony Dolcefino received 39,484 votes for 20.89% of the vote to finish first in the field of twelve candidates who were seeking the seat left vacant because Councilwoman Amanda Edwards decided to not run for re-election. Dr. Letitia Plummer was the second-place finisher with 30,125 votes, for 15.94% of the vote.
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "ANTHONY DOLCEFINO" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Anthony Dolcefino, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "LETITIA PLUMMER" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Letitia Plummer, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for her at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
AT-LARGE POSITION #5 RUNOFF
Expect for the Saturday, December 14, 2019, “RUNOFF” showdown between Sallie Alcorn and Eric Dick to be fierce. Eric Dick, a well-known Houston-area lawyer mostly relied on this name identification and advertisements promoting his law firm to make the runoff. Sallie Alcorn, a woman many felt would make quick work of the field she was matched up against back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, now finds herself matched up against Dick – someone who can match her dollar for dollar if he chooses to do so. Sallie Alcorn received 42,803 votes for 22.77% of the vote. And as for Eric Dick, he received 38,146 votes for 20.29% of the vote.
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "ERIC DICK" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Eric Dick, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
2019RUNOFFENDORSEMENT@GMAIL.COM: "Please send us an email with the name "SALLIE ALCORN" typed in the "SUBJECT" box. Also, if you truly support Sallie Alcorn, in the "RUNOFF ELECTION" you should be encouraging all of your family, friends, and other Houstonians within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for her at any polling location on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Every vote will count on Election Day."
THE RACE FOR CONTROLLER
City Controller Chris Brown was able to dispatch of his challenger Orlando Sanchez without a runoff. This race turned out to be less competitive than expected as Controller Brown receive 108,075 votes for 52.17% of the vote. His lone challenger, Orlando Sanchez, could only muster 99,074 votes for 47.83% of the vote as he must now contemplate what he will run for next. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Orlando Sanchez back on the ballot in 2020, or perhaps in 2022 for sure.
DISTRICT A – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
As expected, Amy Peck led the way by a hefty margin in the race for Houston City Council District A, back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. However, perhaps the biggest surprise in this race is the opponent she’s facing in the runoff. George Harry Zoes was able to hold off Iesheia Ayers-Wilson to make the runoff. Ayers-Wilson’s chances of making the runoff decreased dramatically when Marina Angelica Coryat, another African American, entered the race at the last minute to seek the District A seat in this largely Republican stronghold. Both Coryat and Ayers-Wilson were well-liked and ran competitive races; but unfortunately canceled one another out in the end, as Amy Peck cruised to victory with 7,153 votes, for 45.42% of the vote. As for George Harry Zoes, he isn’t expected to beat Amy Peck in the runoff, as he could only muster 2,605 votes, for 16.54% of the vote back on Tuesday, November 5, 2015.
DISTRICT B – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
In perhaps one of the biggest surprises of “ELECTION NIGHT” back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, Renee Jefferson Smith, failed to make the runoff. And Alvin Byrd, the candidate whom I really, really liked finished fourth in the field of fourteen candidates vying for the seat left vacant because Councilman Jerry Davis was term-limited and could not run for re-election. Expect for Tarsha Jackson, the front-runner, to dominate the Saturday, December 14, 2019, “RUNOFF ELECTION” against Cynthia Bailey, who finished second to make the runoff. However, I am keeping an eye on this particular race as some folks feel that Cynthia Bailey was ineligible to seek this seat and should be replaced by the third-place finisher Renee Jefferson Smith. Why? Cynthia Bailey had a little trouble in her past many years ago but has since turned her life around. But for what it’s worth, Cynthia Bailey worked her tail off to make the runoff and should be allowed to compete for the seat. Anyways, Tarsha Jackson received 3,309 votes, for 20.84% of the vote, while Cynthia Bailey, respectfully received 2,298 votes, for 14.47% of the vote, to edge out Renee Jefferson Smith who could only muster 2,130 votes, for 13.42% of the vote in this predominantly African American council district.
DISTRICT C – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
As expected, Abbie Kamin put on a show back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the race for the Houston City Council District C seat to make the Saturday, December 14, 2019 runoff. Kamin was the class of a stellar field of candidates vying to capture the District C council seat left vacant by Councilwoman Ellen Cohen who was term-limited and could not run for re-election. Kamin received 11,924 votes, for 31.77% of the vote to finish first in the field of thirteen candidates. Shelley Kennedy finished second with 5,443 votes for 14.50% of the vote to edge out Greg Meyers who finished with 5,089 votes for 13.56% of the vote.
DISTRICT D – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
The race for Houston City Council District D was a fiasco from start to finish. Long before “ELECTION DAY” the groundwork for something crazy to happen was being laid. The forums and debates were a mess; endorsements were given and rescinded; an endorsement meeting by HBAD turned ugly as accusations of candidates buying memberships and votes surfaced; HBAD had to eventually rescind all endorsements; at least one candidate (allegedly) decided that passing out gift cards to students was a good idea – but happens to be a felony in the State of Texas; and then came “ELECTION NIGHT” and a set of mysterious circumstances. What am I talking about? Well, I’m glad you asked. I was keeping a close eye on the Houston City Council District D race because of a tip I had received about the potential of voter fraud whereas the “ABSENTEE BALLOTS” were concerned. In case you think voter-fraud is a figment of my imagination, you had better think again. As I talk about this, I am reminded of a Washington Post and News21 article I read years ago where they talked about how prevalent voter fraud cases were in states like Arizona, Ohio, Georgia, Kansas, and yes, you guessed it, right here in the good ole’ Lone Star State of Texas as well. Look, let me be clear here, the potential for voter fraud to occur is a “BIG PROBLEM” in elections all across the country and must be seriously addressed. The perpetrators who are carrying it out are becoming more brazen and emboldened because they are continuing to get away with it over and over again. Election Law expert Rick Hasen believes that voter fraud occurs the most through “ABSENTEE BALLOTS” and I concur. According to Hasen, the vast majority of voter fraud prosecutions touted by conservative groups like the Heritage Foundation involve “ABSENTEE BALLOTS” that are typically illegally cast. Believe it, or not, the fraud schemes involving “ABSENTEE BALLOTS” swing elections and are responsible for keeping the perpetrators in power. How? It is much easier for these perpetrators to forge signatures, impersonate an elderly voter, or buy a vote in a nursing home, or in the privacy of someone’s home than it is to do it at a polling location. So, election cycle after election cycle we witness skewed results that sometimes make no sense at all.
SHABAZZ VERSUS SCARFACE
SHABAZZ VERSUS SCARFACE
As for the Saturday, December 14, 2019, City of Houston “RUNOFF ELECTION” between Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz and Brad “Scarface” Jordan – I wish them both the best. A lot of folks were turned off by all of the bickerings back and forth they witnessed by the candidates running to represent this predominantly African American district. Here’s what one of my Facebook friends by the name of Morgan Payne had to say about the state of the Houston City Council District D runoff matchup: “District D: I'm ashamed, ya'll really voted Scarface for city council when I've never even heard a concrete plan he's had, and barely saw him campaigning, who has no experience working in any type of politics or government. Ya'll really voted for a rapper, over a doctor, attorney, activist, etc. It makes me scared for the future of District D.” And trust me, Morgan Payne isn’t alone in her opinion. While I am going to stop short of calling this “DISTRICT D” race a total fraud, I would like to take this moment to let both these candidates who made the runoff know that I will be filing an “OPEN RECORDS REQUEST” after the runoffs to make sure that everything is on the up and up. Anyways, Carolyn Evens-Shabazz made the runoff by receiving 3,892 votes, for 17.42% of the vote, and Brad “Scarface” Jordan made the runoff in this race by receiving 3,342 votes, for 14.96% of the vote.
DISTRICT E – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Dave Martin was able to dispatch of his challenger Sam Cleveland without a runoff. This race wasn’t competitive at all back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. In case you don’t know, Councilman Martin rolled to a decisive win with 19,304 votes, for 77.07% of the vote. His lone challenger, Sam Cleveland, could only muster 5,746 votes for 22.93% of the vote.
DISTRICT F – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL RUNOFF
One of the biggest surprises of “ELECTION NIGHT” came in the race for Houston City Council District F where Tiffany D. Thomas led all vote-getters. Why? Well, the Houston City Council District F seat has been held by an Asian American for some time now. Should she win the seat over Van Huynh on Saturday, December 14, 2019, her story should dominate the headlines whereas the district runoffs are concerned. While he only finished second back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, expect for Van Huynh to pick up votes from a few of the Houstonians who supported G. “John” Nguyen, and former Councilman Richard Nguyen. Tiffany D. Thomas received 3,569 votes, for 38.89% of the vote, while Van Huynh received 2,085 votes, for 22.72% of the vote.
DISTRICT G – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Greg Travis was able to make quick work of his two challengers back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the race for the Houston City Council District G seat. Councilman Greg Travis received 19,686 votes for 66.97% of the vote. His two opponents in this race were Crystal Pletka and Tom Baker. In case you don’t know, only 37,243 of the registered 129,611 Houston City Council District G voters chose to cast a ballot in this race.
DISTRICT H – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL RUNOFF
Councilwoman Karla Cisneros drew three challengers back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the race for the Houston City Council District H seat. She received 5,041 votes for 38.15% of the vote to finish first. However, she didn’t receive a majority of the vote and must now face off against Isabel Longoria – the second-place finisher. Isabel Longoria received 3,591 votes, for 27.18% of the vote to make the Saturday, December 14, 2019.
DISTRICT I – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
Councilman Robert Gallegos was able to handily hold his challenger Richard “Rick” Gonzales at bay back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. This race wasn’t competitive at all as Councilman Gallegos garnered 7,226 votes, for 67.11% of the vote over Richard “Rick” Gonzales, who could only muster 3,541 votes, for 32.89% of the vote in his losing bid to unseat Councilman Gallegos.
DISTRICT J – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL RUNOFF
It's evidently clear that Edward Pollard has developed a very good plan that's hitting home with Houston City Council District J residents. I actually reviewed Pollard's plan shortly following the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston General Election and happen to like it a lot. From what I can see, Pollard's plan is not partisan at all. It appears to be a plan developed specifically with the people of District J in mind. Have you seen it? If not, I strongly encourage all Houston City Council District J residents to view "THE POLLARD PLAN" sometime between now and the start of early voting. And don't forget that Edward Pollard finished first with 1,903 votes for 30.35% of the vote to make the runoff. However, for him to seal-the-deal he must win round two, which will take place on Saturday, December 14, 2019, when he faces off against Sandra Rodriguez the second-place finisher. This is a very unique district, but Edward Pollard is the front-runner and should be able to pull off a victory over Rodriguez. "My plan is worth reviewing," says Edward Pollard. "I have created three categories that identify and address many of our most pressing issues throughout the District. The first category, Needs Before Wants, details a fiscally responsible approach to getting the most out of our tax dollars by placing a greater emphasis on basic core services over everything else. The second category, Neighborhoods Determine Everything, addresses the fact that in order for our district to flourish, we must first have neighborhoods that are safe, clean, and inviting. Finally, the third category, Diversity is our Strength, stresses the importance of not only embracing the different cultures that make up our district but highlighting this unique feature in order to create opportunities and economic growth. With a commitment to each of these three categories, I know District J will reach its full potential."
DISTRICT K – HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
What we witnessed from Councilwoman Martha-Castex Tatum was another show of sheer dominance as she beat back Gerry Vander-Lyn and Kim Sauke in her bid to serve our her first full-term as the Houston City Council District K representative. If you remember, Martha dismantled a potent field of eight opponents in a “SPECIAL ELECTION” back in 2018 without a runoff which isn’t easy to do. In case you don’t know her, you may want to keep a close eye on this beloved councilwoman. Anyways, Martha Castex-Tatum was rewarded by the voters of Houston City Council District K with an outright victory without a runoff. She received 9,900 votes, for 59.95% of the vote.
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE RUNOFF RACES
I am so proud of former (HISD) Houston Independent School District, Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones who gave up her seat on the HISD School Board to take a shot at running for higher office back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. While she did not win the (HCC) Houston Community College District II seat outright, she did manage to serve notice to the other three candidates vying for the seat that she’s the clear and decisive front-runner heading into the Saturday, December 14, 2019, runoff. Rhonda Skillern-Jones received 7,434 votes, for 44.80% of the vote to finish first. She will now face off against Kathy Lynch-Gunter who finished second with 4,115 votes, for 24.80% of the vote. In other “ELECTION NEWS,” Dave Wilson, the former HCC Trustee for District II, finished second in the HCC Trustee for District I race to make the runoff. Wilson will face off against Monica Flores Richart who finished second. And in the race for HCC Trustee for District VII, Cynthia Lenton-Gary, ran unopposed for the seat vacated by former HCC Trustee, Neeta Sane back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.
HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT RUNOFF RACES
Did these 2019 HISD School Board candidates just run for nothing? Now that the “OFFICIAL TAKEOVER” of the Houston Independent School District Board by (TEA) The Texas Education Agency has been announced – what’s next? According to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, HISD has failed to deliver the best possible education to every Texas child. So, what’s going to happen to Kathy Blueford-Daniels, who finished first in the Houston ISD, Position 2 race to make the Saturday, December 14, 2019 runoff? And John Curtis Gibbs, what about him? He finished second to Blueford-Daniels back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the race for HISD Position 2. Will the winner of the runoff between these two be allowed to serve on the board of governors to be assembled by TEA? In case you haven’t heard, the sitting board member for HISD Position 3, Sergio Lira was soundly defeated by Dani Hernandez back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 – so Lira is out of there! So is Diana Davila, who was defeated soundly by Judith Cruz in the race for HISD Position 8, back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. And in the race for HISD Position 4, Patricia K. Allen, the daughter of State Rep. Alma A. Allen (House District 131) was the leading vote-getter. She received 6,050 votes, for 30.58% of the vote. The younger Allen will face off in the Saturday, December 14, 2019, runoff against Matt Barnes, who received 5,837 votes, for 29.51% of the vote.
DON’T FORGET TO VOTE
Don’t forget to vote in the race for Mayor of Houston on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Look, if you like Mayor Sylvester Turner, please cast your vote for him. However, if you like Tony Buzbee, you should cast your vote for him. And please remember, what you do inside the voting booth is your business – voting is a private personal decision. However, I strongly encourage you to make it your business to cast your ballot for the “MOST QUALIFIED” candidates who value, respect, appreciate, and ask for your vote.
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
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HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER© IS BECOMING THE MOST DIVERSE NON-PARTISAN PUBLICATION IN AMERICA
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER© IS BECOMING THE MOST DIVERSE NON-PARTISAN PUBLICATION IN AMERICA
Aubrey R. Taylor is the President/CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©. Taylor has more than 29-years of experience in marketing, branding, investigative reporting, public relations, opposition research, 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.
THE 2020 PRIMARIES ARE COMING
It is incumbent upon us to start thinking about the upcoming Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Primaries. Early voting for the Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Primaries in the State of Texas will begin on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, and end on Friday, February 28, 2020.
THE 2020 PRIMARIES ARE COMING
It is incumbent upon us to start thinking about the upcoming Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Primaries. Early voting for the Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Primaries in the State of Texas will begin on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, and end on Friday, February 28, 2020.
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
"Let's make it our business to support duly-qualified candidates who value, respect, and appreciate our vote and support in every election."
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
