Carl Jarvis, Ellen Cohen, Michael McDonald are the 2015 Candidates Running for Houston City Council for District C

BEN HALL VALUES AND RESPECTS OUR VOTE

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENDALL L. BAKER

A Message from Dr. Kendall L. Baker: "Carl Jarvis, Ellen Cohen, and Michael McDonald are the candidates running for Houston City Council District C on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 ballot. And please don't forget to remind your family and friends who live in District F to vote for me -- I'm Dr. Kendall L. Baker, and I'm asking for your vote."

PLEASE VOTE EARLY

You can vote early from Monday, October 19, 2015 through Friday, October 23, 2015 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CLICK HERE) for early voting locations. On Saturday, October 24, 2015 you can vote from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (CLICK HERE) for early voting locations. And On Sunday, October 25, 2015 you can vote from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (CLICK HERE) for early voting locations. There are (41) forty one early voting locations. You can (CLICK HERE) for the complete list of early voting locations. You can also vote early from Monday, October 26, 2015 through Friday, October 30, 2015 from 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. (CLICK HERE) for a listing of the early voting locations for this election.

ELECTION DAY VOTING

Election Day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. You must vote at your designated voting location on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. You may want to visit the Harris County Clerk’s website if you are not sure where to vote on Election Day. (CLICK HERE) to find your polling place.

THE OFFICIAL BALLOT ORDER

The Race for Mayor

Demetria Smith
Ben Hall
Victoria Lane
Sylvester Turner
Adrian Garcia
Bill King
Rafael Munoz
Marty McVey
Steve Costello
Joe Ferreira
Hoc Thai Nguyen
Chris Bell
Dale Steffes


The Race for Controller

M.J. Khan
Chris Brown
Bill Frazer
Jew Don Boney
Dwight Jefferson
Carroll Robinson


The Race for District A
Brenda Stardig
Iesheia Ayers-Wilson


The Race for District B
Jerry Davis
Ben White Jr.
Vince Duncan
Isaac Mayhorn
Kenneth “K.P.” Perkins


The Race for District C
Carl Jarvis
Ellen Cohen
Michael McDonald


The Race for District D
Dwight Boykins
*Running Unopposed 

The Race for District E
Dave Martin
*Running Unopposed 

The Race for District F
Steve Le
Kendall Baker
Richard Nguyen

VOTE "NO" ON "PROP 1"

"I stand for “equality” but not “special rights!” Our current Mayor, Annise Parker, is calling for Equal Rights which are in fact particularly and especially designed, aimed, and intended for the LGBT community who wants to implement policy that will threaten religious freedom and criminalize those who stand for the protection of women and children. This ordinance gives men access to women's restrooms and other public accommodations. As your Councilman I'm against this type of ordinance and I will protect religious freedom, family values, women, children and citizens in general," says Dr. Kendall L. Baker.

The Race for District G
Greg Travis
Sandie Mullins Moger


The Race for District H
Jason Cisneroz
Abel Davila
Karla Cisneros
Roland Chavez


The Race for District I
Herlinda Garcia
Robert Gallegos


The Race for District J
Dung Le
Jim Bigham
Mike Laster
Manny Barrera


The Race for District K
Larry Green
*Running Unopposed


At-Large Position #1
Griff Griffin
Tom McCasland
Jenifer Rene Pool
Georgia Provost
Chris Oliver
Mike Knox
Lane Lewis
James Partsch-Galvan


At-Large Position #2
David Robinson
Moe Rivera
Eric Dick
Willie Davis
Andrew Burks


At-Large Position #3
Michael Kubosh
John C.B. LaRue
Joseph McElligott
Doug Peterson


At-Large Position #4
Amanda Edwards
Jonathan Hansen
Larry Blackmon
Evelyn Husband Thompson
Matt Murphy
Roy Morales 

At-Large Position #5
J. Brad Batteau
Jack Christie
Philippe Nassif
Sharon Moses

*Publishing of this "BLOG POST" was made possible in part by Kendall Baker a 2015 Candidate for Houston City Council District F in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election.

PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO TELL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO LIVE IN DISTRICT F TO CONSIDER VOTING FOR DR. KENDALL L. BAKER  ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2015

PLEASE STAND WITH ME!

DEAR HOUSTONIANS:

Hello, my name is Kendall L. Baker, a native Houstonian, originally from the northeast side. I am a candidate for City Council District F in the 2015 City of Houston elections. First and foremost, I love my city; particularly District F, where I've resided for nearly 25 years and where I’ve pastored a church for over 10 years now. I was employed with the City of Houston for almost 29 years servicing citizens directly in 911 Emergency, Public Works and Engineering, Consumer Affairs Division and as Division Manager of the new improved 311 Help and Information Center. My excellent performance ratings and perfect attendance gave me the ability to see inside the core of what makes the City of Houston work and what doesn’t. Unfortunately, one thing I know for sure is that most of District F (Alief, Tanglewilde, Royal Oaks, Weshchase, Westwood, Briar Meadow, etc.) residents are underrepresented. Why? I'm glad you asked. 

District F needs and deserves a candidate who can effectively communicate the needs of the entire district. My experience has equipped me to know every inch of District F extremely well, as well as the entire city. My motto is, "No constituent left behind!" My first task is to make sure our police department has adequate resources and personnel to provide better security in District F. Public safety overall includes improving the infrastructure by making sure roads are safe, by addressing our enormous pothole problem and broken streets. District F streets are broken in part by the underlying deteriorating water and sewer lines. I vow to immediately correct and improve these conditions as your next Councilman.

Second, I stand for “equality” but not “special rights!” Our current Mayor, Annise Parker, is calling for Equal Rights which are in fact particularly and especially designed, aimed, and intended for the LGBT community who wants to implement policy that will threaten religious freedom and criminalize those who stand for the protection of women and children. This ordinance gives men access to women's restrooms and other public accommodations. As your Councilman I'm against this type of ordinance and I will protect religious freedom, family values, women, children and citizens in general.

Third, the key to any city’s financial security is economic development that will attract and incentivize corporations to relocate to Houston and provide more jobs! I pledge to ensure that we do that; especially improving economic development, increasing jobs, building better infrastructure in District F!

Fourth, our city must keep a disciplined fiscal accountability, bringing all debt under control, including the infamous pension fund; controlling unnecessary spending, and ceasing the present Administration’s “kick the debt down the road” mentality. This includes revisiting how we allocate funding to districts based on the actual prioritized needs of districts, not “under the table bargaining” to get a favor from the Mayor. This is why I will also support a Charter change that will allow council members to place items on the agenda, not just the mayor only. In addition, I will address other divisive issues including but not limited to the drainage fee and the feeding ordinance. I will protect, promote, advance, and fight for District F!

Houston, it's time for us to be reunited again and this can be made possible by your vote this November. Please vote for Dr. Kendall L. Baker for District F because I truly care about Houston!

Sincerely,

Dr. Kendall L. Baker for City Council District F. Offers a refreshing change by an experienced candidate for all of District F. Call 832-858-4831 or email us at kendall.baker@sbcglobal.net.

Pd. Pol. Ad by Kendall L Baker Campaign, Tim Taft, Treasurer 

YOU CAN CLICK THIS LINK TO IDENTIFY A FEW OTHER INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THAT ALL LIVES MATTER.

The focus of Houston Business Connections Newspaper from now through Tuesday, November 3, 2015 is being placed on voter education, engagement and empowerment heading into the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Elections. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015. Call (832)212-8735 for more information. Or you may email the publisher at: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com to discuss your inclusion.

DON'T FORGET TO READ THE HERO ORDINANCE FOR YOURSELF BEFORE GOING TO VOTE

Are you confused on matters pertaining to the HERO Ordinance? Well, you are strongly encouraged to read the ordinance for yourself before going to the polls to vote. You can (CLICK HERE) to read the ordinance for yourself. "Voting is a personal decision that every voter should make from an empowered position. The 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election will be perhaps one of the most important elections that have taken place in the last 50 years. So to this end, please research and study the candidates and issues before going to the polls. Early voting will be taking place from Monday, October 19, 2015 through Friday, October 30, 2015. Election Day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015," Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper -- You are welcome to call (832)212-8735 to discuss your inclusion.

DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed by Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper in this "BLOG POST" do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications; or supporters, sponsors, advertisers, friends, associates, or anyone else associated directly or indirectly to Aubrey R. Taylor Communications.

Ellen Cohen, A City of Houston Council Member Shares How she Goes About Selecting the Best Candidate to Vote for in An Election -- The 2013 Mayoral Election in Houston is coming on November 5th

“Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Your Thought Matters Newspaper is currently asking leaders from across the state of Texas to give us an inside look at how they go about selecting the best candidate in an election. We are also asking these leaders to share their thoughts on a few of the characteristics they look for in a leader. Below are thoughts shared by Ellen Cohen, the Houston City Council Member representing District C. Cohen dedicates her time to serving on various boards with a significant impact on the Houston community. She serves or has served on the boards of: American Cancer Society, American Leadership Forum Executive Committee; American Jewish Committee; City of Houston Housing and Community Development Consolidated Plan Advisory Task Force, Congregation Beth Israel; Cool Globes Houston Programming Advisory Board; Faith Trust Institute; Houston Area Adult Protective Services; Museum of Fine Arts-Houston Board of Trustees; Park Plaza Hospital Board; and Police Advisory Board. She is also a former President of Leadership Houston and the Medical Center Hospital Board. Council Member Cohen is currently serving her first term in office and will be on the 2013 Mayoral ballot on Tuesday, November 5th, seeking voter approval to serve her second term in office.” – Aubrey R. Taylor Publisher 



Ellen Cohen is the District C Representative on Houston's City Council

Houston City Council Member Ellen Cohen Shares A Few Thoughts On How she Identifies the best Candidate In An Election

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “As a voter, how do you go about selecting the person who is the best candidate in any given election? And what are a few of the characteristics you look for in a leader?”

COUNCIL MEMBER COHEN: “As both an elected official and a long-time voter, I have become familiar with both sides of the coin when it comes to choosing between political candidates. The question of who will represent you at the local, state, and federal level of government could not be more critical, so it is important to be well-informed about the candidates and the issues.

I believe all politics is local, so when selecting a representative, my first step is to research the issues the elected official will actually be voting on, and find out what each candidate’s views are on those specific issues. I am drawn to leaders that are passionate about these local issues and pragmatic about problem-solving. Grandstanding about challenges is no substitute for a solid plan of action, so the ability to think critically is also imperative to me.

As a Council Member and a former State Representative, I have found that another trait essential to good governance is the ability to work with those whose opinions differ from your own. Without the ability to build a consensus, a lawmaker will come to a stalemate in office.

Ultimately, I vote for candidates who share my viewpoint, are passionate about local issues, and are able to implement effective solutions for bettering their community.”


Ellen Cohen
Houston City Council District C



Here’s A Little About Council Member Ellen Cohen

Advocate

While a single event doesn’t define an individual, the event’s impact can shape the future. Such was the case when Ellen Cohen was diagnosed with breast cancer before she was 30 years of age. Living in her late husband Lyon’s hometown of Montreal at the time, she had questions her doctors could not answer. The support of her family, an instinct for survival, and an inquisitive mind sustained her. In fact, as soon as she was able, she determined that no other woman would endure the diagnosis of breast cancer alone, and she founded Reach to Recovery of Canada, a self-help post-mastectomy group. The program was in all Montreal hospitals when the Cohen family left Quebec.

Ellen could have returned to her native Ohio when the family – including daughter Marcie and son Eric — relocated to the U.S. in 1977. Instead, she and Lyon chose Texas, in part, because “things were settled with a handshake.” With its black gold under the ground and intellectual black gold above, the state was on the move. Ellen’s administrative acumen fit right in. Houston offered unlimited possibilities resulting in yet another advocacy role as executive director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC). There she worked with the leadership from Houston’s diverse religious and business communities to foster mutual understanding and tolerance for one of the nation’s premiere human relations organizations.

After a decade with AJC, she served as President and CEO of the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) for 18 years. Dedicated to eliminating domestic and sexual violence, the Center again allowed for the blending of her executive leadership abilities with her compassion. In that capacity, she managed a $6.2 million budget and a 120-person staff, serving over 6,000 women, children, and men annually. Ellen continues to be recognized nationally as an expert on domestic and sexual violence issues.

Following almost 20 years at the Houston Area Women’s Center, Ellen was presented with the opportunity to become an entirely different kind of advocate – that of an elected official.

Public Servant

In 2005, Ellen was encouraged by a group of leaders in the community to consider running for the position of State Representative, District 134. She felt it was a natural extension of the work she had been doing in Houston for the past 28 years. On November 7, 2006, Ellen Cohen was elected to the Texas House of Representatives with the largest margin of any challenger to an incumbent in Texas at that time. During her two terms in the Texas Legislature, Ellen worked diligently to restore balance and integrity to the Texas Legislature and her record reflects this commitment. She is widely respected by her former colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans, for her ability to work “across the aisle” and bring reasoned discourse to Austin.

Ellen served on various committees’ during her tenure in the Texas Legislature including Appropriations, Higher Education, Public Health, Rules & Resolutions, Select Committee of Federal Legislation, and Urban Affairs.

Ellen worked on significant legislation as a member of the Texas House of Representatives. She was the first House sponsor of the bill creating the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) that funds grants addressing cancer research, clinical trials, and laboratory facility construction in Texas. In addition, she authored and passed legislation with the goal of providing $25 million for adult and child survivors of sexual assault through an Adult Entertainment Fee and co-authored the bill creating the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Ellen helped craft a $182 billion biennium budget which unanimously passed the House. She was also the joint author on the bill which set the stage to create more Tier One research universities across Texas, including the University of Houston.

Ellen’s career choices are a reflection of her commitment to public service. She is dedicated to continued public service and giving back to the City of Houston.

Houstonian and Community Leader

Ellen dedicates her time to serving on various boards with a significant impact on the Houston community. She serves or has served on the boards of: American Cancer Society, American Leadership Forum Executive Committee; American Jewish Committee; City of Houston Housing and Community Development Consolidated Plan Advisory Task Force, Congregation Beth Israel; Cool Globes Houston Programming Advisory Board; Faith Trust Institute; Houston Area Adult Protective Services; Museum of Fine Arts-Houston Board of Trustees; Park Plaza Hospital Board; and Police Advisory Board. She is also a former President of Leadership Houston and the Medical Center Hospital Board.

Ellen was appointed by President Bill Clinton along with the US Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to the National Violence Against Women Advisory Council. She accepted this role because of the need for comprehensive language dealing with domestic violence and sexual assault. She was also appointed to the Governor’s Planning Council for the STOP Violence Against Women campaign. The Supreme Court of Texas appointed Ellen to the Gender Fairness Implementation Executive Committee. In addition, Texas House Speaker Joe Straus appointed her to the serve on the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission following her sponsorship of the bill establishing the Commission.

Council Member

After two terms in the Legislature, Ellen decided to continue her public service career at home and announced her candidacy for Houston City Council District C. She was sworn into office in January 2011 as the first City Council Member to represent the newly-redistricted District C.

Due to the 2010 Census, the City of Houston underwent redistricting to reflect our population growth throughout the last decade. The original districts were redrawn, and two new Districts were added. The newly-set District C is an exciting mix of neighborhoods and urban life, and this map will remain in place through the end of 2020. District C is approximately 15 miles long (north to south), with about 200,000 constituents. Its boundaries include: Oak Forest, Garden Oaks, Timbergrove, Lazybrook, Shady Acres, the Heights, the Washington/Memorial Corridor, Rice Military, 4th Ward, Montrose, Midtown, Upper Kirby, Southhampton, Rice Village, Braeswood, Meyerland, and Maplewood. Ellen is thrilled to be representing such a diverse and active portion of the City!

As the Council Member for District C, Ellen has been appointed by Mayor Parker as the Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee. She is currently serving on three other Council Committees as well: Budget & Fiscal Affairs; Ethics, Elections, & Council Governance; and Quality of Life. She looks forward to advocating for her constituents throughout her first term on Council, and is delighted and honored to have the opportunity to do so!

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