Councilwoman Martha Castex Tatum, is expected to cruise to a landslide victory over her two opponents on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the race for Houston City Council District K. However, a robust turnout of 50,000 Black voters casting their ballot specifically for Mayor Sylvester Turner is perhaps the only way he could avoid a runoff. Can this be accomplished? Well, former Mayor Annise Parker was able to win two re-election bids without a runoff. And former Houston Mayor Bill White was also able to win a re-election bid without a runoff as well. However, when they won their re-election bids without a runoff, they did so against candidates with virtually no name identification. But the challenge Mayor Turner faces is that he has at least five candidates running against him with pretty good name recognition among Houston voters. Back on Tuesday, November 5, 2013, Mayor Annise Parker avoided a runoff by receiving 97,165 votes for 57.22% of the vote against eight challengers. But keep in mind that Mayor Parker also avoided a runoff back on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, when she beat back five challengers. Remember Mayor Bill White? Well, back on Tuesday, November 8, 2005, Mayor Bill White defeated four challengers without a runoff by capturing 91.05% of the vote, for 162,640 overall votes. Remember Mayor Lee P. Brown, the first African American Mayor of Houston, Texas? Well, when Mayor Lee P. Brown found himself in the fight of his political life while running for re-election back on Tuesday, November 6, 2001, he could only muster 42.52% of the vote, and was forced into a runoff with Orlando Sanchez -- which Mayor Brown won. What's up with that Houston?
Councilwoman Martha Castex Tatum Shares Her Thoughts on Mayor Sylvester Turner; Over 33,515 Houstonians Showed Up on the Final Day of Early Voting to Cast Their Ballot
AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
In an “EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW” with Councilwoman Martha Castex-Tatum on the morning of Friday, November 1, 2019, I gained a new perspective on Mayor Sylvester Turner and a few of the challenges he's faced since becoming Houston's second African American mayor ever elected in the history of our great city. That being said, we can't forget that some of the problems Mayor Turner is facing are not of his making. Anyways, Councilwoman Martha Castex-Tatum shared some key on-the-record, and off-the-record reasons with me, related to why Houstonians should re-elect Mayor Sylvester Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. For the record, I must state upfront that Councilwoman Martha Castex-Tatum is someone I have the utmost respect for. And I must also state, that Mayor Sylvester Turner has never spent one dime of his campaign funds with Houston Business Connections Newspaper©, Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, or any other public, or private entity within my holdings. I state this, upfront so that no one will mistake this report as an endorsement on my part of Mayor Sylvester Turner. That being said, I will share more of Councilwoman Martha Castex Tatum's interview after Tuesday -- so stay tuned.
Councilwoman Martha-Castex Tatum believes when you like what you do, that is freedom. When you LOVE what you do, that is HAPPINESS -- I agree with her! She is seen above preparing to hug Mayor Sylvester Turner who is seeking to win a second term in office. However, for Mayor Turner to win his bid for re-election without a runoff, he would need a robust turnout of 50,000 or more Black voters to cast their ballot specifically for him on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. This is perhaps the only way he could avoid a runoff. How could this happen? It's simple...if 5,000 people would simply contact ten (10) of their friends, and family members that could produce an additional 50,000 voters on Election Day!
COUNCILWOMAN MARTHA CASTEX TATUM HAS ENDORSED MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER IN THE RACE FOR MAYOR OF HOUSTON
On Friday, November 1, 2019, I asked Councilwoman Martha Castex Tatum to give me her honest opinion of who she thinks is best to lead the City of Houston forward. “Over the last 18 months, Mayor Turner has been extremely helpful to me. I know he, along with all of the council members were sensitive to the fact, I was replacing the very first council person of District K, the late Councilman Larry Green, who had done an amazing job. Everyone talked about the shoes I had to fill, but he helped me fill them. When I had questions, he answered them. When I needed help solving constituent concerns he provided suggestions and resources. I was ready to represent the residents of District K and he had been our ally. I genuinely believe he cares about all of the residents of Houston and deserves a second term,” said Councilwoman Martha Castex-Tatum.
MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER WILL NEED A ROBUST AFRICAN AMERICAN TURNOUT ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019 TO MAKE THE RUNOFF
Whether Mayor Sylvester Turner can make quick work of his challengers and avoid a runoff is a tricky question. I guess, the technical answer to this question is YES. However, the more rational side of me believes that his chances of avoiding a Saturday, December 14, 2019 runoff against either Bill King, Tony Buzbee, Dwight Boykins, or one of his other challengers are slim to none. However, a robust turnout of over 50,000 or so, Black voters casting their votes specifically for Mayor Sylvester Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, could assist Mayor Turner in his quest to avoid a runoff. After all, several past Houston mayors have done it. But, whether Mayor Turner can do it, or not, will depend on who turns out for Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.
CHAMPION FOREST BAPTIST CHURCH
Champion Forest Baptist Church is located at 4840 Strack Road in Houston, Texas 77069. Back on Friday, October 30, 2015, the early voting turnout on the last day of early voting was (1,258) in-person voters at this location. However, on Friday, November 1, 2019, the last day of early voting for the 2019 City of Houston Mayoral Election, only (940) in-person voters showed up at this location to cast a ballot. So, there was a drop-off at this location on the final day of early voting.
KINGWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER
Kingwood Branch Library is located at 4400 Bens View Lane in Kingwood, Texas 77345. Back on Friday, October 30, 2015, the early voting turnout on the last day of early voting for this location was (1,525) in-person voters. However, on Friday, November 1, 2019, the last day of early voting for the 2019 City of Houston Mayoral Election, a total of (1,562) voters cast their ballot in Kingwood. So, there was a slight increase in Kingwood on the final day of early voting. This year, the Kingwood Community Center located at 4102 Rustic Woods Drive, Kingwood, 77345 was the key early voting site for voters in the Kingwood area.
METROPOLITAN MULTI-SERVICE CENTER
Metropolitan Multi-Service Center is located at 1475 W. Gray Street, Houston, Texas 77019. Back on Friday, October 30, 2015, the early voting turnout for this location on the final day of early voting was (2,807) in-person voters. However, on Friday, November 1, 2019, the last day of early voting for the 2019 City of Houston Mayoral Election, only (2,537) in-person voters showed up at this location. So, there was a drop-off at this location on the final day of early voting this time around. Why was there a drop-off? Simple, the voters in this area had already taken care of business. In case you don’t know, over 11,159 early votes were cast at this location alone between Monday, October 21, 2019, and Friday, November 1, 2019, to close out the early voting cycle.
A robust turnout of 50,000 Black voters on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, casting their ballot specifically for Mayor Sylvester Turner is perhaps the only way he could avoid a runoff. How could this happen? It's simple...if 5,000 people would simply contact ten (10) of their friends, and family members that could produce an additional 50,000 voters on Election Day!
THE RACE FOR MAYOR OF HOUSTON
I have been studying election cycles for almost 30 years. And during the last few years, I’ve noticed a trend. The Metropolitan Multi-Service Center “WEST GRAY” as we like to call it in my political circle, is the strongest voting location in all of Harris County, Texas. So, you can gauge how an election is going by looking at what’s happening at the “WEST GRAY” location. Once you’ve looked at “WEST GRAY” you want to then look at what’s happening at Champion Forest Baptist Church and what’s happening over in Kingwood. That being said, during this early voting cycle, 11,159 early votes were cast at the “WEST GRAY” location alone. Over at Champion Forest Baptist Church, a total of 3,767 early votes were cast. And over in Kingwood, 6,632 early votes were cast. So, when you add Champion Forest Baptist Church and Kingwood together you get, 10,399 early votes, versus the 11,159, early votes that were cast at the “WEST GRAY” early voting location. Where am I going with this? Look, right now, based on data collected by Houston Business Connections Newspaper©, published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications over the course of the last five (5) days, coupled with the "GET OUT THE VOTE" effort conducted by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications over the last twenty-five (25) days, we believe that Mayor Sylvester Turner should have a very comfortable lead in his bid for re-election right now. That being said, the race for second is too close to call at this point. Why? Well, the recent fiasco between Tony Buzbee and Dr. Steven Hotze a “KING-MAKER” for Republican Party candidates can do “ONE OF TWO THINGS” in this election. Hotze pulling his support from Tony Buzbee could hurt Buzbee by causing his Republican supporters to vote for Bill King. However, by distancing himself from Hotze at the eleventh-hour, Buzbee may have actually boosted his chances of wooing Democratic voters who are still trying to make up their mind as “ELECTION DAY” approaches. Especially since the only time Tony Buzbee has run for political office – he’s done so as a Democrat. However, you have to also keep in mind that more Republican votes for Bill King, doesn’t necessarily hurt Mayor Sylvester Turner. What this really does, is bring Buzbee, whom many pundits and pollsters believe is a sure lock to make the runoff, back to the pack – and this scenario could help Dwight Boykins by default. I know this may sound a little confusing; but, all of this activity has made it more difficult to gauge which “TOP-TIER CANDIDATE” is best positioned to make the Saturday, December 14, 2019, runoff election against Mayor Sylvester Turner.
GREAT NEWS FOR MAYOR TURNER
If you are aren’t familiar with the Tuesday, November 3, 2015, City of Houston Mayoral Election results I will give you a little refresher. Unlike this time around, Turner was having to compete with two “VERY STRONG DEMOCRATS” in his bid to become mayor of Houston, Texas. And on top of that, he also had well-known multi-millionaire attorney Ben Hall, competing with him for the African American vote. So, having to only be concerned about Dwight Boykins this time around is actually a good thing for Turner. Other than, Dwight Boykins, Kendall Baker is the only Black candidate who even has a remote shot of causing any issues for Mayor Sylvester Turner in his bid for re-election. Why? Just the other night, radio commercials for Baker began to play on local radio stations like Majic 102, and several others. While city elections are non-partisan, partisan politics still have a propensity to play a major role in who wins, and who loses. Anyways, if you remember, Turner beat out what I consider to be a more potent field of challengers back in 2015, than what he’s facing in his re-election bid. How can I say this? I’m glad you asked. Check out these results from back in 2015: Sylvester Turner finished first with (31.3%) of the vote, for 81,735 overall votes. Bill King finished second with (25.3%) of the vote, for 65,968 overall votes. Adrian Garcia finished third with (17.1%) of the vote, for 44,758 overall votes. Ben Hall finished fourth with (9.5%) of the vote, for 24,805 overall votes. Chris Bell finished fifth with (7.4%) of the vote, for 19,345 overall votes. Stephen C. Costello finished sixth with (6.7%) of the vote, for 17,546 overall votes. Nguyen Thai Hoc finished seventh with (0.9%) of the vote, for 2,325 overall votes. Marty McVey finished eighth with (0.5%) of the vote, for 1,378 overall votes. Demetria Smith finished ninth with (0.5%) of the vote, for 1,234 overall votes. Victoria Lane finished tenth with (0.3%) of the vote, for 908 overall votes. Rafael Muñoz Jr. finished eleventh with (0.2%) of the vote, for 515 overall votes. Dale Steffes finished twelfth with (0.1%) with 302 overall votes. And rounding out the field back in the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election was Joe Ferreira, who finished thirteenth with (0.1%) for 240 overall votes.
HOUSTONIANS SHOWED UP BIG-TIME
At first, early voting returns for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election appeared to show a lack of interest/voter apathy as the numbers were on a downward trajectory. As the 2019 version of the “ROLL TO THE POLLS” by local pastors and other so-called leaders flopped, and the ever-changing weather conditions in Houston started to take a turn for the worst – hopes of a historic election were slipping away. Yes, Houston voters appeared to be content with the “LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY” narrative. However, on Monday, October 28, 2019, in-person voter turnout began to show some life. I wonder why? Anyways, down the early voting stretch run, Houstonians showed up and showed up “BIG TIME” posting a five-day voting surge, with the numbers getting better and better day after day. Nope, not the rain, nor the cold temperatures would stop these “TURNER SUPPORTERS” – (OOPS) – I mean, could stop these determined Houston voters from showing up at the polls to cast their ballot in person. Look, I was only joking about the little “TURNER SUPPORTERS” gaffe…loosen up a little. But check this out, on Monday, October 28, 2019, a total of 10,318 Houstonians showed up at the polls in person to cast their ballot. On Tuesday, October 29, 2019, a total of 10,358 Houstonians showed up at the polls in person to cast their ballot. On Wednesday, October 30, 2019, a total of 12,209 Houstonians showed up at the polls in person to cast their ballot. On Thursday, October 31, 2019, a total of 15,123 Houstonians showed up at the polls in person to cast their ballot. And on Friday, November 1, 2019, the last day of early voting, 33,515 Houstonians showed up to cast their ballot “BIG-TIME” to set up what could possibly be a historic turnout on “ELECTION DAY” which is on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.
EXPECT A HUGE VOTER TURNOUT
Since Houstonians have now decided to come out to play, I believe we’re about to see a massive turnout on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Remember, back in 2015, a total of 101,701 in-person early votes were cast during the early voting period. However, during the (current) 2019 early voting period, 137,460 in-person early votes were cast. As for the “MAIL BALLOTS” returned back in 2015, a total of 29,396, were recorded – of those, 10,099 were cast for Sylvester Turner. He received 34.36% of the “MAIL BALLOTS” back in 2015. As for 2019, all we can tell you is that there were only 15,304 “MAIL BALLOTS” received back as of Friday, November 1, 2019.
MAIL BALLOTS DECREASED
Back on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, the total number of registered voters in the City of Houston was 979,401, according to the Harris County Clerk. However, only 268,872 Houstonians showed up to cast a ballot in the race for Mayor of the City of Houston, Texas. So, if we fast forward to 2019, a total of 137,460 early votes were cast in person this time around – which surpasses the 101,701 early votes that were cast back in 2015. However, there is a huge drop in the number of “MAIL BALLOTS” received by the County Clerk’s Office. So far, only 15,304 “MAIL BALLOTS” have been returned for this election cycle; compared to the 29,396 “MAIL BALLOTS” that were returned back in 2015.
WHAT HOUSTONIANS CAN DO
At the end of the day, it does not matter whether you are rooting for Mayor Sylvester Turner, Bill King, Tony Buzbee, Kendall Baker, Sue Lovell, Dwight Boykins, Victoria Romero, Johnny "J.T." Taylor, Naoufal Houjami, Demetria Smith, Derrick Broze and Roy J. Vasquez to win the race for Mayor on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Right now, every, warm-blooded Houstonian should be telling everyone who will listen to go vote on Tuesday!!! And remind them that they can vote at any location. And please remind them that the polling places will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Furthermore, I would like to remind all Houstonians that it is imperative that we make it our business to elect the "BEST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES" who value, respect and appreciate our support.
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Mayor Sylvester Turner, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Bill King, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Tony Buzbee, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Sue Lovell, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for her at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Dwight Boykins, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Victoria Romero, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for her at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Kendall Baker, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Naoufal Houjami, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Roy J. Vasquez, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Demetria Smith, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for her at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Derrick Broze, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER© IS BECOMING THE MOST DIVERSE NON-PARTISAN PUBLICATION IN AMERICA
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Mayor Sylvester Turner, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Bill King, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Tony Buzbee, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Sue Lovell, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for her at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Dwight Boykins, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Victoria Romero, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for her at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Kendall Baker, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Naoufal Houjami, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Roy J. Vasquez, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Johnny "J.T." Taylor, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Demetria Smith, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for her at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you support Derrick Broze, what you should be doing right now is encouraging all of your family, friends, and others within your sphere of influence to go to the polls and cast their ballot for him at any polling location on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 -- which is Election Day!"
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.
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
COUNCILMAN MIKE KNOX VALUES THE VOTE OF EVERY HOUSTONIAN
A lifelong public servant with a history of honorable service as a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and former Houston Police officer, Mike is the current At-Large Position 1 member for Houston City Council. "We no longer endorse political candidates as a body. However, if we did, Councilman Mike Knox would be our choice in the race for Houston City Council At-Large Position #1, on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. So, in my personal capacity, I am asking for all of my supporters to strongly consider casting your ballot for Councilman Mike Knox." -- Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©, published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications.
Mike Knox has a well-earned reputation for integrity, transparency, and responsibility. For a government that works for you, trust Mike Knox and cast your vote for him on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.
A lifelong public servant with a history of honorable service as a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and former Houston Police officer, Mike is the current At-Large Position 1 member for Houston City Council. "We no longer endorse political candidates as a body. However, if we did, Councilman Mike Knox would be our choice in the race for Houston City Council At-Large Position #1, on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. So, in my personal capacity, I am asking for all of my supporters to strongly consider casting your ballot for Councilman Mike Knox." -- Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©, published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications.
Mike Knox has a well-earned reputation for integrity, transparency, and responsibility. For a government that works for you, trust Mike Knox and cast your vote for him on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
