HBC REPORTS
In case you haven’t heard, there’s been an ongoing bare-knuckles fight between Mayor Annise Parker, the first openly gay mayor of a major city in the United States, and Houston Community College (HCC) Trustee Dave Wilson on one front, and Mayor Annise Parker and Jared Woodfill, former Chairman of the Harris County Republican Party on another.
MAYOR PARKER VERSUS WILSON
"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."
MEET JUDGE BRENT GAMBLE
According to his website Brent Gamble is Judge of the 270th State District Court in Harris County. He was elected in 1998, and reelected in 2002, 2006 and 2010. Well regarded throughout the legal community as a judge who works hard, follows the law and is respectful to those appearing before him. Judge Gamble will be up for reelection again in 2018.
Judge Gamble is a 6th generation Texan and a 49-year resident of Harris County. He attended Houston public schools and graduated from Northwest Academy (now Houston Christian High School) in 1974. Brent holds a BS degree from the University of Houston and graduated in the top 20% of his class at South Texas College of Law.
Prior to becoming a Judge, Brent was an experienced trial lawyer and served 9 years as managing shareholder of the firm Gamble & Cannata. While in private practice, Brent was admitted to practice before all Texas Courts, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. He is board certified in civil trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
As Judge, Brent has an exceptional reputation for patience, fairness and knowledge of the law. He takes pride in running this Court in a user friendly, efficient manner. Judge Gamble’s court is among the most efficient in the County, having disposed of more than 19,000 cases since 1999 and still maintains one of the lowest numbers of pending cases in the County. In 2000, He was named Civil Judge of the Year by P.O.L.I.C.E., Inc. Brent is a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, serves on the board of directors of the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists, is a Life member and long time committee volunteer with the Houston Livestock show and Rodeo Association.
Brent and his wife of 39 years, Gale have 2 children and reside in Spring.
WOODFILL VERSUS PARKER
On Friday, July 24, 2015 Mayor Annise Parker lost her fight with Jared Woodfill as the Texas Supreme Court ruled that she and Houston’s City Council must repeal the HERO Ordinance by Monday, August 24, 2015; or place it on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election ballot for the voters to decide. “Due to the publicity surrounding the Texas Supreme Court ruling, a lot of folks around the nation have heard about the loss Mayor Parker and other HERO supporters suffered last week,” explains Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.
OPTIONS FOR MAYOR PARKER
OPTION #1: Mayor Annise Parker and Houston City Council Members can go ahead and repeal the HERO Ordinance by Monday, August 24, 2015 and avoid possible defeat at the ballot box on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. “In case you’re wondering: Council Member Jerry Davis, Council Member Ellen Cohen, Council Member Richard Nguyen, Council Member Ed Gonzalez, Council Member Mike Laster, Council Member Larry V. Green, Council Member Stephen C. Costello, Council Member David Robinson, and Council Member C.O. “Brad” Bradford all voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014.
The Houston City Council Members who voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 were: Council Member Brenda Stardig, Council Member Dwight Boykins, Council Member Dave Martin, Council Member Oliver Pennington, Council Member Michael Kubosh, and Council Member Jack Christie.
OPTION #2: Mayor Annise Parker and City Council Members can go ahead and have the HERO Ordinance placed on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election ballot.
STATEMENT FROM WOODFILL
JARED WOODFILL: We Won Woodfill v. Parker! Texas Supreme Court Decides in Favor of Voters
Mayor Parker's (Un)Equal Rights Ordinance Will Be Voted On This November
By Jared Woodfill
The Texas Supreme Court has just ruled that "the legislative power reserved to the people of Houston is not being honored. The City Council is directed to comply with its duties, as specified in the City Charter, that arise when the City Secretary certifies that a referendum petition has a sufficient number of valid signatures. Any enforcement of the [Equal Rights] ordinance will be suspended... If the City Council does not repeal the ordinance by August 24, 2015, then by that date the City Council must order that the ordinance be put to popular vote during the November 2015 election." In Re Jared Woodfill, Texas Supreme Court, No. 14-0667, p. 11-12 (July 24, 2015)
We will now get to vote on Mayor Parker's personal, liberal, LGBT agenda this November!
Last year, Houston's lesbian mayor, Annise Parker, and the Houston City Council passed an ordinance that tramples on the religious freedom of businesses and individuals, including, among other things, a provision allowing men (if they claim to be transgender or feel like they are a woman on the day in question) to use women's restrooms and locker rooms under the protection of law.
A group of us worked to collect almost 55,000 signatures to allow the people an opportunity to vote on this very important issue. (The Houston City Charter only requires 17,169 signatures).
Mayor Parker decided to ignore the will of the people and the city charter, and unlawfully rejected the almost 55,000 signatures. We then filed suit, Woodfill v. Parker. During the course of the litigation, Mayor Parker issued subpoenas to several pastors who were not parties to the litigation, ordering them to turn over all communications regarding the ordinance, the mayor, homosexuality, and other related topics, including sermons regarding these topics.
After a month of trial, Democrat Judge Robert Schaffer ruled in favor of the city and against we the people, denying Houstonians an opportunity to vote on this very important issue. Fortunately, the Texas Supreme Court quickly reviewed Judge Schaffer's decision and concluded he was wrong and that Mayor Parker had broken the law. Despite Mayor Parker’s best efforts to keep her personal agenda from the people, we will now have an opportunity to vote on this ordinance in November.
I am calling on Mayor Parker to apologize to the people of the city for the huge amount of resources spent on this litigation. Additionally, the city is now potentially liable for hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees. It is now time to gear up for the battle that lies ahead in November. Mayor Parker and her liberal allies will do everything they can to promote her personal LGBT agenda at the ballot box this November. Please stand with us as we work to defeat her (un)equal rights ordinance. I want to thank all who have been praying for us. This has been a long battle and I thank the Lord for the Victory!
STATEMENT FROM MAYOR PARKER
"Obviously, I am disappointed and believe the court is in error with this eleventh hour ruling in a case that had already been decided by a judge and jury of citizens. Nonetheless, we will proceed with the steps necessary for City Council to consider the issue. At the same time, we are consulting with our outside counsel on any possible available legal actions.
Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance is similar to measures passed by every other major city in the country and by most local corporations. No matter the color of your skin, your age, gender, physical limitations, or sexual orientation, every Houstonian deserves the right to be treated equally. To do otherwise, hurts Houston’s well-known image as a city that is tolerant, accepting, inclusive and embracing of its diversity. Our citizens fully support and understand this and I have never been afraid to take it to the voters. We will win!"
THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT
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.
GO TO THE POLLS
Mark your calendar! Early voting for the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election will be taking place from Monday, October 19, 2015 to Friday, October 30, 2015. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015.
MUST WAIT AND SEE
“Look, we’re going to hear a lot of talk about how the HERO Ordinance will be approved (or not) by Houston voters on Tuesday, November 3, 2015," says Taylor. “SO GET READY! But nobody knows for sure how Houston voters are going to vote on this controversial ordinance,” Taylor explains. "Heck, taxpayers could be saved a lot of money if Mayor Annise Parker and Houston's City Council went ahead and just voted to repeal the ordinance before the Monday, August 24, 2015 deadline that was put forth by the Texas Supreme Court in their recent ruling "AGAINST" the controversial ordinance," he went on to say.
CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR
Keep in mind that Mayor Annise Parker is currently serving her third and final term. She is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. Her name will not be on the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election ballot. However, a few of the key candidates running for Mayor of Houston in the upcoming hotly contested race are 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.”
WHERE CANDIDATES STAND
As it stands right now, there are several candidates who’ve taken hard-line positions on the HERO Ordinance. State Rep. Sylvester Turner is “FOR” the HERO Ordinance. Ben Hall, the former city attorney of Houston (and runner up back in 2013) is “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance. Victoria Lane, a local businesswoman with more than 40 years of business experience is “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance. Stephen C. Costello, the At-Large #1 City of Houston Council Member (running for mayor in the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 when the controversial ordinance was approved by an 11 to 6 vote. Former Congressman Chris Bell is "FOR" the HERO Ordinance based on a "PRESS RELEASE" he sent out following the Texas Supreme Court Ruling on the matter. Former Kemah Mayor Bill King is "AGAINST" the HERO Ordinance according his campaign and other published reports.
WHERE MAYOR ANNISE PARKER AND HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS STAND ON THE CONTROVERSIAL HERO ORDINANCE
The controversial Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) was approved by an 11-6 vote by Mayor Annise Parker and other Houston City Council Members back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014.
You can (CLICK HERE) to view the HERO Ordinance in it's entirety for yourself before you decide whether (or not) you're against the controversial ordinance.
Mayor Annise Parker (currently serving her final term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Election Day. 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.”
Council Member Stephen C. Costello -- At-Large #1 (currently serving his final term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
Council Member David Robinson At-Large #2 (currently serving his first term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
Council Member Michael Kubosh At-Large #3 (currently serving his first term) voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
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. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
Council Member Jack Christie At-Large #5 (currently serving his second term) voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
Council Member Brenda Stardig District A (currently serving her second term) voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
Council Member Jerry Davis District B (currently serving his second term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
Council Member Ellen Cohen District C (currently serving her second term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
Council Member Dwight Boykins District D (currently serving his first term) voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
Council Member Dave Martin District E (currently serving his first term) voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
Council Member Richard Nguyen District F (currently serving his first term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
Council Member Oliver Pennington District G (currently serving his final term) voted “AGAINST” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
Council Member Ed Gonzalez District H (currently serving his final term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
Council Member Robert Gallegos District I (currently serving his first term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
Council Member Mike Laster District J (currently serving his second term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
Council Member Larry Green District K (currently serving his second term) voted “FOR” the HERO Ordinance back on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. You should (CLICK HERE) to learn more about the HERO Ordinance before you go to the polls to vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. 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.”
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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