Houston's Voter Turnout to Decide the Fate of the HERO Ordinance May Be Larger than the Voter Turnout for the Mayor's Race on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 says Aubrey R. Taylor; Jared Woodfill Has Sued Mayor Annise Parker Over the Ballot Language Approved by Her and City Council Members for the HERO Ordinance
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "Is the language of the HERO Ordinance intentionally worded to confuse voters??? Such has been the heated debate. However, to be clear, if you are “AGAINST” or you “OPPOSE” the HERO Ordinance, you should vote “FOR” the “Referendum” on Tuesday, November 3, 2015."
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "If you “SUPPORT” the HERO Ordinance you should vote “AGAINST” the “Referendum” on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "Again, all those who “OPPOSE” the HERO Ordinance should vote “FOR” the “Referendum" to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 in a "SPECIAL ELECTION" to decide the fate of the HERO Ordinance commonly referred to as Houston's Restroom Ordinance; or Houston's Equal Rights Ordinance."
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "Again, all those who “OPPOSE” the HERO Ordinance should vote “FOR” the “Referendum" to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 in a "SPECIAL ELECTION" to decide the fate of the HERO Ordinance commonly referred to as Houston's Restroom Ordinance; or Houston's Equal Rights Ordinance."
Are you confused on matters pertaining to the HERO Ordinance? Well, you just may get a little more confused as the war surrounding this highly controversial ordinance rages onward toward the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 “SPECIAL ELECTION” to decide its fate. “It almost seems like there’s a force out there that wants to see people confused as it relates to the HERO Ordinance,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. “That’s why both sides in this matter will have their work cut out for them between now and the start of early voting which will be taking place from Monday, October 19, 2015 through Friday, October 30, 2015,” says Taylor.
Here’s the question voters will be asked:
Shall the City of Houston repeal the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, Ord. No. 2014-530, which prohibits discrimination in city employment and city services, city contracts, public accommodations, private employment, and housing based on an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, familial status, marital status, military status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or pregnancy?
DOES THIS QUESTION GO FAR ENOUGH?
“I’m not sure that the question Houston voters will be asked (on Tuesday, November 3, 2015) goes far enough in terms of helping them (the voters) to understand what they’re really going to be voting “FOR” or “AGAINST” in the “SPECIAL ELECTION” as it relates to the “Referendum” on the HERO Ordinance, Taylor explains. “I get the “NO DISCRIMINATION” part. But I think we would be hard-pressed to find anyone in Houston who wants to see anyone else discriminated against,” says Taylor.
A BIG CONCERN
“What concerns me the most about the HERO Ordinance in my personal capacity can be found on (PAGE 2) of "EXHIBIT A" where "GENDER IDENTITY" is defined as an individual’s innate identification, appearance, expression or behavior as either male or female, although the same may not correspond to the individual’s body or gender assigned at birth," Taylor explains. "But maybe it's just me...so don't take my word for it. You can (CLICK HERE) to read the ordinance for yourself."
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
ARTICLE 1, SEC. 3 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: All free men when they form a social compact have equal rights, and no man, or set of men, is entitled to exclusive separate public emoluments, or privileges, but in consideration of public services.
ANALYSIS: “At the end of the day, governments are instituted by the people (that’s you and me). This is pretty much what Article 1, Section 3 of Texas’ Constitution speaks to,” says Taylor. “Heck, the first principle of “SOCIAL COMPACT” as it relates to (you and me) and the power we wield as protected citizens speaks to the fact that our governments are instituted by you and me, and based on our consent to a certain degree,” Taylor explains. “So in essence our government can only do what we give it consent to do – at least that’s my take.”
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO VOICE YOUR OPINION ON IMPORTANT MATTERS
ARTICLE I, SEC. 8. OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: Every person shall be at liberty to speak, write or publish his opinions on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that privilege; and no law shall ever be passed curtailing the liberty of speech or of the press. In prosecutions for the publication of papers investigating the conduct of officers or men in public capacity, or when the matter published is proper for public information, the truth thereof may be given in evidence. And in all indictments for libels the jury shall have the right to determine the law and the facts under the direction of the court, as in other cases.
ANALYSIS: “If you do not “AGREE” with certain things going on in your world, have a right to speak out on those matters,” says Taylor.
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO PROTEST
ARTICLE 1, SEC. 27. OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: The citizens shall have the right, in a peaceable manner, to assemble together for their common good, and apply to those invested with the power of government for redress of grievances or other purposes, by petition, address or remonstrance.
ANALYSIS: “You and I have a right to assemble together on matters we deem to be important as it relates to our common good,” says Taylor. “So, if our government does something that we don’t feel is in our best interest, or pose safety risks, we have a right to petition our government.”
WHAT IS DISCRIMINATION?
WIKIPEDIA: “Discrimination is the treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing is perceived to belong to, rather than on individual merit.”
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF THE TERM REVERSE-DISCRIMINATION?
WIKIPEDIA: “Reverse discrimination is discrimination against members of a dominant or majority group in favor of members of a minority or historically disadvantaged group. Groups may be defined in terms of race, gender, ethnicity, or other factors. This discrimination may seek to redress social inequalities under which minority groups have had less access to privileges enjoyed by the majority group."
WHAT IS A MINORITY GROUP?
WIKIPEDIA: "Rather than a relational "social group", as the term would indicate, the term refers to a category that is differentiated from the social majority, that is, those who hold the majority of positions of social power in a society, and may be defined by law. The differentiation can be based on one or more observable human characteristics, including, but not limited to: ethnicity, race, gender, wealth, health or sexual orientation."
The term "minority group" often occurs alongside a discourse of civil rights and collective rights which gained prominence in the 20th century. Members of minority groups are prone to different treatment in the countries and societies in which they live. This discrimination may be directly based on an individual's perceived membership of a minority group, without consideration of that individual's personal achievement. It may also occur indirectly, due to social structures that are not equally accessible to all. Activists campaigning on a range of issues may use the language of minority rights, including student rights, consumer rights, and animal rights.
IS THE LGBT A MINORITY GROUP?
WIKIPEDIA: "LGBT or GLBT is an initialism that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. In use since the 1990s, the term is an adaptation of the initialism LGB, which itself started replacing the term gay when in reference to the LGBT community beginning in the mid-to-late 1980s, as many felt the term gay community did not accurately represent all those to whom it referred. The initialism has become mainstream as a self-designation and has been adopted by the majority of sexuality and gender identity-based community centers and media in the United States and some other English-speaking countries. The phrase is also used in some other countries, in whose languages the initialism is meaningful, such as Argentina, France and Turkey.
The initialism LGBT is intended to emphasize a diversity of sexuality and gender identity-based cultures and is sometimes used to refer to anyone who is non-heterosexual or non-cisgender instead of exclusively to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. To recognize this inclusion, a popular variant adds the letter Q for those who identify as queer or are questioning their sexual identity as LGBTQ, recorded since 1996. Some intersex people who want to be included in LGBT groups suggest an extended initialism LGBTI, and this initialism is used in all parts of "The Activist's Guide" of the Yogyakarta Principles in Action. Some people combine the two acronyms and use the term LGBTIQ.
Whether or not LGBT people openly identify themselves may depend on whether they live in a discriminatory environment, as well as on the status of LGBT rights where they live."
DO YOU BELIEVE LGBT CITIZENS ARE BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST?
“In a lot of respects, LGBT citizens are indeed discriminated against in areas of housing, employment, and even social circles – and this is wrong! NOBODY should be discriminated against for any reason,” says Taylor. “I actually agree with Mayor Annise Parker and Houston’s City Council when they state: “WHEREAS, the City of Houston seeks to provide an environment that is free of any type of discrimination based on sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, familial status, marital status, military status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy (“Protected Characteristics”); and…”
THE MAJOR POINT OF CONTENTION FOR SOME PEOPLE AS IT RELATES TO THE HERO ORDINANCE
“Over the next few months you’re going to hear the words discrimination, bigot, anti-gay, homosexual, transgender, LGBT, GLBT, lesbian, straight, intolerant, diversity, and the like – so get used to it,” says Taylor. “But the real point of contention isn’t found in any of the aforementioned words. The real point of contention is going to be found in the term “GENDER IDENTITY”.
HERE’S HOW THE CITY OF HOUSTON DEFINES “GENDER IDENTITY”
On PAGE 2 of “EXHIBIT A” of Ordinance No. 2014-530, commonly referred to as the HERO Ordinance, “GENDER IDENTITY” means an individual’s innate identification, appearance, expression or behavior as either male or female, although the same may not correspond to the individual’s body or gender assigned at birth.
HERE’S HOW “GENDER IDENTITY” HAS TRADITIONALLY BEEN DEFINED
WIKIPEDIA: "Gender identity is one's personal experience of one's own gender. This is generally described as one's private sense of being a man or a woman, consisting primarily of the acceptance of membership into a category of people: male or female. All societies have a set of gender categories that can serve as the basis of the formation of a social identity in relation to other members of society. In most societies, there is a basic division between gender attributes assigned to males and females. In all societies, however, some individuals do not identify with some (or all) of the aspects of gender that are assigned to their biological sex."
TRADITIONALLY THE WORD “PRIVATE” HAS BEEN A KEY FACTOR
ANALYSIS: “Traditionally a person’s expression of their gender has been a private matter. This is where I believe a majority of Houstonians are going to have a problem with the HERO Ordinance,” explains Taylor. “Many Houstonians strongly believe that Mayor Annise Parker and the City Council Members who “SUPPORT” this ordinance are giving people the right to get up in the morning and “SELF-DECLARE” who or what gender they are, and/or “EXPRESS” themselves to be on any given day,” explains Taylor.
DOES THE HERO ORDINANCE POSE A PUBLIC SAFETY RISK?
“As it’s currently written, a very large group of Houstonians believe that the HERO Ordinance is indeed a “SAFETY CONCERN” and an “ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN” if it’s not “REPEALED” on Tuesday, November 3, 2015,” says Taylor.
THE PEOPLE OF HOUSTON WILL DECIDE THE FATE OF THE HERO ORDINANCE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2015
“I don’t know what the voters of Houston are going to decide as it relates to the HERO Ordinance. However, I am very eager (personally) to see how those who are “FOR” and “AGAINST” the highly controversial ordinance are going to inform and educate Houston voters heading into Election Day.”
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed by Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper in this report 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.
STATEMENT FROM WOODFILL
Mayor Parker Trying to Deceive Houstonians Again: We Are Back in Front of the Texas Supreme Court!
By Jared Woodfill
After spending a year fighting Mayor Parker for the right to vote on her personal, social agenda - HERO Ordinance/Bathroom Ordinance, we thought the next step would be an election in November. Unfortunately, Mayor Parker is up to her same old tricks, proposing and passing ballot language that is deceitful, misleading and unlawful. This morning we filed suit against Mayor Parker in the Texas Supreme Court, arguing that the ballot language is a direct and flagrant contravention of what the Houston City Charter requires.
Mayor Parker defiantly passed the following ballot language to be included in the ballot for the November 3, 2015 election: "Shall the City of Houston repeal the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, Ord. No. 2014-530 which prohibits discrimination in city employment and city services, city contracts, public accommodations, private employment, and housing based on an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, familial status, marital status, military status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or pregnancy?" (italics added).
This format is legally wrong, as it perverts the clear mandate from the Charter and reverses or flips the impact of a vote in favor or a vote in disfavor of the suspended ordinance. More specifically, the Mayor Parker's current wording would require a voter who is in favor of the suspended ordinance to vote "No" or "Against" the proposition, while a voter who is not in favor of the suspended ordinance to vote "Yes" or "For" the suspended ordinance. That is a legal recipe for an electoral disaster. Voters will be confused, because someone who is against the proposition cannot vote against, and vice-versa.
We further asked the Texas Supreme Court to order Mayor Parker to remove gratuitously inserted words, phrases or acronyms which are not otherwise contained within the text of the suspended ordinance itself. Specifically, the Mayor's ballot language includes the phrase "Houston Equal Rights Ordinance." But that phrase is nowhere to be found in the text of the suspended ordinance. It is simply a deceptive, misleading, unlawful insertion designed to give Mayor Parker an edge at the polls. If we were to request the insertion of the phrase "Sexual Predator Protection Act" into the ballot language, it would be strenuously opposed by Mayor Parker. Ballot language is not to be taken lightly, and politics and slanted language have no legitimate place on the ballot. The court of public opinion is the appropriate forum for legitimate debate of the merits of the proposition.
We will continue to oppose Mayor Parker and her LGBT agenda to make sure Houstonians get a fair election! Please keep this case and election in your prayers. I will keep you posted on our progress.
THOUGHTS FROM BISHOP "A" ON THE HERO ORDINANCE BEING PLACE ON THE NOVEMBER 2015 BALLOT
“Now I believe the people of Houston can get a fair shake,” says Bishop "A", a community leader and activist. “The people of Houston will now have an opportunity to pursue a fair outcome in the November 2015 Special Election being held to decide this matter,” he explains. “I don’t think what was done the first time around was done in the best interest of the people of Houston as a whole,” he says.
.“With what took place at Houston's City Hall on Wednesday, August 5, 2015, I think we’ve come to a place where supporters and those opposing the ordinance have found common ground -- at least as it relates to the notion that the voice of the people should be heard...but it should have never come to this," he says. "They (Mayor Annise Parker and City Council) should not have had to have the Texas Supreme Court to force them to do the right thing by the people of Houston."
BISHOP "A" SAYS THAT MORE PEOPLE NEED TO BE INFORMED AND EDUCATED ON THE HERO ORDINANCE
“The important thing now is for people (Houston voters) to become more informed as it relates to understanding what the HERO Ordinance is about as a whole,” says Bishop A. “And I think that can be done with the support of others who are willing to stand up and fight for what’s right.”
HOW MAYOR PARKER AND COUNCIL VOTED ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015
Council Member Brenda Stardig (District A), Council Member Dave Martin (District E), Council Member Oliver Pennington (District G), Council Member Michael Kubosh (At-Large Position #3), Council Member Jack Christie (At-Large Position #5) all voted to “REPEAL” the HERO Ordinance. Mayor Annise Parker and the remaining Council Members voted to place the HERO Ordinance on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 election ballot.
KEEP THIS IN MIND
Back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 Mayor Annise Parker and City Council approved the HERO Ordinance by a vote of 11 to 6. The ordinance itself applies to businesses that serve the public within the city limits of Houston. It is intended to prevent discrimination based on sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy and genetic information, as well as family, marital or military status. “However the real point of contention among many of those "OPPOSING" the HERO Ordinance is the part of the ordinance which speaks to sexual orientation and gender identity,” says Taylor. “Many of the people I’ve spoken to believes that the HERO Ordinance is more about redefining “GENDER IDENTITY” than it is about stopping discrimination," he says.
A HERO ORDINANCE SUPPORTER
"I believe the citizens of Houston support equal rights for all," said Council Member Cohen, who championed the ordinance's passage by Council. "The alternative, if we vote to repeal HERO, is that our city stands to lose major events such as Super Bowl LI and the NCAA Final Four, and our local businesses will suffer if Houston has a reputation for being intolerant and bigoted."
ABOUT HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
The City Council is the City's legislative body, with the power to enact and enforce all ordinances and resolutions. Eleven Council Members are elected from districts and five are elected at-large, by all voters of the City.
The City Council is the City's legislative body, with the power to enact and enforce all ordinances and resolutions. Eleven Council Members are elected from districts and five are elected at-large, by all voters of the City.
The sixteen members of Council, along with the Mayor, act only by ordinance, resolution or motion. They adopt and may alter the annual budget and confirm the Mayor's appointments. Council is responsible for the appropriation and issuance of bonds, the awarding of contracts and the approval of City expenditures over $50,000. Council may lease or dispose of the City's real estate and may levy assessments against property. Council determines its own rules of procedure, and its meetings are open to the public.
Sixteen Council Members are elected every two years, in odd-numbered years. Council Members are limited to serving three terms of two years each, with each term beginning on January 2 of the even-numbered year. Five Council Members are elected At-Large, or city-wide, while the other eleven are elected to geographic districts of roughly the same proportion of population.
You can write to your Council Member at: 900 Bagby / City Hall Annex / First Floor / Houston, TX 77002.
THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT RULING ON THE HERO ORDINANCE
Composed of the Chief Justice and eight Justices, the Supreme Court of Texas is the court of last resort for civil matters in the State of Texas according the Texas Supreme Court’s website. The Supreme Court is in Austin, next to the State Capitol. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information on the court.
The Justices of the Supreme Court are elected to staggered six-year terms in state-wide elections. When a vacancy arises the Governor may appoint a Justice, subject to Senate confirmation, to serve out the remainder of an unexpired term until the next general election. All members of the Court must be at least 35 years of age, a citizen of Texas, licensed to practice law in Texas, and must have practiced law (or have been a lawyer and a judge of a court of record together) for at least ten years (see Texas Constitution, Art. 5, Sec. 2).
By statute the Court has administrative control over the State Bar of Texas. Tex. Gov't Code § 81.011. The Court is also the sole authority for licensing attorneys in Texas and appoints the members of the Board of Law Examiners which administers the Texas bar examination. Tex. Gov't Code §§ 82.00, 82.004.
The Court promulgates the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, the Texas Rules of Evidence and other rules and standards.
Mayor Annise Parker (currently serving her final term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. However, on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 she refused to "REPEAL" the HERO Ordinance and instead voted to place it on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 election ballot for Houston voters to decide its fate. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Election Day.
Council Member Stephen C. Costello -- At-Large #1 (currently serving his final term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. However, on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 he refused to "REPEAL" the HERO Ordinance and instead voted to place it on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 election ballot for Houston voters to decide its fate. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
Council Member David Robinson At-Large #2 (currently serving his first term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. However, on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 he refused to "REPEAL" the HERO Ordinance and instead voted to place it on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 election ballot for Houston voters to decide its fate.You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
Council Member Michael Kubosh At-Large #3 (currently serving his first term) voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. And on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 he remained against the HERO Ordinance and vote to "REPEAL" it. "In my opinion Council Member Kubosh did everything he could to get his fellow council members to repeal the HERO Ordinance at the Wednesday, August 5, 2015 City Council meeting," says Aubrey R. Taylor. "However, only Council Member Brenda Stardig (District A), Council Member Dave Martin (District E), Council Member Oliver Pennington (District G), and Council Member Jack Christie (At-Large Position #5) voted to “REPEAL” the controversial ordinance -- they lost by a vote of 12 to 5," he explains. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
Council Member C.O. "Brad" Bradford At-Large #4 (currently serving his final term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. However, on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 he refused to "REPEAL" the HERO Ordinance and instead voted to place it on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 election ballot for Houston voters to decide its fate. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
Council Member Jack Christie At-Large #5 (currently serving his second term) voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. And on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 he remained against the HERO Ordinance and vote to "REPEAL" it. "In my opinion Council Member Christie did everything he could to get his fellow council members to repeal the HERO Ordinance at the Wednesday, August 5, 2015 City Council meeting," says Aubrey R. Taylor. "However, only Council Member Brenda Stardig (District A), Council Member Dave Martin (District E), Council Member Oliver Pennington (District G), and Council Member Michael Kubosh (At-Large Position #3), voted to “REPEAL” the controversial ordinance -- they lost by a vote of 12 to 5," he explains. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
Council Member Brenda Stardig District A (currently serving her second term) voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. And on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 he remained against the HERO Ordinance and vote to "REPEAL" it. "In my opinion Council Member Stardig did everything she could to get her fellow council members to repeal the HERO Ordinance at the Wednesday, August 5, 2015 City Council meeting," says Aubrey R. Taylor. "However, only Council Member Dave Martin (District E), Council Member Oliver Pennington (District G), Council Member Michael Kubosh (At-Large Position #3), and Council Member Jack Christie (At-Large Position #5) voted to “REPEAL” the controversial ordinance -- they lost by a vote of 12 to 5," he explains. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
Council Member Jerry Davis District B (currently serving his second term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. However, on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 he refused to "REPEAL" the HERO Ordinance and instead voted to place it on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 election ballot for Houston voters to decide its fate. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
Council Member Ellen Cohen District C (currently serving her second term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. However, on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 she refused to "REPEAL" the HERO Ordinance and instead voted to place it on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 election ballot for Houston voters to decide its fate. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
Council Member Dwight Boykins District D (currently serving his first term) voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. However, on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 he did not vote to "REPEAL" the HERO Ordinance. Instead Council Member Boykins voted to place it on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 election ballot for Houston voters to decide its fate. Based on a letter sent out by his campaign shortly after he cast his vote, he did this in response to the reaction of his constituents. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
Council Member Dave Martin District E (currently serving his first term) voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. And on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 he remained against the HERO Ordinance and vote to "REPEAL" it. "In my opinion Council Member Martin did everything he could to get his fellow council members to repeal the HERO Ordinance at the Wednesday, August 5, 2015 City Council meeting," says Aubrey R. Taylor. "However, only Council Member Brenda Stardig (District A), Council Member Oliver Pennington (District G), Council Member Michael Kubosh (At-Large Position #3), and Council Member Jack Christie (At-Large Position #5) voted to “REPEAL” the controversial ordinance -- they lost by a vote of 12 to 5," he explains. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
Council Member Richard Nguyen District F (currently serving his first term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. However, on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 he refused to "REPEAL" the HERO Ordinance and instead voted to place it on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 election ballot for Houston voters to decide its fate.You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
Council Member Oliver Pennington District G (currently serving his final term) voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. And on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 he remained against the HERO Ordinance and vote to "REPEAL" it. "In my opinion Council Member Christie did everything he could to get his fellow council members to repeal the HERO Ordinance at the Wednesday, August 5, 2015 City Council meeting," says Aubrey R. Taylor. "However, only Council Member Brenda Stardig (District A), Council Member Dave Martin (District E), Council Member Michael Kubosh (At-Large Position #3), and Council Member Jack Christie (At-Large Position #5) voted to “REPEAL” the controversial ordinance -- they lost by a vote of 12 to 5," he explains. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
Council Member Ed Gonzalez District H (currently serving his final term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. However, on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 he refused to "REPEAL" the HERO Ordinance and instead voted to place it on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 election ballot for Houston voters to decide its fate.You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
Council Member Robert Gallegos District I (currently serving his first term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. However, on Wednesday, August 8, 2015 he refused to "REPEAL" the HERO Ordinance and instead voted to place it on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 election ballot for Houston voters to decide its fate. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
Council Member Mike Laster District J (currently serving his second term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. However, on Wednesday, August 8, 2015 he refused to "REPEAL" the HERO Ordinance and instead voted to place it on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 election ballot for Houston voters to decide its fate. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
Council Member Larry Green District K (currently serving his second term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. However, on Wednesday, August 8, 2015 he refused to "REPEAL" the HERO Ordinance and instead voted to place it on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 election ballot for Houston voters to decide its fate. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
DAVE CARES ABOUT HOUSTON
THERE COULD ALSO BE A CHARTER AMENDMENT TO MORE CLEARLY DEFINE GENDER ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT IF DAVE WILSON GET'S HIS WAY
"What a lot of folks don’t realize is that while Mayor Annise Parker was still reeling from the blow dealt to her by The Texas Supreme Court in favor of Jared Woodfill, she got hit with another blow (on Tuesday, July 28, 2015) by the 270th State District Court in Harris County in her case versus Dave Wilson. Wilson, the founder of Houstonians for Family Values, is seeking a "CHARTER AMENDMENT" to allow Houston voters the opportunity to vote on a measure to more clearly define gender identity in the City of Houston Charter,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
ABOUT DAVE WILSON
“A lot of folks in the media are throwing around the term “anti-gay activist” when describing HCC Trustee Dave Wilson,” says Taylor. “But we’re not going to do that here,” he says. “To me, it seems like Dave Wilson, also the founder of Houstonians for Family Values is fighting for what he believes in,” states Taylor. “And just like Mayor Annise Parker has a right to fight for what she believes in – so does Wilson,” he says.
MAYOR PARKER AND HER WIFE
“According to Wilson, Mayor Annise Parker is trying to force her alternative lifestyle on the citizens of Houston,” Taylor explains. “And by doing so, Dave Wilson believes that she (Mayor Annise Parker) is denying Houstonians a right to vote on these very important matters regarding the public's safety,” he says.
WILSON LOST THE FIRST ROUND
The first time Dave Wilson strolled into the City Secretary’s office with petitions back in April 2015, he came up about 300 signatures shy of the 20,000 signatures he needed to have his measure placed on the November 3rd ballot.
WILSON WON THE SECOND ROUND
However, after coming up short in the first round back in April, Wilson did not give up. In effect, he kept swinging by becoming even more committed -- as he redoubled his efforts. And on Thursday, July 9, 2015 he strolled back into the City Secretary’s office with more than 22,100 signatures -- only to be told that he was too late; and would not have his petitions counted.
DAVE'S ON A MISSION
Dave Wilson wants the voters of Houston to have an opportunity to amend the “CITY CHARTER” and prevent men (who express themselves as women) from entering the women’s restrooms in the City of Houston. This has become his mission of sorts for Dave Wilson. “A lot of folks believe that Dave Wilson is just being hateful,” says Taylor. “But I disagree with their notion -- all Dave Wilson is doing here, is exercising his right to disagree with actions taken by Mayor Annise Parker and several members of Houston's City Council -- and no one should be vilified for doing that.”
Dave Wilson wants the voters of Houston to have an opportunity to amend the “CITY CHARTER” and prevent men (who express themselves as women) from entering the women’s restrooms in the City of Houston. This has become his mission of sorts for Dave Wilson. “A lot of folks believe that Dave Wilson is just being hateful,” says Taylor. “But I disagree with their notion -- all Dave Wilson is doing here, is exercising his right to disagree with actions taken by Mayor Annise Parker and several members of Houston's City Council -- and no one should be vilified for doing that.”
DAVE CARES ABOUT HOUSTON
After spending a little time getting to know Dave Wilson (in person and by phone) what Wilson seems to be most concerned about (in this particular case) is the fact that Mayor Annise Parker and her supporters (in his opinion) appear to be trying to redefine gender identity," Taylor explains.
WHAT DOES WILSON WANT?
WHAT DOES WILSON WANT?
“What Dave Wilson really wants is to have "GENDER IDENTITY" clearly defined as an individual’s innate identification, as either male or female, which was assigned to them at the time they were born,” Taylor went on to say. “And if he’s successful in getting his petitions counted, certified, and on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election ballot – I’m not too sure that the majority of Houston voters aren’t going to side with Dave Wilson on this one.”
OUR PUBLIC RESTROOMS
“Due to Judge Brent Gamble's ruling, Dave Wilson is now one step closer to his goal of having Houston voters decide whether men should be allowed to use the women’s restroom -- but he still has a long way to go,” explains Taylor.
JUDGE GAMBLE RULES
On Tuesday, July 28, 2015 State District Judge Brent Gamble ruled that Houston’s City Secretary (Anna Russell) has a “nondiscretionary ministerial duty” to count and certify the signatures that Wilson collected and submitted to her office back in early July. Judge Gamble furthermore ordered Russell to present her count to the Houston City Council by Saturday, August 8, 2015.
NOT SO FAST
According to published reports, Mayor Annise Parker’s legal team plans to file an appeal of Judge Brent Gamble’s ruling in favor of Dave Wilson.
STUDY THE HERO ORDINANCE
“From the way things are looking right now, Houston voters may have two different measures to consider when Tuesday, November 3, 2015 rolls around,” says Taylor. “On one hand, voters may be voting “FOR” or “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance itself. On the other hand Houston voters may also be voting on a "CHARTER AMENDMENT" to define more clearly what it means to be a man, or a woman in the City of Houston -- if Dave Wilson get's his way."
This link (CLICK HERE) gives you access to all the Houston City Council Districts in one complete map. So, if you are thinking about running for Mayor, Controller, or one of the At-Large Houston City Council Districts this map could be a useful tool.
Mayor Annise D. Parker
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Mayor Annise Parker is currently serving her third and final term. She is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. A few of the key candidates running for Mayor of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election is as follows: Chris Bell, Bill King, Adrian Garcia, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Chistopher Legier, Sylvester Turner, Demetria Smith, Ben Hall, Victoria Lane, Marty McVey, and Stephen C. Costello. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. THIS SEAT IS OPEN in the upcoming election.”
ABOUT MAYOR ANNISE PARKER
Mayor Annise D. Parker serves as the Executive Officer of the City. As the City's chief administrator and official representative, the Mayor is responsible for the general management of the City and for seeing that all laws and ordinances are enforced. Administrative duties include the appointments, with Council approval, of department heads and persons serving on advisory boards.
As Executive Officer, the Mayor administers oaths and signs all motions, resolutions and ordinances passed by City Council. The Mayor also serves a legislative function, presiding over City Council with voting privileges.
The Mayor is responsible for advising Council of the City's financial condition and presents to Council an annual budget for approval.
BIOGRAPHY OF THE MAYOR
Mayor Parker is Houston’s 61st mayor and one of only two women to hold the City’s highest elected office. As the City's chief executive officer, she is responsible for all aspects of the general management of the City and for enforcement of all laws and ordinances.
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 only person in Houston history to hold the offices of council member, controller and mayor.
The mayor’s tenure includes passage and implementation of Rebuild Houston, a pay-as-you-go comprehensive street and drainage improvement program that will provide jobs for Houstonians for years to come; voter approval of a $410 million public improvement bond program; creation of an independent organization to oversee the City’s crime lab operations; a unique sobering center for public intoxication cases; adoption of a long-term financial plan that ensures the stability of the City’s water department and reorganization of City departments to achieve cost savings and more efficient operations. She created a new City department focused on the needs of neighborhoods and the Office of Business Opportunity to help minority and women-owned small business enterprises compete for City contracts. Additionally, she won City Council approval of a Historic Preservation Ordinance that, for the first time, provides real protection for historic properties in City-designated historic districts and she issued one of the most comprehensive non-discrimination orders in the nation.
Brenda Stardig
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Brenda Stardig is currently serving her second term in office. At this time Iesheia K. Ayers-Wilson is the only candidate seeking to unseat Council Member Brenda Stardig in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. STARDIG IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.”
ABOUT BRENDA STARDIG
Brenda Stardig is an influential leader who has lived in District A of the City of Houston for more than forty years alongside old friends and new neighbors.
She has helped people in the community, devoting time and resources to improving west Houston. Her compassion is shown through her actions.
Brenda is a past president of one of the City of Houston's Super Neighborhoods, she has organized numerous crime fighting initiatives, and as a Spring Branch Education Foundation member, she has strived to enhance public education. Brenda doesn't rest. She has served as a director on the boards for government, financial and medical corporations. Brenda has received praise for her tireless efforts, including the Keep Houston Beautiful Mayor's Award Certificate of Recognition Winner and the award for Leadership in Excellence in Neighborhood Development from Bank of America.
In addition to being a community leader, Brenda is an accomplished businesswoman. She excelled in the financial industry for 20 years prior to her successful transition to real estate. Brenda is a multi-million dollar producer who is trusted throughout the industry and is known for doing the right thing for her clients. She also offers her expertise as a member of three different real estate associations.
Brenda has dedicated her life to expanding opportunities for others and preserving a quality of life for the people of Spring Branch. She has never forgotten where she came from - or the faith and dedication that drives her.
Council Member Brenda Stardig
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.3010
FAX: 832.393.3302
E-Mail: districta@houstontx.gov
*The District A Houston City Council Member pretty much serves areas in northwestern Houston which includes communities north of Interstate 10 along the Katy Freeway. It also covers Spring Branch as well. You can (CLICK HERE) to study the map of this district.
Jerry Davis
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Jerry Davis is currently serving his second term in office. At this time Earl B. White Jr., and Tynia N. Colbert are the candidates seeking to unseat Council Member Jerry Davis in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. DAVIS IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.”
ABOUT JERRY DAVIS
Recognized for his community involvement, Jerry was invited to serve on the board of Change Happens!, a local community-based non-profit organization serving adults and at-risk youth in Harris County. While serving at Change Happens! Jerry recognized there was a void to be filled. Using his training in education, coupled with his desire to help children, he founded the organization Making It Better (MIB). MIB is a local non-profit whose mission is to address the severe disadvantages faced by low-income children in the Houston area by providing them with academic intervention, positive activities, and adult role models. Jerry also serves on the Houston Housing Resource Board, assisting clients of the Houston Housing Authority by developing innovative approaches to affordable housing and self-sufficiency.
Council Member Jerry Davis
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 393-3009
E-Mail: districtb@houstontx.gov
*The District B Houston City Council District is widely considered to be an African American stronghold based on the way this district is drawn. District B pretty much serves the north and northeastern sides of Houston. You can (CLICK HERE) to study the map of this district.
Ellen Cohen
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Ellen Cohen is currently serving her second term in office. At this time Jason Hochman is the only candidate seeking to unseat Council Member Ellen Cohen in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. COHEN IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.”
ABOUT ELLEN COHEN
Ellen Cohen has lived and worked in the city of Houston for the past 38 years. She served for 10 years as the Executive Director of the American Jewish Committee, and for 18 years as the CEO of the Houston Area Women’s Center, working with survivors of sexual and domestic violence. In 2006, she was elected as the Texas State Representative for Houston’s District 134. After serving two terms in the Texas Legislature, Ellen decided to continue her public service career at home. She ran for Houston City Council, and was sworn into office in January 2012 as the Council Member representing District C.
During her tenure on Council, Ellen has championed the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, the elimination of the sexual assault kit backlog, the creation of a Parking Benefit District for the Washington Corridor, and many other initiatives to improve the quality of life of her constituents. She is currently serving her second term on Council.
Council Member Ellen R. Cohen
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.3004
E-Mail: districtc@houstontx.gov
*The Houston City Council District C district encompasses areas north of the 610 Loop, which overlaps into the Heights and Braeswood areas. District C also covers some parts of Montrose, the Houston Museum District and a few of the communities that surround Rice University. You can (CLICK HERE) to study the map of this district.
Dwight Boykins
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Dwight Boykins is currently serving his first term in office. We don’t know of any viable opponents who are seeking to unseat Council Member Dwight Boykins in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. BOYKINS IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.”
ABOUT DWIGHT BOYKINS
Dwight A. Boykins is currently serving at City Council Member for District D. Dwight is a native of District D and attended local public schools. He received his BBA in Marketing from the Jesse H. Jones School of Business at Texas Southern University. Dwight is also President and CEO of DBoykins Consulting, a consulting firm that specializes in governmental affairs, advocacy and business development. He has served on various boards and committees, including the Hurricane Ike Relief Fund Board, which was responsible for overseeing the distribution of over $16 million in funding to the city’s most devastated area. Dwight has also previously served on the Oversight Committee of ReBuild Houston and remains a huge advocate for the improvement of the city’s street infrastructure. As a member of City Council, Dwight serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs, Transportation Technology and Infrastructure, Housing and Community Development, Transportation Policy Council and Ethics, Elections & Council Governance Committees. Dwight is involved in numerous organizations and activities. He is currently a member of the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a Life Member of the NAACP and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Dwight is a man of faith and he and his wife are active members of Windsor Village United Methodist Church. Dwight resides in District D with Genora, his wife of 25 years.
Council Member Dwight Boykins
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.3001
FAX; 832.393.3201
E-Mail: districtd@houstontx.gov
*The Houston City Council District D is widely considered to be an African American stronghold district. Texas Southern University and University of Houston both fall within the boundaries of this single-member district. This district also covers a large portion of the northernmost part of Houston encompassing Midtown; but also covers areas such as Sunnyside. You can (CLICK HERE) to study the map of this district.
Dave Martin
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Dave Martin is currently serving his first term in office. We don’t know of any viable opponents who are seeking to unseat Council Member Dave Martin in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. MARTIN IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.”
ABOUT DAVE MARTIN
A proven business and government leader, Dave has a strong desire to ensure conservative principles are applied in City government. He has been influential in providing sound business and proven decision making skills to the council in dealing with notable issues facing Houston today. First elected in November 2012; public safety, fiscal responsibility and economic development have been and will continue to be cornerstone of Dave’s daily priorities. Additionally, he works hard to ensure exemplary constituent service to the residents of District E. During his first term, Dave has been appointed to serve as Vice Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Subcommittee on Benefits, Ethics and Council Governance Committee and Transportation, and Technology and Infrastructure Committee.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana and a graduate of Louisiana State University, Dave serves as a Managing Director of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. and previously worked for two large “Big Four” Accounting Firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP and Ernst & Young, LLP.
Dave was elected to the Humble ISD Board of Trustees in 2004 and served as President, Board Finance Committee Chairman and Chairman of the Board Audit Committee.
Dave also served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Harris County Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) where he was also Chairman of the Board Finance Committee. While serving in this capacity, Dave helped with Houston’s mission to attract the very best sporting events into our city, bringing economic development while ensuring the debt service payments for Houston’s Sports venues are transacted to protect Houston’s tax dollars. Dave has also been involved with the Greater Houston Partnership where he served on the Education Policy/Strategic Policy Committee. As a member of “Raise your Hand Texas”, an advocacy organization dedicated to supporting Texas Public Schools, Dave has been instrumental in shaping public policy for public education for many years.
Dave and his wife Julie have been married for 30 years. They live in Kingwood with their three children, David, Michael and Jennifer. They are active parishioners at St. Martha’s Catholic Church.
Council Member Dave Martin
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Clear Lake Office
17629 El Camino Real, Suite 415
Houston, TX 77058
Phone: 832.393.3008
FAX: 832.393.3279
E-Mail: districte@houstontx.gov
*The Houston City Council District E pretty much covers Kingwood and portion of Houston that overlaps into the Clear Lake area. You can (CLICK HERE) to study the map of this district.
Richard Nguyen
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Richard Nguyen is currently serving his first term in office. At this time, Steve Duc Le is the only candidate we know of who is seeking to unseat Council Member Richard Nguyen in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. NGUYEN IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.”
ABOUT RICHARD NGUYEN
Richard A. Nguyen was born in Saigon, Vietnam and immigrated with his family to the US in 1975 at the age of 11. The family settled in Ohio. After high school, Richard earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Capital University in Columbus.
Richard briefly taught middle and high school in Hilliard, Ohio after working in the health care field in Columbus. Upon moving to Houston, Richard earned a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from Texas Health and Science University in Austin and then continued his career in public service with the Solid Waste Management Department in the City of Houston, where he served for almost 10 years.
In addition to his career, Richard enjoys drawing and spending time with his children. Richard currently resides in Alief with his wife and two children, as well as his elderly parents.
Council Member Richard Nguyen
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.3002
E-Mail: districtf@houstontx.gov
*The Houston City Council District F Council district has a large Vietnamese American constituency. This district pretty much covers southwestern Houston including parts of Alief, Westchase, Tanglewilde, and the Briarmeadow area. You can (CLICK HERE) to study the map of this district.
Oliver Pennington
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Oliver Pennington is currently serving his third and final term. He is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. Initially Pennington threw his hat into the ring as a 2015 Mayoral Candidate; but withdrew due his wife Beverly suffering an illness. At this time there are two key candidates running for the Houston City Council District G seat in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – those candidates are: Sandie Mullins Moger and Greg Travis. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. THIS SEAT IS OPEN in the upcoming election.”
ABOUT OLIVER PENNINGTON
Oliver Pennington's life is one of education, hard work, dedication and achievement. Born and raised in Houston, he loves this city and everything it has to offer. Oliver achieved great success at a very young age. He graduated in 1960 from Rice University. From there he went on to law school at the University of Texas. He graduated in 1963.
During that time he was an Associate Editor of the Texas Law Review. He married in 1968 to Beverly Buzzini and together they raised two children right here in District G, Oliver Pennington III and Sarah Pennington Tropoli. Oliver currently has 5 grandchildren.
Upon graduation, he took a job at the local firm of Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP. He quickly became a partner and took on that role from 1973 to 2002. Oliver's practice included municipal finance, municipal law, municipal utility district law (where he attended monthly meetings of boards which dealt with water, sanitary sewage, drainage, security, solid waste services and other similar neighborhood issues), environmental and administrative law.
Oliver is the former Chairman of the Houston Civil Service Commission. He was a member of Board of the Memorial Park Conservancy for five years, which is right in the heart of District G. He is also a member of the Houston Bar Association. He is a member of the Greater Houston Partnership where he is or has been a member of the Water Laws Committee and the Environmental Committee and the Economic Development Committee. Oliver was also a member of the Board of Directors of North Houston Association, a trade group advocating public policy and economic development policies favorable to that area.
Oliver has been involved in the community at many different levels, particularly at the neighborhood level because of his municipal utility district law practice. He has been successful and is now ready to give back to his community and the city of Houston by serving as Councilmember for District G.
Council Member Oliver Pennington
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.3007
FAX; 832.395.9571
E-Mail: districtg@houstontx.gov
*The Houston City Council District G Council Member serves areas in western Houston that extend along the 610 Loop between 610 and Interstate 10. Memorial, Tanglewood, and River Oaks make up a large portion of this district. You can (CLICK HERE) to study the map of this district.
Ed Gonzalez
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Ed Gonzalez is currently serving his third and final term. He is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. At this time there are four key candidates running for the Houston City Council District H seat in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – those candidates are: Jason Cisneroz, Roland Chavez, Karla G. Cisneros, and Abel Davila. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. THIS SEAT IS OPEN in the upcoming election.”
ABOUT ED GONZALEZ
Mayor Pro-Tem Ed Gonzalez was first elected to serve on Houston City Council in 2009. A life-long resident of the City of Houston, he is dedicated to making his hometown the leading global city of the 21st century.
Council Member Gonzalez is committed to public safety and served the Houston Police Department for 18 years. While at the Houston Police Department, Gonzalez was promoted to Sergeant, served on the elite hostage negotiation team and was a homicide investigator. He has used his extensive law enforcement experience to help craft innovative and effective solutions to modern-day crime issues. Council Member Gonzalez has been a public servant for most of his adult-life and knows what it means to be “on call” at all times to serve the constituents of the City of Houston.
Council Member Gonzalez also prioritizes quality of life issues and infrastructure improvements for our city. He is well-known for regularly visiting neighborhoods and speaking to residents about their concerns. He works diligently to connect with residents and community leaders, an effort to educate his constituents on the services the City of Houston provides and to address their needs. Recognized as an active user of multiple social media platforms, Gonzalez has used technology as an additional tool to communicate with constituents and to further engage with the communities he represents.
Council Member Gonzalez has been a champion for education and regularly speaks at area schools. He passionately advocates for literacy by sharing his personal story; his father did not have the ability to read and write as an adult, but made sure that his son had every opportunity to learn and to achieve though education. Today, Council Member Gonzalez holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Houston Downtown and earned a Master’s Degree from the University of St. Thomas.
On Houston City Council, Gonzalez has served as Mayor Pro-Tem since 2012 when he was appointed by Mayor Annise Parker and confirmed by his peers; previously he served as Vice Mayor Pro-Tem, first elected by his peers in 2010. Currently he serves as Chair for the Public Safety & Homeland Security (PSHS) Committee. Gonzalez also sits on the following committees: Budget and Fiscal Affairs (BFA), Ethics, Elections and Council Governance (EECG), Houston and Community Affairs (HCA), Quality of Life (QoL), and Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure (TTI).
Council Member Gonzalez and his wife, Dr. Melissa Gonzalez, reside in Lindale Park with their daughters; they make nearby St. Patrick Church their worship home.
Council Member Ed Gonzalez
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.3003
FAX: 832.393.3224
E-Mail: districth@houstontx.gov
*The Houston City Council District H single-member council district covers some of the areas north of the 610 Loop. The larger portions of this district include the Near Northside and Northside of Houston extending to Little York Road. Parts of Downtown and the Heights also fall within the boundaries of this district. You can (CLICK HERE) to study the map of this district.
Robert Gallegos
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Robert Gallegos is currently serving his first term. At this time we don’t know of any viable candidates seeking to unseat Council Member Robert Gallegos in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. GALLEGOS IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.”
ABOUT ROBERT GALLEGOS
Robert Gallegos was born at Parkview Hospital on 75th and Harrisburg and was raised in Magnolia Park. Robert attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church & Elementary School, where he was baptized, received his Holy Communion and was confirmed. He attended Edison Junior High School and was active in both the marching and stage bands. Robert became president of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Youth Organization (C.Y.O.) and went on to graduate from Stephen F. Austin High School.
A graduate of Houston Community College, Robert earned an Associate’s Degree in International Trade & Distribution and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University. He is a graduate of Spencer School of Real Estate.
He’s a member of the National Hispanic Professional Organization, a member of LULAC Council 402, served on the Board of the Gulf Coast Community Services Association, and is certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE).
Robert spent over 25 years in Logistics Sales in Motor Freight and International Trade. He served as a Community Liaison for Former County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia with an emphasis in Galena Park, Jacinto City, Aldine, and City Council Districts H & I, and has worked for the Harris County Sheriff’s Department.
Robert Gallegos was born at Parkview Hospital on 75th and Harrisburg and was raised in Magnolia Park. Robert attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church & Elementary School, where he was baptized, received his Holy Communion and was confirmed. He attended Edison Junior High School and was active in both the marching and stage bands. Robert became president of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Youth Organization (C.Y.O.) and went on to graduate from Stephen F. Austin High School.
A graduate of Houston Community College, Robert earned an Associate’s Degree in International Trade & Distribution and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University. He is a graduate of Spencer School of Real Estate.
He’s a member of the National Hispanic Professional Organization, a member of LULAC Council 402, served on the Board of the Gulf Coast Community Services Association, and is certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE).
Robert spent over 25 years in Logistics Sales in Motor Freight and International Trade. He served as a Community Liaison for Former County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia with an emphasis in Galena Park, Jacinto City, Aldine, and City Council Districts H & I, and has worked for the Harris County Sheriff’s Department.
Council Member Robert Gallegos
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.3011
FAX; 832.393.3313
E-Mail: districti@houstontx.gov
*The Houston City Council District I district includes many of the neighborhoods in southeastern Houston – and the East End of Houston. However it also includes most of Downtown Houston. You can (CLICK HERE) to study the map of this district.
Mike Laster
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Mike Laster is currently serving his second term in office. At this time, Jim Bigham is the only candidate we know of who is seeking to unseat Council Member Mike Laster in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. LASTER IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.”
ABOUT COUNCIL MEMBER LASTER
Mike Laster was born in San Pablo, California but his family relocated to Texas soon after his birth, settling in the rural community of Bangs in Brown County. Educated in the public schools of Brown County, Mike demonstrated his leadership skills at an early age by serving as President of the High School Student Body, of his High School Class, of the National Honor Society and the Future Farmers of America.
A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin’s Plan II Honors Program, Mike earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center. While at the Law Center, Mike distinguished himself as the National Vice Chair of the American Bar Association Law Student Division.
Mike is an attorney specializing in real estate with the firm of Williams, Birnberg & Andersen, L.L.P. in Houston, where he has practiced for the past thirteen years. From 1989 to 1995, Mike served as a Senior Assistant City Attorney in the Real Estate Division of the City Attorney’s Office, where he handled many aspects of a general real estate and development practice for the city.
Throughout his life Mike has developed an extensive record of civic involvement and achievement. He has served as a Board Member as past Chairman of the Sharpstown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone and Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ). As Chairman, he worked to complete an amended TIRZ project plan that provides over $90 million in infrastructure development and financing dollars to the TIRZ area.
A founding Board Member and Secretary of the Greater Sharpstown Management District (GSMD), Mike helped: implement a Constables on Patrol Program which added additional constables to patrol the business corridors of the district; create a graffiti abatement program that cleaned up thousands of graffiti sites; and, worked to revitalize the neighborhood with new street signs and esplanade beautifications.
Mike is also a Board Member and former President of the Sharpstown Civic Association, a group serving over 6,800 homes in the area with neighborhood protection programs, crime prevention and security patrols.
An active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Mike has served as Senior Warden; as a member of the Vestry; and is a past parish Delegate to the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.
Council Member Mike Laster
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.3015
FAX: 832.395.9423
E-Mail: districtj@houstontx.gov
*The Houston City Council District J single-member district covers several neighborhoods along Southwest Freeway (U.S. Route 59). It also includes the Sharpstown and Gulfton areas of Houston, and stretches from the 610 Loop south of Beltway 8. You can (CLICK HERE) to study the map of this district.
Larry Green
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Larry Green is currently serving his second term in office. We don’t know of any viable opponents who are seeking to unseat Council Member Larry Green in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. GREEN IS RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.”
Sworn into office in January 2012, Council Member Larry V. Green is the Council Member of the newly formed District known as “K”. District K serves from the edge of the Texas Medical Center to the portion of Houston within Fort Bend County. The District also includes the Reliant/ Astrodome Complex, two management districts, and two school districts—Houston ISD and Fort Bend ISD.
Engaged in private practice of law for 21 years, Council Member Green has been responsible for all matters relative to a general practice. During, his first term on Houston City Council, Council Member Green has brought over 20 million dollars’ worth of economic development projects to District K including but not limited to a Houston Police Department station, neighborhood street reconstruction and repair projects, a senior citizen center in Fort Bend Houston and has brought a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) for the Hiram Clarke and Fort Bend Houston Area. Additionally, Council Member Green led the efforts to increase the MWBE / SBE participation goals from 22 percent to 34 percent. The Council Member also insured that women owned businesses were included back into the city’s affirmative action contracting program.
Council Member Green has been appointed by Mayor Parker to be chair of Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee. This Committee is responsible for the Information Technology, Houston Airport System, METRO, Port of Houston and the Public Works and Engineering department projects as well as Rebuild Houston Projects, Water & Sewer, and water resources and conservation.
He has recently been appointed by the National League of Cities to serve 2014 Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations Steering committee. As a member of the committee, Council Member Green will address national economic policy, general financial assistance programs intergovernmental relations, census, and municipal bonds issues just to name a few.
Council Member Green earned his BA in Political Science from the University of Houston and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence, from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Greater Houston Partnership, a former Board Trustee of Brentwood Baptist Church, serves on the Board of the Texas Black Expo, and serves on the College of Science and Technology Advisory Board at Texas Southern University.
Council Member Larry Green
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.3016
FAX; 832.395.9410
E-Mail: districtk@houstontx.gov
*The Houston City Council District K single-member district pretty much encompasses the far southwestern area of Houston. Parts of Almeda Road, Gessner, and Braeswood fall within the boundaries of this district. But this district also encompasses parts of 2234 in Fort Bend County. You can (CLICK HERE) to study the map of this district.
Stephen C. Costello
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Stephen C. Costello is currently serving his third and final term. He is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. A few of the key candidates running for the Houston City Council At-Large Position #1 seat in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election is as follows: Jenifer Rene Pool, Chris Oliver, Lane Lewis, Tom McCasland, Trebor Gordon, Georgia Provost, and Michael "Griff" Griffin. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. THIS SEAT IS OPEN in the upcoming election.”
ABOUT STEPHEN COSTELLO
Stephen Costello is in his third term as Houston City Council Member At-Large Position 1. He chairs City Council's Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee which oversees all financial matters related to the city's $5.1 billion annual budget. He also serves on the Quality of Life Committee; the Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee; and the Ethics Elections and Council Governance Committee. He is the current chair of the Transportation Policy Council, the organization responsible for providing policy guidance and overall coordination of transportation planning throughout the Houston-Galveston area region. On City Council, Stephen focuses on issues related to strengthening the city’s long-term financial health; improving transportation and mobility; upgrading the city's aging infrastructure; increasing access to fresh, healthy food in under-served communities; and expanding green space and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Stephen is an engineer with a background in flood control and drainage. He is president of Costello Engineering and Surveying, a Houston civil engineering firm he co-founded in 1991. Costello Engineering and Surveying has over 130 local employees and recently received top honors as a "Best Place to Work" by both the Houston Business Journal and Houston Chronicle. In early 2014, Stephen was named "Engineer of the Year" by the Texas Society for Professional Engineers, a distinction widely recognized as the engineering community's highest honor.
With a degree in civil engineering from the University of New York at Buffalo, Stephen's first job in Texas was working as a civilian with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Galveston. It was with the Corps working with residents whose homes had been flooded that Stephen discovered what has become his lifelong interest in storm water management and flooding issues. Striving to reduce flooding risks in Houston, in 2010 Stephen led the charge to pass the Renew Houston initiative, now the ReBuild Houston Program, a pay-as-you-go program to improve Houston’s street and drainage infrastructure.
Stephen has served as chair and longtime board member of the Memorial Park Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the natural habitat and historical significance of Memorial Park. He is also a board member of Marathon Kids, an organization focused on educating and motivating children to lead active lifestyles, and Family Services of Greater Houston, a nonprofit providing family counseling and case management services to those in need. In addition, he serves as an advisory board member for Trees for Houston, a group dedicated to protecting woodlands and planting trees around the city.
Stephen is an avid runner, competing in over 30 marathons and seven Ironman Triathlons. He and his wife, Debbie, have been married 39 years and have raised two sons in Houston, Stephen and Christopher.They are now proud grandparents of two granddaughters, Eliana and Gia.
Council Member Stephen C. Costello
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.3014
FAX: 832.395.9472
E-Mail: atlarge1@houstontx.gov
*The Houston City Council District At-Large Position #1 District covers the entire City of Houston. This council member is elected citywide. You can (CLICK HERE) to view the complete map including all districts.
David W Robinson
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member David W. Robinson is currently serving his first term in office. At this time former At Large Position #2 Council Member Andrew C. Burks, Jr., and Modesto "Moe" Rivera are the key candidates we know of who are seeking to unseat Council Member David W. Robinson in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. ROBINSON WILL BE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.”
ABOUT DAVID W. ROBINSON
Early in his architectural career, David Robinson assisted with the new U.S. Embassy in Amman Jordan and then contributed to the development and production of the master planning document for the campus of the Texas Children’s Hospital. In 1999, he started his own company as a sole practitioner with an emphasis on building large commercial and institutional buildings. As a small business owner, David has kept his practice going through good times and lean. Currently, he is fortunate to have a healthy list of projects mostly located in the Houston area. He also teaches a graduate level course here in Houston for Texas Tech University on planning and development called "Infrastructure in the Urban Environment."
Along with his architectural practice, David has been actively involved with neighborhood issues, serving eight years as an officer of the Neartown (Montrose) Association, including a couple of terms as president. With the nomination of civic club representatives from across Houston, he was elected to serve as chairman and president of the citywide Super Neighborhood Alliance to a maximum two year term that concluded in January 2013. While serving on the board of directors of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects, David was appointed to the City of Houston Planning Commission by Mayor Bill White in 2007 and re-appointed by Mayor Annise Parker in 2009 – becoming the first licensed architect to serve the city as a commissioner since the 1970's.
David Robinson received a BA in Architecture from Yale College and earned a Master of Architecture degree from Rice University in 1993. David is the proud father of Elissa, a 13 year old who attends the Lanier Middle School. They are active members of Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church and love living here in the great city of Houston, TX.
Council Member David W. Robinson
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.3013
FAX; 832.393.3336
E-Mail: atlarge2@houstontx.gov
*The Houston City Council District At-Large Position #2 District covers the entire City of Houston. This council member is elected citywide. You can (CLICK HERE) to view the complete map including all districts.
Michael Kubosh
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Michael Kubosh is currently serving his first term in office. At this time Atlas Kerr, Rogene Calvert, John C.B. LaRue, Doug Peterson, Joseph McElligott, and Brad Batteau are a few of the candidates we believe to be seeking to unseat Council Member Michael Kubosh in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. KUBOSH WILL BE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.”
ABOUT MICHAEL KUBOSH
Sworn in to office in January 2014, Council member Michael Kubosh is an At Large Council Member that covers the entire City of Houston. There are five (5) At Large Positions and he holds At Large Position #3.
For the past 20 years Council Member Kubosh has been involved in the Bail Bond Business in the City of Houston and Harris County. He has served on the Harris County Bail Bond board as the representative for the Bondsman of Harris County. He currently serves as a Director of the State Bail Bond Organization (Professional Bondsman of Texas). Council Member Kubosh is married and has been a Foster Parent and is an Adoptive Parent. He has a large family with five (5) children and 16 Grand Children and one (1) Great Grandson.
Council Member Kubosh led the Citizens Against Red Light Campaign. This campaign was successful in the Charter Amendment that prohibits the use of Red Light Cameras in the City of Houston. He led the petition drive to stop the City from criminalizing the feeding of the Hungry in Houston. Council Member Kubosh now serves on City Council and is a voice of the People for transparency. He believes that the Citizens have the right to know what is going on in City Government and believes that the communication to the public should be in simple and plain words without the use of acronyms that confuse the Citizens.
Council Member Kubosh believes in City Government providing CORE services of Police, Fire & Emergency Services, Water & Sewer, Trash pickup to its Citizens. City Government has gotten involved in many other NON-CORE services projects. The City has created Local Government Corporations that has kept council from the day to day operational oversight.
Council Member Kubosh believes that the City should not spend more money than it brings in from taxpayers. There must be accountability and restraint on spending and taxing. He is working hard to protect the citizens from overspending.
Council Member Michael Kubosh
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.3005
FAX; 832.393.3251
E-Mail: atlarge3@houstontx.gov
*The Houston City Council District At-Large Position #3 District covers the entire City of Houston. This council member is elected citywide. You can (CLICK HERE) to view the complete map including all districts.
C.O.”Brad” Bradford
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member C.O. “Brad” Bradford is currently serving his third and final term. He is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. A few of the key candidates running for the Houston City Council At-Large Position #4 seat in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election is as follows: Amanda Edwards, Laurie Robinson, Larry Blackmon, Jonathan Hansen, Matthew S. Murphy, and Roy Morales. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. THIS SEAT IS OPEN in the upcoming election.”
ABOUT C.O. “BRAD” BRADFORD
C.O. "Brad" Bradford is an Attorney, Public Safety Consultant, former Houston Chief of Police and Vice Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Houston. In January 2012, members of the Houston City Council elected Bradford as Vice Mayor Pro-Tem via unanimous vote. Bradford ran three successful citywide campaigns, the maximum (three terms) permitted under law. During his second and third campaign, he won in every council district, without a run-off and got the highest number of votes in all of the citywide contested races.
He became a resident of the city of Houston in 1979. Bradford has lived in Hiram Clarke, Alief, Fondren Southwest, and MacGregor areas, he understands the various characteristics of the Houston community and appreciates efforts to focus on neighborhood needs.
Bradford served 24 years as a Houston police officer and seven years as Chief of Police. He was appointed Houston's Police Chief by Mayor Bob Lanier and re-appointed by Mayor Lee P. Brown. While serving as Chief of Police, Bradford managed 7,000 personnel and $500 million annual budget. During his tenure, citizens' fear of crime and public safety concerns went from 59% in 1996 to only 10% by the time he left office in 2003, as documented by Dr. Stephen Klineberg, Rice University.
He holds degrees in law from the University of Houston Law Center, criminal justice from Grambling State University, and a public administration degree from Texas Southern University. Also, he is a graduate of the FBI Academy and Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government Program for State and Local Executives.
Bradford has combined his education, legal training and police experience to work with neighborhoods and businesses, nationally and internationally, to help develop safety strategies.
He has initiated and led investigations, reviews, and assessments surrounding police, community and incidents of crime on numerous occasions. Chief Bradford was part of the leadership team that first developed and implemented community policing strategies in Houston, Texas. Today, more than 80% of the police agencies in America utilize some form of community policing; it is a proven concept in providing public safety services.
Chief Bradford served one of the longest tenures as a Houston Police Chief and implemented many significant programs and initiatives during his administration. These include the Department's first Alternative Dispute Resolution Process, American Sign Language Program, Assessment Center Process for Promotions, Expansion of Airport Security, City/County Jail Consolidation Project, Computer Crime Mapping, Crisis Intervention Team Program, Decentralized Family Violence Unit, Hate Crimes Program and Houston Police Online. Bradford also initiated HPD Crime Laboratory Accreditation, the first Meet and Confer Employees’ Benefits Agreement, established the first Middle Eastern and South Asian Community Liaison, created the No Trucks in the Left-Lane Motorists Safety Program, implemented a Racial Profiling Prohibition Policy, implemented HPD's Top 10 Sex Offenders/Parole Violators Program and created the Department's first Crime Victim Services Unit. He also opened new Police Stations at four divisions and Police Storefronts at five locations. In cooperation with 28 other police agencies and media outlets, Bradford implemented the Technology to Recover Abducted Kids (TRAK) System and he established the first Youth Police Advisory Council in the nation.
Bradford has served as a Precinct Chair and Election Judge in Harris County, Texas. Also, he has extensive experience as a Senior Consultant in the international consulting firm of Brown Group International (BGI). BGI is a full-service consulting firm that provides solutions to problems of government, corporations and individuals. BGI offers services in the areas of Public Safety, Homeland Security, Crisis Management, Government Relations, Community Government, Personnel Selection, Litigation Support, Technology Services and International Trade.
Additionally, Bradford has served for several years as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University. He is a highly rated Professor teaching two particular courses: Police Administration and Judicial Administration.
As a Houston City Council Member, Bradford focuses on the delivery of core services which include water, garbage, infrastructure issues and safety services. In addition to serving on the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, he served as Chair of the Ethics, Elections and Council Governance Committee, Vice Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee and chaired a City of Houston Procurement Process Task Force.
Bradford’s civic activities include serving as a Precinct Chair, Election Judge, and Deputy Voter Registrar in Harris County, Texas. He holds memberships and volunteers in numerous community activities including the ENRICH After-School (Evaluating the Out-of-School-Time Needs, Resources and Initiatives in the Communities of Houston) Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Education Foundation of Harris County, American Education Technologies Youth Counselor, Grambling State University's Criminal Justice Advisory Board, Wiley College Criminal Justice Institute, DeVry University Industry Advisory Board, 100 Club, Harris County Constable Precinct 7 Advisory Board and frequently serves as a university guest lecturer, crime prevention and safety awareness speaker.
Council Member C.O. "Brad" Bradford
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.3012
FAX; 832.393.3327
E-Mail: atlarge4@houstontx.gov
*The Houston City Council District At-Large Position #4 District covers the entire City of Houston. This council member is elected citywide. You can (CLICK HERE) to view the complete map including all districts.
Jack Christie
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Council Member Jack Christie is currently serving his second term in office. At this time Tahir H. Charles, Durrel Douglas and Philippe Nassif are the only candidates we know of who’s seeking to unseat Council Member Jack Christie in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election – check back periodically for updates. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. CHRISTIE WILL BE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION in the upcoming election.”
Jack Christie is a native Texan, businessman, chiropractic physician and community leader. Jack’s broad range of experience has taken him through Houston’s numerous and richly diverse neighborhoods, and he is proud to serve the entire city as At-Large Position 5 Council Member.
Christie received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Texas Chiropractic College and served in the Army Reserves Medical Corps for six years. He received a certificate in International Relations upon completion of graduate courses at the Bush School of Government at Texas A&M. He now runs two successful Houston-area practices that care for over 20,000 patients. As a dedicated small business owner for over thirty years, Christie lends his expertise to the local business community through his position on the Board of Directors for the Spring Branch-Memorial Chamber of Commerce.
Jack’s previous elected positions prior to arriving at Houston City Council include his three terms as a State Board of Education board member and three terms on the Board of Trustees of Spring Branch Independent School District. Christie was elected President of Spring Branch ISD Board of Trustees and was appointed Chairman of Texas State Board of Education from 1995-2000.
Christie’s background in science and education has made him a sought-after education and technology expert. He has appeared on NBC’s Today, ABC’s World News, CNN and CNN Money networks and has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times and Time, Fortune and Wired magazines. After being selected from a pool of nominees by the state’s premier names in science, Dr. Jack Christie was inducted into the Texas Science Hall of Fame in 2000.
While an accomplished businessman and a recognized name in his many fields, Jack Christie is most clearly defined by his unrelenting drive to serve his community. Thirty years ago Jack founded the Annual 5th Ward Ice Skating Party and has acted as its organizer and underwriter every year since. He served on the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Houston Board of Directors for five years; he volunteered as a Big Brother himself for eight years and has had the unparalleled privilege of watching his “littles” grow into successful and self-assured adults in their own rights.
Jack is the proud father of John, Katherine and Patrick. He is an active member of St. Cecilia’s Church and an Eagle Scout. Jack has been an avid runner for more than forty years, competing and finishing marathons and the Ironman triathlon in Hawaii.
Council Member Jack Christie
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, First Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832.393.3017
FAX; 832.395.9426
E-Mail: atlarge5@houstontx.gov
*The Houston City Council District At-Large Position #5 District covers the entire City of Houston. This council member is elected citywide. You can (CLICK HERE) to view the complete map including all districts.
HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
The City Council is the City's legislative body, with the power to enact and enforce all ordinances and resolutions. Eleven Council Members are elected from districts and five are elected at-large, by all voters of the City.
The sixteen members of Council, along with the Mayor, act only by ordinance, resolution or motion. They adopt and may alter the annual budget and confirm the Mayor's appointments. Council is responsible for the appropriation and issuance of bonds, the awarding of contracts and the approval of City expenditures over $50,000. Council may lease or dispose of the City's real estate and may levy assessments against property. Council determines its own rules of procedure, and its meetings are open to the public.
Sixteen Council Members are elected every two years, in odd-numbered years. Council Members are limited to serving three terms of two years each, with each term beginning on January 2 of the even-numbered year. Five Council Members are elected At-Large, or city-wide, while the other eleven are elected to geographic districts of roughly the same proportion of population.
You can write to your Council Member at: 900 Bagby / City Hall Annex / First Floor / Houston, TX 77002.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "I strongly encourage "ALL" Houston area voters to try to attend one or more of the "MAYORAL CANDIDATE FORUMS" listed below."
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
In case you haven’t heard, Damali Keith (above right) will serve as moderator for the Public Mayoral Candidates Forum being hosted by State Representative Senfronia Thompson (HD-141 - above left) and The Peoples United Summit on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. @ Mt. Zion Baptist Church located at 9318 Homestead Road in Houston, Texas 77016. According to the press release we recently received from State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, “ALL” declared candidates running for Mayor of Houston in 2015 are invited to participate and address the community’s concerns at this forum. Please call Herb Mitchell at (713)633-3390 if you have any questions or inquiries.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
On August 19, 2015 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., A consortium of area young professional organizations will host the Keys to the City Forum with Houston mayoral candidates inside the University of Houston Student Center Theatre (Room S103) located at 4800 Calhoun Road in Houston, Texas. This forum is intended to spark dialogue about Houston’s future with its uniquely diverse community of young professionals. Building a relationship with the young adult demographic in Houston is imperative for future leadership. Houston has one of the youngest populations in the nation with many recent college graduates moving to the city to take advantage of its favorable economic outlook. A few of the organizations participating in the forum include the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals, Harris County Young Democrats, Houston Branch NAACP – Young Adult Committee, Houston Young Republicans, Houston Chapter of Maverick PAC, and the University of Houston Master of Public Administration Program. THE ATTIRE FOR THIS EVENT IS BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL OR BUSINESS CASUAL. Admission for this event is FREE. However you should (CLICK HERE) to RSVP and guarantee your seat.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
On Thursday, September 3, 2015, Jacquie Baly (Fox 26) will serve as moderator for The Women Contractors Association (WCA) and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) mayoral panel discussion to be held at: Maggiano's Little Italy - Houston located at: 2019 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056. Several of the major 2015 City of Houston Mayoral candidates are expected to discuss various public policy issues that affect women business owners and women contractors in the greater Houston area. According to Jacquie Baly, all the major candidates have already confirmed their intentions to attend this forum. For more information, please go to: www.womencontractors.org. Women Contractors Association National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) -- Houston Chapter.
Friday, September 4, 2015
On Friday, September 4, 2015@6:30 P.M.,The Texas Voters Alliance is hosting a debate/forum for all the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Candidates at The Fountain of Praise, 13950 Hillcroft Street in Houston, Texas. All candidates who file no later than August 31, 2015 will be invited to attend this forum. The moderator for this particular forum is: Victor D. Dunn. A few of the announced candidates who are expected to be in attendance are: Former Sheriff Adrian Garcia, State Rep. Sylvester Turner, Former City Attorney Ben Hall, Council member Stephen C. Costello, Former Congressman Chris Bell, Businessman Marty McVey, and Former Kemah Mayor Bill King. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information on this forum.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
On Thursday, September 10, 2015 from 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M., The Houston Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) is bringing the Houston political scene to your doorstep. This “MAYORAL FORUM” will take place in Downtown Houston at the J.W. Marriott located at: 806 Main Street. So mark your calendar for Thursday, September 10, 2015 as BOMA hosts a Mayoral Forum featuring key candidates in the race for Houston Mayor. Candidates in attendance will be asked their positions on fixing the permitting center, mandatory electricity benchmarking, city finances, economic development, public safety and more. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear directly from the candidates themselves about their plans to fix Houston. Here’s the lineup: State Representative Sylvester Turner; Council Member At Large Stephen Costello, Former Mayor of Kemah Bill King, Former Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia and Former City Attorney Ben Hall. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information on this event being hosted by BOMA.
Friday, September 11, 2015
On Friday, September 11, 2015 Jacquie Baly (Fox 26) will serve as moderator for a “Mayoral Forum” being hosted by THE ROUNDUP PANEL at Paul’s Kitchen@ 7:30A.M. Paul’s Kitchen is located at: 2502 Algerian Way, Houston, TX 77098. According to Baly, all the major candidates have already confirmed their intentions to attend this event. You can email Jacquie Baly at: jacquie@balyprojects.com if you need additional information about this event. The Roundup features: Sally MacDonald (Anchor), Chris Tritico (Legal Analyst) Above Center, Mustafa Tameez (News Analyst) Above Left, and Jacquie Baly (Above Right) is the Public Policy Analyst.
Saturday, September 19, 2015
On Saturday, September 19, 2015 @ 5:00P.M The Clear Lake Area Republicans will be hosting a “MAYORAL DEBATE” at Brookwood Elementary 16850 Middlebrook Drive in Houston, Texas 77059. All of the announced 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Candidates will be invited to attend this event. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information on this event. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Mayor Annise Parker is currently serving her third and final term. She is term-limited and cannot run for re-election in the upcoming election. A few of the key candidates who are running for Mayor of Houston in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election is as follows: Chris Bell, Bill King, Adrian Garcia, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Chistopher Legier, Sylvester Turner, Demetria Smith, Ben Hall, Victoria Lane, Marty McVey, and Stephen C. Costello.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
On Thursday, September 24, 2015 Jacquie Baly (Fox 26) will serve as moderator for THE HOUSTON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION’S “Mayor Forum” to be held at The Junior League of Houston @11:30A.M. The Junior League of Houston is located at 1811 Briar Oaks Land, in Houston, Texas 77027. According to Jacquie Baly, all the major candidates have already confirmed their intentions to attend this forum. For more information on this event or the Houston Contractors Association, please go to www.houstoncontractors.org today.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
On Sunday, October 18, 2015 The Roundup (only on FOX 26) will be hosting a “Mayoral Forum” during the airing of their show beginning at 7:30 A.M. The Roundup features: Sally MacDonald (Anchor), Chris Tritico (Legal Analyst) far right, Mustafa Tameez (News Analyst) far left, and Jacquie Baly (center) is the Public Policy Analyst. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information on this Mayoral Forum.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
On Sunday, October 18, 2015 from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., emerge USA will be hosting a “CANDIDATES FORUM” for candidates running for Mayor and Houston City Council in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election. Attendees will be afforded a great opportunity to find out where the candidates stand on various issues, and who they propose to shape the future of Houston during their tenure if elected. THIS FORUM IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. And will be held at the Shahnai Reception Hall located at: 5920 Hillcroft Street (Suite D) in Houston, Texas 77036. emerge USA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan civic engagement organization engaging underrepresented communities into the political process. This group believes in power through participation. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information on this event.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "The information below this point should serve as a quick reference guide to City of Houston Mayoral Election results from 1985 through 2013. This information was compiled by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications."
Back in the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Annise Parker won the right to serve her third and final term in office by receiving 98,124 votes. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? “Well, this means that the citizens of the fourth most populous city in America (behind only New York, Los Angeles and Chicago) sat back and allowed a mere 98,124 voters to elect Houston's mayor. This must change on Tuesday, November 3, 2015,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. "We must turn out to vote on Election Day."
Back in the Tuesday, November 8, 2011 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Annise Parker won the right to serve her second term in office by receiving 60,135 votes. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? “Well, once again, registered voters in Houston failed to get involved and allowed a mere 60,135 voters to elect Houston's mayor. We must guard against this happening in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. "We must turn out to vote on Election Day."
Back in the Tuesday, November 3, 2009 City of Houston Mayoral Election, seven candidates faced off in the race for the open mayoral seat. Annise Parker and Gene Locke made the runoff by finishing with (54,254 votes for Parker) and (45,988 votes for Locke) respectively. Peter Brown received (39,930) votes, Amanda C. Ulman (994), Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. (487), and Roy Morales finished with 35,964 votes to finish off the night. “Again, only a handful of Houston voters turned out for the Saturday, December 12, 2009 runoff election. Partly due to this low-voter turnout, Mayor Annise Parker was able to win the runoff election against Gene Locke by only receiving 82,175 votes. WHAT DOES THS MEAN? “Well, there are far too many registered voters who are not engaged or excited about participating in City of Houston Mayoral Elections. And if this is going to change, we must change it,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. "We must go to the polls to vote on Election Day."
Back in the Tuesday, November 6, 2007 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Bill White won the right to serve his third and final term in office by receiving 101,557 votes to avoid a runoff. He was being challenged by Amanda C. Ulman, who received (8,832), and Outlaw Josey Wales, IV who finished the night with 7,042 votes. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? “Well, the turnout in this race was still way too low. We must do better than this in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. "We must go to the polls on Election Day."
Back in the Tuesday, November 8, 2005 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Bill White won the right to serve his second term in office by receiving 165,524 votes to avoid a runoff. Mayor White was being challenged in this election by Gladys House, who finished with (7,711) votes, Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. (2,550), Jack Terence (4,285), and Anthony M. Dutrow, who finished the night with 1,771 votes. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? “Well, the voter turnout could have been better. However, the outcome of this race was never in doubt,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. "We must do better on Tuesday, November 3rd."
Back in the Tuesday, November 4, 2003 City of Houston Mayoral Election, nine candidates faced off in the race for the open mayoral seat. Orlando Sanchez and Bill White made the runoff by finishing with (98,600 votes for Sanchez) and (112,916 votes for White) respectively. Anthony M. Dutrow received (405) votes, Jack Josey Terence (323), John Worldpeace (368), Douglas Robb (193), Sylvester Turner (87,267), Luis Ralph Ullrich Jr. (311), and Veronica Michelle Gregory finished with 385 votes at the end of the night. “However, it would be Bill White who would get the better of Orlando Sanchez in the Saturday, December 6, 2003 runoff election by a vote count of (136,618 votes for Bill White) to (81,830 votes for Orlando Sanchez) respectively. By defeating Sanchez, Bill White earned the right to serve his first term as Houston’s mayor,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
Back in the Tuesday, November 6, 2001 City of Houston Mayoral Election, five candidates lined up in an attempt to prevent Mayor Lee P. Brown from serving his third and final term as Houston’s mayor. Orlando Sanchez was successful in forcing a runoff with the incumbent mayor by receiving (115,967) votes to Mayor Brown’s (125,282) votes at the end of the night. Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. received (572) votes, Anthony M. Dutrow (235), Larry J. Devoy (488), and Chris Bell received 45,739 votes to finish the night of voting. “However, Mayor Lee P. Brown went on to defeat Orlando Sanchez in the Saturday, December 1, 2001 runoff election by a final vote tally of (165,866 votes for Mayor Lee P. Brown) to (155,162 votes for Orlando Sanchez) respectively,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
Back in the Tuesday, November 2, 1999 City of Houston Mayoral Election, two candidates challenged Mayor Lee P. Brown in an effort to prevent him from serving his second term as Houston’s mayor. “However, Brown beat back his opponents by receiving (139,150) votes. Jack Terence received (47,887) votes, and Outlaw Josey Wales, IV finished off the night with (19,741) votes,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
Back in the Tuesday, November 4, 1997 City of Houston Mayoral Election, eight candidates faced off for the open mayoral seat. Lee P. Brown and Rob Mosbacher made the runoff by receiving (132,324 votes for Brown) and (90,320 votes for Mosbacher) respectively. Richard E. Barry, Helen Huey, Gracie Saenz (21,950), George Greanias (53,115), Bernard E. Calkins, and Jean-Claude Lanau were also in the race. “However, Lee P. Brown went on to defeat Rob Mosbacher in the Saturday, December 6, 1997 runoff election. Lee P. Brown received (156,307 votes) to Mosbacher’s (140,449 votes) to earn the right to serve his first term as Houston’s first and only African American mayor,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
Back in the Tuesday, November 7, 1995 City of Houston Mayoral Election, two candidates challenged Mayor Bob Lanier in an effort to prevent him from serving his third and final term as Houston’s mayor. “However, Mayor Bob Lanier received (104,222) votes to beat back his opponents without a runoff. Elizabeth Spates finished with (10,456) votes, and Dave Wilson finished the night off with 11,403 votes,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
Back in the Tuesday, November 2, 1993 City of Houston Mayoral Election, four candidates challenged Mayor Bob Lanier in an effort to prevent him from serving his second term as Houston’s mayor. “However, Bob Lanier defeated his opponents by receiving (169,752) votes to avoid a runoff. Brian A. Bowen received (9,705) votes, Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. (4,613), Jerry Freiwirth (2,713), and James Partsch-Galvan received 161 votes to finish off the night,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
Back in the Tuesday, November 5, 1991 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire lost her seat by finishing third, behind Bob Lanier, and Sylvester Turner in her bid to serve a sixth term as Houston’s mayor. Bob Lanier made the runoff election by receiving (138,096) votes, to Sylvester Turner’s (113,782) votes. “Mayor Whitmire could only muster (63,631) votes as election night voting closed. Willie M. Reid received (787) votes to round out the field that night,” explains Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. “Bob Lanier went on to defeat Sylvester Turner in the Saturday, December 7, 1991 runoff election. Lanier received (152,792) votes, to Sylvester Turner’s (135,173) votes. The runoff election victory Sylvester Turner earned Bob Lanier the right to serve his first term as Houston’s mayor.
Back in the Tuesday, November 7, 1989 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire received (176,342) votes to avoid a runoff by beating back five candidates seeking to prevent her from serving her fifth term as Houston’s mayor. “Shelby” B. Oringderff received (2,018) votes, Fred Hofheinz (89,971), Rosie Walker (4,667), Greg Rosenberg (856), and Ted G. Walker finished the night with 5,615 votes.
Back in the Tuesday, November 3, 1987 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire received (168,656) votes to fend off six challengers seeking to prevent her from serving her fourth term as Houston’s mayor. Richard “Dick” Diamond received (13,628) votes, “Shelby” B. Oringderff (4,853), Bill Anderson (27,254), Mary J. Pritchard (5,296), Glenn Edward Arnett, Jr. (6,977), and Don W. Gell finished the night with 2,807 votes.
Back in the Tuesday, November 5, 1985 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire held off a stiff challenge from Louie Welch and four other candidates seeking to prevent her from serving her third term as Houston’s mayor. Mayor Whitmire finished the night with (200,868) votes to avoid a runoff. Louie Welch finished a distant second with (138,588) votes. John McCabe received (565) votes, Willie Mae Reid (398), L.B. “Lock” Chambers (266), and Susan Director finished the night off by receiving 430 votes.
Join our effort! Houston Business Connections Newspaper is currently looking for sponsors, advertisers, and supporters who value our vote, prayers, and support. Our “2015 CITY OF HOUSTON MAYORAL ELECTION GUIDE” is scheduled to be released on Friday, October 16, 2015 featuring our "2015 Publisher's Recommendations" and "2015 Reader Endorsements". This guide will be distributed to homes and businesses throughout the greater Houston area. You can (CLICK HERE) to view our newspaper.
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