Marty Lancton, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Judge Tanya Garrison, Bill King, Judge Randy Wilson, Tony Buzbee, and Council Member Dwight Boykins are the featured people in this report. Mayor Sylvester Turner is being challenged by Dr. Kendall Baker, Bill King, Tony Buzbee, Demetria Smith, and Anton Dowls, Naoufal Houjami, and Derrick Broze in his bid for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 21, 2019, and end on Friday, November 1, 2019.
Republican Judge Randy Wilson Ruled Prop B as Constitutional back in December 2018; Democratic Judge Tanya Garrison Ruled Prop B as Unconstitutional; HPFFA Appeals Ruling?
AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
The Houston firefighters have already appealed yesterday’s state district court ruling that Prop B is “UNCONSTITUTIONAL.” The judge who ruled it unconstitutional is Judge Tanya Garrison (a Democrat) presiding over the 157th District Court in Harris County, Texas. In case you don't know, she will be on the ballot again in the Tuesday, March 1, 2022 Democratic Party Primary in Harris County, Texas. Judge Garrison won re-election back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the Democratic Party sweep of Harris County. She unseated Judge Randy Wilson (a Republican), who by the way had declared Prop B as “CONSTITUTIONAL” back in December of 2018, and ordered the City of Houston to implement pay-parity for Houston’s firefighters. In his decision back in December, Judge Randy Wilson wrote that nothing about Proposition B violates state law. However, in Judge Garrison’s ruling yesterday, she declared that: “Proposition B, which amends and adds Section 24 to Article IX of the Houston City Charter, is preempted in its entirety by Chapter 174 of the Texas Local Government Code. She also declared: “Proposition B, which amends and adds Section 24 to Article IX of the Houston City Charter, is unconstitutional and void in its entirety because it violates article XI, section 5 of the Texas Constitution.
So, what does Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution State?
As amended November 8, 2011:
(a) Cities having more than five thousand (5000) inhabitants may, by a majority vote of the qualified voters of said city, at an election held for that purpose, adopt or amend their charters. If the number of inhabitants of cities that have adopted or amended their charters under this section is reduced to five thousand (5000) or fewer, the cities still may amend their charters by a majority vote of the qualified voters of said city at an election held for that purpose. The adoption or amendment of charters is subject to such limitations as may be prescribed by the Legislature, and no charter or any ordinance passed under said charter shall contain any provision inconsistent with the Constitution of the State, or of the general laws enacted by the Legislature of this State. Said cities may levy, assess and collect such taxes as may be authorized by law or by their charters; but no tax for any purpose shall ever be lawful for any one year, which shall exceed two and one-half percent. Of the taxable property of such city, and no debt shall ever be created by any city unless at the same time provision be made to assess and collect a sufficient sum annually to pay the interest thereon and creating a sinking fund of at least two percent. Thereon, except as provided by Subsection (b). Furthermore, no city charter shall be altered, amended, or repealed oftener than every two years.
(b) To increase efficiency and effectiveness to the greatest extent possible, the legislature may by general law authorize cities to enter into interlocal contracts with other cities or counties without meeting the assessment and sinking fund requirements under Subsection (a).
The Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 341 released the following statement from HPFFA President Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton:
MARTY LANCTON: “The court’s Prop B ruling is a disappointment, but our fight for what’s right is far from over. Two courts have ruled on the constitutionality of Prop B – one for, one against. We certainly will appeal this ruling. We will continue to strive to force Sylvester Turner to respect the will of 298,000 Prop B voters who sent a strong message that Houston should equally value its police and fire personnel. The mayor’s vindictive, taxpayer-funded campaign against Houston firefighter families continues. While this fight goes on, we will continue to deliver excellent service, be good stewards of city resources, and give back to the communities we serve.”
AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
The Houston firefighters have already appealed yesterday’s state district court ruling that Prop B is “UNCONSTITUTIONAL.” The judge who ruled it unconstitutional is Judge Tanya Garrison (a Democrat) presiding over the 157th District Court in Harris County, Texas. In case you don't know, she will be on the ballot again in the Tuesday, March 1, 2022 Democratic Party Primary in Harris County, Texas. Judge Garrison won re-election back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the Democratic Party sweep of Harris County. She unseated Judge Randy Wilson (a Republican), who by the way had declared Prop B as “CONSTITUTIONAL” back in December of 2018, and ordered the City of Houston to implement pay-parity for Houston’s firefighters. In his decision back in December, Judge Randy Wilson wrote that nothing about Proposition B violates state law. However, in Judge Garrison’s ruling yesterday, she declared that: “Proposition B, which amends and adds Section 24 to Article IX of the Houston City Charter, is preempted in its entirety by Chapter 174 of the Texas Local Government Code. She also declared: “Proposition B, which amends and adds Section 24 to Article IX of the Houston City Charter, is unconstitutional and void in its entirety because it violates article XI, section 5 of the Texas Constitution.
So, what does Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution State?
As amended November 8, 2011:
(a) Cities having more than five thousand (5000) inhabitants may, by a majority vote of the qualified voters of said city, at an election held for that purpose, adopt or amend their charters. If the number of inhabitants of cities that have adopted or amended their charters under this section is reduced to five thousand (5000) or fewer, the cities still may amend their charters by a majority vote of the qualified voters of said city at an election held for that purpose. The adoption or amendment of charters is subject to such limitations as may be prescribed by the Legislature, and no charter or any ordinance passed under said charter shall contain any provision inconsistent with the Constitution of the State, or of the general laws enacted by the Legislature of this State. Said cities may levy, assess and collect such taxes as may be authorized by law or by their charters; but no tax for any purpose shall ever be lawful for any one year, which shall exceed two and one-half percent. Of the taxable property of such city, and no debt shall ever be created by any city unless at the same time provision be made to assess and collect a sufficient sum annually to pay the interest thereon and creating a sinking fund of at least two percent. Thereon, except as provided by Subsection (b). Furthermore, no city charter shall be altered, amended, or repealed oftener than every two years.
(b) To increase efficiency and effectiveness to the greatest extent possible, the legislature may by general law authorize cities to enter into interlocal contracts with other cities or counties without meeting the assessment and sinking fund requirements under Subsection (a).
The Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 341 released the following statement from HPFFA President Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton:
MARTY LANCTON: “The court’s Prop B ruling is a disappointment, but our fight for what’s right is far from over. Two courts have ruled on the constitutionality of Prop B – one for, one against. We certainly will appeal this ruling. We will continue to strive to force Sylvester Turner to respect the will of 298,000 Prop B voters who sent a strong message that Houston should equally value its police and fire personnel. The mayor’s vindictive, taxpayer-funded campaign against Houston firefighter families continues. While this fight goes on, we will continue to deliver excellent service, be good stewards of city resources, and give back to the communities we serve.”
Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Response to Prop B Ruling:
MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER: “Prop B being ruled unconstitutional means there will be no layoffs of city workers and no demotions in HFD. I have always said firefighters are deserving of a pay raise. I look forward to working with them on a pay raise within the city's budget.”
Excerpts from Mayor Turner's remarks:
MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER: "This is a tremendous positive ruling for the city as a whole, for keeping the city on solid financial footing and moving the city forward and quite frankly, it is my hope, pulling the city back together."
MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER: “Firefighters "are deserving of a pay raise that the city can afford. I do look forward to sitting down and talking with them about what would be an acceptable pay raise within the confines of the city’s financial capability."
MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER: “The judge's ruling revokes Prop B, meaning the city no longer plans to lay off 220 firefighters, 67 fire cadets and 47 municipal workers to cover the costs of paying remaining firefighters 29 percent more on average. Those unaffordable pay hikes were required by Prop B, which came with no funding source.”
Tony Buzbee’s Response to Prop B Ruling:
TONY BUZBEE: “The smugness with which the Mayor announced the court’s ruling further reinforced my belief that he has a personal vendetta against Houston’s firefighters. He thinks he has won the battle, but the truth is he has lost the war.” Proposition B was approved by 298,000 voters in the last election. Buzbee further stated, “the firefighters will ultimately get the raise we all voted for, one way or the other. We will not allow this mayor to use taxpayer money to pay his former law firm to use legal tricks to defy the will of the voters. If you are a politician in this town and you are supporting this mayor, you best jump ship. Your photo ops will be used against you very soon. If you are a donor, you might want to invest in someone else. If you do business with the city and you are a Turner campaign donor, get ready to be turned out. Change is coming!”
Bill King’s Response to Prop B Ruling:
BILL KING: “The mere fact that we have two judges disagreeing with each other demonstrates how close a legal question this is. The unfortunate part about this is…Sylvester has taken all of this time and money to overturn the will of the people as expressed in an election…He has now spent millions of tax-payer dollars to basically say that 60 percent of the people didn’t know what they were talking about and to substitute his judgment and his will for that 60 percent of the voters….but this isn’t over.”
Councilman Dwight Boykins Response to Prop B Ruling:
COUNCILMAN DWIGHT BOYKINS: "While I respect the rule of law and the decision by a state district judge declaring Proposition B unconstitutional, to me it's a sad day when the court system is used to undercut the will of the voters. It's also a curious ruling, which comes less than six months after a different state district judge found that there was no basis for blocking the implantation of the voter's mandate.
"Last November in a resounding show of support, voters in Houston voted by a 2 to 1 margin in favor of Proposition B, which mandated pay parity between Houston Police and Houston Firefighters. Just as I did then, I'm proud to stand with the men and women of the Houston Fire Department, the Houston Police Department, municipal employees, and Houston voters.
"I have unwavering trust and confidence in our democratic process. That is why I have offered solutions to implement pay parity with no one being forced to lose their job.
"It is my belief that the viability of Proposition B will ultimately be determined by the State Supreme Court. In the meantime, I will continue to pursue implementation strategies that reflect the voters' will while preserving jobs and protecting public safety.
"I will always stand up for what's right, and I will always stand with the voters of Houston."
MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER: “Prop B being ruled unconstitutional means there will be no layoffs of city workers and no demotions in HFD. I have always said firefighters are deserving of a pay raise. I look forward to working with them on a pay raise within the city's budget.”
Excerpts from Mayor Turner's remarks:
MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER: "This is a tremendous positive ruling for the city as a whole, for keeping the city on solid financial footing and moving the city forward and quite frankly, it is my hope, pulling the city back together."
MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER: “Firefighters "are deserving of a pay raise that the city can afford. I do look forward to sitting down and talking with them about what would be an acceptable pay raise within the confines of the city’s financial capability."
MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER: “The judge's ruling revokes Prop B, meaning the city no longer plans to lay off 220 firefighters, 67 fire cadets and 47 municipal workers to cover the costs of paying remaining firefighters 29 percent more on average. Those unaffordable pay hikes were required by Prop B, which came with no funding source.”
Tony Buzbee’s Response to Prop B Ruling:
TONY BUZBEE: “The smugness with which the Mayor announced the court’s ruling further reinforced my belief that he has a personal vendetta against Houston’s firefighters. He thinks he has won the battle, but the truth is he has lost the war.” Proposition B was approved by 298,000 voters in the last election. Buzbee further stated, “the firefighters will ultimately get the raise we all voted for, one way or the other. We will not allow this mayor to use taxpayer money to pay his former law firm to use legal tricks to defy the will of the voters. If you are a politician in this town and you are supporting this mayor, you best jump ship. Your photo ops will be used against you very soon. If you are a donor, you might want to invest in someone else. If you do business with the city and you are a Turner campaign donor, get ready to be turned out. Change is coming!”
Bill King’s Response to Prop B Ruling:
BILL KING: “The mere fact that we have two judges disagreeing with each other demonstrates how close a legal question this is. The unfortunate part about this is…Sylvester has taken all of this time and money to overturn the will of the people as expressed in an election…He has now spent millions of tax-payer dollars to basically say that 60 percent of the people didn’t know what they were talking about and to substitute his judgment and his will for that 60 percent of the voters….but this isn’t over.”
Councilman Dwight Boykins Response to Prop B Ruling:
COUNCILMAN DWIGHT BOYKINS: "While I respect the rule of law and the decision by a state district judge declaring Proposition B unconstitutional, to me it's a sad day when the court system is used to undercut the will of the voters. It's also a curious ruling, which comes less than six months after a different state district judge found that there was no basis for blocking the implantation of the voter's mandate.
"Last November in a resounding show of support, voters in Houston voted by a 2 to 1 margin in favor of Proposition B, which mandated pay parity between Houston Police and Houston Firefighters. Just as I did then, I'm proud to stand with the men and women of the Houston Fire Department, the Houston Police Department, municipal employees, and Houston voters.
"I have unwavering trust and confidence in our democratic process. That is why I have offered solutions to implement pay parity with no one being forced to lose their job.
"It is my belief that the viability of Proposition B will ultimately be determined by the State Supreme Court. In the meantime, I will continue to pursue implementation strategies that reflect the voters' will while preserving jobs and protecting public safety.
"I will always stand up for what's right, and I will always stand with the voters of Houston."
According to the folks at the Houston City Secretary’s Office candidates looking to run for office on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, can pay a filing fee, or they can collect signatures to have their name placed on the ballot. So, if you are a candidate wanting to run for MAYOR OF HOUSTON you can pay a 1,250.00 dollar filing fee or collect signatures to have your name placed on the ballot. If you are a candidate who would like to run for THE CITY OF HOUSTON CONTROLLER position you can pay a 750.00 dollar filing fee or collect signatures to have your name placed on the ballot. And if you are a candidate looking to run for one of the HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL positions you can pay a 500.00 dollar filing fee or collect signatures to have your name placed on the ballot. However, if you plan on going the route of collecting signatures to have your name placed on the ballot, the exact number of signatures needed won’t be determined until sometime in July of this year from what I understand. But, to be sure, all candidates interested in running for office on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the City of Houston General Election can call (832)393-1100 to speak directly with someone in the City Secretary’s Office. However, if you have any problem whatsoever in getting your questions answered, you can call me directly at (281)788-3033, and I will try to do what I can to help. And just in case you don’t already know, the City Secretary’s Office can be located at 900 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 on the first floor.
(BALLOT BY MAIL)
The first day to apply for a ballot by mail for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election has already passed -- it was on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. So if you are going to vote by mail, you can go ahead and request your mail-in ballot today!
(DESIGNATE YOUR TREASURER)
If you are a candidate planning to run for Mayor of Houston, City Controller, or one of the Houston City Council Positions you need to designate your treasurer before you start spending money on your campaign.
(FIRST DAY YOU CAN FILE TO RUN)
Saturday, July 20, 2019, is the first day that you can "OFFICIALLY" file for a place on the ballot for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.
(LAST DAY YOU CAN FILE TO RUN)
Monday, August 19, 2019, is the last day that you can file for a place on the ballot for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.
(LAST DAY YOU CAN REGISTER TO VOTE)
Monday, October 7, 2019, is the last day that you can register to vote to make your voice heard in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.
(EARLY VOTING PERIOD BEGINS)
Monday, October 21, 2019, is the first day that you will be able to vote early to make your voice heard in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.
(EARLY VOTING PERIOD ENDS)
Friday, November 1, 2019, is the last day that you will be able to vote early to make your voice heard in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.
(ELECTION DAY VOTING)
Tuesday, November 5, 2019, is "ELECTION DAY" for the City of Houston General Mayoral Election, the HISD Board of Trustees Election, and HCCS Board of Trustees Election. So mark your calendar, and do your very best to make an informed voting decision.
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
The City of Houston Mayor at this time is Sylvester Turner. In case you don't know, Mayor Sylvester Turner is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Mayor Sylvester Turner, Bill King, Tony Buzbee, Kendall Baker, Demetria Smith, Derrick Broze, Anton Dowls, Naoufal Houjami.
The City of Houston Controller at this time is Chris Brown In case you don't know, Controller Chris Brown is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Amparo Gasca and Controller Chris Brown.
The Houston City Council District A seat is currently being held by Council Member Brenda Stardig. In case you don't know, Council Member Brenda Stardig is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Amy Peck, Ieshia Wilson, and Mehdi Cherkaoui.
The Houston City Council District B seat is currently being held by Council Member Jerry Davis. In case you don't know, Council Member Jerry Davis is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Tarsha Jackson, Renee Jefferson Smith, Alvin Byrd, Robin J. Anderson, Ben Earl White Jr, James Joseph, Karen Kossie-Chernyshev, Patria Bourgeois, Alyson Quintana, and Huey Wilson.
The Houston City Council District C seat is currently being held by Council Member Ellen Cohen. In case you don't know, Council Member Ellen Cohen is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Nicholas Hellyar, Abbie Kamin, Gregory Meyers, Shelley Kennedy, Robert Nowak Jr, Daphne Scarbrough, Mary Jane Smith, and Kendra Yarbrough Camarena.
The Houston City Council District D seat is currently being held by Council Member Dwight Boykins. In case you don't know, Council Member Dwight Boykins is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Jerome Provost, Councilman Dwight Boykins, and Jeremy Darby.
The Houston City Council District E seat is currently being held by Council Member Dave Martin. In case you don't know, Council Member Dave Martin is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman Dave Martin, and Sam Cleveland.
The Houston City Council District F seat is currently being held by Council Member Steve Le. In case you don't know, Council Member Steve Le is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Anthony Nelson, Councilman Steve Le, Jesus Zamora, Richard Nguyen, and Tiffany Thomas.
The Houston City Council District G seat is currently being held by Council Member Greg Travis. In case you don't know, Council Member Greg Travis is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman Greg Travis.
The Houston City Council District H seat is currently being held by Council Member Karla Cisneros. In case you don't know, Council Member Karla Cisneros is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilwoman Karla Cisneros and Cynthia A. Reyes-Revilla.
The Houston City Council District I seat is currently being held by Council Member Robert Gallegos. In case you don't know, Council Member Robert Gallegos is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman Robert Gallegos.
The Houston City Council District J seat is currently being held by Council Member Mike Laster. In case you don't know, Council Member Mike Laster is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Edward Pollard, Sandra Rodriguez, Nelvin Adriatico, Federico Cuellar, and Margaret Mitchell.
The Houston City Council District K seat is currently being held by Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum. In case you don't know, Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilwoman Martha Castex Tatum.
The Houston City Council At-Large Position 1 seat is currently being held by Council Member Mike Knox. In case you don't know, Council Member Mike Knox is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman Mike Knox, Georgia Provost, Michelle Bonton, and Neeraj "Raj" Salhotra.
The Houston City Council At-Large Position 2 seat is currently being held by Council Member David Robinson. In case you don't know, Council Member David Robinson is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman David Robinson and Emily Munoz Detoto.
The Houston City Council At-Large Position 3 seat is currently being held by Council Member Michael Kubosh. In case you don't know, Council Member Michael Kubosh is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman Michael Kubosh, Marcel McClinton, and Janaeya Carmouche.
The Houston City Council At-Large Position 4 seat is currently being held by Council Member Amanda Edwards. In case you don't know, Council Member Amanda Edwards is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilwoman Amanda Edwards and Ericka McCrutcheon.
The Houston City Council At-Large Position 5 seat is currently being held by Council Member Jack Christie. In case you don't know, Council Member Jack Christie is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Letitia Plummer, Catherine Garcia Flowers, Ashton P. Woods, Jamaal Boone, Marvin McNeese, Sallie Alcorn, Dennis Griffin, Paul Bishop, Gian Nguyen, Ralph Garcia, and Sonia Rivera.
957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033
PUBLISHER/REPORTER
Aubrey R. Taylor is the President/CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©. Taylor has more than 28-years of experience in marketing, branding, investigative reporting, public relations and political consulting. He’s assisted in branding Republican and Democratic candidates in statewide elections and in local municipalities throughout the State of Texas. Over the years, he’s also assisted in branding and marketing (through his various publications) such corporations and institutions as Shell Oil, The City of Houston, Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Chevron, Waste Management, Nationwide Insurance, Momentum Jaguar/BMW, Channel 11, Channel 13, State Farm Insurance, and Allstate Insurance to name a few. But, please note that the thoughts expressed by Aubrey R. Taylor do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of any Houston Business Connections Newspaper© advertisers, supporters, sponsors, or readers. You can click here to view a recent edition of Houston Business Connections Newspaper© online!
